Tuesday August 26, 2008

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Comments on Aug. 26 News

Dear readers,

We can all thank Nancy Pelosi for her bizarre attempt to be a Catholic theologian and suggest that the Catholic position on when human life starts is relatively new. Cardinals, bishops, and Catholic Congressman have reacted vociferously defending the Catholic teaching in defense of life from conception to natural death. Cardinal Egan's judgment of Nandy Pelosi's farce about the church's teaching on abortion is unusually and refreshingly blunt. Bravo for him.

The mainstream media may pick up on our exclusive interview and take on Senator Biden’s Bishop. The suggestion that even if elected VP of the United States Biden would not be permitted to speak at Catholics schools sends a strong message.

However, despite all these powerful statements by Catholic clerics, none of them are joining those very few bishops that have taken the next logical, mandatory step of denying these leading pro-abort politicians the sacraments and any other Catholic recognition. The problems will continue until the bishops put their words into action. The politicians will just not take them seriously until that is done.

Positive ballot measures and pro-life demonstrations round out our good news for today.

The Mexican Supreme Court deliberations should concern us all. We will keep an eye on it for you and report on the outcome. The pro-aborts there have used the usual deceptive strategy of hugely exaggerating the number of deaths of women from illegal abortions. Thankfully, the deception was quickly exposed and is no longer a factor in the court case.

Looney England is at it again. Now they are proposing to jail people who talk women out of killing their unborn children and offer them support and love instead.

To our Canadian readers, bravo for Ken Epp for continuing to push the Unborn Victims of Crime Bill despite his own party's attempt to sabotage his bill that is strongly supported by the Canadian public. The Harper Tories seem to make a habit of pulling the rug out from under their own, above all if they are principled social conservatives. Interestingly, the long gone Harris Tories ruthlessly did the same thing and there are few Ontarians who miss that philosophically bankrupt group of political thugs. In many ways they were just another form of liberals who, like the federal Tories are now doing, undermined democracy, centralized power and greatly increased the size and cost of government.

Enjoy,

John-Henry Westen
Steve Jalsevac
LifeSiteNews.com

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Biden's Bishop Will not Permit Him, Even if Elected VP, to Speak at Catholic Schools

By John-Henry Westen

DELEWARE, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In an interview with Bob Krebs, the Communications Director for the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, to which Senator Joseph Biden belongs, Krebs confirmed that Biden's Bishop will not permit the Senator even if elected Vice President of the United States of America to speak at Catholic schools.

When asked for the Bishop's take on Senator Biden and his stand in favor of abortion, Krebs directed LifeSiteNews.com to Bishop Michael Saltarelli's 2004 statement on 'Catholics in Political Life' which, said Krebs, "very plainly states Bishop's position in this matter."

In that document Bishop Saltarelli notes that, in line with the US Bishops Conference policy, "Our Catholic institutions will not honor Catholic politicians who take pro-abortion legislative positions or invite them to speak at our functions or schools."

LifeSiteNews.com called the diocesan communications director a second time to ask if that specific ban on speaking at Catholic schools or Catholic functions would apply to Biden, even if he became the Vice President.

Krebs replied, "I would say that as long as Senator Biden's stated position on abortion remains the same then it would apply to Senator Biden whether he was a Senator or the Vice President of any type of public figure."

In the same 2004 document, Bishop Saltarelli singled out Catholic politicians like Biden who claim a personal opposition to abortion but that they could not impose their faith's beliefs on others.  Wrote the Bishop: "No one today would accept this statement from any public servant: 'I am personally opposed to human slavery and racism but will not impose my personal conviction in the legislative arena.' Likewise, none of us should accept this statement from any public servant: 'I am personally opposed to abortion but will not impose my personal conviction in the legislative arena.'"

In the document, Bishop Saltarelli does not rule out refusing communion to pro-abortion politicians but does say that he much prefers "active engagement and dialogue".  He notes that he does not expect priests and others administering communion to withhold it from politicians.  "That is ultimately my responsibility," he said.

The Associated Press reports that Biden received Communion last Sunday at his local parish of St. Joseph on the Brandywine near his home in Greenville, Delaware.  Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput commented to AP that Biden should not present himself for Communion given his public support for abortion.

Biden "has admirable qualities to his public service," Chaput said in his statement. "But his record of support for so-called abortion 'rights,' while mixed at times, is seriously wrong. I certainly presume his good will and integrity - and I presume that his integrity will lead him to refrain from presenting himself for Communion, if he supports a false 'right' to abortion."

