prolife & politics QUESTION from Mr. Jack Bruner March 14, 2001 Recently, I saw a web-site that condemned Sen. Ted Kennedy for his Hypocracy in regards to abortion. He alleges to be a Catholic but, in direct violation of the gift of life, from our God, he advocates abortion. This web-site placed much pressure upon the Bishop, in his state of Mass. and urged the Bishop to begin the excommunication process against Ted Kennedy (and Sen./Congressman??) John Kerry.
I, also, agree strongly that Sen. Ted Kennedy, is an absolute hypocrite, on this subject, and he is in exact & direct violation of the Holy Bible and the Word of God & the Son, Jesus.
Could you please advise me of the location of that website??
Jack Bruner email: johniejack@home.com
ANSWER by Mr. Troy Martz on April 16, 2001 Dear Mr. Bruner:
Thank you so much for the question -- we need to hold our elected leaders accountable for their positions. Unfortunately, I could not find the site you mention but found one related to California Governor Gray Davis (see http://www.prolife.com/graydavis2.htm).
We must also remember that self-excommunication is NOT automatic for those who support abortion, only for someone who procures an abortion:

CCC 2272 Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latea sententiae, by the very commission of the offense, and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society.
Though the penalty of excommunication is not automatic, it is within the authority of the local Bishop to impose this penalty when he believes it is appropriate. Also remember that supporting activities that are inherently immoral is in itself sinful:

CCC 1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them: -- by participating directly and voluntarily in them; -- by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;{my emphasis} -- by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so; -- by protecting evil-doers.
We should actively support those Bishops and Priests who work to bring these sins to the light. Publicly and formally excommunicating such flagrant supporters of abortion should be encouraged by faithful Catholics. Remember the purpose for excommunication is to bring to the attention of the sinner the gravity of the sin and the need for repentance. As stated above, the Church is not trying to restrict the scope of mercy; instead She is treating these dissenters like wayward children and pleading with them to repent. Though we must always hate the sin, we still must love the sinner. In addition to calling for these people to repent, we as lay faithful need to pray continuously for the conversion of those who support abortion. May God give them a heart of repentance and love in exchange for their heart of stone.
Pax Christi, Troy
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