Georgia Bishop's Stance on HR 536

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Tedster

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Just got this feed from Catholic World News:
non-explanation
Posted by: Diogenes - Today 10:23 AM ET USA
Maybe you’re wondering, too: Why don’t the Catholic bishops of Georgia support the pro-life amendment proposed for that state? So you read the bishops’ public statement on the question. And you’re left with only one question:
Why don’t the Catholic bishops of Georgia support the pro-life amendment proposed for that state?
Sad. Sad too that they give no actual reason in their statement for not supporting the measure.
 
Just got this feed from Catholic World News:

Sad. Sad too that they give no actual reason in their statement for not supporting the measure.
What it says is that they don’t support this one particular action. Why? I agree they are not clear, but I can guess at several acceptable reasons:
  1. It is a federal right to have an abortion so a state constitutional amendment doesn’t accomplish the end of legalized abortion in Georgia and may divert energies and money from the federal effort. (essentially a practical analysis of what will be accomplished.)
  2. Perhaps they believe that the chances of passage are so small that it will stall other initiatives, divert energy or funds from more practical drives.
  3. If passed, it runs the risk of a state court override that could put the movement back in GA when and if the feds change.
Other possible reasons are out there.

I’d cut them some slack on this one, especially since abortion is a federal issue at this juncture. This statement is clearly a prudential judgment on a particular initiative while clearly supporting the moral opposition to abortion. Don’t equate opposition to particular remedies with approval of abortion.
 
Don’t equate opposition to particular remedies with approval of abortion.
No. That was not my intent at all. In fact, nowhere did I imply that. I just think any type of legislation that hampers abortion should be supported, unless there are clear reasons that make the measure immoral. They did not convey that, only that they would not support it.
 
No. That was not my intent at all. In fact, nowhere did I imply that. I just think any type of legislation that hampers abortion should be supported, unless there are clear reasons that make the measure immoral. They did not convey that, only that they would not support it.
I fully agree that they did not convey why they oppose the initiative.

I do disagree that one should support “any type of legislation that hampers abortion …, unless there are clear reasons that make the measure immoral.” The measure may be imprudent and yet moral. I do not believe you should support measures that you reasonably believe are imprudent. NOTE that is not the same as saying you should support immoral measures. You certainly cannot support immorality or immoral measures. However, within the universe of possible moral actions, you need not take ones you believe are imprudent.
 
I fully agree that they did not convey why they oppose the initiative.

I do disagree that one should support “any type of legislation that hampers abortion …, unless there are clear reasons that make the measure immoral.” The measure may be imprudent and yet moral. I do not believe you should support measures that you reasonably believe are imprudent.
Sorry, johnnykins. Imprudent is less of a concern to me than UNJUST or IMMORAL, and that is what abortion is. If you can give me an example of how this measure might be an imprudent measure that is moral, I would still back it, because life is more sacred than prudence. At all cost. That is my opinion.
 
Sorry, johnnykins. Imprudent is less of a concern to me than UNJUST or IMMORAL, and that is what abortion is. If you can give me an example of how this measure might be an imprudent measure that is moral, I would still back it, because life is more sacred than prudence. At all cost. That is my opinion.
Well, we disagree. Above, I submitted possible prudential reasons for opposing this measure. I have agreed I do not know exactly what reasons the Bishops had. However, if you are always going to back measures, whether prudent or not, I submit that you have let go of reason. Frankly, I cannot see that helping any cause - especially the anti-abortion cause. I also submit it makes a quick end to discussion.

Pax te cum.
 
I guess is timing. You not want to galvanize the prochoice voters during a Hilary Clinton cantidacy and a democratic congress. Maybe in a mid election year with the Supreme Court controled by conservatives.
 
However, if you are always going to back measures, whether prudent or not, I submit that you have let go of reason.
No, I reason with my faith. Abortion is an evil that must be stopped, even if it requires some sacrifice on our part. Just because my reason is different than yours, doesn’t mean I’ve lost it! If you are willing to make up reasons for not fighting such a thing as abortion, at any cost, by saying that a measure is not prudent, maybe you are the one who has lost his reason:D.
 
