Bishop Martino asks Sen. Casey to reflect on ‘inconsistent’ pro-life record

Scranton, Pa., May 1, 2009 / 05:05 am

In response to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Jr.’s “inconsistent” record on pro-life issues, Bishop of Scranton Joseph F. Martino, has said the Pennsylvanian Democratic senator should reflect on his actions and ask himself whether he should receive Holy Communion.

A Wednesday statement from the Diocese of Scranton reproduced Bishop Martino’s April 27 letter faxed to Sen. Casey’s office.

In the letter, Bishop Martino referred to his previous exhortation that Sen. Casey “oppose strenuously” Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services because of her pro-abortion record and her political relationship with late-term abortionist Dr. George Tiller.

“Despite his claims of being “pro-life,” Sen. Casey’s voting record thus far has been inconsistent,” the diocese’s statement said.

The diocese said Sen. Casey is to be “commended” for his initiatives supporting pregnant women and families and for his defeated amendment which would have provided conscience protection on abortion for healthcare workers.

However, his stand against the Mexico City Policy ensured American taxpayer funds support international organizations that perform or promote abortions.

“Neither the Helms Amendment nor any other U.S. legislation prevents that,” the diocese said.

The statement also mentioned his vote to appoint Harvard Law School Dean Elena Kagan as solicitor general. She has supported partial-birth abortion and opposed withdrawing funds from taxpayer-funded abortion clinics despite popular opposition. According to the diocese’s statement, Kagan is also likely to oppose the Federal Defense of Marriage Act and create the possibility for legislation recognizing same-sex “marriage.”

“Bishop Martino has communicated with Sen. Casey about these issues, and his responsibilities as a Catholic and a public official. The Bishop will continue to monitor the Senator’s positions and votes concerning life issues,” the diocese said, explaining that it is the bishop’s pastoral responsibility to instruct the senator about “these serious moral issues.”

“If necessary, future determinations will be made regarding whether Sen. Casey is worthy to receive Holy Communion. However, at this point Bishop Martino believes it is incumbent upon Sen. Casey to reflect on his actions and ask himself if he should receive the sacrament.”