Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sep 26, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Cardinal Eusebio Scheid, has refused to sign a court order obtained by the lawyers of a pro-abortion candidate for the Senate that requires him to silence the priests in his archdiocese on matters related to human life.
Several days ago various groups distributed pamphlets at parishes throughout the archdiocese alerting voters of the pro-abortion stance of Senate candidate Jandira Feghali, who has drafted a measure that would completely legalize abortion in Brazil.
Feghali’s lawyers asked a court to order a search for the pamphlets at the archdiocesan chancery, but no pamphlets were found there.
Later, Cardinal Scheid received an order from the court to ask all pastors and priests “to abstain from any kind of commentary or political-ideological references under threat of disobedience.”
The cardinal refused to sign the order and said “in due time” he would give “an official response.”
“We preach respect for the life and dignity of the person from conception to natural death,” the cardinal said, “but we never speak in the name of any candidate or political party.”
He also strongly rejected claims that the archdiocese was responsible for the distribution of the pamphlets.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA