Archbishop Naumann: consider the Supreme Court in assessing presidential candidates
March 03, 2016
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City has asked Catholics to consider the importance of Supreme Court nominees as they assess presidential candidates.
“The sanctity of human life, marriage and family life, religious freedom and the US Constitution lost a great defender and friend with the untimely death of Justice Antonin Scalia,” he wrote.
“In recent years, the court has usurped the right of the people by referendum or through their elected representatives to determine national as well as state policies on such fundamental social issues,” he continued. “The court has shown an alarming propensity to attempt to close off debate and shut down the democratic process to impose what it considers its own enlightened opinion on such neuralgic social policy issues.”
The prelate added:
Some advocates for same-sex marriage have made it clear that one of their goals is to coerce churches and other religious groups to change their moral teaching regarding homosexual actions. If they succeed, orthodox Catholic moral teaching, as well as biblical teaching regarding homosexual activity, will soon be considered a “hate crime.” If this happens, the consequences for our parishes and schools will be catastrophic.
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Mar. 06, 2016 2:29 AM ET USA
"If this happens, the consequences for our parishes and schools will be catastrophic." If this happens, the Church Militant will have to seriously consider becoming the militant church. As we say in the Marine Corps: "Semper fi, do or die." The press and the politicians no longer take Catholicism as a serious check on the excesses of modern society. And why should they? How many self-identified Catholics actually live genuine Catholic discipline 24/7? "By their fruits you shall know them."
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Posted by: -
Mar. 04, 2016 4:13 PM ET USA
People need to wake up to this serious reality when it comes to voting for not only a president but their US Senator who will have the power to say yes or no on the Supreme Court nominee. Many Catholics, Evangelical Christians, Orthodox Jews, & devout members of the Muslim & other faith communities are also hoping we'll step up to the plate and vote our consciences.
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Posted by: unum -
Mar. 03, 2016 6:44 PM ET USA
Bravo! Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City is guiding the laity instead of being a political operative himself. Archbishop Naumann is willing to harness the talents of the laity to move the political process on a Christian direction instead of feeling the need to occupy the political spotlight. May the Lord bless your efforts, Joseph Naumann.