I guess is timing. You not want to galvanize the prochoice voters during a Hilary Clinton cantidacy and a democratic congress. Maybe in a mid election year with the Supreme Court controled by conservatives.
You have a good point that could be very well true.

Seems to me they could find some way to word opposition to the proposal without making it a political statement, though.

My original post was more about why they would not support it.
 
No, I reason with my faith. Abortion is an evil that must be stopped, even if it requires some sacrifice on our part. Just because my reason is different than yours, doesn’t mean I’ve lost it! If you are willing to make up reasons for not fighting such a thing as abortion, at any cost, by saying that a measure is not prudent, maybe you are the one who has lost his reason:D.
Ted re-read what you wrote:
If you can give me an example of how this measure might be an imprudent measure that is moral, I would still back it,…
You certainly seem to be saying you would back an imprudent measure. If we were merely debating whether a particular measure were prudent - that is easily a matter to discuss. However, when you posit that you would back a measure you deemed imprudent, I still suggest that is unreasonable and not a matter that can seriously be discussed. To state you would back imprudence betrays a lack of reason, IMHO.

If you are saying something else - and the mode of blurbs back and forth has obscured what you mean - well that, too, is another issue.
 
You certainly seem to be saying you would back an imprudent measure. If we were merely debating whether a particular measure were prudent - that is easily a matter to discuss. However, when you posit that you would back a measure you deemed imprudent, I still suggest that is unreasonable and not a matter that can seriously be discussed.
johnnykins… you re-read what I wrote. I stated:
Imprudent is less of a concern to me than UNJUST or IMMORAL, and that is what abortion is. If you can give me an example of how this measure might be an imprudent measure that is moral, I would still back it, because life is more sacred than prudence.
That means as long as a measure is moral and just, I would back it. I am not concerned about the cost at that point.

Prudence, as I take your reply, seems to give excuses for not fighting such an injustice as abortion.

So, no that is far from “unreasonable” as you have put it.

So if the mode of blurbs back and forth has obscured what you mean - well that, too, is another issue.😉
 
johnnykins… you re-read what I wrote. I stated:

That means as long as a measure is moral and just, I would back it.
So if it were foolish and counterproductive you would back it? Ace move!! 😃
I am not concerned about the cost at that point.
“Cost” is only one possible issue. If the cost were foolish and counterproductive, I presume you would forgo it? But, maybe not.
Prudence, as I take your reply, seems to give excuses for not fighting such an injustice as abortion.
Well, that’s because you mis-read it. It simply gives an excuse for not fighting injustice in particular ways. A very different issue. You on the other hand appear to support inanity, counter productivity and foolishness - irrationality - in the name of fighting injustice.
So, no that is far from “unreasonable” as you have put it.
NO, rather I would say your broad brush approach is every bit as irrational as it appears.
So if the mode of blurbs back and forth has obscured what you mean - well that, too, is another issue.;)Ted -
Unfortunately I’m afraid you are very clear that you actually support irrationality. No doubt you believe that will help the anti-abortion cause. I honestly fear it could destroy it.
 
So if it were foolish and counterproductive you would back it? Ace move!!
If they were foolish and counterproductive, would that then be just? Ace response! You are twisting and turning words to win an argument that nobody asked for! Ace move!
You on the other hand appear to support inanity, counter productivity and foolishness - irrationality - in the name of fighting injustice.
Appearances are misleading because you are wrong. Nice judgment on my character though.
Unfortunately I’m afraid you are very clear that you actually support irrationality. No doubt you believe that will help the anti-abortion cause. I honestly fear it could destroy it.
No, not true. You have used that label and taken it to your desired destination.

You can label me as foolish, irresponsible, insane, etc. without even knowing what I think, but I am sorry that my post will cause you to sin by wrongfully judging my character.
 
