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What should the Catholic Church’s response be to politicians who call themselves “Catholic”, yet run on policies that undermine Catholic teaching?
examples…pro abortion and pro gay marriage
Many bishops are doing what I believe should be done: refusing them Communion. It is audacious for certain Catholic politicians to openly vote in favor of homosexual marriage or abortion and then think they can still receive the Eucharist.
[quote:80ujcp1x]Many bishops are doing what I believe should be done: refusing them Communion. It is audacious for certain Catholic politicians to openly vote in favor of homosexual marriage or abortion and then think they can still receive the Eucharist.[/quote:80ujcp1x]
This is kind of related to this other discussion here: http://www.aboutcatholics.com/community … .php?t=119
Yeah, this definitely sends a strong message to other people, but it could also backfire on the bishops and there could be a lot of protests. However, I suppose we could say that that is their problem and if they want to sin they can go ahead and do so (by “sin” I mean by supporting abortion and all that).
I also think the local bishop should arrange a meeting with the particular Catholic politician to talk out some of these issues. Of course then you have people like former California governor Gray Davis who doesn’t think the bishop should be telling people how to live their faith (like the bishop has some other duties or something
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If you believe (and I certainly do) that the Eucharist is Christ Himself and that a professed Catholic politician, who openly professes views supporting Abortion and Homosexuality, is in a state of excommunication,
than you must conclude that it is a horrible sacriledge to profane Christ by,
knowingly, offering Him to a person in such a state.
To me, this is a no brainer.Ok, does anyone know the specific details of a priest or a bishop not being able to deny someone a sacrament? I know there is a rule like that, but I am not sure to the extent that it goes.
” title=”Confused” />I mean, I’m sure that if a priest or bishop [i:2lnsj0g9]knows[/i:2lnsj0g9] if someone is intentionally going against Church teaching then they can deny someone the Eucharist. I’m just curious what the specifics of that rule are though.
How should Catholics vote? I am finding this to be a tough spot. I know this could get into some sticky politics, but what, in your opinion, are the most important issues that a Catholic should think about when voting for people in political office.
I found this link some time ago about Catholic voting: http://www.aveproject.com/voter_responsibilities.htm
I’m not saying it is [b:z32wbqtb]the[/b:z32wbqtb] answer, but I do think it is something worth referencing.
Something to keep in mind is that abortion and the death penalty are not the only issues out there upon which we should base our opinion about a candidate. They are important, but they are not the only issues. There are issues such as education, helping the poor, caring for the elderly, Welfare, medical coverage, economy, etc… that we need to be aware of.
Now, what I am stuck with is should I not vote at all or choose the lesser of two evils? Honestly, none of the upcoming presidential candidates from any party are a perfect match to Catholic values so it is a tough decision in my point of view.
Thank you for the link, I think it will be helpful.
I have heard that if you don’t vote, it is actually like you are voting since you are letting other people choose the candidate they want.
So maybe voting for the “lesser of the two evils” as you call it, is the better option because at least you have some say in the result.
It is tough though; I see your point.
Twice in this election year I took the chance to give phone campaigners something to think about. I asked those working for politicians whose platforms backed pro-choice(pro-abortion) a question. It goes something like this
I let them know that alot of their supporters have been left out, perhaps they could have been a great help to their candidate in this campaign
but they will never get the chance to voice their opinion because they
never had a chance to be born.Both times the person became speechless—-It is my prayer that they will give their pro-abortion stance at least a second thought.
Jesus told us to be “as cunning as serpents and as gentle as doves”.
I believe it is incumbent on every Catholic to look at elections from a pragmatic standpoint.For instance, voting for a “pro-life” democrat would be a bad move if it helps Tom Daschcle become majority leader.
just my opinion
That’s an interesting point. But is it better to vote for a Republican that is for the death penalty?
” title=”Wink” />I’m not sure on your stance on the death penalty, but the pope has said it is acceptable only under extreme circumstances and that it is very, very rare that those circumstances will ever be met.
So we are forced to decide which is more serious to vote against….abortion or the death penalty.
What now?
Forced to choose, I would vote for the death penalty and against abortion. The first is allowable in certain, rare circumstances but the latter is always evil.
Thank you. Has there been anything official that the Chruch has put out about which of them is the “lesser of the two evils” as they say?
This voting thing can be so frustrating!
That brings up a moral quandry. Should the American presidential election be considered a choice between two alternatives? If we must consider our votes outside of Republican and Democratic then we may not act with the lesser of two evils when a non-evil presents itself.
[quote:38bbcsk7]That brings up a moral quandry. Should the American presidential election be considered a choice between two alternatives? If we must consider our votes outside of Republican and Democratic then we may not act with the lesser of two evils when a non-evil presents itself.[/quote:38bbcsk7]
Actually, I generally consider the candidate who best fits Catholic values regardless of that person’s party affiliation. I think playing party politics is ridiculous and it’s tainted a lot of otherwise good, Catholic polticians.
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