Friday, November 30, 2007

Church muzzled in Mexico

Reform atte mpt backfires: New law prohibits clerics from offering opinions on public issues from the pulpit or through the media


On Oct. 4, the Catholic Lawyers Association of Mexico presented a packaged of reforms to the Mexican Senate that would have amended several articles of the constitution with the goal of extending religious freedom for priests and the Church.

Specifically, the Catholic Lawyers Association sought full political rights for religious ministers, including the right to run for election, complete freedom of speech for clerics, so they can participate in debates on issues of public interest such as abortion, euthanasia, marriage and social justice, and the right for churches to own radio and TV stations.

Read the rest here: California Catholic Daily



--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"
"And I have the right to feel so about you all, because I have you in my heart, all of you . . . For God is my witness how I long for you all in the heart of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1: 7-8)

Pro-Life "Free Speech Riders" To Present Demand Letter To Georgia Cops



November 30th, 2007

Atlanta Journal-Contitution is reporting that Gwinnett County Police are backing down on threats of arrest

Gwinnett County Police spokesperson Illana Spellman has stated that the police will not be making additional arrests under the same law used in the arrest of Truth Truck driver Bob Roethlisberger, until further they receive further guidence from from prosecutors. (Read the AJC article here.)

The following is a press release issued by the Christian Defense Coalition. Operation Rescue President Troy Newman is available for comment at 316-841-1700.

Free Speech and First Amendment Crushed by Gwinnett County, Georgia Police Department

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /Christian Newswire/ - Christian Defense Coalition condemns the crushing of the First Amendment and free speech by the Gwinnett County, Georgia Police Department.

Last week the Gwinnett County Police arrested a pro- life activist for driving a an Operation Rescue truck with posters showing the graphic results of abortion.

After the arrest, the police ransacked the Operation Rescue truck and tore the posters off damaging the truck.

On Saturday, December 1, the Christian Defense Coalition is joining with Operation Rescue and other pro-life activists in "Free Speech Riders."

The group plans to drive to the Gwinnett County Police Department, in a similar truck to the one that was detained, and hand deliver a letter to Police Chief Charles Walters demanding an apology, restitution for the damaged truck and a promise to honor and respect free speech and the First Amendment.

The Christian Defense Coalition will join with Operation Rescue at a news conference on Saturday, December 1, at 4:00 P.M. at the Gwinett County Police Department.

That location is 770 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Copies of the letter will be made available along with the graphic abortion posters on the side of the truck.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "I am stunned that a law enforcement agency would have such utter contempt and disregard for free speech and the First Amendment. The unconstitutional actions of the Gwinett County Police Department amount to a tragic crushing of civil liberties and hearken back to a day of violence and discrimination by police officers. If law enforcement officers can arrest a man because of the content of his message and tear down pictures they do not agree with, then we are in grave danger as a nation and no form of political speech is safe. Every American should be able to express their views free from government interference and harassment.

"I am proud to join with Operation Rescue in this 'Free Speech Riders.' By doing so, we join hearts with Americans from a generation ago who traveled down similar highways speaking out against oppression and tyranny."

For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735 Cell: 540.538.4747


________________________________

About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation.  Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America.  Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to support Operation Rescue

________________________________

Web site: www.operationrescue.org
NOTE: New e-mail address
E-mail: info.operationrescue@yahoo.com

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"
"And I have the right to feel so about you all, because I have you in my heart, all of you . . . For God is my witness how I long for you all in the heart of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1: 7-8)

Planned Parenthood Drops Plans To Appeal To KS Supreme Court Based On Tiller Defeat


November 30th, 2007

Overland Park, KS - The Kansas City Star is reporting that Planned Parenthood has dropped its plans to file a Mandamus action with the Kansas Supreme Court asking it to block the citizen-called grand jury in Johnson County that is scheduled to begin investigating the abortion business on December 10. This means there are no further hurdles to seating the grand jury as scheduled.

That decision came in light of Thursday's Supreme Court ruling rejecting a similar action filed by late-term abortionist George Tiller of Wichita, who is also facing a grand jury investigation in Sedgwick County called for through the citizen petition process. That grand jury can now proceed.

"We are celebrating these victories today and are looking forward to seeing justice done, both in Sedgwick and Johnson Counties, through the grand jury process. We finally have some hope that the system is beginning to function as it should," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "Abortionists are not above the law, even though they have been acting that way in Kansas for years. We pray that their day of accountability has finally arrived."

About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation.  Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America.  Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to support Operation Rescue

________________________________

Web site: www.operationrescue.org

NOTE: New e-mail address
E-mail: info.operationrescue@yahoo.com

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"
"And I have the right to feel so about you all, because I have you in my heart, all of you . . . For God is my witness how I long for you all in the heart of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1: 7-8)

Reality comes before ideology, including that of “gender”

VATICAN - WORDS OF DOCTRINE- .
Rev Nicola Bux and Rev Salvatore Vitiello

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Never before as in these times of proclaimed ecological sensitivity, only on the nature of man everything and the opposite of everything can be said and done. Especially in the western areas, but, thanks to globalization of information and culture, almost everywhere on the planet, we see how flawed philosophy has clearly practical consequences in the life of individuals, societies and nations. They question the truth of the creation of the human person, man and woman (Gen 1,27). Yet no one, concretely lives having to retrace the journey of thousands of years of civilization: we all live accepting and often taking for granted what has gone before us, without even the energy to leap for joy and gratitude for the great work achieved in the centuries by our brothers and sisters.

Nor are we able to wonder at a simple but essential fact: each one of us, before was not and now is. And one day on this earth, will no longer be. An observation as elementary as it is disarming which tells each one of us that we are a "fact", that life is something to be welcomed first of all, to understand its coordinates, origin and end and, only then, to "invent", with all the creativity and ample use of freedom of which only the human person is capable. However freedom can never be uprooting from, or negation of the truth. Freedom is awareness of belonging to a history, which inevitably goes before us.

