Cardinal Stafford criticizes Obama as ‘aggressive, disruptive and apocalyptic’

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Washington D.C., Nov 17, 2008 / 02:27 pm (CNA).- Cardinal James Francis Stafford, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See, delivered a lecture on Thursday saying that the future under President-elect Obama will echo Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane. Criticizing Obama as “aggressive, disruptive and apocalyptic,” he went on to speak about a decline in respect for human life and the need for Catholics to return to the values of marriage and human dignity.

Delivered at the Catholic University of America, the cardinal’s lecture was titled “Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II: Being True in Body and Soul,” the student university paper The Tower reports. Hosted by the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, his words focused upon Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae, whose fortieth anniversary is marked this year.

Commenting on the results of the recent presidential election, Cardinal Stafford said on Election Day “America suffered a cultural earthquake.” The cardinal argued that President-elect Obama had campaigned on an “extremist anti-life platform” and predicted that the near future would be a time of trial.

“If 1968 was the year of America’s ‘suicide attempt,’ 2008 is the year of America’s exhaustion,” he said, contrasting the year of Humane Vitae’s promulgation with this election year.

“For the next few years, Gethsemane will not be marginal. We will know that garden,” Cardinal Stafford told his audience. Catholics who weep the “hot, angry tears of betrayal” should try to identify with Jesus, who during his agony in the garden was “sick because of love.”

The cardinal attributed America’s decline to the Supreme Court’s decisions such as the 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, which imposed permissive abortion laws nationwide.

“Its scrupulous meanness has had catastrophic effects upon the unity and integrity of the American republic,” Cardinal Stafford commented, according to The Tower.

His theological remarks centered upon man’s relationship with God and man’s place in society.

“Man is a sacred element of secular life,” he said, arguing that therefore “man should not be held to a supreme power of state, and a person’s life cannot ultimately be controlled by government.”

Cardinal Stafford also touched on the state of the family, saying that the truest reflection of the relationship between the believer and God is the relationship between husband and wife, and that contraceptive use does not fit within that relationship.

Read the full text of Cardinal Stafford's remarks at: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/document.php?n=780

Comments: 124

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Mick Wright
Ireland 10/04/2009 10:02 AM EST

This is the very same Cardinal Stafford who is attempting to increase the Visitor numbers to Lourdes (and therefore the income derived from Lourdes) by offering indulgences... ie. Visit Lourdes and pay for a 'healing package' and The church will put in a good word with God which gets you time off in purgatory.... So God... can be bought off...it seems with money! lol What a swizz!... It is finally in this century that the shenanigans of the Catholic church and their money grabbing antics feeding from the poor and unfortunate will be finally understood... much in the same way we now realize why they wanted to control so many orphanages and Schools!

Published by: robin
Phoenix, AZ USA 04/07/2009 02:53 AM EST

An absurd diatribe that sounds more like a TV evangelist whipping up the faithful before making a pitch for money than a leader in and international Churh. This is right up there with reinstating the Holocaust denying bishop.

Published by: Jack
NY 12/15/2008 11:29 AM EST

The Antichrist is at hand and he is protected by so many who have left the fold of Christ. Seems as if St. Malachy's papal propehcies are accurate, that there will be one more Pope after Pope Benedict XVI and the The End will come. Christ will kill the Antichrist with the spirit of His mouth.

Published by: Torero
Downersd grove il usa 12/07/2008 01:19 AM EST

Thank you Cardinal for speaking up and telling it like it is. We need much more of this. Obama is a total fraud and yet even many who call themselves catholic voted for him. In the next 4 years we are going to suffer greatly as a nation for doing this.

Published by: Angelo Patil. M.D.
Omaha, NE 12/01/2008 11:21 AM EST

Conjugal act physiologically is a reproductive act. Contraception, therefore, frustrates the very purpose of reproductive physiology. It is similar to eating food, while putting a barrier in the stomach so that the nutritive value of the food is eliminated. Those who use it, therefore, abuse their bodies and go against the creator of the physiology.

Since love is total surrender of one self to serve the other, conjugal union becomes an act of love only when the involved parties have totally committed one’s entire life to serve the other, and together as a couple have surrendered them selves to parenthood by leaving their union open to accepting new human beings through their physical union. Contraception, therefore, makes the act selfish. It is, therefore, no surprise that in the scriptures a contraceptive act was considered deadly in the eyes of God (Gen.38: 8-10).

Children are God’s blessing (Psalm 127:3-5) and child bearing is a saving grace to women through which she may be saved (1 Tim. 2:15). Contraception, therefore, is rejection of God’s blessings.

Before we were conceived in our mother's womb, God knew us and called us by our name (Jer. 1; 3). This means that God has a plan for a new human life even before conception. Therefore, to put any barrier to conception is to prevent God from executing His plan.

Published by: Mark
New York, NY 11/20/2008 01:48 PM EST

I am a Roman Catholic and have moral issues with Obama's stance on abortion, particularly with partial-birth abortion. As far as contaception goes, this RC ban is a man made ban. There is no mention of this in the Bible, New or Old Testament. SOme RC Doctrine is man made and not found in His word. I see nothing wrong with contaception and this is backed by the Holy Bible which does not address this issue either directly or indirectly.

Published by: Flander Anapolis
Manhattan, NY USA 11/20/2008 01:34 PM EST

I wonder if the Cardinal feels as strongly about THE ABUSE that goes on in the Catholic churches. I would be willing to bet that he has had a HAND in some of it. Obama is not for abortions, he is for a woman's choice. Why is that so hard for some people to see the difference. If you are against abortions, don't have one.

Published by: Butch Bernhard
Corpus Christi,TX,USA 11/20/2008 01:24 PM EST

What a bunch of nonsense. Mr. Obama is a decent and respectful man who has worked his entire political career for the poor people of the State of Illinois. Kind of like what Jesus did. More hatemongering and fear from old white men who have no power but dream and long for it again!

Published by: Eric Smit
Gettysburg, PA 11/20/2008 01:12 PM EST

Funny how the Dems will do anything to ensure abortion remains available to any female at any time (particularly Obama..even if the child survives a botched abortion). Snuffing a life is a right they say...who cares what the father's input may be! However, when it comes to criminals on death row for absolutley heinous crimes, they will do anything to ensure they live. Hypocrites of the highest order. Thanks for speaking out Cardinal Stafford.

Published by: VO Reason
NY 11/20/2008 07:58 AM EST

I was complicit in an abortion that eased me of the burden of an unwanted child. It was the most despicable act of my life. A fetus is a life, a real person that has a right to live equally as much as any other post-birth infant or person on earth. Actually, it would be more just to put the careless parents to death - after all, what crime has the fetus committed? Now comes the surprise to all you enlightened pro-choice zealots. I AM AN ATHEIST!!! My beliefs are based on morality. What are your beliefs based upon?

