84 Comments

• eiriamach | Nov 09, 2012, 07:31 AM EST

  With this political campaign, the bishops have abandoned their role in the "one holy catholic and apostolic Church." "Apostolic" means descended in an unbroken line from the first apostles. More importantly, it means defending the faith and confirming believers, in the spirit of the first apostles. It does NOT mean protecting the Church's money. Nor does it mean demanding obedience in secular matters like voting, nor asserting political authority over the faithful! Bishops have a duty to correct even the pope himself when he seeks secular power. St Paul recorded his own quarrel with the bishop of Rome in Galations 2:11: "But when [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he had clearly done wrong." Caring for the poor, providing sacraments, teaching and defending the rights of conscience are bishops' duties. Can he expect the protection of the Holy Spirit when he steps outside these roles and demands obedience to a political agenda? The Spirit cannot enter an authoritarian mind.

• eiriamach | Nov 06, 2012, 08:49 AM EST

  Smyrnian ignores a crucial difference --> between "advocating" a particular political view and "campaigning" for or against a particular candidate. Again, IRS rules are clear: "The Conference of Catholic Bishops, as a 501(c)(3) group, is prohibited from campaigning for any candidate." Smyrnian blindly insists that threatening church members with hellfire for not voting as directed is merely "advocacy." Most Catholics, however, recognize the tactic and are voting their God-given freedom of conscience rather than their bishops' financial interest. This is clear common sense: If the bishops had convincing arguments to offer, they could persuade the majority of Catholic voters and others. That's how democracy works! Unable to present either reasons or scriptural mandate, however, they assert their *moral authority* over Catholics with warnings about "putting their souls at risk" and voting to "defy God." James Salt makes two vital points about this tactic: That young people abandon the churches when church officials try to intimidate them and that Americans associate Catholics with a political agenda like Falwell's and Robertson's (wouldn't Catholics rather be associated with the Gospel?). Reading the comments here, I'd add that, having traded their moral authority for protecting pedophiles, the bishops also sound like hypocrites. That's a surefire way to empty church pews.

• Smyrnian | Nov 06, 2012, 07:12 AM EST

  TomDem - Thanks for the feedback but I know my history (Irish and American) quite well. The constitution forbids the establishment of a state religion. There is no law against advocacy which we see from all religious and sectarian sources. I am not for silencing voices or advocacy whether I agree with them or not.

• eiriamach | Nov 06, 2012, 06:38 AM EST

  Correction: That Gallup poll I wrote about at 8:55 on 11/5 has Romney at 45 percent among Catholics, not 47 percent. Gallup also has Romney in a narrow lead nationally at 49% to Obama's 48%. Voting for "Other" is 1 percent, and "undecideds" are 3 percent. The Pew poll completed 11/3, however, has Obama in the lead with 48 percent to Romney's 45 percent, with women favoring Obama by a 13-point margin (53% to 40%). And a critical 4 percent say they're voting for someone "other" than Obama or Romney.

• EphraimKibbey | Nov 06, 2012, 01:22 AM EST

  I just saw an interesting caveat about the current polling. It has mostly been done with just 2 choices. When the Libratarian and Green parties are included as choices, as they will be on the ballots the numbers change a bit. The Libratarian candidate seems to be pulling between 3 and 6 percent from Romney and the Green candidate seems to be pulling 1 or 2% from Obama. This could widen the Obama/Romney gap by 2 to 4 percent over the current poll numbers. I also heard a rumor that there is a "stealth" women's vote. Women who have told their husbands (and pollsters) that they will vote for Romney but will vote for Obama once in the voting booth. As my wife always says, don't make a woman angry, we NEVER forget and we ALWAYS get even!

• eiriamach | Nov 05, 2012, 08:55 PM EST

  How is Bishop Jenky's campaign working out? The final Gallup polling gives Obama/ Biden 52 percent of Catholics' votes and Romney/ Ryan 47 percent of Catholics' votes. That result contrasts with Protestants/ Other Christians voting only 41 percent for Obama and 56 percent for Romney. But the biggest difference exists among those with no religious preference (no longer a small group): 67 percent for Obama and 26 percent for Romney. Women are voting for Obama by 52 percent and men for Obama 43 percent. A big gap exists between young and old: 18-29 year olds are 57 percent for Obama and 38 percent for Romney; 30-49 year olds are about evenly split; 50 to 64 year olds are 46 percent for Obama and 50 percent for Romney; 65 and older are 42 percent for Obama and 55 percent for Romney. Tracking for this poll closed 11/4; 33 percent of respondents had already voted. It may be a very close election, but it reveals significant differences in values between women and men, young and old, church-identified and unaffiliated, and between the bishops and laity as well. Bishops like Jenky are making polarization more visible.

