So, here's the risk the Catholic bishops are taking (IMHO)

[Siwsan]

If, as I've read, over 90% of Catholic females of child bearing age are using birth control, or even a number close to that, I would assume their husbands/partners are aware of it. So, they must not have a problem with 'artificial' birth control.

That being so, this issue wouldn't persuade RC adults to vote against President Obama. After all, they aren't paying much obedience to their church when it comes to this major issue.

So, if President Obama gets re-elected with a sizable Catholic vote, the church will lose an astronomical amount of face, authority and credibility because they obviously have little influence over their so-called flock.

[Angry Dragon]

1. It amazes me how a church based on love

rules with an iron fist
If you do not love me, get the hell out of here ......... true love

[Raven]

2. Agree! It will underline the fact that

we Catholics pay no attention to the bishops especially when it comes to things relating to sex.

[Icicle]

3. This is the "Inquisition Wing"

This is the "Inquisition Wing" of the church flexing its muscle. They haven't had much good news since Cheney went into hiding, so now they are frothing at the mouth.

[TheMadMonk]

6. Indeed. WTF he slither off to? /nt

[Ilsa]

4. And this means an additional $600-1,200 a year

for women falling into the category of religiously-affiliated employers. I think it's a win for Obama.

[customerserviceguy]

5. It's a delicate dance

Everything you wrote is true, Catholics do privately pay lip service to a lot of what their church tells them to do. But the President is going to have to be careful to avoid openly dissing the bishops in a way that will incite a Catholic backlash.

Here's the problem: While Catholics like to pick and choose what they believe/follow, they are still filled with guilt about it. Most would never tell another Catholic to break any rules, and nearly none would tell the RCC organizations how to run their businesses when it comes to interpreting the rules. They actually think that these structures of their church are somehow "better" than they are, and have the right to make up sanctimonious shit.

It's one of the thousand reasons I'm no longer Catholic.