In recent discussions on sexual morality and , more profoundly on knowledge of one's own affective world, the position of those who believe they can "invent" their gender, as they go along, as the case demands, claim a presumed (and impossible) freedom of man from the biological fact, which (also but not only) characterizes him, simply reveals the ultimate result of philosophical errors of over two centuries non.

Realism which affirms the possibility for reason to know a reality which precedes it and knowledge as encounter, actual and present, knowing subject and known object, are the only premises to a discourse philosophically acceptable and practically livable. One's gender cannot be invented or chosen: it is fact, pure fact. Gender is only either male or female. It reveals itself in the most delicate process of sexual identification which has enormous need of definite models of reference which do not have, themselves, problems of gender determination.

Moreover precisely because it is fact, gender is accepted, perhaps as a cross, in all those cases in which biological and psychological identity disagree, opening the way for paths of psychological and spiritual accompaniment to guarantee that fraternity and respect indispensable for authentic human growth. And in this area too the emergency is again about education: we must start educating again.

In the face of such delicate, issues, there is the jarring attitude of the "flag flyer's of unreal identities". People are real, their journeys, they struggles, their stories. Certainly not the ideologically counterpoised positions, behind which, without much obsessive searching, there are powerful economic interests which, to the person, give no thought at all.
It is also amazing that, precisely in circles where often stronger are the calls for respect for nature and ecological sensitivity, we see, with regard to the question of 'gender', total overstepping of the natural fact, in the name of ceding to unwitting philosophical drifting and to libertarian drifting, existentially practiced which enslave.

Man is not only the fruit of his biological antecedents, he is also constituted by them and, amazingly, in "a little matter " is present a desire for the Infinite, a total opening to the Mystery which makes the human being, man or woman, the point of self-knowledge of the cosmos. This is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church recalls that " Everyone, man and woman, should acknowledge and accept his sexual identity. Physical, moral, and spiritual difference and complementarity are oriented toward the goods of marriage and the flourishing of family life. the harmony of the couple and of society depends in part on the way in which the complementarity, needs, and mutual support between the sexes are lived out."

(2333). (Agenzia Fides 29/11/2007; righe 49, parole 690)



ADVENT CHALLENGE


Spirit & Life®
"The words I spoke to you are spirit and life." (Jn 6:63)Human Life International e-NewsletterVolume 01, Number 94 Friday, November 30, 2007
..................................................................................
http://www.hli.org/
Advent Challenge
We soon begin the great and holy season of Advent, a yearly time of renewal and focus of our faith. I will not bother you with another sermon about the dangers of materialism in the lead-up to Christmas, but if you really need to be reminded about the true spirit of Christmas, the following thoughts may help you to find that balance of living in the world but not of the world.
Advent is a season of preparation. It is not a season of penance per se; it is that only to the extent that penance may be an element of preparation for the coming of the Great King. It is, rather, a season of focus on something interior, something hidden, if you will, to get to know it better; it is much like a woman focusing on a pregnancy for nine months. At first she takes it on the faith of a pregnancy test that there is a new baby developing inside of her. She cannot feel the baby, but she knows by certain signs, i.e., changes in her own body and emotions, that he is there. As time goes on, she begins to feel him more distinctly and can have a more direct relationship with him who she cannot see - yet. As she waits to give birth, she focuses more on the baby and can be continually aware of his presence, consciously or subconsciously. At the end of nine months, she finally sees with her own eyes the one whose presence she previously had to discern by signs and feelings!
Advent is like that. It is a time to re-establish our focus on that hidden Presence within which we do not always see as a concrete reality. To paraphrase Pope Leo the Great many centuries ago, Christ's first coming was seen by the people of His day after long preparation. His second coming will be seen by all creation after long ages are finished. It is His third coming which Advent prepares us for; namely, His personal coming into the heart of every believer in every day and age. That is something that only the believer himself can prepare for, and that is why the Church gives us a whole season to prepare for it.
And how do we prepare best for His coming? Simply by praying more. That may sound trite, but it is meant as a true spiritual challenge. The type of prayer we seek in Advent is not just a pious thought of God every now and then or a petition to heaven in a moment of need. Those are fine, but they are not enough. Advent prayer is a deep reflection on the sacred mysteries of our salvation, something that needs time and repetition to bear fruit. We cannot appreciate such a mystery as God becoming man unless we have a serious commitment to prayer.
Prayer of this sort is a discipline of the will (i.e., the deepest core of the person). It is a conscious decision to stop what one is doing and put oneself outside of the regular day-to-day travail so to enter a realm of grace and pure light. With reason, Jesus told His disciples to go into their rooms, close the door and pray to their Father "in secret." He was telling them to make the conscious decision to free their souls of the workaday mindset and submit their consciousness to a radical, transforming encounter with the Lord - every day.
The real discipline of the Christian life, especially in a season of spiritual "preparation," is the discipline of prayer. It comes down to a decision - made every day - to let go of our passionate involvement in the things of the world, as necessary as these things are, and to go into the inner sanctum of the heart, one-on-one, alone with the Lord. That is where we become transformed, interiorly, by grace and see things as God sees them. That is where we really prepare to meet Christ in a new way at Christmas.
Here is my Advent challenge: pray every day during Advent, and you will be treated to a Christmas in which you "see" Christ like never before.
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Sincerely Yours in Christ,Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer,President, Human Life International
Copyright 2007 - Human Life InternationalPermission granted for unlimited use. Credit required.
Human Life International4 Family Life Lane -- Front Royal, VA 22630 U.S.A.Phone: (800) 549-LIFE Fax: (540) 622-6247E-mail: hli@hli.org Website: http://www.hli.org/

Thursday, November 29, 2007

R.I.P., Henry Hyde

It's a sad day for the pro-life community; we've lost an elder statesman.

