Ok. He didn’t say exactly that, I paraphrase, but that is the accurate summation of his remarks.
Bishop David Ricken, the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, noted in a recent letter to parishioners that voting for candidates who support what he calls “intrinsically evil” positions, such as abortion and gay marriage, could “put your own soul in jeopardy.”
Ricken’s letter, dated Oct. 24, notes that the church has a responsibility to “speak out regarding moral issues, especially on those issues that impact the ‘common good.’” It goes on to note principles to keep in mind in the voting booth on Nov. 6, including abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning and gay marriage.
“A well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program that contradicts fundamental contents of faith and morals,” Ricken said in the letter. “Some candidates and one party have even chosen some of these as their party’s or their personal political platform. To vote for someone in favor of these positions means that you could be morally ‘complicit’ with these choices which are intrinsically evil. This could put your own soul in jeopardy.”
Boo-Yah!!
He not only mentioned candidates, but appropriately mentioned the party of death. If you vote Democrat you are voting for hell.
Would that all Bishops would be so direct and concerned enough with the souls of their flock to take the heat for it. As Joe Biden would say, cue balls.
Well done!! (Ht Weasel Zippers)
October 27, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Going to hell for voting for the party of death is not condemnation it is a warning. The word "jeopardy" is used and well used.
October 27, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Biden has one foot in hell already.
October 27, 2012 at 4:52 pm
We will have to answer to Our Lord for not standing up for life for He is the Author of Life.
It is such a travesty that those who say they are 'personally opposed' to the murder of the unborn but will not 'impose their values' all the while imposing immorality on everyone!!!
October 27, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Can we assume by this comment that Cdl. Wuerl is "putting his soul in jeopardy" by refusing to implement Canon 915 in his archdiocese?
You know, Catholics have been getting hosed by their bishops on abortion for far, far too long. Statement's like Bishop Ricken's would be worth respecting if the USCCB actually supported its own rhetoric on the issue.
October 27, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Refreshing. Our church has, happily, decided that tax exempt isn't worth Hell for, and we've been getting the same sort of sermons.
October 28, 2012 at 11:08 am
This Bishop is just doing his basic duty as spiritual and moral leader and an ordained priest and Bishop. Thank God that he is doing so. We pray that the day will soon come when all priests and Bishops do their duty as of course; and it will cease to be remarkable.
October 28, 2012 at 4:58 pm
We need more bishops like that.
October 29, 2012 at 4:26 pm
I agree completely with the good Bishop. It is a message that we need to hear.
The problem, of course, is that Romney also advocates intrinsic evil. Not as much intrinsic evil, but still intrinsic evil. If the very act of voting for a candidate who advocates intrinsic evil puts one's immortal soul in danger, then those who vote for Romney also put their souls in danger .. maybe not as much danger, but still danger.
October 29, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Wine in the Water, people often have to choose between unpleasant alternatives. That's reality. That's life. Frankly, it's more morally irresponsible not to make a choice between the only two viable options out there.
October 30, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Joseph,
It's true that we need to make a choice. The "lesser of two evils" choice is certainly a viable option for a Catholic.
My point is that supporters of Romney should be careful about cheering when a bishop says something like this. If voting for a candidate who advocates intrinsic evil is a danger to your soul, then it counts regardless of which intrinsic evil that candidate supports. If the good bishop's warning truly rules out Obama, then it rules out Romney as well.
I think that, as Catholics, it is worth keeping in mind that the only reason that it is morally permissible to vote for Romney is that Obama's advocacy for evil is more profound.
October 31, 2012 at 12:42 am
Which intrinsic evil does Romney support, Wine in the Water?