Catholic Priest Running For Pro-Abortion NDP
CORNER BROOK, NFLD, June 23, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Catholic priest Father Des McGrath is running for the NDP in the Newfoundland riding of Random-Burin-St. George's. Since the NDP are officially pro-abortion Rev. McGrath has been often asked about what he would do on abortion if elected.
The Globe and Mail reports today that Rev. McGrath told reporters who questioned him on abortion, "You people on the mainland seem to be more interested in that than any other issue in Canada -- and we got more serious issues right now." The 69-year-old priest is a celebrated figure for having started a union for fishermen.
While claiming to be pro-life, Fr. McGrath is quoted using well worn pro-abortion rhetoric in speaking on abortion. "I don't believe in stirring up the pot and stirring up old ashes on this," he said in response to dealing with abortion in Parliament. "Responsibility goes with the rights that women have over their own bodies and hopefully the decision that they make would be for pro-life."
Not only is Fr. McGrath taking a non-Catholic position on abortion, it appears
he is also being allowed by his bishop to defy church discipline that explicitly
prohibits Catholic priests from running for any public office.
[Full Story]
I wonder if he thinks that a woman's rights over her body extend to suicide? I wonder what issue he considers more serious than the plague of abortion or does social justice end at entrance of the womb.
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I wish I could find a clear teaching on this. Is a priest, or is he not forbidden to hold elective office?
I think he's being a good politician. How do you expect to change the laws and affect national policy if you can't get pro lifers elected? He is not lying. He states that he is pro life. Catholics have to get in political office to have a say in making the laws. But I didn't know that priests couldn't hold office. Are you sure that's true?
Yes, it is forbidden. The Pope made them pull out. The issue came to a boil with the Sandinistas and pro-about Jesuits in office. Sorry, I don't have a site for the document, but I am sure it can be found through EWTN. Actually, Curt, I thought the story was a parody of yours when I started reading. sigh
Faith,
This priest is pro-life in the same way that John Kerry is pro-life...that is, he's pro-choice.
More info on "Father Cod":
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/mini/CTVNews/1088030946127_75?s_name=election2004&no_ads=#
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