Hyde was never a great orator, but he was always an articulate defender of the unborn. Here's an example -- a 1999 interview:

"Planned Parenthood should be denied access to our children”

Sex-ed book for kids 10 and up described as "explicit" and "obscene"


A self-described sexual health children's book endorsed by Planned Parenthood is so graphic that material from it has been banned from a state prison and several web sites.

The book, titled It's Perfectly Normal, has been targeted by the American Life League as completely inappropriate, especially since its instruction is aimed at children ages 10 and up.

Endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the book contains written descriptions and cartoon depictions of sex acts, including two pictures of teenagers engaged in masturbation. The text is dismissive of religious disapproval of masturbation and also discusses deviant sex acts.
Read this story here: California Catholic Daily

LifeSiteNews.com - NewBytes

LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes

* Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews.com. They are presented only for your information.

2008 As A Likely Change Election says Paul Weyrich - does not bode well for Republicans
http://www.freecongress.org/commentaries/2007/071127.aspx ;

Will GOP voters accept Giuliani's evolution on abortion?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/26/giuliani.abortion/

Giuliani's abortion stance unacceptable, says Perkins
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/giulianis_abortion_stance_unac.php

Thompson accused of waffling on right to life
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/thompson_accused_of_waffling_o.php

Pat Robertson Endorsement Sparks Backlash
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/robertson_giuliani_endors/2007/11/27/52687.html

Deacon Keith Fournier responds to "libertarian/conservative coalition" charge of Huckabee being"False Conservative?"
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=26038

Huckabee Tries to Gloss Over Ark. Record
http://www.townhall.com/news/politics-elections/2007/11/28/huckabee_tries_to_gloss_over_ark_record

64% of Americans Don't Trust Presidential Campaign Coverage
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/11/28/64-americans-don-t-trust-presidential-campaign-coverage

Planned Parenthood Ottawa denies local charity drive freedom of choice
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/801

Appears Oakland City Council the "bubble heads") will allow "8-foot bubble ordinance" to become law.
http://calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=859f5cbf-436c-43c8-a6c9-9d23d2cb1e28

Australian pro-family group decries new prime minister
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/australian_pro-family_group_de.php

YWCA Worker Fired after Inviting Pro-Life Speaker
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000005995.cfm

Stem Cell breakthrough worrisome to some scientists who fear it could "stifle" science
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2007/11/lead-into-gold-stem-cell-counter-attack.html

Eyebrows raised over 'Golden Compass' curriculum
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/eyebrows_raised_over_golden_co.php

Time: Sunday School for Atheists
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/kristen-fyfe/2007/11/26/time-sunday-school-atheists

Gloom-and-Doomers Wrong on U.S. "Moral Collapse" - By Michael Medved
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MichaelMedved/2007/11/28/gloom-and-doomers_wrong_on_us_moral_collapse

Ohio Governor Urged to Reconsider Abstinence Funding
http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005984.cfm

Governments are mandating universal access to day care. A new book argues there is more ideology than science driving this trend.
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/standardised_childhood/

Canadian Billionaire calls for European Union-style currency for Canada and United States. Will North American Union imitate EU's militant secularism and suppression of social/cultural/political independence??
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58877

"Whole sordid business" of partyism in Ottawa "will invoke despair among anyone who knows anything at all about the centuries-long struggle for parliamentary democracy"
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/opinion/story.html?id=d3060091-0fd1-4b0c-8dd5-47c44615b0d0

Batten down the hatches – Climate fear-mongering to get worse
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/794

The Mohammed Teddy Bear Blasphemy update: Teacher awaits her fate
http://michellemalkin.com/2007/11/27/the-mohammed-teddy-bear-blasphemy-update-teacher-awaits-her-fate/

AIDS Epidemic in D.C. -- It is Not Everybody's Disease
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/739444853.html

"Fighting transphobia" - California middle and high school students being trained on how to promote "gender identity activism" in schools
http://calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=df5e069f-3368-4dc0-b21a-4d7bf4fa8eed

Michigan Governor Adds Special Rights for 'Transgendered' State Workers
http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005992.cfm

Controversial poster promoting parish carnival leads to discord at Hollywood church
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=23a757a2-a0b2-4098-9635-40321b399b03

Cross-dressing day sparks school exodus - Parents pull students from district, citing conflicts with biblical rules
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58914

(c) Copyright: LifeSiteNews.com, a production of Interim Publishing.
Permission to republish granted but acknowledgement of source (use LifeSiteNews.com) is *REQUIRED*

Donate to LifeSiteNews.com at http://www.lifesitenews.com/contribute/

"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Newman To Present Truth Truck Keys At L.E.A.R.N. Conference


November 28th, 2007

Atlanta, Georgia - Operation Rescue President Troy Newman is scheduled to present the keys to a Truth Truck to L.E.A.R.N. during their national conference in Atlanta, Georgia, this weekend.

L.E.A.R.N., the Life Education And Resource Network, is the largest, African-American, evangelical pro-life ministry in the United States. Their conference will be held on November 30 through December 1, and will address the decimation of the African American population by "Population Controllers," including the abortion industry.

Operation Rescue is gifting a Truth Truck to L.E.A.R.N. to help them educate the African-American people about the impact of abortion on their community.

For more information about this important conference, please click here.

________________________________

About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation.  Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America.  Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to make a donation.

________________________________

Web site: www.operationrescue.org
NEW! E-mail: info.operationrescue@yahoo.com       

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"
"And I have the right to feel so about you all, because I have you in my heart, all of you . . . For God is my witness how I long for you all in the heart of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1: 7-8)

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

News from the Trenches

Alert for Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007 – Oakland City Council

"This is not about safe access to health care. It's about murder -- the murder of unborn babies…"


The Oakland City Council will meet next Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. By all indications, it appears they (the "bubble heads") will allow the "8-foot bubble ordinance" to become law.