• jdm492 | Nov 05, 2012, 08:14 PM EST

  If anyone knows anything about the Affordable Care Act is that it has a fund that supports those who didn't have an abortion and helps them offset the costs of having a child. Also repealing the Affordable Care Act allows health insurance companies to deny people who have pre-existing conditions.

• sparticusnorth | Nov 05, 2012, 07:55 PM EST

  MONEY, POWER , greed , lust, the traits of the unbiblical bishops of rome, who have long set their sights on the high seat of the whitehouse, like many of the past puppet's the kennedys being one of many to control, here they at it again, their hypocritical morality is astouding in the light of the worldwide child rape and torture kabal system they control , which has nothing wahtsoever to do with the israelite godman the returning messiah.

• AncientSeeker | Nov 05, 2012, 07:28 PM EST

  It is my belief this Illinois Bishop Daniel Jenky who has ordered all the priests in his diocese to read a strongly worded letter he wrote accusing the Obama administration of an unprecedented 'assault upon our religious freedom' and implying that Catholics who support Democrats who support abortion rights are like those who condemned Jesus to death,what carp! This guy must be removed from his position inside the United states. This by a petition drive to raise enough signatories to force this jerk back to Russia through Rome or where ever he came from. He is an embarrassment to this American Irish Catholic who knows most Catholics are not usually stupid enough to listen to any popes dribble on democracy, which the Vaticans past actions show they know obviously nothing about. That and the ignorance shown about our separation of church and state, it is to keep the government with its armies out of making the religions do what they want. It is because of the deceptive tactics of these religions selecting persons for bishops fault, chosen by arbitrary means, behind closed doors, that's what and is running religions so unrealistically. And this with a kind of arrogance, while the religion and others have such a problem with pedophiles! It is because they’re so busy minding others businesses, that their own house is a wreak! Better to dump this kraut pope and put in a real person who has some background in the real world and democratic governments, and stop all legal rights for all religions to interfere with elections in all governments, especially when they have been given tax exemptions for staying out! That or the US tomorrow and others to hopefully follow, regardless the outcome of this election impose the highest corporate taxes, without tax breaks, on all religions that interfered with out elections, good intends be damned! Religion has nothing to contribute to a democracy but charity, anything else is meddling.

• EphraimKibbey | Nov 05, 2012, 05:08 PM EST

  There is a difference between preaching a moral code and shilling for a presidential candidate and it might just be ones' tax exempt status. Caveat Emptor if voting for Magical Mitt the Mendacious of the Many Positions!

• McNamara31 | Nov 05, 2012, 04:49 PM EST

  I think the "Nuns on the Bus" have more moral credibility than the Bishops who sat silent during the years of abuse. I'm voting tomorrow for Obama.

• PhoenixZouave | Nov 05, 2012, 12:58 PM EST

  It's good to be a cafeteria Catholic. Look at what the Vatican did to the Irish republican movement in the 19th century? Backed the English everytime. Who's stealing all the money from the Vatican bank....former SS officers?

• The Commentator | Nov 05, 2012, 10:44 AM EST

  Seanmor, The first Americans were illegal aliens. They massacred the native people and stole their land later they captured free people in other countries and made them slaves to make them rich. The fact that people in other countries come to the USA to work in many cases for low wages and no benefits is very sad. If Americans didn't have this cheap labor, commodities, especially food would be more expensive. The bottom line is that Obama is a compassionate human being with genuine concern about all Americans and is taking action to ensure the less fortunate are taken care of and citizens of all beliefs can make their own choices instead of being made a criminal by the government. Romney is a silver spoon rich bully who makes decisions for his own benefit, not for the good of the USA. The pedophile priests, bishops, and cardinals should stick to encouraging their flock to follow their faith not trying to force their religious beliefs on others. Hopefully their actions will be investigated and the Catholic churches be taxed for their interference in government. VOTE OBAMA

• pilib04 | Nov 05, 2012, 10:03 AM EST

  How many of these bishops have hidden pedophile priests? How many of them are pedophiles???

• pilib04 | Nov 05, 2012, 10:02 AM EST

  The Catholic Bishops of Ireland sold their country into continued slavery for 30 pieces of silver with their support of the Act of Union.

• seanomelb | Nov 05, 2012, 02:08 AM EST

  Well done Seanmor you have the Fox talking points down pat.Illegal immigration is at its lowest for years and your grasp of economics is, well! lets not go there. I respect your service to your country and that of Obama voting retired servicemen. Are they lacking in their civil duty because they disagree with you. God bless America and the religious freedom it tries to give to Muslims and other minorities. You make no case for freedom or democracy only the case for your own bitterness.

• mreinhar2001 | Nov 04, 2012, 10:49 PM EST

  @JBCurtin, if being reminded to vote your conscience upsets you, then pray tell us how do you make decisions about how you vote if you do not vote your conscience? Do you vote by your wallet or by bribes?

• Seanmor | Nov 04, 2012, 10:30 PM EST

  JBCurtin: I feel that as a God-fearing Christian is is not only my right but my duty to vote for a candidate whose moral values include the protection of the unborn and the right to religious freedom. Also, as a loyal U.S. citizen, a Legionnaire and a former marine it is my civic responsibility to oppose at the ballot box any politician who continues to add over a trillion dollars a year to the nation's deficit and supports full amnesty and easy citizenshil for 10 million illegal aliens, many of whom speak little or no English. God bless America and protect our religious freedom.

• Newrone | Nov 04, 2012, 08:11 PM EST

  They just cannot hide looking like a pair of Mafiosi, can they?
  
  Mind you, I suppose that evokes certain "traditional" American values.

• EphraimKibbey | Nov 04, 2012, 05:32 PM EST

  Stiofain - I know, but it bothers my sense of JUSTICE and writing about it seems to help sooth my indignation. I was soooo disappointed that Rumsfeld, Cheney and Bush were not turned over to the World Court for Human Rights Violations and War Crimes when Obama took office. My writings on that didn't change the outcome there either but at least it let me lower my blood pressure a bit. I think VENTING should be listed as an inalienable SUBright under free speech.

• Frosty38 | Nov 04, 2012, 04:18 PM EST

  Here is a small thing from a newspaper I keep telling people he was a horrible governor, but they don't want to hear it. I voted for Shannon O'Brien when Romney ran for governor, and I'm voting for President Obama (again) in November. cgrbutterflyfish 2 weeks ago 33 I'm not sure how he became our governor. I was starting high school when he was running for governor and I remember something about him not living in MA at all. He was a resident of CA or UT. Anywho, he left a mess at the end of his term which means my mom was left without a job, so if I didn't have a full scholarship I wouldn't have gone to college. not to mention while I was mid way through highschool Romney promoted firing a bunch of teachers and merging schools, It was hell on earth! there are many more

• Frosty38 | Nov 04, 2012, 04:13 PM EST

  went to Mass this morning thinking i would have to hear it, but the priest that did the Mass is from Poland and can hardly speak english . He did not say anything, But todays paper in the Orlando WOW

• Stiofain | Nov 04, 2012, 03:06 PM EST

  Smyrnian: You are wrong!

• eiriamach | Nov 04, 2012, 02:30 PM EST

  A May 21 NY Times perspective "Contraception and Insurance Coverage (Religious Exemption Debate)" asks, "Is it about religious liberty or women’s health?" It's not about religious liberty. As the Times also reports (Oct. 4), Judge Carol Jackson of Federal District Court in St. Louis rejected the bishops' lawsuit against the HHS mandate: "Any imposition on religion is trivial and remote.... The health care coverage would offend the plaintiffs’ religious beliefs only if an employee 'makes an independent decision to use the plan' to obtain contraceptives; and that independent decision is no different from an employee using part of a salary to pay for contraceptives, which clearly would not harm the employer’s right to free exercise of religion. The 1993 [Religious Freedom Restoration Act] statute 'is not a means to force one’s religious practices upon others' and 'does not protect against the slight burden on religious exercise that arises when one’s money circuitously flows to support the conduct of other free-exercise-wielding individuals who hold religious beliefs that differ from one’s own,' Judge Jackson wrote." But it IS about women's health--and women's freedom of conscience vs suppression of women's consciences by churchmen. And lots of RC money!

• JBCurtin | Nov 04, 2012, 02:24 PM EST

  Two weeks ago several people walked out of Mass as the priest began his homily on following your "Catholic conscience" when you vote, a not so subtle "you better vote for Romney". It was all I could do to stay in my pew and not follow the others. I am still furious. Oh, by the way, I live in Virginia. The TV ads and phone calls have been endless! Last week we were in South Carolina. No political homily given at the Catholic church there, and the political ads on TV were mostly for local elections. I assume SC is a Red-der than Red State. I also agree whole-heartedly with Stiofain.

• Stiofain | Nov 04, 2012, 01:29 PM EST

  The chances of The Catholic Church losing it's tax exempt status is about as likely as the GOP will be prosecuted for voter fraud/suppression.

• TomDem55 | Nov 04, 2012, 01:22 PM EST

  Smyrnian, it's the constitution, it's separation of church and state, here in these United States, Churches are exempt from taxation provided they steer clear of politics, you MAY recall from Irish history that various government (English) programs that might have KILLED a number of Irish Catholics, You may recall that the founding fathers eschewed religion in government due to the inability of christians to peacably live together (see Irish Catholics paying tithes to the Church of Ireland, see the Spanish Inquisition, see the massacare of Hugenots in France) SO to finish the history lesson, Churches don't do politics and they keep their tax exempt status

