Bishops May Punish Politicians: Pro-abortion positions frustrate Bishops

Michael Paulson

WASHINGTON -- Frustrated that so many Catholic politicians support abortion rights, the bishops of the United States said yesterday that they will begin evaluating whether they can impose sanctions against elected officials who vote contrary to church teachings.

In a freewheeling discussion reflecting years of concern, some bishops suggested that the church should consider punishments ranging from denying honorary degrees to elected officials, refusing to allow them to speak at Catholic institutions, or even excommunicating them.

"I am tired of hearing Catholic politicians say, `I am personally opposed to whatever, but I can't impose my moral judgment on others,' " said Bishop Joseph A. Galante of Dallas. "That's nonsense. They do it on other issues . . . That's a weaseling out."

Read the entire article on the Boston Globe website.