Regarding Political Excommunication
Let me apologize in advance, because what I’m about to say might offend some of you. So be it.
As you already know, I support John McCain in the upcoming election, primarily due to his stance on pro-life issues. Indeed, if he makes it into office, he’ll probably have the opportunity to appoint new supreme court justices who are dedicated to defending all human life from conception until natural death.
However, I recognize there are genuinely pro-life, orthodox Catholic people in our Church who honestly favor Obama. Some of them argue that overall, Barack’s policies would reduce the number of abortions more than John McCain’s policies. I don’t follow their logic. In fact, I personally think they’re making a horrible mistake, but I’m not about to anathematize them for it.
I’m sickened by the treatment some Catholics have endured, merely for supporting Democratic political candidates. In just the past few weeks, we’ve seen Professor Kmiec denied communion, we’ve seen a member of Franciscan University’s board of trustees resign, and we’ve seen a plethora of similar incidents.
Truth be told, many faithful sons of the Church have been branded as heretics for no reason.
Most “Obama” Catholics I know are united in their intention to protect traditional families, defend life, and help the poor. Eliminating abortion is usually high on their priority lists, even though they disagree with me on how to achieve such a noble goal.
Politics is a murky affair. Choices that seem obvious today could prove disastrous tomorrow. I’m willing to admit I may be wrong for siding with the Republicans. Are “Obama” Catholics willing to admit they may be wrong for siding with the Democrats? I certainly hope so.
No matter who you support, you should be nervous right now. We’re on the threshold of perhaps the most important presidential election in the history of our nation. Our next leader will definitively decide what it means to be an American. Therefore, cast your ballot with fear and trembling, knowing that once everything falls into place, your opponent might become your friend, and your friend might become your opponent.