See Bishop Saltarelli's 2004 document here:
http://www.cdow.org/political.html

To contact Bishop Saltarelli:
http://www.cdow.org/bishopmails.html

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Cardinals, Bishops and Congressmen Slam Pelosi on Abortion

By Tim Waggoner

WASHINGTON, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – "Catholic" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's blatantly fallacious remarks on August 24 regarding the Catholic Church's teaching on abortion have triggered a tidal wave of criticisms from clergymen, congressmen and Catholics nationwide.

Responding to a question from NBC's Meet the Press moderator Tom Brokaw about when human life begins, Pelsosi appealed to her extensive research on the issue as well as her "ardent" Catholic faith to claim that, "I don't think anybody can tell you when life begins."

She asserted that "over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition," in attempt to support her pro-abortion and pro-contraception stance.  Watch the full interview here: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwUSt7dfj5I)

The response to Pelosi's statements has been intense as Catholic leaders across America are wondering how a "Catholic" with a self-proclaimed broad understanding of the Catholic Church's position on human life could have overseen the straightforward teaching contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).

Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl quoted this teaching (section 2270-2271 of the CCC) in a letter responding to Pelosi's comments:  "Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception…Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable." (Catechism, 2270-2271)

Rebuking her, Archbishop Wuerl said that, "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi misrepresented the history and nature of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church against abortion." For the full letter see: (http://www.adw.org/news/news.asp?ID=569&Year=2008)

Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Denver, also issued a release on Pelosi's remarks, explaining that Pelosi's belief that a woman has the "right to choose" to end her baby's life contradicts Catholic teaching and addressing her comments suggesting the Catholic Church has been polarized on the issue over the course of history.

None of the early Fathers "diminished the unique evil of abortion as an attack on life itself, and the early Church closely associated abortion with infanticide.  In short, from the beginning, the believing Christian community held that abortion was always, gravely wrong," said Archbishop Chaput.
 
"Catholics who make excuses for it - whether they're famous or not - fool only themselves and abuse the fidelity of those Catholics who do sincerely seek to follow the Gospel and live their Catholic faith," he added.  For the full letter see: (http://www.archden.org/images/ArchbishopCorner/ByTopic/onseparationofsense%26state_openlettercjc8.25.08.pdf)

Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Doctrine also wrote a response letter.

After mentioning the fact that scientists are certain that "a new human individual comes into being from the union of sperm and egg at fertilization," the bishops wrote, "In keeping with this modern understanding, the Church teaches that from the time of conception (fertilization), each member of the human species must be given the full respect due to a human person, beginning with respect for the fundamental right to life."  For the full letter see: (http://www.usccb.org/)

Edward Cardinal Egan of the Archdiocese of New York is another Church leader that has stepped up to defend the faith of his people.  Please see upcoming separate LifeSiteNews.com coverage on his comments.

It was not only the leaders of the Church that felt the need to correct Pelosi. Ten congressmen have sent Pelosi a letter asking her to publicly rectify her misrepresentation of Catholic teachings.

"As fellow Catholics and legislators, we wish you (Pelosi) would have made a more honest effort to lay out the authentic position of the Church on this core moral issue before attempting to address it with authority," said the congressmen. "Your subsequent remarks mangle Catholic Church doctrine regarding the inherent sanctity and dignity of human life; therefore, we are compelled to refute your error."
 
"To reduce the scandal and consternation caused amongst the faithful by your remarks, we necessarily write you to correct the public record and affirm the Church's actual and historical teaching that defends the sanctity of human life," concluded their letter, which contained the following signatures.

Hon. Thaddeus G. McCotter (MI)
Hon. Steve Chabot (OH)
Hon. Virginia Foxx (NC)
Hon. Phil Gingrey (GA)
Hon. Peter King (NY)
Hon. Steve King (IA)
Hon. Daniel Lungren (CA)
Hon. Devin Nunes (CA)
Hon. John Sullivan (OK)
Hon. Patrick Tiberi (OH)

See the full letter from the congressmen here:
(http://www.americanpapist.com/Pelosi%20Letter.pdf)

Please see related coverage:
"Catholic" Speaker Pelosi Denies that Catholicism Condemns Abortion
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08082502.html

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Latin America in the Balance: Mexican Supreme Court Deliberates on Abortion Constitutionality

Pro-life organizations monitoring the case are urging that people contact the justices by email

By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman

MEXICO CITY, August 25, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In what could prove to be one of the most decisive events in the history of Latin America, the Supreme Court yesterday began its final deliberations on the constitutionality of abortion on demand, which was depenalized up to the 12th week of gestation by Mexico City in 2007.

