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BISHOP BANS PRO-ABORTION POLITICIANS FROM CATHOLIC GROUNDS

Directive Results in Cancellation of 19 Forums

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY, Oct 6 (LSN.ca) - Bishop James T. McHugh of Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY has sent a letter to all the priests in his diocese laying out a policy regarding pro-abortion politicians. In his Sept 21 letter, obtained by LifeSite, the Bishop writes that "The policy... means that no pro-abortion public official or candidate is to be invited to address Catholic agencies or organizations, school or parish groups, even if he/she does not intend to express their pro-abortion views." The bishop explains, "The reason for this is that it would be foolish and counterproductive to provide a platform to those who favor or support a public policy of abortion on demand or of euthanasia or assisted suicide. It would also be extremely misleading to provide such persons a platform to promote their views, even on other issues, lest they claim that the Church somehow implicitly tolerates their rejection of Church teaching on pro-life issues."

The directive, which was to "take effect immediately" was not limited to politicians. It noted that "those who are pro-abortion or claim to be personally opposed to abortion but unwilling to integrate their moral principles with civic responsibilities are not to be given leadership positions in the diocese parish or other church agencies or organizations, nor to exercise any liturgical ministry." He states further "Parishes and other diocesan agencies or organizations should not bestow public honors or privileges of any type on such persons." The directive also bans abortion supporters from speaking at graduation ceremonies, celebrated lectures, and from sitting as honorary chairpersons of events such as fund-raisers.

At the outset of the letter, Bishop McHugh reminds his priests, "We are not just private citizens but representatives of the Catholic Church." Although he says, "there is to be no mention, for or against, any candidate for public office from the pulpit", he urges priests to "call attention to the culture of death" including "the contradiction of claiming to be a faithful Catholic.

The letter resulted in the cancellation of 19 candidates forums that had been set up by Catholic Charities.

The Bishop's letter is on LifeSite at: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2000/oct/001006a.html

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