Bishop Martino asks Sen. Casey to reflect on ‘inconsistent’ pro-life record

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 6

Scranton, Pa., May 1, 2009 / 07:05 am (CNA).- In response to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Jr.’s “inconsistent” record on pro-life issues, Bishop of Scranton Joseph F. Martino, has said the Pennsylvanian Democratic senator should reflect on his actions and ask himself whether he should receive Holy Communion.

A Wednesday statement from the Diocese of Scranton reproduced Bishop Martino’s April 27 letter faxed to Sen. Casey’s office. In the letter, Bishop Martino referred to his previous exhortation that Sen. Casey “oppose strenuously” Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services because of her pro-abortion record and her political relationship with late-term abortionist Dr. George Tiller.

“Despite his claims of being “pro-life,” Sen. Casey’s voting record thus far has been inconsistent,” the diocese’s statement said.

The diocese said Sen. Casey is to be “commended” for his initiatives supporting pregnant women and families and for his defeated amendment which would have provided conscience protection on abortion for healthcare workers.

However, his stand against the Mexico City Policy ensured American taxpayer funds support international organizations that perform or promote abortions.

“Neither the Helms Amendment nor any other U.S. legislation prevents that,” the diocese said.

The statement also mentioned his vote to appoint Harvard Law School Dean Elena Kagan as solicitor general. She has supported partial-birth abortion and opposed withdrawing funds from taxpayer-funded abortion clinics despite popular opposition. According to the diocese’s statement, Kagan is also likely to oppose the Federal Defense of Marriage Act and create the possibility for legislation recognizing same-sex “marriage.”

“Bishop Martino has communicated with Sen. Casey about these issues, and his responsibilities as a Catholic and a public official. The Bishop will continue to monitor the Senator’s positions and votes concerning life issues,” the diocese said, explaining that it is the bishop’s pastoral responsibility to instruct the senator about “these serious moral issues.”

“If necessary, future determinations will be made regarding whether Sen. Casey is worthy to receive Holy Communion. However, at this point Bishop Martino believes it is incumbent upon Sen. Casey to reflect on his actions and ask himself if he should receive the sacrament.”

Comments: 6

Subscriber comments:

Published by: C.R. Williams
Jersey City NJ USA 05/12/2009 11:10 AM EST

Perhaps the bishop should remember what JFK said:"I am not the Catholic candidate for president...I am the Democratic Party's candidate for president, who happens also to be Catholic. I do not speak for my church on public matters -- and the church does not speak for me."

Published by: JANE
GREER, SC 05/01/2009 10:43 PM EST

Bravo for Bishop Martino. I pray that more clergy will demand what is right of our public officials. I feel compassion for Mr.Casey and will remember him in prayer.

Published by: Robert Matzinger
Taylor/Michigan/USA 05/01/2009 10:24 PM EST

Good for Bishop Martino calling out Senator Casey! Senator Casey has an obligation to his constituents, but he also has an obligation as a Catholic to support the beliefs of the church. A "Christain" cannot just pick and choose which of the Ten Commandments he/she decides to adhere to when they choose. A professed Catholic cannot choose between life and death as he/she chooses. He cannot be a Catholic and a senator at the same time when he choose to support pro-choice legislation. He is either pro-life or not. There's no in between. If he cannot, as many other politicians also do not, support pro-life issues and oppose the issues that support abortion, the taking of life, then he should renounce his Catholic faith. But we should pray for him that he recovers his beliefs in the foundations of the church and the faith and becomes a believer in the life that God gave him.

Published by: Maeti Walker
Dallas ,Tx USA 05/01/2009 12:53 PM EST

I think Sen.Casey has already justified to himself that it is ok to receive Christ in the Eucharist. According to cannon law he has already Excommunicated himself, and I think it is up to the Bishops to enforce that, and follow Rome on the law, instead of The American Bishops to continue to oposse Canon Law. I ealize there are a few Loyal to Rome, and I pray for them daily.

Published by: Marie
Louisiana 05/01/2009 12:25 PM EST

Good for Bishop Martino! Catholic political leaders who facilitate, by their votes, the killing of thousands of babies, should be held accountable by the Church. I hope this exhortation works. It is a pastoral approach. I further hope that if it does not, that Bishop Martino considers excommunicating Senator Casey. So far, Bishops' warnings regarding Communion seem to have had NO positive results among Catholic, pro-abortion politicians.

Published by: DAVID LARSEN
scituate Mass. USA 05/01/2009 12:17 PM EST

It is immoral and a form of
political repression to spend taxpayer money on abortion. A taxpayer has no control over how their taxes are spent.If a political representative is Pro-Life than in all of what they do they must be consistent in their voting against abortion. They represent the will of the electorate.
Senator Casey may not be worthy to accept Communion but than again who really is? Only God can teach us all the precious value of communion,a fruit of which is consistent thinking and actions that are obedient to the "Divine Laws"! God speaks to each human heart in Communion. If God can be patient with each of us so must we with each other.
The only way that we may be able to respond to injustice is to write responses to articles like this one and pray for our representatives to do the right thing. In this day and age most are not.
International organizations that perform abortions are repressive ones and United States taxpayer money should be kept from them. If they believe in abortion than they must deal with their own support issues. Inconsistent political representative voting is what keeps abortion a confused issue. Recreational abortion for birth control is obviously illegal. There is no Human and God-given right in it.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com