After months of contentious public hearings, the justices will discuss the issue in several open sessions, which are being broadcast on cable television and the internet. They may vote on the issue as early as this week.

In order to strike down the law, at least eight of the eleven justices will have to vote against its constitutionality.  Pro-abortion forces believe they have three solid votes and are hoping for a fourth.  The justices are believed to be working under heavy pressure from both sides of the issue.

The court's assigned "relator" for the case, who is charged with reviewing the legal issues involved and producing a written opinion, has concluded in a 610-page brief that the capital city's law is unconstitutional.

The law has facilitated the abortions of over twelve thousand unborn children since its inception, and has provoked fierce opposition from the Mexican people, including the residents of Mexico City itself. 

In the year since its passage, support for abortion in the capital has fallen from 12% to 6% of the population, according to recent polls by Alducin and Associates and Consulta Mitofsky, reports El Universal.

The Alducin and Associates poll reportedly showed that 62% of Mexico City residents between the ages of 18 and 29 are opposed to abortion. 

The New York Times also reports that 85% of gynecologists in the nation's capital are refusing to do the procedure on grounds of conscience.

Ingrid Tapia of the Center for the Integral Development of Women noted that if the justices failed to rule against the law, in an attempt to avoid being viewed as "conservative", "the society would be disassociated from the political class" because the justices would be acting against what the citizenry "wants, thinks, and feels".

Pro-life organizations monitoring the case are urging that people contact the justices by email to express their support for the right to life.

Contact information:

The Eleven Justices of the Supreme Court of Mexico:
(can be copied and pasted into email "To" header)

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Previous LifeSiteNews Coverage:

Mexico City Pilgrimage to Protest Abortion Law to be Held this Sunday
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jun/08062011.html

1 Year of Legal Abortion in Mexico: 6400 Legal Abortions, 22 Injuries, 8 Dead Mothers
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/apr/08040707.html

Catholic Church in Mexico Demands Physicians Resist Mexico City Abortion Law
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/apr/07043005.html

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Talk a Woman out of Abortion in the UK? Two Years Jail

By Hilary White

LONDON, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Crisis pregnancy centres, as well as doctors, nurses and midwives, may be subject to prosecution and a two-year jail sentence if they convince a woman to forego an abortion. Under a proposed amendment to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, those groups advertising services to pregnant women who provide "false information" or even information that is "factually correct" that convinces a woman to change her mind about abortion, will have committed an offense.

Tabled by one of David Cameron's Tory MPs, John Bercow, the amendment says, "It shall be an offence to deliberately mislead through advertising in relation to the termination of pregnancy and alternatives thereto." Bercow has recently gone on record in support of an effort to bring explicit "sex-education" to six-year-old children in mandatory school curriculums.

The amendment continues, "Any person, association or body corporate shall be guilty of an offence" if they provide "material which ... contains false information and is untruthful ... or in its overall presentation deceives or is in any way likely to deceive the average person...even if the information is factually correct". 

An offense will have been committed if the information given "causes or is likely to cause the average pregnant woman to take a decision in relation to the termination of her pregnancy she would not have taken otherwise."

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children said that while no one could argue against a law prohibiting false advertising, the amendment is a targeted blow against the pro-life movement in Britain. SPUC believes it may specifically be a backlash against their information pamphlet "Abortion - Your Right to Know" which "several hundred GPs now carry in their surgeries".

Groups that may be affected include the Good Counsel Network, a London women's centre that advertises in the same places as the abortionists and pray for many "clients" to come to them. Another is a small group of sisters, the Sisters of the Gospel of Life, founded in the diocese of Glasgow in 1997 by the late Cardinal Winning, who provide a range of services for women in unexpected pregnancies.

Among the most familiar tactics of the abortion lobby is the accusation that crisis pregnancy centres (CPC) "lure" in pregnant women with false or misleading information refuting the assertion that an unborn child is nothing more than a "blob of cells" or "tissue". Planned Parenthood's Teenwire website says, "It's common for CPCs to use misleading films, ultrasound pictures, and written materials to scare and emotionally manipulate women into continuing their pregnancies."

"By presenting women with false information about abortion and the development of the fetus, CPCs threaten women's abilities to make informed choices."

John Smeaton, director of SPUC, responded saying, "It is ironic to see pro-life organisations being accused of inaccuracy by an organisation which claims on its website that the unborn child does not become a baby until birth." Smeaton warns that it is the word "lured" that is "most insidious, implying criminal activity, manipulation and entirely sinister motives."

In a briefing on the HFE bill, SPUC says that Bercow's amendment may be aimed at the Brighton counselling centre that advertises abortion counselling, but doesn't provide abortion, and "may be costing trade" for BPAS, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, one of Britain's largest government-funded abortionist groups.

