Cardinal Dolan: abortion advocates, not pro-lifers, are 'obsessed'
January 21, 2014
New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan has responded forcefully to charges that the Catholic Church is engaged in a “war on women,” and reflected on the statement by Pope Francis that Catholics should not be “obsessed” with abortion, in a wide-ranging interview.
Speaking with Kathryn Jean Lopez of National Review, Cardinal Dolan argued that the Catholic Church has strongly defended women, as well as the poor and vulnerable. He suggested that advocates of legal abortion should be asked to explain why they oppose efforts to enforce safe standards at abortion clinics, and why they encourage poor women to abort their children.
Regarding the Pope’s comment about obsession with abortion, the cardinal remarked: “Obsession is a sin.” Since obsession refers to a loss of free will, it should be avoided in all cases, he said. However, he continued, pro-life advocates are not obsessed; they are making rational arguments on the issue. In contrast, the cardinal said, abortion advocates insist on expanding access to abortion, even when the procedure is ubiquitous and even at the cost of health standards. “And so if we’re going to talk about obsession, let’s talk about the other side,” Cardinal Dolan suggested.
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Posted by: Thomas429 -
Jan. 22, 2014 7:11 PM ET USA
Wow! another piece of plain speaking from a high church official about a liberal sacred cow. Oh, that it would become a trend, a torrent, and then a cleansing flood.
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Posted by: jacquebquique5708 -
Jan. 22, 2014 10:40 AM ET USA
Good for Cardinal D.
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Posted by: ILM -
Jan. 22, 2014 8:04 AM ET USA
We need to hear Cardinal Dolan address the New York Governor's recent remarks on conservatives not being welcomed in the state.
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Posted by: normnuke -
Jan. 21, 2014 7:12 PM ET USA
It would be more effective for Catholics to proudly agree that we are 'obsessed' with the sanctity of life, rather than say 'Oh it's you, not us which are obsessed so there' I'm proud.
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Posted by: rpp -
Jan. 21, 2014 5:34 PM ET USA
God bless you, Cardinal Dolan. Your words are a breath of air for those of us who are suffocating from attacks by the culture of death.
