I am proud of our Cardinal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2008

STATEMENT OF HIS EMINENCE, EDWARD CARDINAL EGAN CONCERNING REMARKS MADE BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Like many other citizens of this nation, I was shocked to learn that the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would make the kind of statements that were made to Mr. Tom Brokaw of NBC-TV on Sunday, August 24, 2008. What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age.

We are blessed in the 21st century with crystal-clear photographs and action films of the living realities within their pregnant mothers. No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb. In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons. They are not parts of their mothers, and what they are depends not at all upon the opinions of theologians of any faith. Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being “chooses” to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.

Edward Cardinal Egan
Archbishop of New York
August 26, 2008

HT: Home Sweet Heart

Comments

[Jennifer]

Thank you Alice!!! I didn't hear or read what was said - I only saw a snippet alluding to it. It was quite shocking and annoying to be misrepresented by such a high profile person.

[patience]

So amazing and inspiring and true. Thank you for sharing it.

[Suzanne Temple]

Absolutely. I'm proud of many American bishops this week,eight so far that have taken a stand individually. May there be more. This is an important moment in the Church in America and, I believe, in politics. Hooray!

[Rachel]

Archbishop Chaput wrote a great letter too. I was listening to Laura Ingraham this morning and she had Ramond Arroyo on (from EWTN). They were discussing how more bishops are speaking out against Nancy Pelosi's utterly wrong and ignorant statements, about abortion, on Meet The Press. Oh, how I miss Tim Russert!!! He would never have let her get away with that statement!

[Jamie]

Simply and beautifully stated.

I am also proud of our bishops! So many have really stepped out and made these wonderful statements. There can be no doubt where the Church stands on this issue thanks to their wonderful shepherding!!

[Michele Quigley]

And kudos to your Bishop Murphy as well! http://www.licatholic.org/columns/murphy.htm

[Jeannine]

So straightforward and wise. I have read many responses to her comments, and Cardinal Egan's is my favorite. Oh, and aren't we absolutely blessed to have Bishop Murphy as OUR bishop?

[Laura]

What a great response!! Amen!

Laws and politics are so discombobulated. On Relevant Radio, Fr. Frank Povone reminds us that (for example) a drunk driver who hits and kills a pregnant women driving to an abortion clinic is charged with double homocide, yet the mother wouldn't have been charged if she would have gone through with her plans to kill her child. Hmmm...

Thank you for posting this beautiful writing. I, unfortunately, have to admit that I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. Go bishops!

[autismtymz2]

It is wonderful to read the words of Cardinal Egan. He clearly loves all of God's children, no matter how young or old.

As I learned in Sunday School as a little girl..."Jesus loves the little children, all the little children of the world, red, brown, yellow, black, and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world." That song always makes me smile.

Have a beautiful day :)