• eiriamach | Nov 04, 2012, 01:07 PM EST

  At least 2 organizations have challenged RC tax exempt status. According to yesterday's Huffington Post, "Amid reports that some Roman Catholic clergy have been campaigning for Mitt Romney at the pulpit, the good-government non-profit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed a complaint against the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Friday, challenging its tax-exempt status. The Conference of Catholic Bishops, as a 501(c)(3) group, is prohibited from campaigning for any candidate.... the bishops have been trying to persuade Catholics to vote for Romney by demanding that priests read pre-written letters at Sunday Masses, The Washington Post reports. The letters avoid naming Romney, arguing that President Barack Obama's administration has waged a war on religious liberty, that the Democrats' positions on contraception, abortion and gay marriage are causing the nation to 'lose its soul by little steps,' and that Catholic voters cannot support Democratic candidates without betraying God and Catholicism." Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics has also asked the IRS to investigate the bishops' politicking as a violation of tax rules.

• Frosty38 | Nov 04, 2012, 12:21 PM EST

  I agree with a lot of the poster today.

• mreinhar2001 | Nov 04, 2012, 12:03 PM EST

  redhand32 and everybody: THINK!! Use the brain you were given and the analytic abilities your teachers taught you in school. I, too agree that the tax exemption should be pulled if the article title were true, but do some research first. The article title says "Catholic bishops urge parishioners to vote for Romney," but nowhere in Antoinette Kelly's article does it actually make that claim. I looked up Jenky and Ricken's posts online and nowhere in those letters do they say anything remotely like "vote for Romney." The title to this article is an example of yellow journalism at its best.

• mreinhar2001 | Nov 04, 2012, 11:50 AM EST

  cillowen: Rather than saying "you've' heard" something about Romney, you should look up the facts. Read his Bio somewhere. I suppose you could find it at his website or in Wikipedia (though that s not always complete--but I bet his probably is). The next thing you need to look up, and sadly this is harder to find, is what it means to be a bishop in the LDS church (LDS stands for Latter Day Saints which is actually the proper title for "Mormon.") I am not Mormon, but I am finishing my graduate degree in theology so I know a little bit about the LDS faith. As per being a bishop in the LDS church, that is a temporary title. Also Mormons do not have professional clergy like you might find in the Presbyterian church and other Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. Their larger composition of church members in an area is called a stake (which is a very little like a diocese or presbytery). There is a stake president who has counselors to help with administrative duties. A number of wards make up the stake. The leader of the ward is a "bishop" and is one who functions more like a "pastor" in other Christian denominations. Much like the Presbyterian Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP), a Mormon bishop is called from among the members of the local ward. LDS bishops traditionally serve, without pay, for four to seven years (the actual length of service can vary). A bishop must be a married man and assists with ministerial duties (and it also sounds like he is in charge of some financial responsibility, too). The stake president provides direction, training and counsel to the ward bishop. As per what you wrote, I think it would be proper to say that Romney WAS a bishop in his LDS ward.(I do not understand LDS priesthood orders, as in Catholic ordination, and Romney may still be a part of that, but he is not currently a functioning bishop in his LDS ward.) Just FYI form what I have been able to figure out.

• redhand32 | Nov 04, 2012, 11:23 AM EST

  If the IRS is listening, please do your job and revoke the RC Church's tax exemption ASAP !

• roryobrien | Nov 04, 2012, 11:19 AM EST

  The Catholic Church, filthy with the blood of history should keep its putrid nose out of politics.

• Smyrnian | Nov 04, 2012, 08:50 AM EST

  So what? Groups, organizations, trade unions, religions of all stripes advocate for their candidate. Get over it. Just because an organization is religion based does not preclude it advocating its candidate. Let them all get on with it and more power to them.

• RootsPursuit | Nov 04, 2012, 08:30 AM EST

  To Bishop David Ricken: The policies of the fossil-fuel loving Republicans will eventually lead us all to "burn on earth" - why wait for Hell? Read Mark Lynas book "Six Degrees"! As for outlawing abortion, we've already tried enforcing morality with Prohibition - see how well that turned out! I believe it made millionaires out of some Irish Catholics, while not deterring those who were determined they were going to drink. Who hasn't heard of coat-hanger abortions before it was legal? If my Church and the church of my ancestors as far back as I can determine, starts following these dispensationalist rapturists and hypocrites, I'll soon find another church that actually follows Christ.

• FatherVol | Nov 04, 2012, 08:08 AM EST

  I don't understand why anyone is surprised by this. The bishops are reminding the Church of its teaching and the result of choosing to support a contrary position. That is their job as bishops! (If only mine had the guts to do it.) Not one of them instructs the members of the Church to vote for a particular candidate but to vote to protect the values of Church teaching and the freedom the Church is supposed to have to practice its faith, and that doesn't only mean in worship, without government interference. Jesus was crucified by people who didn't want to hear the Truth and the bishps will be villified by the same lot. The real problem is that Christians have forgotten that they are not to only live in a world hostile to their beliefs but are called to transform society. It is a difficult task, especially when the transformation is to be carried out by sinners (and some of them heinously so). Nevertheless, that is the task at hand, and the bishops who are speaking out are only doing what they have been called to do. On another note, Mitt Romney was a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but the office of bishop in the Mormon church is a temporary one. He is no longer a serving bishop.

• cillowen | Nov 03, 2012, 11:35 PM EDT

  Does anyone know or care to research something about the beliefs that their chosen one holds. I've learned that Romney is a Bishop in his Mormon religion..

• eiriamach | Nov 03, 2012, 10:17 PM EDT

  The New Civil Rights Movement calculates the US Catholic Church's tax exemption, under the IRS code, as worth $71 Billion. That's $71 Billion that RC does NOT pay in taxes each year despite all this open, aggressive political lobbying by Catholic priests and bishops. Why are they putting that $71 Billion at risk in their efforts to avoid fines for refusing to allow insurance companies to cover their hospital and school employees' contraceptives? They're also putting the eligibility of Catholic hospitals and agencies for million$$ in federal grants at risk. Can't they do the math? Perhaps they're counting on the feds not challenging their tax exempt status, but challenges may come from irate citizens filing lawsuits. Certainly Catholic clergy are losing the respect of Americans who expect them to play by the same rules all other denominations follow to qualify for exemption from taxes.

• allentown | Nov 03, 2012, 09:54 PM EDT

  20% of Ohio's population is Catholic. Over 60,000,000 Catholics in the U.S. Perhaps President Obama made a mistake?

• CelticQueenUSA | Nov 03, 2012, 09:43 PM EDT

  Time to pay TAXES!!!

• seanaci | Nov 03, 2012, 09:39 PM EDT

  Don't hold your breath expecting the IRS or any Administration or Presidential candidate to make an issue of tax exemption for main line religions over political activity. Because of the "Wall Street Rule", the IRS does not go after REMIC violators or the DOJ does not investigate MERS. Like TBTF banks, main line religions are also a protected species.

• taylorbob | Nov 03, 2012, 06:46 PM EDT

  It is a shame that our Bishops and priests have gone this ugly step. I am a baptised catholic and i am ashamed at these Bishops and their advice. What is better- these are a bunch of gays, they sleep and abuse kids and are involved in sex illegally but they still have the shameless guys to ask people to vote against someone who encourages you to use contraceptives or who ask gays to come out openly. what a hypocracy? They have been bringing shame to the church cos they engage in illicit sex and have caused the church to pay millions to abused people so where is their moral right to tell voters who to vote for. The Pope should call these pretenders to order

• taylorbob | Nov 03, 2012, 06:32 PM EDT

  What a bunch of bigoted pedophiles. Who are they to pass judgement. I believe any type of judgement will come after death. The hierarchy of the Catholic Church are the ones who will end up in Hell. Perhaps the best thing that could happen is that the Catholic Church loses it exemption from taxes and has to pay just like the ordinary citizen. Romney and his cronies should be forced to do the same. Obama is not forcing anybody to have an abortion, or take birth control medication. Obama is making the services available to anyone who wants it. It seems to me that this is a much more open minded attitude. The closed minded clergy and politicians who are intent on forcing their personal agenda on the citizens of the United States should be voted out of office and ostracized. Romney is a bully. Don't listen to his rhetoric. Look at his history. He put his dog on top of his vehicle and drove on his vacation. What a shame the dog couldn't be in the car with him and his children. He was the ringleader in a bullying incident where he and his friends attacked and cut the hair of another student who he didn't like. He has refused to disclose his tax returns. (Supposedly absolutely legal) The only things he has specifically stated he will do is reverse Roe v Wade and reduce taxes on not only the poor, but the filthy rich. Many of his financial policy plans have been discredited by the economists. I digress. The real thrust of my comment is really that religion should not get involved in politics and government should not get involved in religion. Everyone should vote for the benefit of the citizens of the United States, not for individual gain.

• seanomelb | Nov 03, 2012, 06:23 PM EDT

  The Catholic church condemned the GOP for its lack of social justice and now they support the same people what a load of hypocrites they are. A vote for Obama is a vote for integrity. A plague on all bishops they have abandoned the middle class,the poor and the dispossessed.They should hang their Swastikas in shame.

• EphraimKibbey | Nov 03, 2012, 05:52 PM EDT

  aloistmartin - Interesting view point. Why don't you like American traditions? This is the same point of view as the Muslim extremists that want western secular influences out of the middle east. Theocracy is Theocracy, only the name of the "god" changes and it denies the beliefs of all those who do not agree with it. That's another American tradition that you obviously hold in distain, the premice that each one of us have a right to worship as we see fit not as some one else thinks we should. I hope you are less violent in pursuit of world domination than Al Queda.

• aloistmartin | Nov 03, 2012, 04:36 PM EDT

  Sociological Suicide ! Patronizing the Bourgeoisie habit of staying at home on Sunday Morning, and worshiping the White Protestant Middle Class on Face The Nation, before going out and Tail Gating it up with the Joneses at the Colosseum; Is not going to further the cause of the Faithful, no matter how much Christmas Candy Santa throws into the crowd at Macy`s Thanksgiving Day Parade ! (Supplices te rogamus, omnipotens Deus, jube haec perferri per manus sancti Angeli tui in sublime altare tuum)

• Paul Hogan | Nov 03, 2012, 03:51 PM EDT

  There is nothing new about this.Bishops are not excempt from Hell, even if they think are.The people have themselves to blame for paying any attension to them.Why go on. If a person takes thir politics from Bishops They need Help.

• irishamerica46 | Nov 03, 2012, 03:31 PM EDT

  Desdamona, Nancy O, Eamonn Dublin, Sean Mor, all of you are right on! The rest are just those that hate the Catholic Church and probably any authority figure.One of you needs to read the news other then IC. Ministers, Boy Scout leaders, politicians,doctors,football coaches teachers,fathers, step fathers,funny uncles etc etc have abused children And it seems from reading IC that in Ireland they get away with it.Abortion is just that,the worse child abuse imaginable. In my work, I watched a young women go from trash can to trash can in the hospital looking for her baby that she had aborted.The saddest thing I ever saw.Im glad they're speaking out against abortion etc.No one spoke out against Hitler and look what happened.

• trconnors | Nov 03, 2012, 03:21 PM EDT

  its about time these so- called reigous leaders shut the hell up and start saving souls. Im sick of these pedophile protecting bishops,and the huckabies ("you will go to hell if you vote for obama")of the world telling people how to vote. My God would not tell im going to hell for not voting his way. Its time for them to go away !!!!!

• Murph46 | Nov 03, 2012, 03:20 PM EDT

  Phlutie Phan-When you gonna throw your hat in the ring ,you are pratical,sound and factual.You would have my vote! vIn fact I'd serve as your campaign mgr.!

• darao | Nov 03, 2012, 03:02 PM EDT

  These men who try to take away women's rights, to denigrate the rights of all people to love whom they choose and who consistently neglected to do anything to stop abuse of children should keep their abuse of position away from elections. If not then they should have their charitable exemptions eliminated perhaps be put under the same rules as other political lobbyists. The right of everyone to have an opinion is fine but the right to lobby politically as part of an organized religious institution is not without limits and violates the fundamental separation of church and state. BIGI CUIN!

• barbeau2 | Nov 03, 2012, 02:50 PM EDT

  One would think that the American bishops would still be doing penance for their role in allowing the sexual abuse of children--- a nauseating collaboration of theirs in their harboring the criminals. This fall from grace cannot be covered up now by their attempts to put a compulsive liar in the white house. Free speech is one thing, but declaring it a sin to not vote for the bishop's choice of another liar is an abuse of the office.

• EphraimKibbey | Nov 03, 2012, 02:35 PM EDT

  If the RCC loses its tax exempt status, catholics lose their exemption from taxes on contributions to it as well. Someone really needs to explain the facts of life to these prelates. The violation of law only occurs when they endorse a person so they need to keep the candidates out of their sermons.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 03, 2012, 02:32 PM EDT

  "Maureen15" You are wrong, wrong, wrong!!! Clergy are fully entitled to voice their own personal opinions, publicly as well as privately. To attempt to keep their opinions silent on ANYTHING is an insult to democracy, an insult to free speech, and a total misunderstanding of the American constitution. Mind you, from listening to Obama and his fellow travellers for the past four years, they don't seem to care much for the constitution. God Bless America. Vote Romney. Éamonn, Dublin.

• EphraimKibbey | Nov 03, 2012, 02:29 PM EDT

  EamonnDublin - While in America we do honor free speech, we also place some rules on it like not being able to yell fire in a crowded theater just for fun. In addition those groups seeking special considerations like tax exempt status relinquish certain rights in exchange for that priviledge. Besides the abuse of power that the Bishop indulges by speaking from his position of church official on politics, he extends the infraction beyond personal wrongdoing to an instutional violation of the LAW by endorsing and encouraging his priests to endorse one political candidate over another. Please read eiremach's post in the previous article about this Bishop where she quotes the section of IRS code and shows clearly that what Jenky is doing is a violation of our law. I wonder if an institution that has enjoyed tax exempt status is found guilty of violating the IRS code for such status can be held responsible for repaying exemptions from all the previous years during which they were found to have violated the law. This could mean a GIANT infusion of cash into the American economy from the Vatican.

