Secular Franciscan and Pro-Choice???
I often read other blogs, with particular attention paid recently to ones associated with the Secular Franciscans.
The vast majority of the SFO blogs are pro-life. Most say they cannot vote for Obama because of his position on abortion. A few do support Obama, but tend to skirt the abortion issue. I can see why they support him - especially given the policies of the Bush administration, and some of Obama's stances on other issues, but the blatant support for abortion overshadows his other positions in my mind,
However, one blog that I've actually read off and on for a while not only openly supports Obama, but the blogger said, when asked how he could support such a staunchly pro-choice candidate, that not only did he do so, but that he himself is pro-choice.
I was surprised - and saddened.
He defended his position. I posted a response.
"I am simply reminding you that the Church teaches abortion is always morally wrong - a non-negotiable. Thus it is questionable that one can claim to be a faithful Catholic and pro-choice. It is at the least an issue to be discussed with one's confessor.
Moreover, the Pope and the bishops have pointed out that in assessing candidates, abortion outweighs other important issues.
Finally, the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order states: They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.
Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialogue of apostolic effectiveness and creativity." (Chapter II The Way of Life, 6)
It hardly seems to me that openly countering a non-negotiable teaching of the Church by declaring oneself pro-choice is a way to live out the Rule, to be a witness of the Church, or to be in full communion with the pope and the bishops who have been very clear in their pronouncements on this issue.
I am saddened by this, and concerned for you."
I simply cannot imagine one being a Secular Franciscan yet being pro-choice and going against a clear teaching of the Church. That seems so antithetical to the spirit of St. Francis.
The vast majority of the SFO blogs are pro-life. Most say they cannot vote for Obama because of his position on abortion. A few do support Obama, but tend to skirt the abortion issue. I can see why they support him - especially given the policies of the Bush administration, and some of Obama's stances on other issues, but the blatant support for abortion overshadows his other positions in my mind,
However, one blog that I've actually read off and on for a while not only openly supports Obama, but the blogger said, when asked how he could support such a staunchly pro-choice candidate, that not only did he do so, but that he himself is pro-choice.
I was surprised - and saddened.
He defended his position. I posted a response.
"I am simply reminding you that the Church teaches abortion is always morally wrong - a non-negotiable. Thus it is questionable that one can claim to be a faithful Catholic and pro-choice. It is at the least an issue to be discussed with one's confessor.
Moreover, the Pope and the bishops have pointed out that in assessing candidates, abortion outweighs other important issues.
Finally, the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order states: They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.
Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialogue of apostolic effectiveness and creativity." (Chapter II The Way of Life, 6)
It hardly seems to me that openly countering a non-negotiable teaching of the Church by declaring oneself pro-choice is a way to live out the Rule, to be a witness of the Church, or to be in full communion with the pope and the bishops who have been very clear in their pronouncements on this issue.
I am saddened by this, and concerned for you."
I simply cannot imagine one being a Secular Franciscan yet being pro-choice and going against a clear teaching of the Church. That seems so antithetical to the spirit of St. Francis.
posted by A Secular Franciscan | 5:27 PM
1 Comments:
Thanks for being a loyal SFO!
http://www.sanpadrepio.com/piolife.htm
St. Padre Pio, Humanae Vitae, and Mandatory Abortion
St. Pio defended the controversial encyclical, praising its “lofty teachings” and “eternal truths.”
An aspect of the document often overlooked today is its grim warning that governments might “impose” contraceptive methods on citizens.
In the light of the Humanae Vitae’s other accurate predictions,
are mandatory birth control and abortion on the horizon for America?
by Frank M. Rega, S.F.O.
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