I Am Catholic vs. I Live the Teachings of My Faith
By Ernest Ohlhoff
NRLC Director of Outreach
John Kerry is coming under increasing criticism from various leaders of the Catholic Church for his public position and voting record on abortion. The controversy has escalated to the point that it was featured in the April 5, 2004 issue of TIME magazine - - showing a two-thirds page photo of Kerry on Ash Wednesday complete with ashes on his forehead.
The core of the argument is that Senator John Kerry proclaims himself to be a practicing Catholic while he also proudly espouses his strong and unyielding support for the continuation of abortion on demand. In effect Kerry is trying to be on both sides of the fence at the same time - - implying Catholicity while appearing at NARAL functions and maintaining an almost perfect abortion rights voting record in the United States Senate for the past 20 years.
The Catholic Church's position on abortion is clear and unambiguous. Abortion is wrong! Not only wrong, but it is a serious sin for anyone who knowingly has an abortion, procures an abortion, performs an abortion, or assists in an abortion. This includes those who advocate, promote, and vote for the continued legalization of abortion on demand and governmental funding of abortions.
Catholic Church leaders have consistently defended the Church's position on the sanctity of innocent unborn human life. However, church leaders are now also increasingly stating that "Catholic" politicians who publicly support abortion may face some consequences regarding their participation in the sacraments.
In February, during a campaign trip to Missouri, newly installed Archbishop Raymond Burke publically warned Kerry "not to present himself for Communion." Boston's newly installed Archbishop Sean O'Malley, who is Kerry's own archbishop, has also spoken out on the issue. According to TIME, "O'Malley has said that Catholic politicians who do not vote in line with church teachings 'shouldn't dare come to Communion.'"
In addition, the TIME article quotes a Vatican official, who is an American, "People in Rome are becoming more and more aware that there's a problem with John Kerry, and a potential scandal with his apparent profession of his Catholic faith and some of his stances, particularly abortion."
All of which begs the question: what is required for one to call himself or herself a practicing Catholic? In the eyes of the Catholic Church, if you want to call yourself a Catholic, then you must accept Catholic Church teaching on doctrinal and moral issues.
Picking and choosing beliefs on major moral issues - - especially the fundamental issue of the sanctity and protection of innocent unborn human life - - will not be well-received by the Catholic Church. Common logic dictates that it is impossible to be on both sides of the fence at the same time.