Read this News Alert here: California Catholic Daily


--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"
"And I have the right to feel so about you all, because I have you in my heart, all of you . . . For God is my witness how I long for you all in the heart of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1: 7-8)

LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes


* Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews.com. They are presented only for your information.

Save the planet, kill a baby! Sierra Club joins Planned Parenthood to offer conferences on "Sex and the Environment"
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=5de39106-8a30-46ba-945e-77c06a375aba

"Ignorant. Biased. Skewed" Canadian CTV program on Assisted Suicide - "The Verdict" was a pro-assisted suicide setup.
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2007/11/balance-in-assisted-suicide-debate_9297.html

San Francisco conference to examine effects of abortion on men
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=acad58ae-8cdf-4b88-b211-e14825cc76e6

60 MINUTES Good Program on "Awakenings"
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2007/11/60-minutes-good-program-on-awakenings.html

Activist says pro-family movement 'losing momentum' in homosexuality debate
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/activist_says_profamily_moveme.php

Mike Huckabee, The False Conservative?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/25/AR2007112501547_pf.html

Mike Huckabee now running in dead heat with Mitt Romney in the lead in Iowa
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58847

Giuliani hammered Mitt Romney's record
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1107/7029.html

Clinton and Obama switch roles in Iowa
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1107/7028.html

Tom DeLay: Expect Hillary as next prez
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58867

Scientist who ignited stem-cell war says it's over
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58843

From Lead Into Gold: "Stem Cells the Right Way" - Wesley Smith
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2007/11/from-lead-into-gold-stem-cells-right.html

Christian Heritage Party leader faces Canadian rights panel for posting article tying pedophilia to homosexuality
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58841

Americans get fed up with 'Happy Holidays'
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58842

Retailers Continue to Assault Christmas
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005979.cfm

Temperatures having fallen since 1998, declining in 2007 to a 1983 level
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/25/nbook125.xml

Catholic Politicans within Knights of Columbus targeted for pro-gay-wed votes
http://www.myrevere.net/print_this_story.asp?smenu=220&sdetail=4595

Newspaper opinion piece says John Paul II's papacy was "reign of terror," and that Vatican is "less credible" under Benedict XVI
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=821c442c-b209-489b-899e-e21662f43f94

Australian Catholics at war over priest crisis - demanding married priests and priestesses
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/catholics-at-war-over-priest-crisis/2007/11/23/1195753307242.html

Priest has pro-life parishioner arrested in Dispute over graphic abortion pictures
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=6ef44d3e-9ff2-4dc2-a5ec-dcbd0defad96

Pope to discuss how to deal with increasing numbers of disaffected Anglicans wanting to join the Roman Catholic Church
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article2926365.ece

Government authorities say Catholic Church powerless to close Mexico City's Metropolitan Cathedral despite recent attacks by leftists because it is state-owned property
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=629d8364-719f-4b8f-a6d9-8efeaea91347

(c) Copyright: LifeSiteNews.com, a production of Interim Publishing.
Permission to republish granted but acknowledgement of source (use LifeSiteNews.com) is *REQUIRED*

Donate to LifeSiteNews.com at http://www.lifesitenews.com/contribute/

"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"
"And I have the right to feel so about you all, because I have you in my heart, all of you . . . For God is my witness how I long for you all in the heart of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1: 7-8)

Monday, November 26, 2007

Save the planet, kill a baby!


Sierra Club joins Planned Parenthood to offer conferences on "Sex and the Environment"


During the first week of November, members of the Sierra Club traversed one end of California to the other for a series of conferences called "Sex and the Environment." Accompanying them at most of their stops were representatives of Planned Parenthood.
                               Read this story here: California Catholic Daily

Sunday, November 25, 2007

FROM ZENIT.ORG:


Love, Marriage and Happy Kids

Reports Show that Family Life Is Highly Beneficial


By Father John Flynn, LC

ROME, NOV. 25, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The increasing trend toward cohabitation as an alternative to marriage brings with it severe disadvantages for children. The latest confirmation of how children suffer when brought up outside a stable marriage between a man and a woman came in a lengthy article published Nov. 18 by the Associated Press.

Read the full article here: Zenit. org

PRESS RELEASE


New Video: Bleeding Kansas, The Abortion State

November 25th, 2007
 
Dear Faithful Supporters of Life,

We have posted a new video on our website that was made by an anonymous friend of this ministry to help recruit on-site volunteers to keep a constant pro-life presence at George Tiller's abortion mill in Wichita, Kansas, every hour it is open. Photographs from our web site were used with our permission.

The group mentioned in the video, the Kansas Coalition For Life (KCFL), works closely with Operation Rescue. It's director, Mark Giezen, drives our Wichita-based Truth Truck, which is stationed outside Tiller's mill during every business hour. This 6 1/2 min. video sums up the Tiller situation.

We heartily encourage those who can to take shifts outside this horrific killing center, and we urge those who cannot do so to pray for this abortion mill to permanently close.

 
For the voiceless,
 
-Operation Rescue Staff

________________________________

About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation.  Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America.   Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to make a donation.

________________________________

Web site: www.operationrescue.org

NEW! E-mail: info.operationrescue@yahoo.com




San Francisco conference to examine effects of abortion on men

"Forgotten piece of the equation"



A conference that promotes itself as the "first to focus on the effects of abortion on men" will be held Nov. 28-29 at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco.

"Reclaiming Fatherhood, A Multifaceted Examination of Men Dealing with Abortion," is being organized by the Milwaukee-based National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

                                Read the story here: California Catholic Daily

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Missionary of the Gospel of Life



Friday, Nov. 16, 2007 -- Clinica Medica, Chula Vista

"When I encouraged them to consider adoption, the older woman began tearing up."


4:16 p.m. to 7:23 p.m.
While I did sidewalk counseling, three members of the Legion of Mary were present supporting us with prayer. Also present was a Christian gentleman named Paul who joined us at the abortuary a couple of weeks ago. Three abortion-minded women went in. We turned one around. One Rosary was distributed.

Read the rest of the story here: California Catholic Daily

Friday, November 23, 2007

LifeSiteNews.com Newsbytes



* Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews.com. They are presented only for your information.

Bella now in 456 US theatres! Rising in the charts surpassing many other movies in attendance figures. Praise for movie continues to grow. See Life of Eduardo clip and many new features on Bella website
http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe941676756c067475&m=fef51272746d0c&ls=fe0c15737165067d74157477&l=fec316757161017a&s=fe3815797460067f771571&ju=fe59157874600d7a7110

As forecast, therapeutic cloning is well and truly on the skids. But how did it happen so quickly?
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/stem_cell_breakthrough_ethical_science_is_good_science/

Vatican expert praises discovery of new stem cell technique not involving embryos
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11064

New discoveries pave the way for ethical stem-cell research, thanks to the president's policies - Wesley J. Smith
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZGVlNjZjNjFiY2Q0NWJkODhiY2E3Y2NjYjVhYjIzMGI

Stem-cell findings may affect '08 vote
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071121/NATION/111210049/1028/election

The End of the Stem-Cell Wars - A victory for science, for the pro-life movement, and for President
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/387asfnv.asp

Adult Stem Cells 73, Embryonic Stem Cells 0
http://www.citizenlink.org/clcommentary/A000005974.cfm

The Good News Just Keeps On Coming: Adult Stem Cells Treat MS and Arthritis in Mice
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2007/11/good-news-just-keeps-on-coming-adult.html

Valuing All Human Life: Fetus Killing is Murder in Texas
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2007/11/valuing-all-human-life-fetus-killing-is.html

Dr. Margaret Somerville responds to Abortion zealot Joyce Arthur on Unborn Victims of Crime
http://communities.canada.com/nationalpost/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2007/11/22/margaret-somerville-defending-fetal-homicide-laws.aspx

Convicted Canadian euthanasia killer Robert Latimer seeking day parole
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2007/11/22/latimer-parole.html

Funding Woes Force Planned Parenthood to Close Five Michigan Clinics
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200711/CUL20071121c.html

Romney Open to Incarcerating Abortionists
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200711/POL20071121a.html

We're making too much of politicians' religious faith - Peggy Noonan
http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110010893

Huckabee Gaining Ground in Iowa
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/11/20/ST2007112002497.html?hpid=topnews

Ontario parents shunning HPV vaccine for girls
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=4b240ccf-c58d-4af2-b7db-09d90a1648b0&k=97829

New Study: Abstinence Works
http://noroomforcontraception.com/cblog/index.php?/archives/78-New-Study-Abstinence-Works.html

World Meetings of Families to encourage embattled family, says Cardinal Trujillo
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=10882&size=A

Children are Safer When Living with Biological Parents
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000005964.cfm

Marriage reform proposed to lower divorce rate by half
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11067

Many sitcoms promote a singles lifestyle. There's a simple reason: singles buy more stuff
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/single_minded/

Secular Feminism's Path to Power
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=903

Colorado City Council Votes to Keep Christmas Trees and Lights
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005973.cfm

NYC Schools Favor Jews and Muslims Over Christians
http://www.catholicexchange.com/node/67528

Chinese made computer hard disks programmed to upload passwords secretly to Beijing websites
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58819

Chinese priest sentenced to three years for inaugurating a state-sanctioned church
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=10870&size=A

Netherlands Not So Dutch Anymore
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ap/20071121/twl-netherlands-identity-crisis-1be00ca.html

Ayatollah Jean Charest
http://catholicinsight.com/online/editorials/article_765.shtml

A Thanksgiving for the Federalist Society
http://www.freecongress.org/commentaries/2007/071121.aspx

Americans should be thankful they have one of the last functioning nation states - Mark Steyn
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=OGQwZTI2NDE0OTg4YWQ5NzZjOWRjNjg5NThjOGEyM2Q=

Not Enough Parking for Private Jets Going to UN Climate Conference
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/11/23/not-enough-parking-private-jets-going-un-climate-conference

Faith in a Climate of Fear - global warnings: part 1
http://ncregister.com/site/article/7341

Why melting of ice sheets 'is impossible'
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=73f39d90-644f-4117-880c-204c3a4fe4a3

Climate change: The deniers
http://communities.canada.com/nationalpost/blogs/posted/pages/climate-change-the-deniers.aspx

Second Encyclical by Pope Benedict Signed - Theme - Hope; Third one on social issues in the works
http://www.zenit.org/article-21081?l=english

Survey: Many Christian Parents Choose to Satisfy Children Over God
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071120/30159_Survey:_Many_Christian_Parents_Choose_to_Satisfy_Children_Over_God.htm

Take Action: New Jersey Legislature Seeks to Redefine Marriage for the Nation
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005977.cfm

Warren, Clinton urged to tackle homosexual promiscuity at AIDS Summit
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/warren_clinton_urged_to_tackle.php

San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer fetes "Catholic who supports gay rights and a woman's right to choose,"
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=d49af15c-49ba-4196-b40e-ff6618beede7

New Jersey Legislature Seeks to Redefine Marriage for the Nation
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005977.cfm

Wal-Mart facing boycott from homosexual activists
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/walmart_facing_boycott_from_ho.php



(c) Copyright: LifeSiteNews.com, a production of Interim Publishing.
Permission to republish granted but acknowledgement of source (use LifeSiteNews.com) is *REQUIRED*

Donate to LifeSiteNews.com at http://www.lifesitenews.com/contribute/

"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Homosexuality no longer adequately titillating, so TV programs begin using transsexuals to lure viewers


"More extreme and unusual forms of sex"



Homosexuals n o longer are shocking on television. "Gay people on TV are old hat," said the Nov. 12 Los Angeles Times. In fact, according to Entertainment Weekly , 61% of college freshmen "who grew up with 'Will & Grace' approve of gay marriage" -- a figure up ten percentage points from 10 years ago.