SPUC points out that the amendment cuts both ways, with abortionist groups such as BPAS charging either the public or the NHS for their "services". "In terms of termination of pregnancy services, women should also be informed if a counselling service has a financial interest in providing pregnancy termination services.

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New York Cardinal - Pelosi Not Worthy of "Providing Leadership in a Civilized Democracy"

By Tim Waggoner

NEW YORK, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, has unified his voice with fellow clergymen and Catholic congressmen, condemning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's comments made on an August 24 episode of NBC's Meet the Press.

In short, Pelosi told moderator Tom Brokaw that as an "ardent" and "practicing" Catholic and well-learned individual on the Catholic Church's teaching on human life, no one knows "when life begins."  She falsely claimed that the issue of human life has been a topic of "controversy" for the Catholic Church in order to support her advocacy of abortion and contraception.
Watch the full interview here: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwUSt7dfj5I)

Cardinal Egan explained how Pelosi has failed to defend the inherent right to life of all and said that her belief that confusion among Church theologians warrants abortion is erroneous.

"What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age," stated a "shocked" Cardinal Egan.

Pointing to the fact that modern technology allows one to view a human baby in the womb, he continued by saying, "In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons."

The Cardinal went on to strongly denounce Pelosi's pro-abortion position: "No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb."

"Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being 'chooses' to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name," concluded Cardinal Egan.

Cardinal Egan's comments join a flurry of condemnation from fellow clergymen and Catholic congressmen  which can be read here: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08082601.html

See Cardinal Egan's full statement here:
http://www.archny.org/news-events/news-press-releases/index.cfm?i=8803

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Pro-Abortion Case Falls Apart Days Before Mexican Supreme Court Ruling

Pro-aborts found to have vastly exaggerated deaths of women due to "unsafe" abortions

By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman

MEXICO CITY, August 22, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In the days leading up to an historic ruling on the constitutionality of abortion, one of the primary arguments presented by pro-abortion forces has fallen apart.

The argument, advanced by the government of Mexico City, is that the city's abortion legalization ordinance is necessary to prevent the deaths of thousands of women annually due to "unsafe abortions".

The city government's claim, however, was shattered by data submitted to the Supreme Court last week, which shows that only eight women died in Mexico City as a result of abortions in 2006, when the procedure was illegal.  It is not known how many of those abortions were provoked, and how many were miscarriages.  The statistics were produced by Mexico City's health department.

Approximately 21 million people live in the nation's Federal District, the area covered by the law.

The official statistics from Mexico City contradict statistics advanced by the World Health Organization, Planned Parenthood, and other abortion advocacy groups, which claim that the death rate from illegal, "unsafe" abortions should be several times higher (see http://who.int/reproductive-health/publications/unsafeabortion_2003/ua_estimates03.pdf).

Writing for Cronica, political commentator Guillermo Velasco Barrera notes that this claim was key to the case presented by Mexico City.

"The President of the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City, expressed his confidence that the justices would ratify the constitutionality of the law to 'avoid thousands of deaths'," writes Velasco Barrera.

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Large Prayer Rally at Denver Planned Parenthood During Democratic Convention

Alveda King calls abortion "industry of racism"

By Kathleen Gilbert

DENVER, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Over 2000 protesters joined in a prayer rally around a brand new Denver Planned Parenthood building Monday night, coinciding with the Democratic National Convention opening in the same city.

The "Light in the Darkness" vigil featured several interfaith speakers, including Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Auxiliary Bishop of Denver the Most Rev. James Conley, and leaders of other Christian denominations, as well as Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Carrying candles, the crowd circled in prayerful protest around the largest abortion clinic in the United States. The rally was organized by the Archdiocese of Denver, which together with the Catholic Bishops of Colorado has publicly condemned the new facility and warned Catholics against Planned Parenthood's "pro-family" facade.  Archbishop of Denver Charles Chaput spoke about the dual obligations of Christian love - toward women and mothers in need, and their unborn children.

"Acts of violence create a culture of violence - and abortion is the most intimate form of violence there is," said the Archbishop.  "It wounds the woman, it kills the unborn child and it poisons the roots of justice and charity that binds us all into one human family.

"This facility in this minority neighborhood should offend every African-American and Latino family, and all of us, because every child lost to abortion here subtracts one more life, one more universe of possibilities and talent, from the future of this community."  (To read the full transcript of Archbishop Chaput's statements, see http://www.archden.org/images/ArchbishopCorner/Addresses/prolifeprayervigil8.25.08.pdf)

The Archdiocese invited Alveda King, an outspoken pro-life advocate, to speak at Monday's rally against what she calls the "industry of racism."

King told the crowd Monday night that she is alive today because Martin Luther King, Sr. told her mother, pregnant as a freshman in college, that she must not have an abortion.

"This little baby human girl was allowed to live," proclaimed King.

She believes that Planned Parenthood, founded by the eugenist Margaret Sanger, aims its pro-abortion agenda against the black population and other minorities.  King said she had aborted two of her children, a decision she feels compelled to proclaim as a sin forgiven by God. 

In a commentary published by the Denver Post last Thursday, King wrote: "The connection between abortion and racism is [that] certain people are somehow not fully human.

"Like racism, abortion allows us to treat people inhumanely if it makes our lives easier. And like racism, abortion provides a sense of justification for actions we know in our hearts are wrong."

King calls abortion the true civil rights issue of today.  "The unborn are obviously easier to discriminate against than any group of born humans. They cannot march. They cannot protest. They are invisible." 

Taking up a political theme, King praised the words of Church of God Bishop Charles Blake, a self-avowed "pro-life Democrat," for testifying that abortion is beyond a political issue.

 "We want to commend those men and women and say that life is a civil right, life is precious, and that it transcends politics," said King.

For related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Alveda King - Niece of Great Civil Rights Leader - to Kick off Canada's National March for Life May 8
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/may/08050208.html

Niece of Martin Luther King Jr. to Lead Prayer Vigil Outside Largest U.S. Abortion Centre - Monday August 25
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081801.html

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Conservative MP Epp Will Not Scrap Unborn Victims Bill

By Tim Waggoner

OTTAWA, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Today, Conservative MP Ken Epp announced he will continue to champion his unborn victims of crime bill despite yesterday's announcement by Justice Minister Rob Nicholson that the Conservative Government will introduce similar legislation – a decision criticized as an obvious attempt to sink Epp's Bill C-484.

"I definitely will not be withdrawing my bill," Epp told Sun Media. "They're quite different. I don't intend to let up."

Unlike Epp's bill, the new Conservative bill does not recognize the separate life of an unborn baby.  This key recognition, according to a press release by Epp, is the only point that differentiates his bill from existing legislation – suggesting that the Conservative bill does not offer any new protection to pregnant women.

"Why have increased penalties for attacks on pregnant women if the not-yet-born baby doesn't matter? Either that child matters so that attacks on pregnant women are more heinous, in which case Bill C-484 is a direct recognition of that reality; or that child doesn't matter, in which case we don't need any new law – the current provisions in the Criminal Code already cover the violence against the woman," said Epp.  "The saddest thing of all is that the government Bill likely adds nothing that doesn't already exist in law."

The Conservative MP said he hopes Canadians pressure their MPs to stand up in opposition to abuse against pregnant women by voting for Bill C-484 at Third Reading.

"I know the critics of C-484 will continue to spread misinformation. But I continue to hope that thoughtful, everyday Canadians, not influenced by political agendas or strident ideology, will continue to support C-484 – and about 70% of Canadians do, including the vast majority of women across the country," said Epp. 

"I hope they will continue to contact their MPs, now more than ever, and encourage them to continue to support a compassionate and just response to the horrible loss experienced by pregnant women who lose their not-yet-born babies in a violent attack. And I hope, as a result, MPs, regardless of party affiliation, will have the courage to vote in favour of Bill C-484 at Third Reading," he concluded.
 
Conservative Party of Canada Kills Unborn Victims of Crime Act with Gutless Alternative
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08082510.html

For contact information for Canadian MPs see
http://www.lifesitenews.com/getinvolved/politics/canada/findyourmp.html

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EU's Secularist Agenda Undermining Public Confidence, Says Irish Cardinal

Also calls Ireland's media to task for its habitual anti-Christian stance

By Hilary White

KILLALA, Co Mayo, Ireland, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The EU's insistence on its aggressively secularist and anti-life and anti-family agenda has undermined public confidence among the predominantly Christian countries of Europe, says the leading prelate of the Catholic Church of Ireland.  Seán Cardinal Brady, head of the ancient archdiocese of Armagh, told listeners that the "prevailing culture and social agenda" of secularism within the EU is alien to "the Christian memory and heritage of the vast majority of member states".

Pro-life and pro-family advocates have long complained that the European Union, together with the United Nations, are among the most determined promoters of legal abortion, divorce, contraception, pansexualism and "gay marriage" and are actively working, in the name of liberal "tolerance" to suppress Christian voices in public life.