If they were foolish and counterproductive, would that then be just? Ace response! You are twisting and turning words to win an argument that nobody asked for! Ace move!

Appearances are misleading because you are wrong. Nice judgment on my character though.
No, not true. You have used that label and taken it to your desired destination.

You can label me as foolish, irresponsible, insane, etc. without even knowing what I think, but I am sorry that my post will cause you to sin by wrongfully judging my character.
You might want to consider the meaning of the word “prudence”
 
Sorry, johnnykins. Imprudent is less of a concern to me than UNJUST or IMMORAL, and that is what abortion is. If you can give me an example of how this measure might be an imprudent measure that is moral, I would still back it, because life is more sacred than prudence. At all cost. That is my opinion.
So you think it would be right for the USCCB to enter into a massive media campaign against abortion, during a time when Congress is overwhelmingly pro-life and any actual legislative change extremely unlikely, and not only that, but to back such a campaign with everything they have, to the extent of laying off all their staff and selling up Church property, so that there wasn’t a single Catholic church building left in America, and no priests left to say Mass?

If you’re saying the bishops should support pro-life causes “at all cost”, then you have misunderstood what the Church is for, and been diverted into single-issue spirituality.
 
So you think it would be right for the USCCB to enter into a massive media campaign against abortion, during a time when Congress is overwhelmingly pro-life and any actual legislative change extremely unlikely, and not only that, but to back such a campaign with everything they have, to the extent of laying off all their staff and selling up Church property, so that there wasn’t a single Catholic church building left in America, and no priests left to say Mass?

If you’re saying the bishops should support pro-life causes “at all cost”, then you have misunderstood what the Church is for, and been diverted into single-issue spirituality.
When did the USCCB get involved in this thread? Who said anything about a “massive media campaign”? Good grief. You people crack me up. Jump to all sorts of conclusions!!! I am beginning to think there are just too many people here who just need to argue.

My post was for information… and information ONLY. I questioned why the GEORGIA bishops would not say why they would not back a measure. And from the very first response, johnnykins accused me of equating “opposition to particular remedies with approval of abortion.” which is false.

You all have led this to a debate. Go find another thread to argue.
 
When did the USCCB get involved in this thread? Who said anything about a “massive media campaign”? Good grief. You people crack me up. Jump to all sorts of conclusions!!! I am beginning to think there are just too many people here who just need to argue.
Tedster, you clearly put yourself into an argument by claiming that the action, without stated reasons, taken by the Bishops was “Sad” Post #1
Sad. Sad too that they give no actual reason in their statement for not supporting the measure
My post was for information… and information ONLY.
Not so - you added commentary. If you don’t want folks to question your comments, don’t make any.
I questioned why the GEORGIA bishops would not say why they would not back a measure.
That and that their position was “Sad” See above. Post #1
And from the very first response, johnnykins accused me of equating “opposition to particular remedies with approval of abortion.” which is false.
It’s true I did suggest that you should not equate “opposition to particular remedies with approval of abortion” Your very next post, Post #3, clarified your position on that one issue, but introduced a new - and might I add novel, ill considered and dangerous notion - to wit:
I just think any type of legislation that hampers abortion should be supported, unless there are clear reasons that make the measure immoral.
In the next post #4 I questioned that assertion:
I do disagree that one should support “any type of legislation that hampers abortion …, unless there are clear reasons that make the measure immoral.” The measure may be imprudent and yet moral. I do not believe you should support measures that you reasonably believe are imprudent. NOTE that is not the same as saying you should support immoral measures. You certainly cannot support immorality or immoral measures. However, within the universe of possible moral actions, you need not take ones you believe are imprudent.
In Post #5 you took up the argument
Sorry, johnnykins. Imprudent is less of a concern to me than UNJUST or IMMORAL, and that is what abortion is. If you can give me an example of how this measure might be an imprudent measure that is moral, I would still back it, because life is more sacred than prudence. At all cost. That is my opinion.(emphasis added)
Here you actually state you would act imprudently. Certainly you cannot expect reasonable people to countenance imprudence - by its definition it is foolish to do so. You might want to discuss what is or is not prudent - but YOU chose to do otherwise - and repeatedly affirmed your position.
You all have led this to a debate. Go find another thread to argue.
You started by offering an opinion on an open thread. You took up the argument. You made foolish statements. Certainly a reasonable person expects disagreement when they offer an opinion - as you did. Don’t tell us to take our ball and go home because we contested your opinion and pointed out its flaws.
 
