The divide within the church

[Spanky1975]

Has there always been the divide within the church when talking about social or moral issues? One side being strong against abortion while the other is indifferent. The other being immigration?

 

[redcatholic]

Has there always been a divide? Sure. On those particular issues? No.

 

[1ke]

Has there always been the divide within the church when talking about social or moral issues? One side being strong against abortion while the other is indifferent. The other being immigration?

There are no sides, only Catholic teaching.

To say there are “sides” is to confuse the situation. There are people who are faithful to Church teaching. There are people who struggle with it, ignore it, or actively work against it.

Also, you’ve comingled a moral doctrine-- the immorality of abortion-- with an area of legitimate prudential judgment-- immigration. The Church’s teaching on these two topics differ. Abortion is a sin against the fifth commandment, and is never moral. Immigration is a matter where much is left to prudential judgment including how individual governments implement policies in various times and places.

 

[Spanky1975]

I understand the difference and gravity of abortion vs immigration. What’s makes me mourn are some clergy only speak heavy on one issue like immigration and are almost silent on the abortion issue and vise versa.

 

[on_the_hill]

Whatever divisions there were or are, social media and the web have made them worse.

 

[Genesis315]

People within the Church have always had different things they like to emphasize, and that is a good thing really. Not all the parts in a Body do the same things.

And since none of us are omniscient, even if we are all working from the same principles, there will always be political differences as to what particular measures in our particular circumstances will best serve the common good. Nothing wrong with that either.

The real problem is division on the principles and active opposition to them. Total silence in the face of grave injustice without proportionate reason is also a problem. Strong leadership from each bishop is needed–pray for them and one another.

 

[1ke]

I understand the difference and gravity of abortion vs immigration. What’s makes me mourn are some clergy only speak heavy on one issue like immigration and are almost silent on the abortion issue and vise versa.

We are many parts, all one body.

Some people feel called to work in one ministry area while other are called to another.

 

[TK421]

I understand the difference and gravity of abortion vs immigration. What’s makes me mourn are some clergy only speak heavy on one issue like immigration and are almost silent on the abortion issue and vise versa.

When I lived in the southwest, the clergy seemed to be quite open to speak about a variety of contemporary issues, and they split through US political lines. But, clergy are ultimately human beings and they’re products of their environment as well, so the polarization within the US is also going to affect current clergy and seminarians to some extent.

We all need to do our part to help each other. If you’re not already, perhaps you could volunteer to lead a prayer group at the parish, or help in catechesis.

Peace.

 

[FiveLinden]

I understand the difference and gravity of abortion vs immigration. What’s makes me mourn are some clergy only speak heavy on one issue like immigration and are almost silent on the abortion issue and vise versa.

Since I’m an unbeliever and go to church only for funerals and weddings I hear a limited range of sermons. Most involve, well, dying and getting married. Can’t think of a time when immigration or abortion has been mentioned.

I assume this is because priests sensibly pitch their sermons to the issues they think are most relevant to the day and to the audience (can I call a congregation an audience?).

So my guess would be that sensible priests generally leave aside things they think are better health with one-on-one, or that the audience already agrees with, in favour of things that provoke thought and bring new information or understanding to the audience.

Incidentally, from the discussion I read on CAF, I would guess that most priests who preach on abortion are preaching not on abortion, but on abortion laws and enforcement. Similarly most priests who preach on immigration would I expect be preaching on immigration laws and enforcement. This is different from (or different than, as I hear Americans say) preaching on ‘abortion’ and ‘immigration’.

 

[Montrose]

Has there always been the divide within the church when talking about social or moral issues? One side being strong against abortion while the other is indifferent. The other being immigration?

There is no divide within the Church on abortion. I don’t know where you got that idea from. What is your evidence to support such an assertion?

 

[Stephen_says]

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Has there always been the divide within the church when talking about social or moral issues? One side being strong against abortion while the other is indifferent. The other being immigration?

There is no divide within the Church on abortion. I don’t know where you got that idea from. What is your evidence to support such an assertion?

 

[Montrose]

I would believe the poll if it covered 1.2 billion Catholics. Polls by the way are not evidence.

 

[Bluebright]

There is no divide but judgement is often made by well meaning Catholics. We really must try not to judge each other, especially as we seldom know the whole story. Politics does this. For instance denouncing Catholics that vote for politicians who support abortion without checking if there are any parties that don’t… I see a lot of sweeping statements that say its evil to vote for these people. But when you have no choice what then? It’s not. People have been condemned.
Better to say, something like… stand against abortion and support those who have policies conducive the dignity of human life. Use prudence and make the best choice you can.