So, to shock viewers, TV show writers in 2007 "have turned to transsexuals," said the Times. Story continues here: CCD


--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

California Medical Board places Los Angeles abortionist on probation

"Repeated negligent acts"


The Medical Board of California has disciplined another California abortionist. For the second time in a dozen years, Dr. Edward K. Wilson of Los Angeles has been ordered to surrender his license while serving Medical Board-ordered probation.

Following a series of hearings, Administrative Law Judge H. Stuart Waxman concluded in March that Wilson was guilty of "repeated negligent acts," "unprofessional conduct," and "failure to maintain adequate records."

The Medical Board disciplined Wilson in 1995 for very similar reasons, and he served five years probation. Read the rest here: CCD


--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Kentucky Abortionist Arrested For Fraudulent Billing


Faces up to 20 years in prison under the four count felony indictment


By Thaddeus M. Baklinski

LEXINGTON, November 22, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo has announced the indictment and arrest of Dr. Hamid Hussain Sheikh, a Lexington physician. According to the indictment, Sheikh, age 62, committed fraud by performing abortions and disguising patient visits as fetal ultrasounds for normal pregnancies, which he billed to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor and disabled. The indictment also
charged that Sheikh double-billed for the procedures, illegally accepting payments directly from his patients.

According to the indictment, Sheikh has engaged in the scheme continuously since 2004. (Click here for a copy of the indictment:
http://ag.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/58036F30-6701-46B9-BE5F-5CE406BCBB95/0/ kyvssheikh.pdf)

The investigation into Sheikh's activities began when staff of Kentuky's Fraud Investigation Support Team (FIST), who are trained in claims data analysis and computer forensics, recognized prescriptions issued by Sheikh that made up a "three drug cocktail" that would typically be prescribed after an abortion. This led the team to uncover the fraudulent claims.

In Kentucky it is illegal to bill Medicaid for any procedure related to abortion except in limited circumstances, such as if the woman's life is in danger or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

Attorney General Stumbo said additional charges are possible in view of the deplorable sanitary conditions found in Sheikh's office.

If convicted, Dr. Sheikh faces up to 20 years in prison under the four count felony indictment.

Sheikh said his arrest was politically motivated and that anti- abortion protesters have picketed outside his clinic and harassed him for years. He maintains he has done nothing wrong, but has recently stopped billing Medicaid for the "ultrasounds" so the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation "would stop picking on me."

Pro-Life activists applauded Sheikh's arrest and the closing of his clinic. Kentucky Right to Life president Frank Schwendeman said, "Many of our supporters have spent countless hours praying in front of Sheikh's clinic to end the abortions there. Perhaps our prayers have been answered and Sheikh will no longer be in the business of killing unborn babies."

Local Catholic pro-lifers are attributing the victory to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose Missionary Image was used in a Peaceful Prayer Presence in front of Sheikh's clinic. A press release from the group promoting the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe said, "This is the third abortion clinic in Lexington that has closed after Peaceful Prayer Presences with the Missionary Image."

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Thursday, November 22, 2007

A Scientific and Religious Look at the Embryo

Conference Gathers Experts of Various Disciplines

ROME, NOV. 22, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The study of the human embryo is one point where the dialogue between faith and science is both possible and important, said organizers of a conference that brought together experts to discuss the beginning of human life.

Read this article here: ZENITNEWS

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Scientists report they can create stem cells from human skin

No need for embryos?


Two research teams reported Nov. 20 that they have turned human skin cells into stem cells with properties similar to embryonic stem cells. It is unclear yet whether the skin cells will, in the end, prove to have the same versatility claimed for embryonic stem cells, but the discovery has been hailed as significant.

Read this article here: California Catholic Daily


--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

From FidesNews:


EUROPE/GREAT BRITAIN - Catholic Church leaders issue statement on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill: "a dangerous and unnecessary precedent which does not respect the dignity of the human person."

Glasgow (Agenzia Fides) - Leading members of the Catholic Church in Scotland, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, and Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow, who is also Chairman of the Joint Catholic Bioethics Committee of Britain and Ireland, issued a statement on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill prior to the House of Lords debate on Monday 19 November. The HFE - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill would legalise the creation of human-animal embryos.
The Bill, formerly the Human Tissue and Embryos Bill, updates the present regulation of assisted reproduction and research with embryos in the United Kingdom. If approved the Bill would allow among other things <- provisions to recognise same-sex couples as legal parents of children conceived through the use of donated sperm, eggs or embryos. retention of a duty to take account of "the welfare of the child" when providing fertility treatment, but removal of the reference to "the need for a father"; >
The Catholic leaders say "this is not a justifiable direction for legitimate scientific research. It is a dangerous and unnecessary precedent which does not respect the dignity of the human person", noting that such practices are banned in Canada, Australia and many European countries the practice has been ruled out by Canada, Australia and many European countries. They express concern that such proposals diminish the natural status of fathers and disturb the natural bonds between parents and children.
"We are frankly appalled at proposals which would allow the creation of organisms which cross the species barrier." said Archbishop Conti, who continues "The bill includes disturbing developments in embryonic experimentation and breaks down the natural bonds of family life linked with procreation.". The Catholic Church leaders call "on the government to think again about the role of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority which has proved completely inadequate in dealing with ethical issues" and stress the need for a " National Advisory Committee which is free of commercial research interests to give appropriate advice to Government on bioethical issues." (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/11/2007; righe 23, parole 293)

Links:
see statement in English
http://www.fides.org/eng/documents/human_Fertilisation_and_embryology_bill.doc



--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes

* Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews.com. They are presented only for your information.

San Francisco approves ID cards that exclude gender
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20071121/a_id21.art.htm
Abortion Causes 'Hopelessness' in Black Communities, King Says
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200711/CUL20071120a.html
Brazil doles out 'morning after' pills
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1120/p07s02-woam.html
Collapse of civilization nears as U.N. identifies 'masculinization of Asia'
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58803
More Good News From Ethical Biotechnology: Potential Gene Therapy Treatment for Parkinson's
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2007/11/more-good-news-from-ethical.html
Schindler Family Asks George Stephanopoulos and Mainstream Media to Correct Inaccurate Reporting Regarding Terri's True Medical Condition
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/907674805.html
Operation Rescue Files to Intervene in Abortion Grand Jury Case
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/14424806.html
GOP Facing Huge Losses in 2008
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/gop_elections_2008/2007/11/19/50699.html
Giuliani's Catholic Problem Won't Go Away
http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/catholics_giuliani/2007/11/19/50695.html
Huckabee: Abortion Not States' Call
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/huckabee_abortion/2007/11/18/50451.html
Warren, Clinton urged to tackle homosexual promiscuity at AIDS Summit
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/11/warren_clinton_urged_to_tackle.php
Video - Republican candidate Ron Paul gives his views on abortion and pro-life strategy
http://catholicsforronpaul.blogspot.com/2007/11/ron-paul-primacy-of-life.html
Archbishop condemns move to grant lesbians easier parenting rights
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2896619.ece
A school in Stockholm with a Christian profile has received a rap on the knuckles from school authorities for teaching children that homosexuality is sinful.
http://www.thelocal.se/9098/20071114/

(c) Copyright: LifeSiteNews.com, a production of Interim Publishing.
Permission to republish granted but acknowledgement of source (use LifeSiteNews.com) is *REQUIRED*

Donate to LifeSiteNews.com at http://www.lifesitenews.com/contribute/
 
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Stem Cell Breakthrough Could End Human Embryonic Experimentation


November 21st, 2007

Cloner of "Dolly the Sheep" denounces life-destructive research in light of new discovery

Madison, Wisconsin - Researchers have announced this week that they have made a significant breakthrough in stem cell research using adult skin cells that could end the use of live human embryos as research subjects.

Scientists from the University of Wisconsin at Madison announced that they have identified four genes that, when manipulated, can force a skin cell back to the embryonic stage, creating a potentially unlimited supply of stem cells without having to destroy human embryonic life. The discovery was made simultaneously with independent researchers in Japan.

In the wake of this discovery, the famed cloner of "Dolly the Sheep," Prof. Ian Wilmut, has abandoned and denounced the life-destructive therapeutic cloning in favor of the more ethical production of human stem cells through the use of adult skin cells, signaling the possible end to academic acceptance of live human embryonic experimentation.

"Once and for all, we urge the scientific and medical communities to embrace the life-affirming research done on cells that do not cause the intentional destruction of innocent human life at the earliest, most vulnerable stages of development," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "There is no way to justify continued destructive research, which has yielded no cures of any kind."

Operation Rescue was one of the first groups in the nation to begin speaking out against live human embryonic experimentation when it launched protests against human experimentation labs in 1999.

Embryonic stem cells are prized by researchers for their ability to grow into any type of tissue in the body without degenerating, but with tragic side effects, such as massive tumor growth and other fatal complications. These complications have prevented stem cells derived by killing human embryos from making even one substantial breakthrough that has helped suffering patients.

On the other hand, research done on adult cells that do not require the taking of life has produced hundreds of breakthroughs that are helping people today.

About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation.  Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America.  Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to support Operation Rescue

________________________________

Web site: www.operationrescue.org

NOTE: New e-mail address
E-mail: info.operationrescue@yahoo.com

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

From LifeSiteNews.com


Pro-Lifer Claims Boycott Success Over Abortion Supporting Poinsettia Business
Says boycott must continue while flowers still being sold under original name.

By Meg Jalsevac

November 20, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Two years ago, San Diego based pro-life activist James Hartline used his on-line report to organize and promote a national boycott of Paul Ecke Ranch Christmas poinsettias due to the Ecke family's extensive history of financial support for abortion-giant Planned Parenthood (PP). Hartline is now claiming a major boycott victory. Recent local reports indicate that, since the 1920's, this will be the first year the principal poinsettia producer in the nation, Ecke Ranch, will not produce and sell their typically large crop of the festive Christmas plant.

The Ecke family's financial and ideological support of PP is well-documented and extends back through the years. Multiple members of the Ecke family are listed on the Planned Parenthood of San Diego's 2006 annual report within the 'Margaret Sanger Donor Circle'.

Mrs. Elisabeth Ecke, referred to as "a longtime champion of Planned Parenthood and the reproductive services it provides", is listed as also having bequeathed funds to PP upon her death. In 2005, several members of the Ecke family contributed $250,000 to fund the renovation of the local PP clinic which was in turn named in honor of the family matriarch, Elisabeth Ecke.

According to an article in the San Diego Tribune Review, the Ecke Ranch has decided to license Armstrong Garden Centers to both grow and sell poinsettias under the Paul Ecke Ranch name. According to ranch officials, the change is not expected to cause any great diminution to the ranch's overall income since they assert that selling the full-grown plants does not constitute the bulk of their business. However, according to the Tribune Review, the ranch typically grows and sells anywhere between 300,000 to 400,000 full-grown poinsettias each Christmas season. This year, they will produce only 6,000 to be used for promotional purposes.

While the Tribune Review article makes no mention of the pro-life boycott, Hartline is convinced that it has affected the Ecke business. "It is clear that our boycott will continue to hurt the Ecke name and their poinsettia sales. I fully believe that the Eckes know that their name is bad news among pro-lifers. I believe their decision to license out their name is, in part, due to our ongoing boycott."

