Kathleen Sebelius's Abortion Stance: the Catholic Angle

Just because Protestants believe differently than Catholics does not mean that abortion should be legal. There is such a thing as objective truth, and it is objectively true that a fetus is alive from the moment of conception. Therefore, it is irrefutable that abortion kills a living thing. Now, as for the issue of the humanity of the fetus, if it is not human, what is it? There certainly is nowhere else in nature where anything, animal or vegetable, changes from one species to another. This is one instance in which popularity CANNOT supercede objectivity.

Damian of CO 2:35PM March 05, 2009

Since the Supreme Court ruled that abortion is a constitutionally protected legal right, let the television media broadcast this constitutionally protected legal right as it is being exercised; show abortions being performed. Let the American public see what an actual abortion is.

Jim of OH 4:22PM March 01, 2009

...that it's been almost 500 years since people of western European heritage began apostatizing from the Roman Catholic Church, and hateful misinformation about it is still as abundant as air.

Julie, let's address some of your points:

1. Religion is not being used as a weapon against Gov. Sebelius, but rather as a measuring device to measure her religious character. As a politician who has revealed herself to be Catholic, it'se the least that she should expect.

2. Just because other Catholics voted for Obama does not mean that they voted properly. The Roman Catholic Church has clear guidelines -- not "suggestions" -- for voting; those who voted for Obama violated at least four (and probably five or more) of those guidelines. You can find them at http://www.caaction.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=95.

3. I think you're correct to say that Sebelius' position on abortion has nothing to do with her qualifications for HHS Secretary, but this is not the concern of myself and others that oppose her nomination. Rather, the HHS Secretary influences national policy on abortion, and a pro-choice holder of the position bodes ill for the unborn children of our country.

4. Just as non-Catholic Christians do, Catholics believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Unlike most (or all?) non-Catholic Christians, though, they also believe that Jesus appointed St. Peter to be His earthly vicar and "mouthpiece" after His ascension to heaven, and that there has been a valid succession of replacements for St. Peter to this very day -- the current one being Pope Benedict XVI. Catholics don't worship anyone other than the three persons of the Holy Trinity, but they do revere and honor those in the Church hierarchy and those who served the Church well in the past according to their stations and accomplishments.

4. Two of the three priests at my local Catholic church use their first names as much as can be considered acceptable. It has been my observation that most Catholics priests under the age of 65 do so. And all Catholics should agree with you: pastors should never be worshipped! However, that doesn't mean that a pastor or priest should not use a title indicating his vocation and position (such as Reverend or Pastor).

5. What bearing does Jesus' mention of "other" herds of sheep have on anything else that you mentioned?

Bill, a kudos to you for trying to set Muser straight.

Dee, if there is anything for which you should not apologize, it's your religion. You go, girl!

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' record on the issue of abortion: http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Kathleen_Sebelius_Abortion.htm

John Rigali of CA 8:56PM February 28, 2009

Why is it that no one ever questions the claim to Catholicism coupled with a pro-choice stance when the politician involved is a man? JFK, RFK and Ted Kennedy as well as Mario Cuomo and Rudy Giuliani all claim to be Catholic and pro-choice.(Giuliani also claims to be Catholic while marrying, divorcing and remarrying which is also against church rules, and the Kennedy boys aren't exactly ideal Catholic husbands either!)

I admire Sebelius' pro-choice commitment but I am more concerned that her resume is painfully empty on health and human service experience, whatever church she attends.

M.A. Sorrentino of FL 8:37PM February 28, 2009