Polish bishops warn Catholic politicians that abortion support risks excommunication

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Comments: 9

Fr. Andrzej Rebacz

Warsaw, Poland, Sep 6, 2009 / 06:10 pm (CNA).- The Catholic bishops of Poland have issued a document on the value of healthy families and pro-family policies. At one point, they clearly warn Catholic politicians that they risk excommunication if they voice support for or acceptance of abortion.

The 100-page document, titled “To Serve the Truth about Marriage and Family,” is a compilation of Catholic doctrine on the value of family life. It was drafted by the bishops’ Council for Family Issues. Polskie Radio reports that the document discusses the duties of society towards the family as a crucial, fundamental part of a healthy society.

Discussing the duties of Catholic politicians specifically, the document said it is “absolutely not true” that a politician or government member “has to, or can, act against his conscience.”

“When it comes to God's law, everybody is equal, politicians included,” the Polish bishops said.

The bishops said that anyone who publicly contradicts fundamental moral values, such as the commandment “Thou Shall Not Kill,” by voicing support or acceptance of abortion should be immediately excommunicated, Polskie Radio says.

Fr. Andrzej Rebacz, head of the bishops’ Council for Family Affairs and the National Chaplain for Families, commented on the document. He cited Pope John Paul II’s warning about “very strong, organized attacks on marriage and the family” and said these attacks could destroy the “Christian spirit” of Europe.

“These attacks include promotion of sex education at schools,” he added. “We have to remember who was the first to introduce the idea of sex education.”

Fr. Rebacz charged that sex education was developed by the Hungarian György Lukács, whom he described as a “communist ideologue.” The priest said Lukács thought promiscuity was the best method to fight the institution of marriage, “in order to fight Christianity.”

Last year Polish Health Minister Ewa Kopacz, a self-described Catholic, was reported to have arranged an abortion for a 14-year-old. Catholic groups protested and brought up the question of whether she should be excommunicated.

Comments: 9

Subscriber comments:

Published by: James Dominick
Blackstone, MA US 09/10/2009 08:30 AM EST

Thank God for the Polish Bishops. They have given me some consolation since the funeral. I feel like a sheep in a flock that has no shepard because my fellow sheep are going wherever they want and there is no shepard to carry them back to the flock. The Polish Bishops have shown us the truth and not a lie. There should not have been any funeral because Senator Kennedy excommunicated himself the same as the other catholic pro abotion politicians. They are no longer catholics. In order to come back they must publicaly renounce their positions. Any priest who knowingly gives them communion commits a sacrilidge. We certainly must pray for our priests and bihops. No wonder why so many priests don't follow the ruberics. They know the bishops will not do anything.

Published by: Michael
España 09/09/2009 11:41 AM EST

I wish all the Bishops would speak out,but many are the libreal coat and some even don´t believe about God. many should resign....well all I can say Viva Poland..

Published by: Bill
Gladwin, MI 09/08/2009 03:14 PM EST

anybody hear from our bishops or are they still in hiding from Ted Kennedy's funeral????

Published by: carl
charlotte, NC 09/07/2009 09:26 PM EST

It's good to see that there is at least one country in the west whose bishops are sane.

Published by: Frankly Speaking
Phoenix,AZ, USA 09/07/2009 08:51 PM EST

Would that the USCCB had the leadership and the fortitude to communicate to our "Catholic" politicians in the same way.

Published by: Ray Michaels
Cleveland, TN USA 09/07/2009 06:25 PM EST

What remarkable courage. Would that our bishops had shown the same courage of convictions, and fear of God rather than man, re: the Kennedy funeral. We can thank God that some national bishops' organizations remain faithful and an example to the faithful.

Published by: Andrew Nelson
Columbia, SC USA 09/07/2009 05:42 PM EST

The U.S. bishops could learn from their Polish colleagues. Not excommunicating these persistent & obstinate Catholic politicians with regards to abortion brings scandal to the Church. Compassion without consequences, mercy without justice, there is a time for both. And the compassion & mercy have long run their course. The consequences & justice are way past due.

Published by: Robert Lockwood
Lafayette, CA 09/07/2009 11:19 AM EST

It is interesting that it takes Bishops from a foreign country to give proper instruction to the U.S. politicians. Where are OUR Bishops?

Published by: Ken Grabowski
Hillsboro Or 09/06/2009 08:58 PM EST

God Bless we need you here in the USA keep up the good work thank you. Ken

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