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Why Catholics should support Amnesty over abortion
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by generaldecay | September 24, 2007 at 09:22 am
487 views | 15 Recommendations | 6 comments
It is time to let go of past prejudices and adopt a more rational approach towards abortion.There has been a very public falling out in recent weeks between Amnesty International (AI) and the Catholic Church regarding the decision of the human rights organisation to change its policy on abortion. This has involved AI going from a position of neutrality to one favouring decriminalisation and access to abortion for the victims of rape, incest and in cases where the mother’s life is at risk.
The initial response from the Vatican came from Cardinal Renato Martino, President of the Pontifical Council on Justice and Peace, who announced donations to AI would cease. He also urged Catholics to reconsider gifts to the organisation.The latest high profile Catholic figure to withdraw his membership has been Cardinal Keith O'Brien of Scotland who claimed the decision contravened "that basic and most fundamental of all human rights, the right to life."
The Catholic Church has to change its stance on abortion sooner or later. I don't say this because I, myself, am pro-abortion, but because the Catholic Church has long said that it needs to work towards gaining and keeping young members. Their anti-abortion stance is objectionable to many many current and potential members of the Church.
But that's not the only reason: abortion is a woman's right, Catholic or not. That for me, is the bottom line.
(Updated to correct typo.)
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (6)
at 14:09 on September 26th, 2007
generaldecay, there are very strong feelings on both sides, but I cant see the Catholic church ever changing its views.Good stuff.
at 00:35 on September 27th, 2007
I know. I think you're right, but I think it might modify them somewhat (down the line - not now) to remain 'constant'. I do think it's that manipulative.
at 06:47 on September 27th, 2007
As a political organization, the Catholic Church will have no choice but to change its message, though I'm sure it will wait until the last possible moment to do so: a religion's "brand" is in it's unchanging-ness.
at 10:16 on September 27th, 2007
This is the bottom line, if you ask me. The Church is very politically-savvy and knows what it has to do keep itself constant.
at 09:14 on September 27th, 2007
I am going to have to disagree with all of you here. The sanctity of human life is a core tenet of the Catholic faith. There is no reason the Church should have to change.
at 10:20 on September 27th, 2007
It is one of he Church's core principles, yes, but I can't help but think that it will modify its stance sooner or later (probably later) in order to keep competing as one of the world's major religions. The Church knows that it needs to work harder to find more young members and to keep the ones it has. Their anti-abortion stance is objectionable to many young people (as are many of its other principles) so I think, because it knows how to play the game, it will do what's needed to remain current.
As Jordan said above, the Church is a very political organisation.