Published by: Reese Martinez
Orlando, FL 11/20/2008 07:52 AM EST

Let me begin by saying, I am not a catholic. I am, however, a follower of Jesus Christ.
Murder should never be talked about as though it were just another form of "birth control".
I saw one reader talk about how she had an abortion and God lead her to do it- May I have the guts to say, she is deceived. God does not contradict himself and tell one person one thing and another, something else. His word is very clear on how he views murder and especially murder of innocent life.
Now, I too, have had an abortion- 2 in fact. And again, may I have the guts to say that it is WRONG. I was WRONG to do it, and I DO speak with authority on the subject. I work with many many women who have had abortions and all of them are traumatized because of it and in great need of emotional and spiritual healing.
The "CHOICE" was when we "CHOOSE" to take our pants off.
The fact that we, as a nation, have digressed to the place that we are willing to overlook the fact that abortion takes a human life, and just label it "contraception" says a lot about where the heart of this nation has gone.
Call me crazy, call me a religious, out-of-touch, old fashioned zealot(I don't care). I am afraid for this nation. And I DO pray for Barack Obama, and I PRAY that he is not made to be a liar when he says he will work to reduce the number of abortions (at least), and all the other campaign promises he made (that go against his voting record, by the way).

Published by: HR
Atlanta/GA/USA 11/20/2008 07:46 AM EST

I am saddened that more than 50% of US Catholics voted for Senator Obama simply because of his stance for abortion. I'm afraid that many Baby-Boomer Catholics that grew up in the 60s & 70s, place the (unworkable) ideals of Marxism over their Catholic Faith, rationalizing that the two fit together. They don't but those (including Church leaders) who don't study history will always be lured toward the "security" & promise of a Nanny State.

Published by: ND Grad
Chicago IL 11/20/2008 07:44 AM EST

The U.S. bishops came out with a simialr appraisal of Obama exactly one week AFTER the election. Where were these important voices during the campaign?

Published by: Daniel
mohave valley az.usa 11/20/2008 07:41 AM EST

Thank you cardinal sometimes the truth hurts. Over 50million dead plus their offspring it is countless. Only God can help us. Daniel

Published by: joanne
USA 11/20/2008 07:40 AM EST

Issues important to Barack Obama seem to be Partial birth abortion, no emergency care for those who slip the bonds of abortion and survive, paying for abortion through the UN, and embryonic stem cell research, even though other stem cells hold the same promise. The Church, still reeling from the pedophile tragedy, has let its role in society slip on this important issue. Kennedy, Biden, Kerry, supposed Catholics, all support Obama's view on the abortion issue, claiming they have no choice, they are only doing their job...seems to me that excuse was loudly heard in Germany in the 1930s. Catholics who voted FOR Obama in this last election put economics in front of morals....they might as well admit they really are "fallen away Catholics" and stop the pretense that they are practicing Catholics.

Published by: Jose Renaldo
San Francisco, CA 11/20/2008 07:37 AM EST

As much as I want to deny it, Mr. Obama does seem like the Anti-Christ. Just as Hitler was spreading propaganda and gaining the trusts and hearts of millions.

Published by: Scott
Crown Point, IN 11/20/2008 07:37 AM EST

I agree with the CArdinal and I would take it a step further and say that this is the message that should have been out there a long time ago. Obama received 52% of the vote from Catholics. Had this stance been the official one of the Church and delivered strongly and repetitively, Obama and the other pro-abortion politicians in the House and Senate would not be in office.

Published by: Bryan Stauffer
Akron, OH, USA 11/20/2008 07:35 AM EST

It is amazing to see the religious hatred here. Every post that describes Obama as evil because he does believe what a Catholic believes might as well have been written by Al Qaida. It is exactly this kind of intollerance and fanatical zealotry which endanger the whole world. Fortunately, it endangers the practitioners more and they will not survive the test of time as the majority of people, when presented with the choice of living freely or under the bootheel of a "god" will choose freedom.

Published by: Father Anthony
Orlando Florida USA 11/20/2008 07:33 AM EST

The good Cardinal is not so good in figuring out that if one sets oneself up as an adversary a wall is built, and walls don't come down easily.
And that is what the Church is doing regarding Pres. Elect Obama. If I were him, I would be very upset at the attitude of the Roman Catholic Church which has made abortion a litmus test.
Now, I don't believe in abortion, but this is a complex issue, and we live in a country with varying beliefs about it so a President has to balance many different opinions in what he does.
Instead of offering to help solve this problem the Roman Church has taken its historically used position of being authoritative. And see where it has gotten us!
Into places like the Inquistion, and the Reformation, and the establishment of the Church of England. Oh yeah, also the excommunication of the Orthodox Church a thousand years ago or so. "Gethsemane", "Apocalyptic", really friendly words! I'm glad to have left that Church for independent
Catholicism. What a bunch of human relation ignoramuses they are. Go ahead and defend them, but with the statements they've made, in the way they've made them, you ain't gonna see no changes. No, keep up the enmity, and alienate a few more influential people.
Amen!

Published by: Newagegop
FL 11/20/2008 07:31 AM EST

I can't wait until the "gay" gene is discovered and we can all test for it alongside cancer risk and heart diease. That will be a wonderfully uniting day for liberals and conservatives. All at once gay America will become Pro-Life and conservative America will move towards civil unions.

It truly will be a wonderful moment. Technology is on the Pro-Life side while civil rights is on the gay rights side. I can't wait until left stops murdering children and the right fully grasps that we are all the children of God.

Published by: DClare
DC 11/20/2008 07:24 AM EST

I'm a proud catholic who firmly disagrees with the cardinals statements. He's old, isolated and out of touch with the world. Roe vs Wade isn't going to be overturned under any administration, nor is partial birth abortion (which I completely disagree with) going to be legalized in an Obama administration. But under Bush McCain, tens of thousands of human lives will continue to be lost in Iraq, Countries that need our aid will continue to struggle, the numbers of homeless will continue to rise with mounting job loss, and this countrys decline will continue. A change in course is necessary. The world is jubilant for a reason upon Obama's election. They see the hope he represents. The positive change he can bring about. The world does need some healing, less divisiveness, hawkishness, and more sit down talks, and peace making. The Church does make changes in its belief over time, such as accepting the belief in extra-terrestrials last summer. In another 200 years they may well accept that life begins in the 3rd trimester when most vital signs that are necessary to be present before you are declared legally dead show up. Were I a Catholic during the Crusades I believe my beliefs would be progressive coinciding with what the church has accepted today. At any rate a misscarriage of an unborn fetus is sad, sometimes tragic. The loss of a living son or daughter is always heartbreaking, devestating, and psychologically damaging on the family. Let's do what we can to help the living.

