CHRISTIAN SENSE
BY TOM SMIKOSKI
A
publication devoted to making sense out of the twenty-first
century.
CATHOLICS AND ABORTION
By: TOM SMIKOSKI ( Sent to New Catholic Explorer (Joliet) and New World (Chicago)
as a "Letter to the Editor")
During a recent political debate (Republican Primary, State of Illinois)
someone mentioned that the majority of Roman Catholics disagree with the
Church's position and favor choice, not life.
I am appalled by such a statement. This is an example of how abortionists
bend the truth in an effort to influence public opinion. Most Catholics,
at least practicing Catholics, are against abortion.
Yes, there are some people who claim to be Catholic, who are in favor of
abortion. We even see them among our politicians. However, under the
laws of the Church they cannot be both pro-abortion and Catholic.
The Church teaches that abortion is murder, and that "cooperation in an
abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical
penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. A person who
procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication by the very commission
of the offense and subject to the conditions provided by canon
law" (CCC# 2272). In other words, according to canon law, anyone
who has an abortion, participates in an abortion, helps procure an
abortion, or in any way helps facilitate abortions, excommunicates
themselves from the Church and cannot receive the sacraments
(including Holy Communion) while in this state. Therefore, these
individuals should not be misleading the public by calling themselves
Catholics.
I strongly urge Catholics to examine their conscience and to please think
before they answer pollster's questions.
Tom Smikoski
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