Tedster, you clearly put yourself into an argument by claiming that the action, without stated reasons, taken by the Bishops was “Sad” Post #1
Wow, a three letter word tells you all you need to know about what I think, who I am, etc. Johnny, you are the KING…
Not so - you added commentary. If you don’t want folks to question your comments, don’t make any.
I’ve been in these forums awhile. Every so often, I see the likes of you. I have no problems with questions about my comments, as long as they don’t become personal (being labeled as irrational, foolish, etc.). Just because my ideas don’t coincide with yours? Mighty arrogant, johnny.
It’s true I did suggest that you should not equate “opposition to particular remedies with approval of abortion” Your very next post, Post #3, clarified your position on that one issue, but introduced a new - and might I add novel, ill considered and dangerous notion
Yeah, I took your bait. My bad.
Here you actually state you would act imprudently.Certainly you cannot expect reasonable people to countenance imprudence - by its definition it is foolish to do so. You might want to discuss what is or is not prudent - but YOU chose to do otherwise - and repeatedly affirmed your position.
No. Your mistaken notion, not mine.
You started by offering an opinion on an open thread. You took up the argument. You made foolish statements. Certainly a reasonable person expects disagreement when they offer an opinion - as you did. Don’t tell us to take our ball and go home because we contested your opinion and pointed out its flaws.
Yeah, once again, I took your bait. My bad. Enjoy your time in these forums johnny. I hope you find as many arguments as you need to make you feel as intellectual as you need. I am sorry for my part in helping you to this end. I’m taking my ball and going home!🤷

Have fun!
 
This is so sad. Why did the bishops even put out a statement, just say nothing.:mad:

This reminds me of the New York Catholic Conference who put this statement on the web right at the time when legislatures were fighting tooth and nail to keep emergency contraception from going over the counter.
Albany, June 19,2003 - The State Senate and Assembly have reached agreement on legislation mandating that hospital emergency rooms provide “emergency contraception” drugs so survivors of rape, provided the drugs are not contraindicated, the woman is not pregnant, and it is within a medically appropriate amount of time from the attack.
Amendments to this legislation adequately addressed the concern of Catholic hospitals, which currently administer these drugs to rape survivors under such conditions. Therefore, following consultation with Catholic ethicists, the New York State Catholic Conference withdrew its objection to this legislation when Senate and Assembly sponsors agreed on the amendment change.
“We are pleased with the resolution of this difficult issue, and are particularly grateful for the leadership of Senator Nicholas Spano, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and their staffs, who listened to out concerns, understood them, and were instrumental in leading to this agreement,” said Richard E. Barnes, executive director of the Catholic Conference.
“Catholic hospitals are second to none in providing compassionate, holistic care to survivors of rape. This legislation will not affect how that care if provided. Catholic hospitals in New York will continue to offer these medications to rape survivors, consistent with this law and with Church teaching.”
Catholic teaching prohibiting the use of artificial contraception does not and have never applied to women who are raped. The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops state: “A female who has been raped should be able to defend herself against a potential conception from the sexual assault. If, after appropriate testing, there is no evidence that conception has occurred already, she may be treated with medications that would prevent ovulation, sperm capacitation, or fertilization. It is not permissible, however, to initiate or to recommend treatments that have as their purpose or direct effect the removal, destruction, or interference with the implantation of a fertilized ovum.”
The Catholic Conference represents New York State’s Bishops in matters of public policy.
 
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