April 7, 2004

Pope Piety Perhaps?

Foot-Mouthing on the Campaign Trail: Kerry Dismisses Critics of Time That He Took Off Campaigning

Mr. Kerry became combative when told that some conservatives were criticizing him for being a Roman Catholic who supported policies, like abortion rights and same-sex unions, that are at odds with Catholic teaching.

"Who are they?" he demanded of his questioner. "Name them. Are they the same legislators who vote for the death penalty, which is in contravention of Catholic teaching?"

He added: "I'm not a church spokesman. I'm a legislator running for president. My oath is to uphold the Constitution of the United States in my public life. My oath privately between me and God was defined in the Catholic church by Pius XXIII and Pope Paul VI in the Vatican II, which allows for freedom of conscience for Catholics with respect to these choices, and that is exactly where I am. And it is separate. Our constitution separates church and state, and they should be reminded of that."

Mr. Kerry apparently meant John XXIII, as there is no Pius XXIII.

Well, there's no Queen Marie of Romania, but that didn't keep her from supporting Kerry for President.

Posted by Vanderleun at April 7, 2004 7:45 AM | TrackBack
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