Hartline encouraged pro-lifers to continue the boycott of the Ecke poinsettias saying, "We must understand that the Eckes will continue to profit off of the poinsettias being produced by Armstrong Gardens, because the Ecke name will still be used."

"I am convinced that our boycott has created major problems for Ecke Ranch. Without churchgoers purchasing their poinsettias, the Eckes will have a real hard time getting that extra cash they need to fund Planned Parenthood. Babies are more important than giving the Eckes blood money for their poinsettias!"

To contact Armstrong Garden Centers who will be selling Ecke poinsettias this Christmas:

Corporate Office
2200 E. Route 66, Suite 200
Glendora, CA 91740-4673
TEL: (626) 914-1091

Gary Jones, Marketing VP
Armstrong Garden Centers
gjones@armstronggarden.com
--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Monday, November 19, 2007

From the Desk of Fr. Frank Pavone

Faithful Citizenship


Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

The bishops were particularly pleased with their efforts when they voted to approve their document on Faithful Citizenship on November 14. The bishops voted electronically, and then the conference President called for the results to be shown on the large screen. The yes and no votes were tabulated and displayed as two bars. The vote was almost unanimous. Only four bishops voted against the document.

The applause that then ensued was sustained, and was just as much for the process by which this document had come about as it was for the substance of it. Over the last three decades, the "Faithful Citizenship" documents, issued every four years just before a presidential election year, have been the topic of controversy and division. Those in the Church whose work is specifically to end abortion and euthanasia, which the Church has identified as "preeminent issues," have often felt that the documents have been confusing when they essentially just provide a litany of issues that voters have to consider in elections. Obviously, support for scholarships is not on the same level of urgency as the taking of the lives of the children who might one day receive them. Therefore, many argued, the document has to make the distinction clear.

On the other hand, those whose work is primarily in the area of improving the quality of life and fostering various social programs worry that some people, because they focus on the preeminent issues, will feel justified in ignoring the other issues.

Efforts were made to address both concerns. Rather than having the document issued by the Administrative Committee of the bishops, as has been the case in previous years, the document was prepared by the collaborative work of seven different committees of the conference. Then, the document was presented to the entire body of bishops for amendments and debate. I saw firsthand the seriousness of the effort.

Now that the document is issued, there are several things to keep in mind.

First, no document of the Church stands on its own. This document is meant to be read in the light of related documents, such as those listed in its bibliography, including Living the Gospel of Life.

Second, the impact of the document will be as accurate or slanted as those who present it. Given that such effort went into drafting it, we who teach and preach it should undertake corresponding efforts to do so accurately. And we should correct distortions and misinterpretations.

Third, the document does clearly distinguish some issues as more fundamental than others. The document states, "The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many." The statement, furthermore, explains that Catholics who vote for candidates because they want to keep abortion legal, or who ignore the
pro-abortion stance of a candidate and support him or her just because of party loyalty, are acting immorally.

Let us read, study, and properly teach this document.

Read Fr. Frank's full statement on the Bishops' document

Read Fr. Frank's press release on the Bishops' document

Read the entire document in PDF format

This column can be found online at www.priestsforlife.org/columns/columns2007/07-11-19faithfulcitizenship.htm

Fr. Frank's columns can be heard via podcast.  See www.priestsforlife.org/podcast for more details.

Fr.. Frank's columns can be listened to in MP3 format at www.priestsforlife.org/columns/columns2007/index.htm

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Police Attack Pro-lifers In Shocking Display of Abuse


Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Three members of the Survivors were arrested on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, on Chaffey College campus in Rancho Cucamonga, California, in one of the most egregious displays of police misconduct that we have heard about in years.

The three young men, Joey Cox, and brothers James and Jason Conrad, were on campus to obtain permits for a pro-life outreach at the college. They had learned through many experiences to record their dealings for their protection. At Chaffey, the young men had both video and audio recorders running.

In this instance, college police objected to the taping. Without warning, and without identifying themselves as officers, Joey was attacked, shoved to the ground, and his audio recorder forcibly removed from his pocket. Joey saw the officers attempting to erase the recording.

The officers verbally abused and mocked the young men for their pro-life beliefs. To his disgrace, an officer named Tran called Joey a "retard." Joey was escorted off campus without charges at that time, however, his recorder and other property were never returned to him. He was given no receipt.

Jason and James were placed under arrest, cuffed, then roughed up by the officers, who made efforts to hide their actions from other Survivor members who were attempting to document what was happening. Officers endangered them by transporting them without seat belts and with full heaters blasting on a warm day with the purpose of causing additional physical discomfort. They were held for two days on felony "eavesdropping" charges, even though the videotaping was being done in a public place. Later the charges were reduced to misdemeanor charges of obstructing a police officer and disturbing the peace. Joey was charged with trespassing and released.

The three Survivors were doing nothing but attempting to arrange for a pro-life outreach within their First Amendment rights. In return, they were battered, bruised, abused, and robbed, in what seems like a clear case of bigotry and abuse of power.

Click here to watch video of the arrests. You will see the rough treatment and efforts by police to prevent any documentation of their actions.

Operation Rescue has often worked with the Survivors and we know these young men. We were so shocked to hear of their appalling treatment that we asked the Survivors what we could do to help.

They asked us all to make phone calls to the Chaffey College Police Department. Joey's audio recorder is still missing. It is unknown if the recording is still intact. Please ask them to return the audio recorder to Charles Cox (Joey's legal name), and feel free to voice your opinion as well.

Chaffey College Police Department
Phone number: (909) 652-6632

________________________________

About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation.  Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America.  Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to make a donation.

________________________________

Web site: www.operationrescue.org
NEW! E-mail: info.operationrescue@yahoo.com

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"