Biden, Pelosi spurring bishops on abortion

The Catholic bishops of the United States, moving closer and closer to the rapid response strategies used by political campaigns, are speaking up more and more about the way their church's opposition to abortion is being described by Catholic (and, thus far, Democratic) politicians, and yesterday the bishops announced that they "will discuss the practical and pastoral implications of political support for abortion" during their next meeting, which takes place just after Election Day in Baltimore. From the news release:

"In light of recent comments by Catholic politicians misrepresenting Catholic teaching, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops affirms the statements that have been issued by Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Doctrine. We confirm the Catholic Church's constant teaching about the sanctity of all human life from the moment of conception and the intrinsic evil of abortion. As the teachers of the faith, we also point out the connectedness between the evil of abortion and political support for abortion."

The decision to add the topic to their semi-annual agenda follows two high-profile critiques from multiple bishops of the way House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden, both Catholic Democrats who support abortion rights, have described the church's teaching in separate "Meet the Press" interviews. The bishops criticized Pelosi for her description of the history of the church's teaching on abortion, and criticized Biden for describing the issue as a "personal and private" matter. Pelosi's local bishop, Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco, has asked her to come talk with him about the abortion issue; Pelosi has agreed to do so. From Niederauer's statement:

"Last month, in two televised interviews and a subsequent statement released through her office, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and a Catholic residing in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, made remarks that are in serious conflict with the teachings of the Catholic Church about abortion. It is my responsibility as Archbishop of San Francisco to teach clearly what Christ in his Church teaches about faith and morals, and to oppose erroneous, misleading and confusing positions when they are advanced...I regret the necessity of addressing these issues in so public a forum, but the widespread consternation among Catholics made it unavoidable. Speaker Pelosi has often said how highly she values her Catholic faith, and how much it is a source of joy for her. Accordingly, as her pastor, I am writing to invite her into a conversation with me about these matters. It is my obligation to teach forthrightly and to shepherd caringly, and that is my intent. Let us pray together that the Holy Spirit will guide us all toward a more profound understanding and appreciation for human life, and toward a resolution of these differences in truth and charity and peace."

(Photo above, by AP, shows bishops at last year's November meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Archbishop Niederauer is at the center.)