Published by: AJ
VINELAND/NJ/USA 11/20/2008 07:21 AM EST

I think that the Cardinal, while theologically correct, is a bit pre-mature. What prompted him to fire the first shot, so to speak? This being said, Mr. Obama has made no secret of his support for abortion. That is the issue, not The Inquisition. (Which most people on citing it and the 17th century on this board show their ignorance of both subjects. Please read Netanyahu and Kamen before you spew forth and show your ignorance.) The Bishops should see what happens after 01/20/2009, when Mr. Obama is inaugurated. And yes, as much as it hurts sometimes we should pray for our elected leaders and Bishops. I will end by saying if the Bishops, priests, and deacons would give us good teaching during the homily, instead of the pop psychology and sentimental drivel that we are usually fed during Mass, we Catholics would not be having this discussion right now. In other words, there is plenty of blame to go around when it comes to the slaughter of the unborn.

Published by: jim
Seattle, WA, US 11/20/2008 07:13 AM EST

Is the cardinal aware that the US was founded as a secular nation, in large part because of religious crimes. We are not in thrall to some mythical sky god. The cardinal's message is anti-American and vile.

Published by: robert g
rockville md 11/20/2008 07:06 AM EST

Gee I thought those were Obumas good points.

Published by: Bill
Tampa, FL 11/20/2008 06:44 AM EST

The church does not change for the people.
Obama is an empty suit and people will realize that soon. Tell me how can a man who has accomplished nothing become President? All style and no substance.

Published by: Jose
USA 11/20/2008 06:44 AM EST

Interesting election. Interesting to note that Hispanics are severing their ties to a church that doesn't want to understand them and is willing to send their children to die and kill in Iraq.

Published by: Philip B Kirschner
Brooklyn/NY/USA 11/20/2008 06:40 AM EST

I don't like or approve of any clergy attacking political figures, threatening excommunication because of public policy. The constitution does not interfear with religion, and under the law, the church is forbidden from political action. The clergy, such as Cardinal Stafford is endangering the tax exempt status of the church.

I for one, won't tolerate any religion including my own get in the way of politics or government.

Published by: Mike Rizik
Okemos 11/20/2008 06:39 AM EST

Gethsemane is where Jesus and the Apostles prayed the night before His crucifixion. The metaphor used by Cardinal Stafford is no accident, therefore. Because, through the lens of Church history, he was saying that the Church in America is on facing religious persecution for its pro-life, pro-family stands.

Published by: cindy bond
marietta, ga usa 11/20/2008 06:36 AM EST

Good requires constant reinforcement. Evil just needs permission.

Published by: Gary White
Maryville, TN, USA 11/20/2008 06:20 AM EST

The Cardinal hit the nail on the head! I wonder how long it will be before the Obama regime moves to silence him. Even now I bet they're trying to dig up dirt to discredit the man.

Published by: EMC
Temecula, CA 11/20/2008 06:09 AM EST

The Church is not "forcing" anyone to do anything, you can always repent if you do something unaccepted. The Church is there to show you the way to God. It is the government that has the heavy hand in your daily life. Also you can’t hide the truth, killing a baby is murder. How can the Democrats be against war but kill an unborn child? War kills the enemy of freedom, abortion kills the most innocent of life.

Published by: Casey Brace
Port Ludlow, WA, United States 11/20/2008 05:56 AM EST

In response to Cathguy
“Widespread use of contraceptives have led to an increase in abortions” That is about as close to an oxymoron as a sentence can become.

Published by: Casey Brace
Port Ludlow, WA, United States 11/20/2008 05:51 AM EST

In response to JK
"Just because something is popular or available, that does not make it right." True, but just because the Church says something is bad doesn't necessarily make it wrong.

Published by: Chuckster
Richmond, TX 11/20/2008 05:50 AM EST

If Catholic "clergymen" believe that family is so important (and I agree that it is vitally so), why are they NOT married and raising families themselves? To my knowledge God's commandment to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth has never been rescinded, and since it was given to our "First Parents", Adam and Eve (who is the mother of all living), it must have been intended to be applicable to ALL, without exception. When will Catholics wake up to the fact that what they have is actually priestcraft, not priesthood? There IS a very real difference between the two! Another point: Jesus admonished his disciples to go to every nation, (first)teaching and (then) baptizing. To baptize means to totally immerse,symbolic of burial. This prompts every thinking Christian to ask just how an infant, totally without language skills, can be taught about baptism and its fundamental importance and then safely immersed? How many little children have died without baptism? If Catholics believe that those unbaptized babies are all lost forever, they must then set aside Jesus' loving words "Let the little children come unto me" as meaningless. The truth is this: Little children are alive in Christ and have no need of baptism until they become accountable before God! Prior to that time, they are totally incapable of committing any sin. Jesus' infinite and eternal Atonement has "covered" them all.

Published by: Big Bear
santa/ID/usa 11/20/2008 05:26 AM EST

The Catholic Church has been around 1776 years longer than the now-failed American "experiment". Idiot Nation's Messiah is on the cover of every celeb rag in the grocery stores. Pray for a nuclear war: the cities and their Media/Mediots will have their moment of glory, then be gone. The strong will rebuild.

Published by: Rob
New Hampshire 11/20/2008 04:50 AM EST

Why did a fervent pro-lifer, Sarah Palin, put her fifth child at-risk with a amniocentesis? If she had no interest in aborting the child, even if her own life were at risk, why have the medical procedure? There is no need for procedures that increase the risk of a miscarriage if you value life.

Published by: Alexander
Bakersfield, CA USA 11/20/2008 04:42 AM EST

The Cardinal is absolutely correct. Barack Hussein Obama represents the pinnacle of evil in regards to abortion. It was a sad day for America as people voted for a man who belonged to a racist church, followed a racist pastor for 20 years (a black racist is just like the KKK, no better or worse), supported and is friends with Bill Ayers (a terrorist), is a marxist, and last of all, has no experience what so ever. As a White/Hispanic married to a Indian woman, I would love to see a person of ethnic descent in the top office, just one who is qualified and not corrupt and hypocritical like this man (i.e Tony Rezko). Thank the Cardinal and may more respond like this as we Catholics face the tide of Marxist/Socialism. God bless you all.

Published by: mickey
winston-salem,nc usa 11/20/2008 04:40 AM EST

Abortion always leaves at least one person dead. How can you support Human Rights and deny a human child it's right to life. I support Human Rights for ALL humans. Fetuses are human, too! Equal rights for Fetuses! Are fetuses second class citizens? Fetuses can't vote and have no rights.

Published by: Neil
USA 11/20/2008 04:32 AM EST

Over the next 3-5 years as the market and economy descend to dark depths our country will be put to many tests. The chances for a good outcome diminish with each "easy" decision. Pray for help.

Published by: Joan
Phoenix/AZ/USA 11/20/2008 04:28 AM EST

As a born-again, Charismatic (Protestant) Christian, I want to thank many of my faithful Catholic brothers & sisters, who have had the courage to tell the truth about Barack Obama's un-Godly positions. His election MAY bring God's judgment upon the USA. How much longer will God allow our nation to be spared His wrath? I am horrified to realize how many so-called Christians (Catholic & Protestant, black, brown & white) voted for this anti-life, pro-homosexuality individual. God, please have mercy on the USA! Christians, pray for God's mercy on our nation! Also, pray for deep repentance on the part of everyone who claims to be a devout Christian. Dear Catholics, please know that many of us Protestant, Evangelical and/or Charismatic Christians are standing with you, in solidarity and in prayer. "Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people."

Published by: Adam
USA 11/20/2008 04:18 AM EST

Thank you Cardinal James Francis Stafford. It is time to embrace the culture of life. Thank you so much for you clear and true words.

Published by: Nasako Madsen
Lincoln, NE. USA 11/20/2008 03:59 AM EST

For our own good and the good of our nation, may we humble ourselves listen and hear the voice of Christ speaking to us through the Church He founded 2000 years ago to guide, teach, lead, and nurture us in our pilgrimage here on earth (Matt. 16:15-19). The Church is our mother, counselor, and care-giver. We must listen to her. Thank you Cardinal for your holy boldness and courage in carrying out your duty as our spiritual father. Thank you. Christ loves you and so do we.

Published by: TheCrusader
Republic of Texas 11/20/2008 03:57 AM EST

The Cardinal has surely named what I see and hear, as well. Aggressive? Yes, he is. Emboldened by a fawning and disassociated public and utter lack of examination of his character and beliefs, his multiple remarks to date have been aggressive, in a purposefully solitary fashion, ill suited for a Democratic republic. Disruptive? Quite. Whenever he would lose control over the script, he would make a MORE outrageous statement. That kind of reflexive manipulation is all I needed to see and hear. Apocalyptic? Surely. The Messiah costume has worked well and he intends on making it a permanent fixture. To be a Messiah, you must be Apocalyptic. Finally, to all here who have commented, without the least bit of reason and/or facts, remember, just because you say it and repeat it, doesn't make it so.
Keep the Change
God Bless You Cardinal

Published by: James Cichocki
Green Bay, WI 11/20/2008 03:49 AM EST

The Cardinal is a foolish old man, afraid to have hope for our country. Are new president offers hope for the future and the Church needs to embrace the future and the needs of the millions of Americans that are suffering. Pray for our President and all he will have to face, and with God's grace overcome and restore the U.S.A to the beacon of light it should always be.

Published by: scott Bradford
los angeles, ca 11/20/2008 03:04 AM EST

Can someone explain to me why abortion is an "intrinsic evil" but dropping bombs on human families by the "pro-life" but pro-war President Bush is not even mentioned???

Published by: Ajay
Menlo Park 11/20/2008 02:57 AM EST

Its better to have a smaller and genuine catholic church that stands for something, than this big tent catholic church we have had for so long.

Those half catholics who do not agree with the sacred human dignity the church teaches please find an hednoist church for yourselves and leave the catholic church alone.

We would rather be small and be the salt of the church.

Published by: Forrest
Schladming, Austria 11/20/2008 02:49 AM EST

I believe the first test that Christ placed on weak-faith men was described in John 6, when the many turned away from Him after being told that they must eat His body and drink His blood...the first Protestants! Now throughout the ages, the Vicar of Christ speaks, and many walk away...the Church spoke about voting (albeit not clearly enough) and many walked away...what are we to make of those "Catholic" Judases who turned away from the magisterium's teachings? I have a few liberal "Catholic" family members who voted for Obama without remorse...I fear and pray for their conversion and their souls. We must continue to do the same and pray for Our Lady of America's intercession. The bishops the US, rather than attending the inauguration, have Mass celebrated in EVERY parish at 12 noon EST Jan 20, 2009, begging for God's forgiveness and continued protection. The Mass should be given for the millions of dead children,and the millions yet to come. I urge all reading this to petition their chanceries.

Diriget Deus!

Published by: Ron Johnson
Danbury, CT, USA 11/20/2008 02:42 AM EST

It's time to be done with churches and religion. No one needs a middleman to have a relationship with God. No more priests, popes, magisteriums and other dudes in quasi-women's clothing diddling young boys.

SPIRITUALITY RULES. Religion is extinct, thank GOD!

Published by: Ron Johnson
Bethel, AK 11/20/2008 02:37 AM EST

Can't we just be done with catholicism and religion in general already? No one needs a middleman to understand God.

Published by: Doug Brenner
Minneapolis, USA 11/20/2008 02:33 AM EST

I'm sure that "be fruitful and multiply" must in the long term be practiced in a sustainable manner. However, the world is overpopulated at this time.

I believe there is a place for contraception in married life. Humanae Vitae must be understood - fertility is indeed sacred, and the use of contraception degrades a divine gift. The sacrament of marriages loses some meaning in this process. However if the alternative is abstinence, I'm sure that it is more godly to enjoy the sacrament with contraception than to be abstinent spouses.

Published by: Doug Brenner
Minneapolis, USA 11/20/2008 02:32 AM EST

Published by: Dennis A. Martin
Boston MA USA 11/20/2008 02:26 AM EST

So according to the Catholic Church, it would seem that our choice of president was between a rock and a hard place: Sen. Obama who supports abortion rights, or Sen. McCain who supported the continuation of a unilaterally-fought, unpopular, unjust and unnecessary war.

Published by: Ron
Dunmore,PA 11/20/2008 02:11 AM EST

I am always amazed at how bitter and aggressive the anti-religious seem to be. I am curious why people who don't understand or like the Church and its heritage spend so much of their time spewing hate and thinking about the Church. Don't you have something more fun or profitable to do?

Published by: Jack Ryan
NYC, USA 11/20/2008 02:08 AM EST

The Cardinal iss right on the money. Obama is a fraud who doesn't want his daughters, if they get pregnant, punished with a baby. Neveer haas the presidency had someone come to it being widely elected by dopes who couldn't answer anything about him.

I am no Bible thumper, but if you call yourself a Christian and you support a woman's right to chose to kill her child, you should leave the church. It is not a collection of polite rules that needs your decision and so-called wisdom. You delude yourself into thinking that you can pick and chose.

You elected a Marxist who worships death. We will rue the day when we are in a depression because Obama is a fraud and an not at all bright. He is a creation of the radical, militant left that aacts no ddiffferent that Hitleer's SA when a disssenting opinion is stated.

Enjoy his 4 years of hell. And when he speaks, think of Bush and how he fought three wars (Middle East, the Media, and the Democrats) as you count the number of times Obama says "uh".

JR

Published by: Beth
Clinton, NJ USA 11/20/2008 02:08 AM EST

He is absolutely right. Obama's views are so extreme. Kill it before it's born or kill it after it's born! This is pathetic. A child should be safe within his mothers womb. The love of many has grown cold. I can not understand why so many will fight for the right to kill. Gods judgment for this immoral, infant killing nation has started and it will be apocalyptic.

