Ex-senator Santorum defends Bishop Martino's public stand

February 26, 2009

In an op-ed piece that appears in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer, former Senator Rick Santorum praised Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton for his recent controversial actions in defense of Catholic teaching. After praising bishops for criticizing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last fall after she misstated Catholic teaching on abortion, Santorum noted that “the church hierarchy has been less assertive when public figures' policy positions openly dissent from core teachings.” Santorum continued:

Many of his brother bishops will look at Martino as they do at other uncompromising defenders of the faith, worrying about the world's reaction. As a Philly guy, though, his excellency knows something about being booed. He also knows his job and calling: to be the good shepherd who faithfully leads and protects his flock from those who would lead them astray. Yes, scores of people are reportedly protesting and threatening to leave the church. In the end, however, people leaving the church because of a bishop who enforces its teachings are a blessing compared with the alternative: people leaving because bishops and their priests don't teach, much less enforce, those teachings.

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Further information:

• Rick Santorum: The Elephant in the Room: In praise of Catholic priests who dare to teach and enforce (Philadelphia Inquirer)