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Monday August 9, 2004

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Toronto Cardinal Backs "Pro-Abortion" Politician To High Profile Catholic Post, Says She's Pro-Life

TORONTO, August 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Responding to concerned Catholics who wrote about the appointment of former Ontario PC cabinet minister Tina Molinari - listed as 'pro-abortion' by a pro-life group - to a high profile post within Catholic Missions in Canada, Toronto Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic's spokeseman said he backs the appointment.

Despite a 1999 pro-life group's evaluation and a July 20 LifeSiteNews.com interview with Tina Molinari, both of which indicated that she was not pro-life, Cardinal Ambrozic says in a letter of July 23, "I am completely confident that the staff of Catholic Missions In Canada fully believe and support the Catholic teaching of respect for and preservation of all human life, and that human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception."

LifeSiteNews.com asked Molinari if she opposed abortion in all circumstances, she responded, "Well, I am not one to judge a woman's decision to make those decisions. I don't think it's my place to judge. I think that's between the woman, her doctor and her God." Asked, "Would you support a law to make abortion illegal?," Molinari responded, "The question is irrelevant because I'm in no position to support any law in that respect."

When LifeSiteNews.com contacted the Archdiocese to discuss the issue, the Cardinal's spokesman, Suzanne Scorsone, said that the Cardinal had met personally with Molinari and discussed the issues. "I know that he has had discussions with her, and since he said that he is confident, he is confident," Scorsone told LifeSiteNews.com.

When LifeSiteNews.com pointed out that an interview conducted only three days prior to the Cardinal's letter demonstrated that Molinari clearly did not follow the Church's teaching on life, Scorsone revealed that the Cardinal knew of the LifeSite report. "He's certainly aware of what your publication has said," said Scorsone.

When asked if a copy of the interview would be of assistance, the offer was declined.

LifeSiteNews.com had a letter hand-delivered to the Cardinal's office explaining the difficulty and revealing that in an interview Molinari had demonstrated she did not "fully believe and support the Catholic teaching" on pro-life as the Cardinal's letter suggested.

When LifeSiteNews.com asked that Molinari be on record as rejecting her former non pro-life stand or at least embracing the pro-life stand, Ms. Scorsone responded, "You have the cardinal's record and that is record." During the discussion Scorsone added, "If he's confident I don't see why others would not trust that confidence . . . Thank you very much for your concern."

To express concerns to Cardinal Ambrozic:
His Eminence Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic
Archbishop of Toronto
Catholic Pastoral Centre
1155 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario M4T 1W2
Phone: (416) 934-0606 Fax: (416) 934-3452
spiritual@archtoronto.org

See former LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Catholic Missions in Canada Appoints "Pro-Abortion" Former Cabinet Minister to Leadership
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/jul/04071901.html
President of Catholic Missions Fully Supports 'Pro-Abortion' Politician in High Level Post
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/jul/04072201.html
Catholic Missions in Canada Employee Says Calling Her "Pro-Abortion" is Unfair
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/jul/04072001.html

jhw

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U.S. Bishop Carlson: Faith Compels Catholics to Make Abortion Prime Vote Consideration

Non-pro-life Catholics not to be given recognition or placed in leadership roles in diocese

SIOUX FALLS, August 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Released today is a statement by Bishop Robert J. Carlson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota which explains clearly the moral obligations of Catholics in voting for political candidates. The bishop refutes those who suggest that a politician's stand on abortion is only one consideration among many when deciding for whom to cast your vote.

"There is a faulty thinking today that all life issues are equal or the same. Even some priests and religious and a few politicians try to promote this," writes Bishop Carlson. He stresses that, "teaching of the church, which corresponds with reality and the natural law, is that all life issues are not equal or the same. In fact, there is one which is primary, life itself. It is so basic and foundational that if it is not upheld, all other issues and rights are meaningless. Opposition to abortion binds every Catholic under pain of mortal sin and admits of no exceptions."

In the statement he recalls that in October 2000 he stated that one cannot vote for a politician who is pro-abortion (when one has a choice) and remain a Catholic in good standing. The Bishop warned, "Understand that this is not simply one bishop's opinion, but is the truth as revealed to us through the church founded by Christ."

Bishop Carlson pointed to a recent letter by Vatican Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger which noted that "Catholics would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present themselves for Holy Communion, if they were to deliberately vote for a candidate precisely because of the candidate's permissive stance on abortion or euthanasia." Bishop Carlson explains, "this would separate one from the community of the Church."

Bishop Carlson further explains that "If one had a properly formed conscience admitting the grave evil of abortion and euthanasia, as the Church teaches, and does not share a candidates stand in favor of abortion and euthanasia, but votes for the candidate for other reasons, it is considered remote material cooperation which can be permitted, Cardinal Ratzinger states, if proportionate reasons are present, e.g., the candidate would limit abortions."

Nearing the end of the statement Bishop Carlson pronounces policy that is being formerly and publicly emphasized by an increasing number of US bishops. The bishop states that those who do not uphold the Church's pro-life stand are not be placed in leadership roles within his diocese. "In the Diocese of Sioux Falls, those who act in defiance of these fundamental principles of life should not be honored or invited to speak at Catholic colleges, schools or parishes, or hold any office such as lector, Eucharist Minister, usher, parish council member or religious education teacher."

See Bishop Carlson's full statement:
http://www.sfcatholic.org/communication/bulletin/2004/august...

jhw

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Malaysian Government Screens Pro-Life Film as Part of Marriage Preparation

KUALA LUMPUR, August 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Alarmed by the growing rate of divorce among non-Muslim couples, the Home Affairs Ministry of the Malaysian government is creating a new marriage preparation course to be implemented nationwide. In the Southeast Asian country under Muslim rule, the divorce rate is 5% among non-Muslims, who are allowed relative freedom to follow their respective religions.

Abortion is among the foremost dangers to marriage relationships, according to the courses' architects. Deputy Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho said "We encourage the screening of Silent Scream to allow couples to see what happens to the foetus when an abortion is carried out." Medical experts will participate in the courses, explaining the risks of abortion, said the Minister.

See local coverage:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/8/9/nation/8...

jmo

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Why did Deputy Leader of Conservatives Write Letter Supporting Robinson in Theft Trial?

Svend Robinson's Sentence a Miscarriage of Justice

VANCOUVER, August 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The judicial farce which resulted in homosexual activist former MP Svend Robinson being let-off without even a criminal record for his admitted theft of a ring valued at $64,000, has raised the ire of grass roots Canadians concerned about equality before the law. Another aspect of the case that has at least grass-roots Conservatives irritated is the fact that the deputy leader of the Conservative Party, Peter MacKay, lent his support to Robinson by way of a letter to the court requesting that the judge go easy on him.

MacKay, acting as part of the House of Commons Justice Committee, voted in favour of sending homosexual activist MP Svend Robinson's private members Bill C-250 back to the House of Commons without voting on a Canadian Alliance motion that sought to address concerns over its effect on freedom of expression and religion. A message of request for a copy of MacKay's letter to the court was not returned to LifeSiteNews.com by press time.

Robinson, who has a previous criminal record, was not even given the kid-glove treatment suggested by special prosecutor Len Doust. Doust requested that Robinson be handed a conviction, be fined and put on probation for his crime. Instead, British Columbia Provincial Court Judge Ron Fratkin gave him a conditional sentence, meaning no criminal record, plus 100 hours of community service.

According to court testimony, Robinson signed in to the auction house and gave his license to an officer at a security desk. He asked to view three rings. "He put two back and surreptitiously put one in his jacket pocket," Doust said. "He was very calm and very cool. He knew exactly what he was doing. Then he gets rid of it, he hides the ring in his car and locks it." Doust charged that Robinson frantically tried to come up with a plan to return the ring without being identified. Robinson told police he was trying to locate a place where he could return the ring anonymously. Robinson increasingly became aware that police were on to him, he had been caught on tape, and consequences would be harsh. "If he had truly wanted to turn himself in and take responsibility, he could have done it right away and simply gone to the police station," Doust said. "He chose to turn himself in just before the RCMP caught up with him."

Robinson's lawyer, Clayton Ruby, also notorious abortionist Henry Morgentaler's lawyer, said the judgement "reflects no different treatment than that which we accord to any Canadian."

See National Post's George Jonas
Svend Robinson did us all a favour
http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/columnists/story...

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Colorado Bishop to meet all comers in marriage debate

COLORADO SPRINGS, August 5, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Bishop Michael J. Sheridan's August column decrying same-sex unions did more than sound a warning note. After sketching the Catholic Church's teaching about marriage, the Colorado Springs prelate extended an open invitation to a series of in-depth explanations on the issue. The issue is certainly crucial to the bishop's vision of Church and society, as he refuses to delegate the sessions to co-workers. All are welcome to attend Bishop Sheridan's talks at four locations throughout the diocese over the course of the next three months.