Published by: Annie
Indian Wells, Ca 11/20/2008 01:59 AM EST

Be it economical ruin, or abundant prosperity... A society is nothing without its value for life. It then becomes, every man for himself; and the sacred responsibility to cherish life and all of its frailties; becomes a burned our star in the Universe.

God Bless you Cardinal Stafford.

Published by: chris duane
charlotte, nc 11/20/2008 01:59 AM EST

Obama agressive, disruptive and apacolyptic? Once again the Church reveals itself as an obstacle to human progress. Obama will stop war and diminish poverty. How many times did Christ address abortion? Never. When I gave up Catholicism 30 years ago, I feel certain I made the correct decision.

Published by: Walter
Israel, Palestine 11/20/2008 01:46 AM EST

I'd like to remind the good cardinal that there was a time when the Catholics were not in the mainstream of America. When the things that he is saying about Obama was said about them. Rum, Romanism. Lest we go back to those times.

Published by: American
UT 11/20/2008 01:45 AM EST

It's clear to me that Cardinal Stafford is the one who is disruptive and apocalyptic. What “extremist anti-life platform” is he referring to? Obama is not pro abortion. He is pro-choice which is a stance reflected in our current laws. The church has no place in government.

Published by: cadbury
boston, ma, usa 11/20/2008 01:44 AM EST

"The devil is indeed out of the bottle..."

Mr. Wynne is right about this! But historically the Church has played a major role in "his" release, from the Crusades to the Inquisition to its own complacency in the face of Hitler's evil reign and the US dropping the A-bomb on hundreds of thousands of Japanese civilians...not when the court ruled on Roe-v. Wade.

Published by: Ward
Harrison, NY, USA 11/20/2008 01:31 AM EST

As a Catholic, I am embarrassed by the double-standard that my fellow Catholics have toward the sanctity of life - pass laws to force others to lead a "good" life, while they don't lift a finger to help alleviate the poverty and suffering of their neighbors or their neighbors children after they're born. Christ told us to look at the plank in our own eye. We live in a democracy. We can't force our morals on others, but we have to do much more to help them.

Published by: Donnie
Sedalia Mo 11/20/2008 01:29 AM EST

Im Not Catholic But I Agree with him Human Life and Family Values is most importionvqbyv

Published by: joJo
Los Angeles 11/20/2008 01:27 AM EST

And to the "what would Jesus do" crowd: Jesus was not a pacifist wimp. He called teh jews in those days hypocrites, he wiped people, he told his apostles to be meek as doves, BUT CLEVER as snakes. St. Paul said that those who do not work should not eat. He said that people need to take care of their relatives, so that teh community does not have to (the community was only responsible for other CHRISTIAN widows and orphants, the trully needy). The Bible talks of heave and hell, both of which have heirarchies. There is NO EQUALITY in heaven or hell. In heaven, people get rewards based on works (though salvation is thru faith) and punishment in hell based on bad owrks. SO libs, do ou get it, equality is unnatural in God's JUST universe, etc. Get it, justice is based on deed! Equality is UNJUST because it rewards those who don't desrve and punished those who worked hard. Jesus was not a socialist or a commie. What would Jesus do? Wait and see, he will ride in as KING and kick some sinful as*.

Published by: JoJo
Los Angeles 11/20/2008 01:20 AM EST

It is about time the Catholic Church stepped up. It was starting to look to me like a dead church. With advances in medecine, abortion now a days is only a convenience that you will live to regret, never a necessity, NEVER. One day when when the woman who has had an abortion has a child that she want, when she goes to the pregnancy web sites that show the development of the baby, when she sees a heart beat at 5 weeks (3 weeks of gestation, before she even knows she is pregs) she will cry out in missety about her sin, murdr, her missing out. She will regret evey day murdering that precious little innocent baby for her convenience, not to save her life, wii\ch is carpola, but to save your way of life. You will cry and mourn and suffer. I suffer, I mourne, i know I am forgiven, but I know I killed my first child. You will one day do the same, if you actually commited the act of abortion/murder, and you will suffer. when you look at that first ultrasound, remember my words and most of all remember the words of the Bible, that God weaved us insde the woumb and knew us from inside the woumb. My mother was gracious enough not to abort me (though she was on her way) but I was not so gracious. God has forgiven me, but I will mourn for my baby until I see her in heaven. I never want to stop mourning. I want my baby to know her mother regrets destroying her precious beating heart, and I am sorry I never saw her smile.

Published by: Superpower
USA 11/20/2008 01:00 AM EST

Obama, nor ANY organized religion is to be trusted, as they tend to create most of the world's problems.

Published by: Herb
NY/NY/USA 11/20/2008 12:55 AM EST

The good cardinal ought to spend his time trying to save the souls of his pedophile priests. Otherwise he is just a voice in the wilderness.

Published by: sudmuf
Wilmer 11/20/2008 12:50 AM EST

Isn't it amazing how many people that have commented here hate the truth because of their own selfish self-centeredness.

Published by: Eva
Phoenix, AZ, USA 11/20/2008 12:40 AM EST

I am absolutely sure that the Cardinal will never have to worry where his health care is coming from, if he'll have money to pay his bills, if he'll be able to afford health care for his family.

Will he lose his job and his home?

Will his children go without?

I'm fortunate--I have a job, health care, can afford a Catholic (Jesuit run) education for my children where they're taught to care for and look after others, not to preach fire and brimstone from a gilded pulpit.

There are poor, hungry and marginalized people in this society. We've spent billions of dollars waging war. Is that the really the pro-life stance we want?

As I recall, Christ surrounded himself with the marginalized. I think he'd shake his head in sadness if he could see the palace where the Pope of his church resides.

Truly, it makes me sick inside.

Published by: Anne
Cupertino, CA., USA 11/20/2008 12:37 AM EST

To Toni above:
I don't think the problem is the Church interfering in government but the other way around. We confuse "legal" with "moral." A church should not be coerced by any government to give communion or marry. The standard is set by the church not by the government. That is what the Constitution guarantees.

Published by: Steve
Birmingham, AL, USA 11/20/2008 12:37 AM EST

As to the Cardinal's message: those who have ears, let them hear.

Published by: Jerry
Richardton, ND USA 11/20/2008 12:12 AM EST

2000 years ago, the ruling elite hated Jesus and his message so vehemently they put Him to death. Amazing to me that the message of speaking "about a decline in respect for human life and the need for Catholics to return to the values of marriage and human dignity" can be ignite the same kind of hate. Pretty much proves that Christ is still hated by the elite, even after all this time. If any politician does not "get" the basic sanctity of human life, how can you expect him to truly understand ANY issue that is important to you.

Published by: Randall Rathbun
Southern California 11/20/2008 12:04 AM EST

I agree with the Cardinal wholeheartedly and I appreciate that at least one church is standing up for what is right.

As a non-Catholic, we met at Aztec Stadium in San Diego to pray together as an all church event. I asked God to give me a prayer burden for the thing that hurt His heart the most. As the burden descended upon me, I discerned what it was and quickly asked God to rescind my prayer.

It was too late, an incredible grief like a heavy blanket came upon me and I wept very bitterly for the unborn who had their life terminated in the womb. At that point I realized how MUCH God loved human beings, each and every one of us. We are infinitely valuable to Him. I was completely astonished at how strongly God loved human beings. I cried and cried and cried, as I sensed how much God's heart was broken by the tragic killings, and I have not been the same ever since.

I had no idea that God loved us that much, especially these unborn ones.

Published by: Stacey
Overland Park, KS, USA 11/19/2008 11:47 PM EST

Rate: Regular

What happened to praying for our country and the leader of our country? What happened to "love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you". Lord have mercy...these sentiments are so unchristlike that I can't believe they came from a Catholic cardinal!

Published by: Edmund North
Chicago, illinois 11/19/2008 11:44 PM EST

Rate: Regular

The Church had its moment back in the 16th century when the sun was still rotating around the earth and they managed to torture and kill over two million people in the Inquisition.

Published by: chris Deliski
USA 11/19/2008 11:40 PM EST

Rate: Regular

What is this cardinals opinion on his fellow catholic priests who have been molesting boys for decades and his church leaders who have been covering it up? It's just interesting how Catholic leaders choose the topics they want to talk about.

Published by: Tim
Woodbury CT 11/19/2008 04:03 PM EST

The negative comments seem to be coming from people who do not want to take responsibility for their actions or themselves. It's easy to shoot the messenger, I pray the gun doesn,t backfire. Remember Christ was murdered for proclaiming the Good News!

Published by: Cresttwo
New York, NY 11/19/2008 03:35 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Cardinal, I'll be glad to listen to your sweeping moral judgments the day after you deliver over for criminal prosecution every last one of the bishops and cardinals who acted as accessories after the fact to child molesters, who were intentionally transferred around the country and to foreign ones as well to avoid prosecution and molest new children, whose parents were kept in the dark as to the dangers they were causing.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you or me aided dangerous felons like this, we would be in jail.
The nuns taught me back in the day that being a lying sanctimonious hypocrite was a mortal sin. Apparently, no longer.

Published by: The Crescat
USA 11/19/2008 03:33 PM EST

I am saddened to read that Catholics would weigh their pocket bockets as a more valued issue over that of life and dignity to the most vulnerable of humanity, the unborn baby.

How can anyone expect Obama to respect humanity and civilization and other aspects of "social conscience" when he has such little disregard for its basic tenants of right to life.

The Bible is unchanging, God's words & commandments for us are unchanging and so is The Church, the One True Faith founded by Christ is to be unchanging.

Published by: Marie
Atlanta 11/19/2008 01:25 PM EST

Rate: Regular

As a devote Catholic who looks to my faith as a basis for all my beliefs, I am appalled at the Cardinal. First and foremost, our church teaches acceptance, tolerance, and kindness to humanity. How can he at all look at himself by making such accusations of a man who is fighting for peace, taking action to take care of the poor, seeking fairness for immigrants? We have had eight years of your so called moral governing, and made no strides. Why don't we as a church look to the causes of unplanned pregnancy. I am not speaking of contraception, I am speaking of the true root cause. That and that alone will decrease abortions. Let us not forget that our President- elect’s opponent was an unfaithful spouse and later left his crippled wife for a younger one. Why don't we look at a man’s actions and not his words? The measure of a man's character is how he lives his life. Obama has spent his career in public service and doing it the right way. The judgment of this man and every other will be to one more powerful than I.

Published by: Mike
San Francisco Ca 11/19/2008 10:59 AM EST

I'm catholic. I have been since birth and I can honestly say that the Cardinal and people posting comments on here make me want to convert to anything but Catholicism. "catholic" means universal, not hateful and close minded. The bible's a book, that's all. It has good suggestions to live by, but also has terrible suggestions to live by. If we are to grow as a society we have to be more open minded and stop using fear as the only way to spread God's or Allah's, or any name for God's word.

Published by: 12 years of catholic school
smithtown ny 11/19/2008 01:02 AM EST

I am ashamed to be a catholic. I have never heard more ridiculous hate mongering than from the religous. Especially in this election. Remember the essence of the teachings of Christ. Oh I don't know, something about LOVE?

Published by: BD
Millstadt/IL/USA 11/19/2008 12:55 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

Geri,
As our previous Holy Father, John Paul the Great, stated, the Church does not "impose", but rather she "proposes". Our world has often not followed God's will and the natural law, and eventually humankind always suffers the negative consequences. "Eugenics" or development of a "pure" or "super" race was all the rage amongst the elites in the early 20th century. This helped to pave the way for Hitler's Third Reich and slaughter of millions of who the Nazis considered "defective". Also, to our brother from Australia, Francois, isn't it interesting that the first words you uttered were that the Cardinal and the Church are "digging their own graves". Let's hope you speak metaphor, and are not a prophet, given Pres. Elect Obama's call for a "national security force" that is not part of our military. Beware of secular false messiahs! And thank God for Cardinal Stafford and his courage and wisdom. May God bless him and our beloved Holy Father, Pope Benedict! Praised be Jesus Christ!

Published by: tom eiermann
Tinley park, IL 11/19/2008 12:16 AM EST

The Church's mission should be to teach, not legislate. Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's... You can't legislate morality;the Volstead Act proved that.
Also, being raised Catholic, I was taught humans had free will. Seems like "choice" to me. As a pro-choice Catholic, I pray they choose no abortion. And I gently turn the conversation in that direction.

Published by: Dennis Jacobelli
El Centro/CA/USA 11/18/2008 11:45 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

I lived through Humanae Vitae and the chaos that followed. The reason that the Church "failed" in guiding Her people was that Charles Curran theologian at Catholic University of America, on the very day the encyclical was released had a press conference on the steps of the university with a statement signed by other theologians dissenting from the encyclical. The Catholic Bishops in those days were novices with regards to publicity and using the press. They were no match for a well planned attack on the magisterium. What did the bishops do in response to Charles Curran? Nothing! They were silent. In fact groups of bishops from different countries agreed with Mr. Curran. With that kind of chaos, and lack of firm leadership the laity fell away from assent to the magisterium. And as Woman's Day magazine wrote two decades later, "when Catholic women realized that the Catholic Church could be wrong concerning birth control, they could be wrong about anything." The John Paul II bishops of today are trying to reverse the course of chaos of the past three decades. They are turning the Titanic and it takes some time to change course. When Bishop Maher of San Diego refused Lucy Killian communion in the late 80s, as she was a pro-choice Catholic politician, he was alone . Thank God he is not alone today. The problem is all those faithful that had their consciences formed incorrectly. I know because I lived through those times, and studied for the deaconate during those times.