"Successive decisions which have undermined the family based on marriage, the right to life from the moment of conception to natural death, the sacredness of the Sabbath, the right of Christian institutions to maintain and promote their ethos, including schools - these and other decisions have made it more difficult for committed Christians to maintain their instinctive commitment to the European project," he said.

Cardinal Brady gave the Bishop Stock address at the Humbert Summer School in St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral on Sunday. In his address, he also called Ireland's media to task for its habitual anti-Christian stance.

"The claims and influence of secularism and relativism have gone largely unchallenged in Irish culture and media. It could be argued that they enjoy an uncritical acceptance which would never be afforded to religious faith."

"As the recent referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland suggests, at least some of those who were previously enthusiastic about the founding aims of the EU, both social and economic, are now expressing unease," he said. The Irish referendum was taken amid fears that ratification of the renewed European Union constitution, renamed the Lisbon Treaty, would force member states to accept legal abortion.

Cardinal Brady noted that Christians in Europe are "being denied the right to intervene in public debates or at least having their contribution dismissed as an attempt to protect unjustified privileges, such as, for example, the right to employ people who support the ethos of a Christian institution".

This is not the first time Cardinal Brady has spoken on the theme of the EU's anti-Christian positions. While in Rome in April this year, he said that public scepticism is growing over the EU because "a secular, relativist and utilitarian approach dominates ethical considerations". He cited the efforts being made by the EU and in many EU-dominated states to promote homosexuality, and particularly "gay marriage".

Cardinal Brady called for the EU to develop the concept of a "Europe of values". "People of religious faith who may be natural enthusiasts of the concept of a European Union, increasingly approach European developments with scepticism," he said.

"They have an expectation that a secular, relativist and utilitarian approach dominates ethical considerations," he said, adding that the right to maintain a distinctively Christian moral ethos in religious institutions was constantly under threat.

"The nature of marriage, the family or the origin and end of life have to be constantly defended against a dominant centralising and standardising tendency."

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Tens of Thousands of Christian Youth Cry for Life in Washington and Ottawa

By Jenna Murphy

OTTAWA, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - This past weekend, TheCRY, a non-denominational Christian movement of mostly young people, held an event called TheCRY: a day of prayer and fasting for an end to the morally destructive climate in Canada and especially for an end to abortion.

TheCRY's organizers feel personally responsible to pray and fast for Canada's conversion particularly among our nation's lawmakers and leaders.

This event marks TheCRY's third event on Parliament Hill. The first one took place in 2002 and the second in 2005. Though this year's attendance was estimated at about 1,000, previous events on the Hill boasted of up to 12,000 "prayer warriors" both in person and by podcast.

"It was powerful, I had goose bumps throughout," says one TheCRY participant, "the zeal was contagious. At one point they had the crowd stomping in harmony telling them that their prayer had the power to stomp out the enemy, to stomp out abortion."

This year's TheCRY event began at Jacques Cartier Park in Quebec in honour of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec's capital and then made its way to Parliament Hill in procession. At Parliament Hill, the crowds were challenged to take a stand; especially in Canada's abortion debate.

TheCRY featured a somber 45-minute demonstration where participants wore tape over their mouths in order to stand in solidarity with the silent victims of abortion.

TheCRY is scheduled to take place in five different Canadian cities over the course of a year including Edmonton (held last March),  Ottawa (this past weekend), North Iqaluit (October 18, 2008), Toronto (October 31st,2008) and St. John's, Newfoundland in February 2009 (see http://www.thecry.ca/Details.html).

 Faytene Kryskow, director of TheCRY Canada describes the event saying, "as a movement we believe we are building on a foundation that has been laid by so many who came before us and many who are now labouring shoulder to shoulder with us, it is exciting to watch the hand of God so clearly moving in Canada today…".

Observers testify to the fruit of prayer efforts such as this one as there has been a marked increase in bold voices for biblical values, the growth of Christian organizations such as the 4MY Canada Association, the National House of Prayer, Canadians for Moral Clarity and other such groups that have bolstered Canada's Christians and provided them with outlets for solidarity in action.

TheCRY in Ottawa follows TheCALL in Washington, D.C. the weekend previous, a similar initiative only this time with "tens of thousands" of paticipants.

Past Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee joined theCALL founder Lou Engle on August 16th  in the 12 hour fast and prayer to "cry out for mercy, mainly for the 50 million babies that have been killed through abortion".

Calling it a day for prayer and not politics, Huckabee told the crowd that each one gathered there must live their own personal lives in an upright manner before they can hope for change on a national level.

