Mexico City Policy reversal a ‘betrayal,’ Catholic University president says

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Comments: 14

Fr. David O'Connell

Washington D.C., Feb 2, 2009 / 06:28 pm (CNA).- Fr. David M. O’Connell, President of Catholic University of America, has criticized President Barack Obama’s decision to fund overseas organizations that perform and promote abortions, calling the decision a “disappointment and even a betrayal.”

He also suggested the president is certainly going to get a “fight” from Catholics over his support for abortion.

President Obama lifted the Mexico City Policy on Jan. 23, which had been implemented by President George W. Bush at the start of his presidency.

“I don’t think President Obama is looking for a fight but I think he’s certainly going to get one as he wiggles away from issues that are very important to the Church,” Fr. O’Connell said in remarks published by Fox News on Jan. 28.

“I’m sure for many Catholics who supported Obama because they believed in his words to do everything he could to reduce abortions,” he continued. “This comes as a disappointment, and even a betrayal to some.”

Fr. O’Connell also named as matters of concern President Obama’s support for embryonic stem cell research and disagreement with Proposition 8, California’s successful ballot measure which overturned a same-sex “marriage” court decision.

“The Church holds these issues as very significant and very consequential and the church is going after the president, not because he’s the president or because it’s the United States, but because it believes any government system that support issues that are contrary to its core beliefs are dangerous,” he told Fox News. “Because the beliefs are rooted in good for all of humanity, not just the Catholic Church.”

Comments: 14

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Donald Mirate
Valdosta/GA/USA 02/03/2009 09:39 PM EST

Calling Obama's actions a "betrayal" is pure ignorance. His record on abortion was crystal clear prior to the election. He has betrayed no one. He is merely acting on his declared convictions.

Published by: Joe
West Virginia 02/03/2009 07:49 PM EST

“Disappointment and even a betrayal.”

Umm, it didn't come as a disappointment to me or a betrayal. He did exactly what he said he would do!

The "Chino's" (CHatholic In Name Only) of the world fell for the charm and the smooth talk, and completely ignored his anti-christian friends and rhetoric coupled with his defense of infanticide.

Satan is good folks, real good at hiding is intentions to those who put their faith in government rather than in God.

How do you like Obama's "change" now?

Published by: Charles E Blythe
Dallas Tex, USA 02/03/2009 06:06 PM EST

I dont know where these
Catholics were during the campaign as Obama
did exactly what he said he would on the Mexico
Policy. I ran into many
Catholics who thought that Obama had a Catholic
believe on abortion. How in the world they
would even think that
I come most conservatives heard what he really said
not what Liberals were
hoping he was saying

Published by: Harriet
NEPTUNE BEACH FL USA 02/03/2009 04:07 PM EST

It's always great to hear bishops and priests speak out on Pres. Obama's anti-life positions but it is so discouraging to know the number of catholics who put economic issues before Life issues in casting their vote. Too bad they aren't getting what they asked for in regard to the economy!!!

Published by: HOPE F.
VA/USA 02/03/2009 03:59 PM EST

I honestly don't understand Fr. O'Connell's surprise or disappointment. I agree with Ron Pichlik! We knew what Obama stood for -- Free Choice on Abortions for ALL..paid for by taxpayers even - so if Fr. voted for him, along with millions of other Catholics, isn't it a bit late to be putting up a fight?! DUH, we are getting what he promised. AND there is more immorality to come!

Published by: Ray
Long Branch NJ USA 02/03/2009 11:24 AM EST

Over half of America has sold her soul in this past election and handed it to a false prophet, Obama. We must work hard to do the right thing, speak the truth and do the right thing always.

Published by: Rose
IL 02/03/2009 02:11 AM EST

Another chance!!! LOOK

Support the Mexico City Policy in the U.S. House
Jan.28,2009

Just a few days ago, I had the misfortune of telling you that President Obama had signed an executive order rescinding the pro-life Mexico City Policy.

Today an amendment to reinstate the Pro-Life Mexico City Policy, introduced by Senator Mel Martinez of Florida, was defeated in the Senate.

Despite these bitter defeats, *hope still remains to keep the Mexico City Policy as the law of our land.

Thanks to great pro-life Congressmen, like Chris Smith (R-NJ) and James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) we have the chance to pass a Mexico City Policy bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. !!!

The Mexico City Policy, which President Bush enacted on his first day in office, was originally established by President Reagan to keep your money from overseas abortion providers.

Please write to your Representative now and tell Congress to support our pro-life heroes as they fight for Life in Congress.

President Obama has already spoken on the Mexico City Policy and we had no voice. Now we have the opportunity to support the Mexico City Policy through the legislative process.

Let your voice be heard in the democratic process and take a legislative stand against President Obama and his pro-abortion policies!

For Life,

Marjorie Dannenfelser
Susan B. Anthony List President

Published by: Robert Lockwood
Lafayette, CA 02/03/2009 01:07 AM EST

Really now, just what did these people expect from the most anti-catholic president ever. Obama said all along what his position was so what is the surprise? Betrayal? We are getting cabinet heads appointed who do not pay their taxes and are voted out out of office just like anyone with common sense knew we would.

Published by: Markus
Lexington 02/02/2009 09:52 PM EST

Thank you Fr. David M. O’Connell for your clear and open words. We need to stand united against the loss of ethics and must not succumb to inhuman indoctrination.

Published by: howdy
Ca 02/02/2009 09:22 PM EST

this should be standard practice for all our religous. Our joy when we hear of one who speaks up is telling...

Published by: Dan Deeny
Kirksville, MO, USA 02/02/2009 08:06 PM EST

Fr. O'Connell says "the Church is going after Pres. Obama." Why? Pres. Obama is not a Catholic. Why isn't the Church "going after" the Catholics who support the abortion business?

Published by: Dave Saunders
Palm Beach, FL 02/02/2009 07:47 PM EST

It's interesting to hear former polygamists (Mormons) allied with hopefully former supporters of pedophiles (some our hierarchy) pontificate about the sanctity of marriage and to use the donations of their faithful to intervene in politics. "Render therefore unto Caesar, etc." - no Catholic or Mormon can be forced to consecrate marriages with which they disagree; neither should Catholic or Mormon prelates dictate which state-sanctioned civil contracts should obtain in a free, pluralistic country. Of course that is the root problem: neither Church really ever supported "free and pluralistic" anything.

Published by: Ron Pichlik
Battle Creek, MI USA 02/02/2009 07:03 PM EST

With all due respect to the Father's opinions I think he's being far too charitable with the Catholics that voted for Obama. Obama's position and views had been vetted quite well. With a minimal amount of effort one was able to discover Obama's intention to overturn the Mexico City policy, to permit military hospitals to perform abortions as well as his infamous promise to Planned Parenthood to endorse and sign the Freedom of Choice Act,(FOCA). His record was known; in Illinois he couldn't even bring himself to support a bill that would have criminalized denying food and medicine to an infant that managed to survive an abortion. His record, as well as his intentions were painfully clear. Equally clear was the decision of a large number of Catholic Americans who voted to permit this abomination not only continue but to spread. It is way past time for all the Bishops in this country to start being absolutely clear and direct on this topic; deny communion to politicians who continue to support and endorse abortion; publicly chastise and rebuke those politicians, (ala Pelosi and Biden), who publicly and intentionally misrepresent Catholic teachings. AND, most importantly, present to the laity teaching that is concise, simple, direct and leaves no wiggle room for Catholic to straddle the fence; make them get off the fence on one side or the other.

Published by: Kathy
Chicago 02/02/2009 06:36 PM EST

Hooray!

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