But that, of course, was buried. The Catholic Church is fast becoming far less liberal than it was when I grew up in the 60s and 70s. Shame, really. We are still the sheep, but I wonder if the Shepard has changed?
Catholics can vote for Kerry
"...When a Catholic does not share a candidate's stand in favor of abortion and/or euthanasia, but votes for that candidate for other reasons, it is considered remote material cooperation, which can be permitted in the presence of proportionate reasons."
That was not written by some radical liberal Catholic theologian. It comes from the cardinal prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (once the Holy Office of the Inquisition), Joseph Ratzinger.
http://www.nydailynews.com/08-10-2004/news/politics/story/220736p-189544c.html So, it was not a problem for Catholics to vote for Kerry unless they specifically voted for him because he supports choice. And if that were the case, their problem, according to the Church, goes much deeper than their vote.
The fact that Sen Kerry is not "in favor of abortion", but instead supports choice is ancillary and private. There was no reason for Catholics not to vote for Sen Kerry. Any priest, bishop or nun who said otherwise was making statements that conflicted with the teachings of the Church, and that's a no-no. They can have their own opinions, of course, regarding who to vote for, but nothing more.
Jesus wept, indeed. I truly believe He's ashamed of what's happened to His Church.