"It's easy to point fingers ... and blame people in this place, but the problems that this country has are with us who claim we know the Lord but have not lived it and not been as faithful," said Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, at the backdrop of the Capitol dome. "So, repentance and revival cannot start in the building behind me until it starts in the temple inside me."

theCALL:
http://www.thecall.com/

4MYCANADA (political/activism branch of theCALL):
http://www.4mycanada.ca/

Bound4Life: (tape over mouths demonstrators)
http://www.bound4life.ca/

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Canadian Advertising Group Says Factual Pro-Life Billboard Ads are "deceptive"

Decision called "unbelievable, but expected"

August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a bizarre - yet anticipated - ruling last week, Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), rejected fact based evidence from Stats Canada, confirming, abortions do occur throughout all nine months of pregnancy and a ruling from the Supreme Courts, which shows that there are no laws against abortion in Canada.

Corry Morcos, president of Edmonton Prolife, the group behind the billboards, said the decision was "unbelievable, but expected" given the previous ruling regarding the Life Canada ads. "Governments have failed to enact any legislation as requested by the Supreme Court in the 1988 Morgentaler decision, and that is why today we have no protection for the unborn in Canada. Abortions are totally unrestricted by any laws. But apparently educating, through advertising, about this truth is not allowed."

The ad "9 Months, that is the amount of time the government say it is legal to have an abortion. Abortion. Have we gone too far? "has been running for two years and one complaint has been received. The ad is speaking solely to the legal status of abortion in Canada, yet ASC wanted the ads to include various medical guidelines. Women will be interested to note that according to ASC women may not be assured an abortion simply upon request particularly after the first trimester.

In the appeal ruling, Ad standards was silent on many of the grounds for appeal issues raised by Edmonton Prolife. In particular the issue of competing interests. "Council did not do its due diligence in looking for "competing interest". The complainant in the case is an activist in
the "pro choice" movement and clearly has a "competing interest".

The ASC, a self-regulating body of Canada's advertising industry, wants to appear to be the gatekeeper for consumers, to make sure we are receiving the truth. Their website states: "ASC is the industry body committed to creating and maintaining community confidence in advertising."

Morcos responds, "Confidence? The very media organizations that the Ad Standard represents have written numerous articles deriding the Ad standard council's prior decisions against similar ads. When your own membership questions your integrity, the confidence that the general public has in the ASC is compromised. When ASC calls facts deceptions, the authority of the ASC to be keeper of all that is "truthful, fair and accurate" in advertising rings hollow to many."

Edmonton Pro-Life states that "prolife groups and their messages of facts and truth are being censored, that is the bottom line."

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Naming Names: Catholic U of San Diego Faculty Supporters of Pro-Abort Reuther

61 protested university's refusal to offer radical pro-choice eco-feminist honorary theology chair

By Kathleen Gilbert

SAN DIEGO, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The names of 61 faculty members who protested The Catholic University of San Diego's (USD) refusal to offer radical pro-choice eco-feminist Rosemary Radford Ruether an honorary Theology chair have recently been made public.

To see the list of names, go to: http://www.brianmcdaniel.org/?p=705'

At least nine of the faculty whose signatures appear on the petition are members of USD's Theology and Religious studies Department. 

The petition included 2,158 signatures overall, demanding that USD re-extend its invitation to Ruether and claiming that the "insult" bodes ill for the practice of "academic freedom" in Catholic universities.  They say the decision to rescind their offer to Ruether of the honorary Monsignor John R. Portman Chair in Roman Catholic Theology for 2009-2010 academic year was for reasons they call "unclear but seemingly ideological." 

Ruether, an eco-feminist who refers to God as the feminine "Gaia" and openly advocates abortion and contraception, among many other aberrations from Catholic doctrine, would have taught one undergraduate Theology course and delivered the annual Portman Lecture as part of her honorary position. 

USD turned back on its offer after a LifeSiteNews.com article revealing the proposed honor and Ruether's unorthodox teachings prompted concerned readers to contact the university.  A week after USD officially extended the offer, Pamela Gray Payton, USD Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, stated that the decision was reversed "upon review of the specific purpose" of the honorary chair, which was established in 2000 as a "sign of the Catholic character of the University."  Despite coming under fire, USD administrators have so far stood firm in their reversal.

The Ora et Labora blog continues to accrue signatures for a petition supporting USD in their refusal to honor Ruether.  To sign this petition, go to: http://www.brianmcdaniel.org/?page_id=662

Though the protesters cite Benedict XVI's address to Catholic educators during his papal visit to the United States in April to support their advocacy of "intellectual freedom," they omit the Pope's admonition that "Any appeal to the principle of academic freedom in order to justify positions that contradict the faith and the teaching of the Church would obstruct or even betray the university's identity and mission."

