Irish Times editorial: Church should not take public stand on abortion
August 28, 2012
In an editorial decrying the statement by Cardinal Sean Brady that the Catholic Church would oppose legalization of abortion in Ireland, the Irish Times has expressed surprise and disappointment that the Church would consider “aggressive political lobbying of the kind more usually found in the United States.”
If the Church argues against acceptance of abortion, the editorial argues, lawmakers should not recognize the authority of the Church’s teachings. “They have to decide which takes precedence: canon law or the law of the land.”
The editorial does not explain why the Church would need to invoke canon law in order to make the case against the killing of innocent unborn children. Nor does the Times explain how legislators could be governed by “the law of the land” when they are asked to amend the law of the land.
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Further information:
- Lobbying on abortion (Irish Times)
- Irish primate promises vigorous fight against legalizing abortion (CWN, 8/27)
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Posted by: unum -
Aug. 29, 2012 7:17 AM ET USA
There have long been differences between laws that are moral and laws that are only legal. The Church has a duty to point out the difference its members, and its members need to take whatever action is appropriate for their state in life. Those members who follow Christ usually will not support elected officials who pass laws that are not moral.
