Democracy, not Theocracy

On days like today, I'm glad I live in a Democracy where people are free to vote their minds and their consciences, and not in some sort of Theocracy where powerful clerics issue religious edicts instructing the faithful in how they should vote, or risk getting cast out of the community - or worse.

Imams issuing Fatwas are for other cultures, other countries. Not here. Not in America.

Just say NO to Theocracy.

Bishop: Catholics who aren’t pro-life will not be given Holy Communion
The Most Rev. Joseph F. Martino, bishop of Scranton, has strongly supported refusal of Holy Communion for politicians who campaign for or vote in favor of abortion rights.

When asked whether the Democratic vice presidential candidate would be refused Communion should he tour the region, the diocese held firm to its past statements.

“I will not tolerate any politician who claims to be a faithful Catholic who is not genuinely pro-life,” Martino said in a pastoral letter Sept. 15, 2005, and reiterated this week.

“No Catholic politician who supports the culture of death should approach Holy Communion,” Martino said. “I will be truly vigilant on this point.”

Bishop asks Catholics to vote for anti-abortion candidates
A controversial letter from Bishop Joseph F. Martino calling on Catholics to vote for candidates who oppose abortion rights will be read aloud by priests at all Roman Catholic Masses in the Diocese of Scranton this weekend.

Groups question Scranton bishop’s letter
Groups that advocate for a broad view of Catholic social justice teaching and for maintaining the separation of church and state have criticized a letter by Bishop Joseph F. Martino that instructs Roman Catholic voters to consider abortion above all other issues on Election Day.

The letter, which will be read in place of the homily at all parishes in the Diocese of Scranton this weekend, ignores aspects of the official statement on voting issued last fall by the national organization of bishops, progressive Catholic groups say.