See previous coverage by LifeSiteNews.com:

Catholic University of San Diego Stands By Rejection of Pro-Choice Feminist for Theology Chair
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08082205.html

Catholic University of San Diego Changes Mind - Rejects Radical Non-Christian Feminist For Theology Chair
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08071814.html

Catholic University of San Diego Honors Radical Non-Christian Feminist With Theology Chair
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08071013.html 

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Massachusetts Pro-Family Group Successful In Bid To Challenge Repeal of "1913 Law"

By Thaddeus M. Baklinski

BOSTON, August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The repeal of the so-called Massachusetts 1913 law, that declared it illegal for couples to get married in Massachusetts if their unions would be illegal in their home states, is being challenged by the state's leading pro-family group MassResistance.

An Associated Press report said that Attorney General Martha Coakley authorized a referendum question initiated by MassResistance, to appear on the November 2010 ballot, proposing to reinstate the nearly century old law barring out-of-state couples from marrying in Massachusetts.

MassResistance now needs to gather signatures from 33,297 registered voters by Oct. 29 in order to have the question appear on the ballot.

To contact MassResistance please go to: http://www.massresistance.org/

Read related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Massachusetts Passes Bill Allowing Same-Sex "Marriage" for Out-of-Staters
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08073003.html

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Arkansas Pro-Family Group Hopes To Ban Homosexuals From Adopting Children

By Thaddeus M. Baklinski

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Arkansas Family Council Action Committee has fulfilled the requirements to have a referendum question appear on this fall's ballot that would effectively ban homosexuals from becoming foster or adoptive parents in the state.

An AP report says the measure, which is a response to a 2006 Arkansas Supreme Court decision striking down a state policy that specifically banned gays and lesbians from becoming foster parents, would prohibit unmarried couples living together from fostering or adopting children, and Arkansas doesn't allow homosexuals to marry or recognize homosexual marriages conducted elsewhere.

Secretary of State Charlie Daniels certified the proposed initiated act for the Nov. 4 ballot after verifying that the Arkansas Family Council Action Committee had submitted 85,389 valid signatures of registered voters. Supporters needed to turn in at least 61,974 valid signatures, the AP report stated.

"Arkansas needs to affirm the importance of married mothers and fathers," Family Council President Jerry Cox said. "We need to publicly affirm the gold standard of rearing children whenever we can. The state standard should be as close to that gold standard of married mom and dad homes as possible."

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10 percent more reported cases of euthanasia in 2007 in the Netherlands

By Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

August 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The number of reported cases of euthanasia in 2007 has increased by 10 percent in the Netherlands.

In 2007 the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees received 2120 euthanasia reports, which is up from 1923 reported cases in 2006.

Euthanasia as defined in the Netherlands only includes voluntary actions that are requested by a person who is competent. Any intentional actions that cause the death of a person who is incompetent or involuntary are not counted as acts of euthanasia but rather deaths without explicit request.

The report that is published in the Magazine of the Right to Die - NL (NVVE) does not include the number of assisted suicide deaths or the number of deaths without explicit request.

It was reported that there were approximately 550 deaths without request in 2005 and approximately 400 assisted suicide deaths.

It must be noted that these are the number of reported cases. There has been a long-standing problem with under-reporting in the Netherlands.

There were three reported cases that did not fulfill the requirements of the Dutch law. Those cases were reported to the Inspection of Health Care. There is no indication that the three cases resulted in any punishment.

Experts had anticipated that the actual number of reports would decrease because of the increase in deaths by terminal sedation and dehydration. The report from the NVVE does not include the estimated number of cases of terminal sedation and dehydration.

The highest number of reported cases of euthanasia in the Netherlands was in 2000 (2123) with the lowest number of reported cases in 2003 (1815).

There is no explanation in the report as to why the euthanasia rate has increased in the Netherlands.

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Letter to the Editor- August 26, 2008

I am the director of a crisis pregnancy center located across the street from a busy abortion clinic. It's often difficult and time consuming to stay current on what's happening in the pro-life movement outside our ministry. There are many good sources, but none holds a candle to LifeSiteNews. You are in a league of your own because of your all encompassing and accurate coverage of what is going on around the globe. Whether the news is devastating and discouraging or an uplifting and providential story of how God is working, I can confidently share it with my pro-life friends and constituents.

Thank you for being the eyes and ears of those of us who fight for life each day.

Peg Benicke
Robbinsdale, Minnesota

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