They are trying to get Kerry on the abortion flap...saying he shouldn't

[glarius]

take communion. I'm Catholic, and if I'm correct, can't Kerry say that he personally may be against abortion as a Catholic, but as a politician he must vote what most of his constituents are for?.....Doesn't that get him off the hook?.....I mean isn't that similar to John Kennedy saying as president of the United States, the Vatican would have no say in his government?....It worked for Kennedy!

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. they do not want a separation of Church and

State, got it now?

[glarius]

5. I don't know what you mean?

I'm saying this is a way Kerry can answer the ones who are trying to descredit him as a Catholic....

[Tina H]

2. It seems like it is up to the Catholic Church . . .

they are not a very democratic organization, so our opinions on what their policy should be probably don't mean much to them, for better or worse.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

3. don't worry then

If it's up to the Curia in Rome, they'll release a position 15 years from now-and that's fast for them.

[Tina H]

9. I don't know. . .

they have been pretty quick on the Iraq War and on criminal deathsentences.

[LynzM]

4. Yeah, I pointed that out the other day

That as a politician, he can say whatever he wants as his personal beliefs, but must represent his constituents. Friend of mine tried to call him on being catholic but not 'pro-life' and I asked if that was his personal view, or the legislation he would support. She didn't know?

[adadem]

6. But it is

ok for the warmongers who kill millions of innocent civilians to take communion. OK makes sense.

[Tina H]

21. Bush is not allowed to take communion in the Catholic Church.

Because he is not Catholic. That is another one of the Church's rules. Even though the enforcement of the rule is kind of spotty, Bush should and almost certainly would be denied communion because of his high profile, and quite possibly for other reasons as well.

[JVS]

22. I remember a big tiff when Clinton took communion at an RC church

[Imalittleteapot]

7. When Kennedy was running the big flap was

that we can't trust him to be President because he's Catholic and must take orders from the Pope. Now the yahoos object to Kerry because the Catholic Church doesn't want to give him communion. Kerry is following the U.S. Constitution which gives women the right to choose. So which is it? The Constitution or the Church?

[prole_for_peace]

8. it worked for Kennedy but ...

there was no question of abortion back then since it was before Roe v. Wade. and there wasn't all this "moral majority (s/b minority) crap either. i don't think a candidate's faith was as big a deal as some seem to make it today.

also, if the bishops and priests want to deny communion to people and policitians (not always one and the same) who support a woman's right to choose, what about supporters of the death penalty or the war in iraq? The vatican has come down as against both of those.

[glarius]

10. I think his Catholicness was a big thing then, but he handled it by saying

what I posted in my original thread....

[On the Road]

11. Here's a Perfect Response:

"The Catholic Churh is officially against the death penalty as well. Every Catholic voter or legislator who supports the death penalty is doing exactly the same thing Kerry is being charged with."

Ditto for the War in Iraq. The Vatican is against that too.

[glarius]

17. Excellent!!!!

I agree!!!!!!

[Monte Carlo]

12. This JFK isn't enough a tool of the Vatican, apparently...

Damned if you are, damned if you aren't. I guess its a sign of the times.

[sadiesworld]

13. As IF most Catholics listen to the Vatican.

Birth control? Never use the stuff...yeah, that's the ticket.

[jjs]

15. $$$$

It all boils down to greed for the school vouchers and faith-based initiative money. You never hear anything about the death penalty or the pope's opposition to the war anymore. Like I wasn't feeling guilty enough for being a Catholic.

[newyawker99]

26. Hi jjs!!

Welcome to DU!!

[Feanorcurufinwe]

14. The Pope is one of the most evil men on Earth.

This is a man who travels to 3rd world countries, preaches to massive crowds -- many of whom believe he speaks for God -- and tells them that birth control is wrong.

[jjs]

16. ?

Everyone knows only Bush speaks for/to God. Well, except for maybe the Attorney General, Crisco Kid.

[Monte Carlo]

18. Now, now, now...

... that is not true. The Pope and the Catholics have their problems, but evil he is not. The church during his reign has still accomplished much good in that time.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

19. I'm sure he has the best of intentions. n/t

[beyurslf]

20. Does Rudy Guliani get included in this?

He is divorced, BTW.

[DaveSZ]

23. The Fundies hate Catholics and think they should burn in hell

I'd take Kerry over them.

[bluedog]

24. Barbara Bush Quote:::

For me, abortion is a personal issue - between the mother, father and doctor.... Abortion is not a presidential matter."

--Barbara P. Bush, from her autobiography "Barbara Bush: A Memoir"

[yellowcanine]

25. Rick Santorum supported pro choice Specter against an

anti abortion candidate. Shouldn't the Catholic Bishops in PA threaten to deny him communion?