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Illinois governor dismisses bishops' criticism on 'pro-choice' award

CWN - November 03, 2011

Shrugging off criticism from the state’s Catholic bishops, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said that he was proud to present the Pro-Choice Leadership Award, saying that it was “the proper, Christian thing to do.”

The Catholic bishops of Illinois had joined in a statement criticizing Quinn—who identifies himself as a Catholic—for participating in the award to an abortion advocate. The bishops’ statement said that the governor’s action was “irreconcilable with any honest profession of the Catholic faith.”

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  • Posted by: unum - Nov. 04, 2011 9:25 AM ET USA

    Quinn may be able to pass as a "Christian" in the U.S. today, but he sure can't pass as a Catholic. We can recognize CINO's (Catholics In Name Only) as soon as we hear them speak.

  • Posted by: annemarie - Nov. 03, 2011 6:41 PM ET USA

    Perhaps, the politically expedient thing to do, but most definitely NOT the proper, Christian thing! Pro-abortion politicians have no shame! Unfortunately, in most cases, the Church imposes no punishment, and that is a greater shame.

  • Posted by: stpetric - Nov. 03, 2011 6:23 PM ET USA

    Whew! I can *kinda* understand Cuomo-esque Catholic politicians who don't lead the pro-life charge. Not really, but kinda. But for a Catholic politician to correct his own bishops on what constitutes “the proper, Christian thing to do” is breathtaking! What arrogance.

  • Posted by: FredC - Nov. 03, 2011 5:53 PM ET USA

    The bishops do not represent enough votes for their opinions to influence politicians. Catholics are split 50:50. There is no "Catholic vote."

  • Posted by: opraem - Nov. 03, 2011 5:31 PM ET USA

    shows how far the political clout of the bishops has fallen. another victim of the sex abuse of children and their cover-up.

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