The Colorado bishop stands in contrast to his media foes, who are willing to air their criticism but are difficult to hold accountable for their views. While pro-abortion and pro-gay activists and their supporters are seldom available for comment, Bishop Sheridan is urging all comers to come to him in person. While he hopes for an open and respectful audience willing to reflect on his teaching, it is no secret that the bishop is comfortable with journalists, even when they heckle.

The sessions will all follow the same format, beginning at 7:00 pm and concluding at 8:30 pm. The Bishop will give a brief presentation, and then there will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion. Bishop Sheridan's column on marriage sported both theological reasons and common sense. All who were enlightened, cheered, puzzled or offended by it are likely to be back for more.

Contact the diocese for more information on the sessions:
info@diocs.org

jmo

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Hong Kong Has One of Highest Abortion Rates in Developed World - 1/3 of all Pregnancies

HONG KONG, August 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The South China Morning Post reported today that one-third of all pregnancies in Hong Kong end in abortion. Analysts say the number is probably even higher, because it does not take into account the illegal abortions committed in mainland China, where many women go to ensure anonymity.

According to the Post, 2001 statistics revealed 20,235 babies were aborted v. 49,144 live births in the same year. Abortion thus ended the lives of 29.2% Hong Kong babies that year.

A Medical News Today report speculates that the strong social stigma associated with pregnancy in an unmarried woman is to blame.

Although the Post authors claim the 29 percent rate is the world's highest, Russia is actually the world leader, with 60 percent of women aborting their unborn children. Romania's abortions also exceed Hong Kongs, where in 2003, over 50 percent of pregnancies ended in abortion. The U.S. ranks closely behind Hong Kong, at 24.4 percent of pregnancies, Canada at 24.3 percent and Australia at 23.7 percent.

Read related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Romania: Abortions Continue to Exceed Live Births
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/feb/04021008.html

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UK Allows RU-486 Abortions At Home

LONDON, August 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The UK government plans to allow chemical abortions to be carried out at home, rather than under the supervision of medical staff at hospitals or abortion clinics. The new guidelines are set to begin next month.

The drug, RU-486, already available to French and U.S. women for self-administration, has met with disastrous consequences -- Since RU-486 received U.S. approval, Danco, the distributor of the drug there, has reported 400 complications to the FDA. These include one woman who died from an ectopic pregnancy, another who suffered a heart attack, and two 15-year olds who contracted life-threatening infections. Another woman in Canada died from a bacterial infection. At least two British women have already been killed by the drug.

Britain's main abortion provider, BPAS, has lobbied heavily to have the chemical abortion available to women for home administration, arguing that it saves taxpayers the cost for more expensive in-clinic administration and also avoids more costly surgical abortion.

According to the new directive, after a pre-screening, women will be administered the first of two drugs by an abortionist, while a second drug is self-administered two days later at home. The second drug induces the expulsion of the already-dead baby, and is the more dangerous aspect of the entire process, often associated with protracted uterine hemorrhaging, or retained baby parts leading to infection.

Proponents say that allowing women to abort at home would be more humane because "they could then flush the fetal remains down a lavatory." Nuala Scarisbrick, trustee of the pro-life charity Life, told the Daily Mail that, on the contrary, "This method of abortion would be one of the most unpleasant . . .Women will be bleeding heavily and passing the remains of what they know is a baby. It will be frightening and horrible if they are on their own."

"RU-486 has only one purpose - to kill a human being. But - as we have repeatedly warned - it also threatens women's lives and health," Concerned Women for America spokeswoman Wendy Wright said in response to the death of American Holly Marie Patterson from RU-486 last September. "Surely women should not be treated as collateral damage in the pursuit of making abortion accessible."

Read the LifeSiteNews.com explanation:
Chemical Abortions
http://www.lifesite.net/clc/abortion_types/chabortion_types....
Canadian Woman Dies In RU-486 Abortion Pill Test
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2001/sep/01091102.html

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LifeSiteNews.com Newsbytes

Town to fine couple for putting pro-life sign on their own home
http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/9345561.htm

Rome laicizes priest charged with blackmail
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=31345

Has The American Psychological Association Gone Mad?
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?name=News&file=...

Democracy's Trojan Horse - A borderless world is unlikely to be a democratic one...some aspects of globalization, "point to a long range danger to democracy."
http://www.hudson.org/files/publications/fonte_national_inte...

The Implications of Saudi Arabian oil declining
http://www.hudson.org/files/publications/Simmons%20--%20Impl...

China may age on a scale and speed the world has never encountered, and its vulnerabilities will multiply
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/world/story/0,4386,265711,0...

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