Debate on politics document continues; cardinal criticizes Democrats

Published: 2007-11-19

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Judging from some of the early reaction to the U.S. bishops' "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," debate about the more than 10,000-word document on political responsibility overwhelmingly approved by the bishops Nov. 14 is far from over. Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston drew national attention when he told The Boston Globe daily newspaper after the vote that the Democratic Party "has been extremely insensitive to the church's position, on the Gospel of life in particular, and on other moral issues." He said the document, considered by the bishops every four years since 1976, was clearer than earlier versions about the importance issues such as abortion and euthanasia have over other political issues with lesser moral weight. But others say the document is not strong enough in condemning Catholic politicians who take positions contrary to the church on abortion, embryonic stem-cell research and other life issues. Judie Brown, president of the American Life League, told LifeSiteNews.com that the bishops "failed to say anything about pro-abortion politicians who are Catholic and the obligation that they as bishops have to deny holy Communion (to those politicians) and I am terribly distraught about that."

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