Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.
~ from the Kohelet of Ecclesiastes 3
In talking to someone about the abortion issue, they mentioned that it would be wrong for a priest to say “one cannot both support abortion, and be a catholic.” the editor of this page wrote this response… and more dialog, below.
Oh beloved, it is true.
Some have asked how is it that a priest says one cannot be a Catholic and support abortion.
This is not a new development.
The Church has been consistent on this issue for nearly 2,000 years. The life of a human being begins at conception, and ends when that life stops by virtue of the hand of another human, disease, circumstance, or fullness of age. This is a non-negotiable for a Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Confessing Protestant believer.
It is a foundational element of the Christian faith: 1) A clear definition of humanity, 2) As clear a definition as possible of the God Who has made us, and, 3) The relationship between created humans and their Creator, the Triune God.
Said simply: zygotes, embryos, and fetuses are fully human in the Roman Catholic framework – and the intentional destruction (beyond actually saving the life of the mother) of an innocent human being is murder in the first degree. Period.
Additionally, though, the Church speaks loudly about, and actively supports, supporting the woman who is carrying the child. We must provide the grace to assist this mother and child throughout. As with any strong moral stance, we must make a tangible effort to bring about its success.
Absolutely, a human being has the free will to disbelieve, or disobey this dogma. God gives each human a truly free will. But, by supporting abortion, a free human also chooses to no longer be one who claims to follow Christ.
Why? Again, ‘The Why’ should always be answered. The answer is Love. Love is willing the good of others (before myself), simply because they exist.
The person with whom I was speaking, responded, “…but we don’t want people to feel condemned…” I responded:
Thanks for your thoughts, and I appreciate your care for others! ❤️❤️. Please forgive me if I go a little long here. It is just a matter of the heart for me. Also, I fully respect that you may have come to other conclusions. I don’t even know you, but I love you as a sister in the human family.
I have also been up close to multiple situations where abortions happened. Further, to any woman who has been through this difficult choice – I love you. Period. And so does Jesus.
My life was a mess, and I have caused great pain to others in the past. My willingness to confess my sinfulness, and to turn from it, is what began my healing.
However, a priest must be consistent here. A priest is working in the capacity of a man who channels the grace of Christ (in persona Christi Capitis). He has taken perpetual vows to uphold the dogma of the church – as it is the message passed down from the apostles and Christ Jesus Himself. I understand that this is different than the current fashion of relativism when it comes to morality. But, the church is merely delivering the message across the centuries.
One thing to note, the priest’s or pastor’s message would not be condemnation. The answer on whether the body of Christ should accept a woman who has had an abortion is: ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!! No sin is beyond the grace and mercy of Christ. None.
Can we see it?
“Confession” of sin within the Roman Catholic church, is called the Rite of Reconciliation. And reconciliation is the removal of that which separates us from each other, and God. And the re-fitting us into right relationship and worship (where our eyes are centered) with and of God.
It does no good to the sinner (me first, and each of us) to call something good, when it is bad…. Confession, is not condemnation. Confessing our sins means we simply agree with the reality of our actions, and purpose to turn away from them when they are wrong. We accept them as wrong. But, in doing and no longer have to carry the shame of our acts. The sin has been swallowed up in the merciful work of Christ on the cross.
However, you ARE right that many ‘religious’ laypeople and ministers/priests do not communicate the whole gospel. Often, we over communicate the problem of sin, and under-teach the power of of His grace… Or, we go towards grace thinking that it is some sort of salve that just makes everything ok. Actually, grace is power, and as Paul Ellis has said, “Grace is no more a license to sin, than electricity is a license to electrocute yourself!”
The gospel is neither condemnation, nor license.
The Gospel is the very good news, that I am built for eternity, but truly fallen, and cannot get to it on my own. But, as I turn from my own wretched attempts and choices, and look to Christ, I see that He has done everything needed, and is Himself The very Love I have been seeking. My fallenness, and His forgiveness and Love combine to make me into a new person altogether. Not just someone who is accepted in spite of their mistakes, but a new creation being made into someone who is fit for an eternal membership in the ruling family of the universe.
So, a priest would not be communicating condemnation to a woman who has chosen to abort her child. The good priest would be calling the sin what it is, because the only way out of the shame and pain, is to recognize the problem (my wrong choices), and for what they are. And then, to point us to the One we meet, worship, and commune with in the mass (Jesus) as the One who can free us from the condemnation we feel within ourselves, and the from the judgement of others.
Grace to you, and Peace. May you walk in the power of His Spirit.
The birth of every new baby is God’s
vote of confidence in the future of man.
~Imogene Fey