Published by: Mike D
Wayne NJ 11/18/2008 10:02 PM EST

Rate: Good

Rev. Desmond you are correct, there is no room in the church for Barack Obama as long as he supports an intrisic evil. The Catholic Church teaches that Abortion is an intrinsic Evil and under no curcumstances can it support it. No Catholic who truly believes in Jesus and the church teachings can support him or the evil that he supports. Every one will be judged one day, we should all remember that and stand on the side of what is good not what is evil. The Cardinal has it right.

Published by: patti taylor
australia 11/18/2008 09:22 PM EST

Rate: Regular

I am a Catholic and an American currently living in Australia. I am sickened by the comments made by this supposed "man of God" Our country is facing economic problems not seen since the Great Depression. My sister and brother have both lost their jobs. People are loosing not only their jobs but their homes. I think that our new President elect needs our prayers, support and a commitment to assist at this time of crisis...and the Church needs to raise it's voice in its willingness to be a part of this effort. Shame on you for attempting to further divide a Nation that is on the brink of economic ruin!

Published by: Joaniep1
Rochester, NY 11/18/2008 09:05 PM EST

Rate: Regular

He who is not God should not speak for God. I had an abortion and while the decision was very difficult, it was a decision that saved my life and I have never regretted it. I have worked ever since to ensure that abortion remains safe and legal. God has guided me in this endeavor.

Published by: Cresta
Daly City, Ca 11/18/2008 08:47 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Just look at both pictures. One represent ancientness, stubbornness inability to accept the present. Just as it took them only 500 years to accept that earth rotate around the sun.
The other one represents the future and reality, not more lies, it represent openness and dialogue. That is what the U.S.A. spoke already in Nov. 4

Published by: MF (Frank) Jenninngs
Australia 11/18/2008 08:40 PM EST

Rate: Regular

I watched the newsreaders on CNN report on this story. Francis James - we are supposed to be "careful" when forwarding comments. Please explain "disruptive" and especially "Apocalyptic". These word could easily be quoted out of context: 18 November 2008

Published by: Sarah Jallop
Kansas City, MO 11/18/2008 08:32 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Yeah, 1968 was a bad year, alright. Not like those swinging 15th Century years, when we had the Inquisition. Dang it all, for the good ole days... Makes one nostalgic, don't it?

Published by: Art M.
San Francisco, CA 11/18/2008 08:29 PM EST

Rate: Regular

If Catholics would divest all of the property and churches and artwork and devote those funds into caring for the homeless, sick, needy and hungry of the world - those problems could be solved instead of being treated in the haphazard fashion they are. BUT NO - hypocritical Catholics would rather see $1,000 bottles of champagne being poured to celebrate the new Pope being chosen. "FOR WHATSOEVER YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF MY BRETHREN, SO YOU DO UNTO ME". Oh, and let's not forget, "JUDGE NOT LEST YE BE JUDGED." Lest you forget. You Catholics seem to have a propensity to forget those things. I wonder why?

Published by: Tony
Kalamazoo, MI 11/18/2008 07:57 PM EST

Rate: Regular

When the Catholic Church pays tax I'll start considering their opinion. Otherwise, they can stay out of our secular government.

Published by: Jenna
Florida/USA 11/18/2008 05:12 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

I'm so glad that the Cardinal is unafraid to confront the decay of our society and those who champion it.

I will say that the word "apocalyptic" stood out to me. That's an intriguing and weighty word, especially coming from the Church. I wonder if he meant that literally or metaphorically.

Published by: FRANCOIS jENNINGS
Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia 11/18/2008 04:37 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Why does the clergy of the catholic church keep digging their and the church's graves?
The world changed on 4 November MMVIII - and changed for the better. The election of Barack Husein Obama HAS created a great tide of optimism and hope. LIFE IS GREAT! This will result in a better world for the vast majority of humanity.

Published by: Joanne M. OHaver
Slinger, WI , USA 11/18/2008 12:12 PM EST

Rate: Good

Praised be Jesus Christ: now and forever, amen. Cardinal, the Light of the world and His wisdom came forth from your lips; & now NOR has informed us of your words. I will pray that you, Cardinal, continue to grow in wisdom, courage, strength, and holy boldness. I marv el at God's creation. Blessings to you!

Published by: Jeff Wynne
Quakertown, PA 11/18/2008 11:11 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

Thank you, Cardinal Stafford, for your no-nonsense assessment of the state of our nation on life issues. The devil is indeed out of the bottle, but God's Will will triumph as absolute certainty.

Published by: alan fava
The Woodlands, Texas 11/18/2008 10:35 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

Assuming Miss Gallagher is Catholic, she exemplifies post V2 Catholic thinking that has resulted in the disappearence of the "Catholic vote." This is vivid testimony to the almost complete failure of parish priests and their bishops to take seriously their teaching responsibility to their flocks.

Published by: Rev. Desmond Daly
Tampa, FL, US 11/18/2008 09:43 AM EST

Rate: Regular

In all good faith, I just cannot accept the rank negativity of these posts. Is there even one member of Legatus who is able to see even the smallest amount of good in Barak Obama. It is now very obvious to me that Democrats are just not welcome in the organization.

Published by: anon
Vienna, Va. 11/18/2008 09:20 AM EST

Rate: Good

17th century? No, try 13th - much better.

Published by: Charles Molineaux
McLean, Virginia, USA 11/18/2008 09:16 AM EST

Rate: Good

This is the first candid and blunt comment from an American churchman since the election. It's also courageous.

Published by: RD
Dallas, TX 11/18/2008 09:11 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

'no matter how hard the Church tries to force people to not use contraception . . .'

Did Christ ever 'try to force' anyone to accept His teaching? No, but He repeatedly points out that whoever has ears to hear ought to hear. The same with the Church. For gain or loss, the choice is ours.

Published by: peter anderson
england uk 11/18/2008 09:04 AM EST

God Help the World Please give Mankind one more CHANCE

Published by: KJ
Dallas 11/18/2008 09:01 AM EST

Rate: Excellent

Geri,

I didn't realize that the ten commandments and Jesus' teachings had an expiration date in the 17th century. Last time I checked, until He reappears, we are supposed to be living by His teachings. I don't find one passage in the Bible that allows humans to "modify" Christ's teachings to better fit modern times.

Face it, WE are the ones who need to change, not the teachings of Christ. It's ridiculous to say that because contraception is available, The Church needs to stop trying to tell people not to use it. Pornography is also available, should the Church allow it? People murder, should we stop teaching that is wrong, too?? Just because something is popular or available, that does not make it right. What kind of a church would alter its beliefs on every whim and changing tide?? Christ was the most unpopular person to the Romans, and He never once altered His.

Published by: Fr.D
South Africa 11/18/2008 08:56 AM EST

Rate: Good

One can only wonder where the venerable Cardinal has been for the last eight years.

Published by: Sheryl Temaat
Monument, CO 11/18/2008 08:50 AM EST

Imagine a society so wealthy that "Catholics" cannot find room for the children God intends them to have. The ones who will fail are the contraceptive users. They will fail to enter eternal life.

Published by: Phil Osopher
Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA 11/18/2008 08:35 AM EST

Responsing to Geri Gallagher:

Good is Good even when no one is doing it. Evil is Evil even when everyone is doing it.

Published by: Cathguy
USA 11/18/2008 08:35 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

The Cardinal's words are as prophetic as Humane Vitae itself. Geri Gallagher is a very confused, angry, and sad person. Just look at the data. Widespread use of contraceptives have led to an increase in abortions, a massive increase in the divorce rate, and a total redefinition of the nature of marriage.

These "advances" have been horrible for women. The pill causes increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Women die because of chemical contraceptives every year. Abortion is hardly safe as well, with mental and physical health risks for women.

Why is it so many are so ignorant?

Published by: Christopher Cummings
Washington, D.C. 11/18/2008 08:33 AM EST

For an age called "modern" or even "post modern" this era certainly feels like "dark ages" would be a better description. Cardinal Stafford is correct and Americans need to re-learn that God is to be worshipped, not pleasure.

Published by: D. V. M.
Woodside, New York 11/18/2008 08:25 AM EST

Thank you, Cardinal Staffford, for your fidelity to the teachings of Jesus.

Geri, I agree, it is impossible for us humans, to go against our fallen nature. Only with God's help, can it be possible to obey all that God commands esp. in matters of human sexuality.

Published by: J.J. Hidwell
North Dakota 11/18/2008 08:09 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

Thank you Cardinal Stafford for expressing the emotions and thoughts that many of us have in these post election days. May the Cardinal be consoled in the aftermath of hate that will come his way because he has had the courage to share the truth of Christ in love.

Published by: Janet Baker
Chicago 11/18/2008 07:56 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

We have killed fifty million new consumers since 1973. Fifty million cars buyers. Fifty million house buyers. We cannot recover, as the experts keep pointing out, without a resurgance of demand--and yet they will now even more aggressively kill the birds that lay the golden eggs. Not a return to old-fashioned mores, but common sense. It is not green to even contracept, let alone kill humans. It is the killers who are old-fashioned.

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 11/18/2008 07:45 AM EST

I'm not sure Mary's loving mother protection will continue for America now that we have murdered 50 million of our own children and intend as a nation to increase the spread of death here and abroad under the new administration. Abortion and infanticide are not contraception. Our 'base knowledge' of how to kill innocent human life has grown immensely--progress?

Published by: Linda Robinson
Lake Charles, LA USA 11/18/2008 06:30 AM EST

To Geri: Once you have outlived your "usefulness" to the Marxist state, you will perhaps wish the Geni were back in the bottle.

Published by: G. De Feo
Brooklyn, NY, USA 11/18/2008 03:12 AM EST

Americans born here want it both ways: hate all the illegals and abort children in the womb with impunity. So, who were working all the jobs no one else wanted when the economy here was doing well? And if we include contraception in the figuring, there were millions more children who were never born. Maybe now people see that it isn't merely a choice between a woman and her body, but that as we are a society her decision taken along with millions of other women who are like-minded has societal repercussions.

Published by: Al
The Villages/Fl/USA 11/17/2008 11:08 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

The genie may be out of the bottle as Geri says but that's an indication of the decline of this country, not a measure of the truth in Church Teaching. San Francisco reminds me of Sodom and Gemorah (?) and the decline in morality in this country does not bode well for us. May God have mercy on our souls and give us the courage to return to the Traditional American and Catholic Values. 17th century base of knowledge? Christ shows us the way and that was 2000 years ago. This democracy can not endure without an informed and diciplined (moral) citizenry.

Published by: Augustine
Oshkosh, Wis. 11/17/2008 10:47 PM EST

Rate: Regular

The invasion of Iraq with false casus belli has devastated the ancient Christian communities of the entire Middle East; the Holy Land is in chaos. The November defeat is also a judgment on the Republican party for the above. His Eminence does not speak for the Catholic Churc.

Published by: Jairo Castillo
Canovanas, PR 11/17/2008 08:46 PM EST

Catholics sometimes forget that when the Magisterium of the Church speaks of a specific moral or teology topic, it is God whose speaking. If we as a catholics are not faithful with our mind (reason) and soul to the Church teachings, we are not being faithful to God. My wife stop using contraceptives after I read the Enciclical Humanae Vitae by Pope Paul VI. Reason and Faith is not a contradiction, on the contrary, Pride (Arrogance) and Faith do not mix...

Published by: ck
na 11/17/2008 08:43 PM EST

Geri, statistics, wikipedia - shows that a couple using contraceptives increases the chances of divorce. NFP couples have lower rate divorces, and child spacing are more effective than artificial birth control. Artificial BC is going 'against' the man/woman's body.. and is the beginning of coarsening the marital embrace which is meant to be a total self-giving in body and soul of the couple. The period of abstinence in NFP also paves the way for the couple to improve their communication and find intimacy and bonding on other things that is not sexual. Trust God's ways - not in man!

Published by: Manny
USA 11/17/2008 08:17 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

As sad and shameful as it be, we have to admit that the once magnificent and glorious Democratic Party, with a long tradition for the dignity or the human being; is no longer in existence. It has been kidnapped by a drove of soulless humanists the like of which have always written the most somber, shady pages of human history.
Cardinal James Francis Stafford, your words may tragically come to be prophetic.
May God Bless America!

Published by: Baby Rose
IL USA 11/17/2008 07:38 PM EST

Success of the Church's message on contraception is not measured by how many listen & follow it, but rather by the Church's faithfulness to proclaim Gospel Truth, as Mother Teresa would say!
* Success is in staying faithful to the message.

Published by: Bezwaar
London 11/17/2008 07:27 PM EST

Geri, the Church wants Americans to have common sense and an understanding of self-control and responsibility. Many people possess these virtues but at the same time many do not.

It'll be interesting to see how events play out over the next four years. One thing for sure is that the Church thrives in the face of adversity. Obama may unwittingly be just the ticket needed for a stronger fightback against an increasingly morally bankrupt society. We'll see :)

Published by: Gianna
st louis/mo/usa 11/17/2008 05:54 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

Thanks to Cardinal Stafford!!!!!!!!!!!

Prayers!

Published by: Jack
NY 11/17/2008 05:53 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

The title alone for this article explains things as they are.

Published by: Geri Gallagher
King of Prussia PA 11/17/2008 04:27 PM EST

Rate: Regular

The Church will spew a strong message of fire and brimstone in the next four years. With the Dems in control of the Executive and Legislative Branches, Title X funding will be increased helping millions obtain info and access to contraceptive care. The Church wants Americans to go back to a 17th Century base of knowledge. The Genie is out of the bottle and no matter how hard the Church tries to force people to not use contraception, they will fail.

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