A Knowledgeable Catholic Cannot

On May 9, 2007, Reuters reported that: Speaking to reporters aboard the plane taking him on a trip to Brazil, Pope Benedict warned Catholic politicians they risked excommunication if they support abortion�This excommunication was not an arbitrary one but is allowed by Canon (Church) law which says that the killing of an innocent child incompatible with receiving communion, which is receiving the body of Christ.

�In this context, it must be noted also that a well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals� (Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding The Participation of Catholics in Political Life, Nov 21, 2002).

A Catholic can disagree with the Church's position on health care, education, economic security, immigration, and taxes and still remain a Catholic in good-standing. However, if when aware of the Church's position that abortion and euthanasia are intrinsically evil, a Catholic deliberately votes for a pro-abortion candidate when there is a pro-life alternative, he separates himself from the Church and from Jesus Christ - forfeiting salvation. Repentance and sacramental confession are necessary to regain membership in the Body of Christ.

� Evangelization Station, 2010

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