Washington D.C., Apr 22, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Two days prior to a pro-choice march that is expected to draw one million people to Washington D.C. democratic presidential candidate Senator John Kerry confirmed abortion rights as a major focus of his presidential campaign.
"I believe that in the year 2004 we deserve a president who understands that a stronger America is where women's rights are just that, rights, not political weapons to be used by politicians of this nation," said Kerry, stating his support for Sunday’s march.
His comments come on the same day of Cardinal Francis Arinze’s reiteration that any Catholic in support of abortion may not receive Communion.
Cardinal Arinze reafirmed the Church’s teaching in response to a journalist’s question at a press conference in which he presented the Vatican document "Redemptionis Sacramentum”, regarding the celebration of the Eucharist.
Judy Brown, president of the American Life League, criticised Kerry´s position of being personally opposed to abortion while supporting abortion rights as hypocritical. "There is no such thing in the Catholic Church as personal morality. There's only right and wrong," she said. Kerry has said that he would nominate only Supreme Court justices who support abortion.
The pro-choice march will be attended by Pro-choice America, the Planned Parenthood Federation – which today endorsed Kerry -, other pro-abortion groups and individuals.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA