excommunication.net

ROCKVILLE CENTER, New York, Oct. 9, 2000 (CWNews.com/LSN.ca) — Bishop James T. McHugh of Rockville Center, Long Island, New York, has sent a letter to all the priests in his diocese laying out a policy banning pro-abortion politicians from the premises of Catholic institutions in the diocese.

In his September 21 letter, the bishop writes that "The policy... means that no pro-abortion public official or candidate is to be invited to address Catholic agencies or organizations, school or parish groups, even if he/she does not intend to express their pro-abortion views." The bishop explains, "The reason for this is that it would be foolish and counterproductive to provide a platform to those who favor or support a public policy of abortion on demand or of euthanasia or assisted suicide. It would also be extremely misleading to provide such persons a platform to promote their views, even on other issues, lest they claim that the Church somehow implicitly tolerates their rejection of Church teaching on pro-life issues."

The directive, which was to "take effect immediately" was not limited to politicians. It noted that "those who are pro-abortion or claim to be personally opposed to abortion but unwilling to integrate their moral principles with civic responsibilities are not to be given leadership positions in the diocese parish or other church agencies or organizations, nor to exercise any liturgical ministry." He states further, "Parishes and other diocesan agencies or organizations should not bestow public honors or privileges of any type on such persons." The directive also bans abortion supporters from speaking at graduation ceremonies, celebrated lectures, and from sitting as honorary chairmen of events such as fundraisers.

At the outset of the letter, Bishop McHugh reminds his priests, "We are not just private citizens but representatives of the Catholic Church." Although he says, "there is to be no mention, for or against, any candidate for public office from the pulpit," he urges priests to" call attention to the culture of death" including "the contradiction of claiming to be a faithful Catholic while rejecting the teaching of the Church."

The letter resulted in the cancellation of 19 candidates forums that had been set up by Catholic Charities.

Source: New York Post