Fidelis Praises Catholic Bishop’s Public Blast of Giuliani on Abortion Position

From Fidelis:

06-04-2007

Fidelis today praised Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, for his public critique of Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani over his position on abortion in his weekly column Without A Doubt that runs in The Rhode Island Catholic newspaper. In his column, Tobin described Giuliani’s position on abortion as “pathetic,” “confusing,” and “hypocritical.”

Fidelis President Joseph Cella stated: “We are grateful for Bishop Tobin’s courage in condemning the incoherence of Rudy Giuliani’s support of abortion on demand. Bishop Tobin’s words serve as an authoritative and unambiguous reminder to Giuliani and all Catholic politicians of their moral obligations as Catholic public leaders to defend human life. His column also offers yet more support to the argument why faithful Catholics should reject Giuliani’s candidacy.”

This week’s column entitled My R.S.V.P. to Rudy Giuliani, is full of biting wit and citations of Catholic Church teaching. In his column Bishop Tobin exposes the hypocrisy of the oft heard ‘personally opposed, but…” position offered by many Catholic politicians. Tobin wrote: “Rudy’s explanation is a classic expression of the position on abortion we’ve heard from weak-kneed politicians so frequently in recent years: ‘I’m personally opposed to but don’t want to impose my views on other people.’ The incongruity of that position has been exposed many times now.” The column goes on to cite John Paul the II in his encyclical The Gospel of Life, and a recent pronouncement from the Bishops of the United States on the obligations of Catholic politicians to defend human life.

Cella said: “This is a powerful teaching moment for faithful Catholics as Bishop Tobin has once again reaffirmed the constant and authentic teaching of the Catholic Church that all human life is sacred and must be protected.”

“We have sent a letter thanking Bishop Tobin for his clarity and courage in publicly exposing the incoherence and hypocrisy of Giuliani’s radical position on abortion. We are now urging all Catholics and other Christians across the country to do the same,” Cella said.

Bishop Tobin’s office can be reached by calling 401-278-4500, via fax at 401-278-4649, or via e-mail at letters@thericatholic.com

Bishop Tobin’s column can be read in its entirety by clicking here.

Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Bishop Tobin's "RSVP to Rudy Giuliani"