• alisaann | Nov 03, 2012, 01:54 PM EDT

  the catholic church needs to keep their noses OUT of politics....and STOP telling people HOW they should vote....if their gonna be talking politics....then STATE PAYING TAXES.....RELIGION HAS NO PLACE IN POLITICS. ALISA

• Parents | Nov 03, 2012, 01:49 PM EDT

  Yes these bishops have crossed the line and I say get revenue by taxing them now that they are political lobbyists. I too would consider the devil over Mitt Romney. Obama did not make that decision alone and the house is a majority republican so you are still voting those who helped pass the law when you vote for Mitt. You are also voting for a ruthless rich businessman who knows nothing about politics and has no conern for the little people and who keeps his money offshore and outsources jobs to China. A lot of his adds are just lies as stated by the car companies and anyone who understands the situation. They committed mail fraud in Fl and 12,000 billboards put up to scare the latino vote. You want this man to be Pres of the USA?? Not me, I am a catholic, and I would vote Obama.

• Stiofain | Nov 03, 2012, 01:49 PM EDT

  Under the law the church should lose it's tax exempt status. If it did we could pay the debt in a year.

• PhlutiePhan | Nov 03, 2012, 01:13 PM EDT

  @Nicomax: First of all when you talk of Congress, there is the fact of a Repbulican House and a Senate which is up for grabs. It takes both houses to pass a law. That is basic civics of which you have a definite lack of knowledge. That is cognizant of your complete lack of Christian principles. You can be like @Jerry Donovan and compare the devil to Jesus Christ. I would say that there is a distinct lack of the understanding of the Gospel and the Marxist tilt of the party that JFK built from an Irish Catholic base.

• bonjouryall | Nov 03, 2012, 01:08 PM EDT

  While churches can advocate their position on particular causes or issues, they are not supposed to advocate a particular candidate under threat of revocation of their tax exampt status. However, I have never heard of any actual example of a revocation, so many churches, particularly in the black community, have ignored this in the past. Now this article is suggesting the Catholic Church is doing the same thing. It's a good law and should be enforced impartially.

• grg343 | Nov 03, 2012, 01:08 PM EDT

  The credibility of the hierarchy is diminished by the fact that they have yet to acknowledge the sex abuse of children as a moral crime nor a civil crime.

• Nicomax | Nov 03, 2012, 01:00 PM EDT

  When Congress meets after the election it can quickly move to tap a new source of revenue to close the yawning gap with spending- the Catholic Church has violated it's tax-exempt status and thus is subject to both federal income taxes, as well as, local real estate taxes. This will help all of us, so in a way I'm glad the bishops decided to open their yaps.

• lokionline | Nov 03, 2012, 12:45 PM EDT

  The first of my comments below related to another article. My screw up.

• lokionline | Nov 03, 2012, 12:43 PM EDT

  These bishops are just continuing the job they have been doing so very well these past 50 years, to reduce the footprint of the Catholic church.

• GuinnessGrrl | Nov 03, 2012, 12:41 PM EDT

  I thought the priests were too busy diddling children to be worrying about who was president...

• lokionline | Nov 03, 2012, 12:39 PM EDT

  It is somewhat reassuring to find that the Irish Central audience closely resembles the US as a whole.

• jerrydonovan | Nov 03, 2012, 12:24 PM EDT

  You are right Desdamona,no one has to advise me as to how to vote. I am a practising catholic and I have voted already. Yes I proudly voted for Barack Obama.As a noted politican once stated ,and I paraphrase him,"If Romney was running against the devil,I would give the devil favorable consideration".

• patrickesq | Nov 03, 2012, 12:23 PM EDT

  I wonder if these bishops have asked Jesus what he would say/do. Jesus did tell the Pharisees to give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's: Matthew 22:15-22. The Catholic Church has no claim to absolute truth on what they deem to be moral issues. Morality is a matter of personal conscience, informed by rational standards of right and wrong. These bishops are quite hypocritical , especially on the artificial birth control issue. Most Catholics do not accept the Church's doctrinal position on birth control, that has no basis in scripture,and causes unnecessary hardship and health risks to families and mothers. The Church's narrow focus on these doctrinal issues detracts from the primary vision of Jesus to love your neighbor, which is done by social justice. President Obama has done more to advance the cause of social justice by enacting the Health Care Reform Act that will provide health insurance protection for up to 30 million more Americans, enhanced Medicare to provide coverage for preventive health care services, expanded the protection of all Americans against unfair credit practices of the banks and other lenders, and many other provisions that promote equal justice. The Republicans can lip sing the doctrinal issues the bishops like to harp about, but they will , and have been, quite silent about social justice and what policies, if any, they will promote to improve the lives of all Americans. The bishops have crossed the line that separates church and state. It is time for a reformation of the Church that will dethrone the old boy network and open the Church to the creative power of it people that will fulfill the true mission of the Church to love all your neighbors so that social justice is always served.

• miamicanes | Nov 03, 2012, 12:11 PM EDT

  The same asxxxxles that preached my mother would burn in hell if she didnt turn catholic, yeah sure. she had more spirituality than any of those wheep clothed wolves.

• Maureen15 | Nov 03, 2012, 11:54 AM EDT

  Eamonn, if the Bishop speaks publicly he is crossing the line. If he is sitting at a dinner table with you and speaks his mind....fine. Once he speaks publicly and states his personal opinion for an upcoming election....he is crossing the line of Church and State. Have you ever once heard the Pope talk about his support for a candidate?

• NancyO | Nov 03, 2012, 11:51 AM EDT

  When I was growing up in Boston being called a Democrat usually meant the following: Catholic goes to Mass every Sunday Helps the poor Goes to work everyday Now--A democrat is one that believes the following: You have a god given right to get an abortion whenever you need one You do not have to work and earn money--others will take care of you via the dole, foodstamps, welfare, free housing etc.-- If you do not have much because you do not work, others will OWE you something

• slainte9 | Nov 03, 2012, 11:25 AM EDT

  The dishonest Orangemen at Irish Central continue to ignore mainstream bishops like McElroy of San Francisco, who say that there are no Catholic candidates, Republican or Democrat.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 03, 2012, 11:24 AM EDT

  I find it difficult to comprehend the mentality of the genesis of some of these posts. A bishop or a priest giving his opinion on political issues is NOT what is regarded legally or constitutionally as interference in the separation of Church and State. If it were indeed the case that it is "interference", then by the same token, politicians would not be able to speak their minds on matters of religion. There is NOTHING to stop people of either function speaking their minds and/or giving advice on ALL issues. Are some of the posters saying free speech should be banned? Or is it, as I consider it most probably is, a sad case of rabid and rancid hatred of the Catholic church? Éamonn, Dublin.

• Seanmor | Nov 03, 2012, 11:17 AM EDT

  There is at least one Obama policy that the Catholic prelates strongly support: rewarding immigrants who entered the U.S. ILLEGALLY and continue to violate our laws by unlawfully residing here Aobut 10 million of these are Hispamnic, many of whom know lillte or no English. Those of us who qualified for permanent visas and honorasbly served in the U.S. military are never received, or even expected, any special rewards for our compliance with the laws and our honorable srvice to the nation.

• MichaelJTully | Nov 03, 2012, 11:00 AM EDT

  After the carry on of these overfed fools, in the last century, they have a hard neck sticking it out now. They should be down on their knees looking for the people to forgive them, for what they done, and not be interfering in something they are ignorant about.

• genie4450 | Nov 03, 2012, 10:59 AM EDT

  I guess the Catholic church missed the part about separation of church and state! The Church needs to stay out of it, and stop trying to influence people who are even less informed than they are!

• Seanmor | Nov 03, 2012, 10:44 AM EDT

  777: It is my understanding that Muslims do not allow or advocate the killing of unborn babies, nor do they support same-sex marriage. If I'm correct about that, then they should be as opposed to Obama's reelection as are the R.C. bishops. The position of these bishops on issues of morality does not put Catholic against Protestant, at least not as far as my wife is concerned. She is a New England Methodist and the widow of a Presbyterian minister and she is staunchly pro-life and pro-family. She is also a DAR member, as were both her grandmothers. God bless America and her Constitution that guarantees us freedom of speech and of religion.

• Teresa Cross | Nov 03, 2012, 10:25 AM EDT

  These Catholic Bishops need to have their 501c3 tax exempt status revoked!! I will call the Dept of Justice.

• bcoc1124 | Nov 03, 2012, 10:21 AM EDT

  Have them lose their see's no tax status -

• Portia777 | Nov 03, 2012, 10:08 AM EDT

  George Carlin on religion comes to mind. Who in their right mind could believe it. A vengeful invisible man in the sky making you suffer, but he loves you? And he ALWAYS NEEDS YOUR MONEY.? Not that powerful then, is he?

• Portia777 | Nov 03, 2012, 10:04 AM EDT

  Behind the whole show is the plan to pit the Christians against the Muslims while the shadows sit back and laugh. Catholic v Protestant, etc. always the same pattern, with profit to be made and energy to be extracted from the suffering souls. If only the sheeple understood their his story.

• Portia777 | Nov 03, 2012, 10:01 AM EDT

  wow, the boys in frocks are still at it, still controlling USA from Roma and London Temple. The brainwashing is clearly working on the innocent sheeple of USA. Who would have ever imagined such a time.Souls and Sin are big business still.

• desdamona | Nov 03, 2012, 09:58 AM EDT

  A very clear decision if you are a sincere Catholic no one should have to advise you how to vote, the beliefs of your Church are all you need. Romney is the one to bring us together and restore America to the values men and women have died for

• desdamona | Nov 03, 2012, 09:46 AM EDT

  They did not say that. They have a Citizenship Guide for their members and tell people they should not vote for immoral and Unnatural Law backing candidates and that such a vote puts your soul in danger. Big difference, an assist,same as newspapers endorsing candidates for people who cannot think for themselves?