While Mr. Kirschke does not spell out his political issues, he leaves little doubt he’s talking about abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research using human embryos. These are not political issues; they are moral issues.
As a Catholic, I believe the clergy and religious are doing what they’re supposed to do — teach. They are explaining to all Catholics, politicians included, why these issues are not political, but moral. And at the core of these lessons is the difference between “I am a Catholic” and “I am a Catholic, but …” The message is blunt and to the point — no “buts” are allowed when you say, “I’m a Catholic.” Any added conditions to the response ring hollow.
Whether it be a parish priest, religious brother or sister, abbot or bishop, each teaches “… there is no choice when you profess your Catholicity.” If you support abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research using human embryos, you are supporting the destruction of human life.
Catholic clergy and religious personnel are only echoing God the father when he gave Moses the Ten Commandments atop Mount Sinai centuries ago. The Fifth Commandment is what’s relevant here: Thou shall not kill. According to church teachings, a faithful Catholic cannot be “in communion” with the teachings and precepts of the Catholic Church if he/she supports, abortion, euthanasia or stem cell research involving human embryos.
As many American bishops and Vatican cardinals have pointed out in press reports, Catholics who support Mr. Kirschke’s issues as political and not moral, and continue to believe and tell all that they’re “Catholics, but …,” place themselves in a grave and serious situation before God.
Jim Harroun
Pinehurst
