lifesitenews--2020-10-16--How the Amy Coney Barrett hearings reveal flaws in LGBT ‘marriage’ logic

October 16 , 2020 ( FRC Action ) — Among the Left 's desperate attacks on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett , one of the silliest has to be their railing against her use of the term `` sexual preference '' in answering a question during her confirmation hearing related to the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision in which the Supreme Court unilaterally redefined civil `` marriage '' for all fifty states .
In response to a question the morning of October 13 from Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-Calif. ) , Barrett said , `` I have never discriminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not discriminate on the basis of sexual preference . ''
One would think that the Left would be celebrating this apparent endorsement of their prized principle of `` non-discrimination . ''
Instead , Sen. Mazie Hirono ( D-Hawaii ) attacked Barrett that afternoon for using the term `` sexual preference '' — which she dubbed `` offensive and outdated . ''
( The more politically correct term , you see , is `` sexual orientation . ''
) Hirono insisted the term `` sexual preference '' is `` used by anti-LGBTQ activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice . ''
Linguistically , it does no such thing .
It seems self-evident that if a person has a homosexual `` orientation '' ( often defined as having same-sex sexual attractions ) , then that person `` prefers '' sex with people of the same sex .
The terms `` sexual orientation '' and `` sexual preference '' are essentially synonyms .
And they were treated as such in the dictionary — until Tuesday night , when Merriam-Webster 's online dictionary suddenly added a statement that using `` preference '' as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` offensive . ''
This is notwithstanding the fact that the internet is crawling with examples of liberal heroes — including Joe Biden and Ruth Bader Ginsburg — using the term `` sexual preference . ''
Orwellian dictates regarding terminology were not the only issue in Hirono 's attack on Judge Barrett , though .
It came in the context of a lengthy speech about the Obergefell decision , in which Sen. Hirono declared , `` That sexual orientation is both a normal expression of human sexuality and immutable was a key part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
This is an accurate description of that opinion — and a key part of the reason why it was profoundly in error .
I wrote about this at length in a blog post at the time .
Justice Kennedy wrote twice about the supposed `` immutability '' of sexual orientation in his majority opinion in Obergefell .
He wrote that laws prohibiting same-sex civil `` marriages '' are unconstitutional because they prevent an entire class of people — self-identified gays and lesbians — from ever being able to exercise the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim , however , only makes sense if two premises are true — first , that the principal purpose of marriage is the gratification of sexual desire ; and second , that a homosexual orientation is immutable .
But even the amicus brief cited by Justice Kennedy — from the American Psychological Association — did not say that sexual orientation is `` immutable . ''
Instead , it affirmed the multi-faceted nature of `` sexual orientation '' — which includes not only `` sexual , affectional , or romantic attractions , '' but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal and social identity based on those attractions , behaviors expressing them , and membership in a community of others who share them . ''
Contrary to the stereotype presented by Sen. Hirono , FRC and most other social conservatives do not consider same-sex attractions to be a `` choice . ''
However , `` behaviors , '' `` membership in a community , '' and to a large extent `` personal and social identity '' are primarily a choice .
The APA even said in its brief that `` sexual orientation ranges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own amicus brief in Obergefell pointed out the `` remarkable ( but heretofore unnoticed ) fact that dozens of the plaintiffs in the same-sex marriage cases that have been brought over the last twenty-four years previously had been married to a person of the opposite sex . ''
This is proof on its face that either : a ) people with a homosexual orientation are capable of marriage to the opposite sex ; or b ) people 's sexual orientation can change during the life course ; or both .
The Democrats — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others on following `` the science '' — have apparently not kept up with the science on sexual orientation .
Perhaps they are still deceived by the myth that homosexuality is caused by a `` gay gene '' — which science has largely debunked .
Or perhaps they are unaware of the major academic paper , `` Scrutinizing Immutability '' — co-authored by lesbian scholar Lisa Diamond — which declared that `` arguments based on the immutability of sexual orientation are unscientific , given what we now know from longitudinal , population-based studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attractions of some individuals over time . ''
( FRC analyzed these studies here . )
Judge Barrett chose not to be drawn into commenting on the statement by Justice Thomas earlier this month , signed by Justice Alito , after the Supreme Court recently denied an appeal from Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis , who conscientiously objected to giving marriage licenses to same-sex couples .
Although both Sen. Hirono and Sen. Cory Booker ( D-N.J. ) quoted Justice Thomas 's statement that in Obergefell , `` the Court has created a problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ignored the two justices ' plain description of what that `` problem '' was — namely , that `` those with sincerely held religious beliefs concerning marriage will find it increasingly difficult to participate in society '' because of the decision 's `` ruinous consequences for religious liberty . ''
Again , Judge Barrett refused Sen. Booker 's bait , saying only , `` I do n't know what Justices Thomas and Alito were thinking — you 'd have to ask them . ''
But when it comes to `` sexual preference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court nominee has spent the last couple decades studying , teaching , and interpreting the law , rather than surfing the web to keep up with the vagaries of the latest politically correct or incorrect terminology .

The Democrats — who are usually so quick to lecture others on following 'the science' — have apparently not kept up with the science on sexual orientation.
October 16, 2020 (FRC Action) — Among the Left's desperate attacks on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, one of the silliest has to be their railing against her use of the term “sexual preference” in answering a question during her confirmation hearing related to the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision in which the Supreme Court unilaterally redefined civil “marriage” for all fifty states.
In response to a question the morning of October 13 from Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Barrett said, “I have never discriminated on the basis of sexual preference and would not discriminate on the basis of sexual preference.”
One would think that the Left would be celebrating this apparent endorsement of their prized principle of “non-discrimination.” Instead, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) attacked Barrett that afternoon for using the term “sexual preference” — which she dubbed “offensive and outdated.” (The more politically correct term, you see, is “sexual orientation.”) Hirono insisted the term “sexual preference” is “used by anti-LGBTQ activists to suggest that sexual orientation is a choice.”
Linguistically, it does no such thing. It seems self-evident that if a person has a homosexual “orientation” (often defined as having same-sex sexual attractions), then that person “prefers” sex with people of the same sex. The terms “sexual orientation” and “sexual preference” are essentially synonyms. And they were treated as such in the dictionary — until Tuesday night, when Merriam-Webster's online dictionary suddenly added a statement that using “preference” as a synonym for “orientation” is considered “offensive.” This is notwithstanding the fact that the internet is crawling with examples of liberal heroes — including Joe Biden and Ruth Bader Ginsburg — using the term “sexual preference.”
Orwellian dictates regarding terminology were not the only issue in Hirono's attack on Judge Barrett, though. It came in the context of a lengthy speech about the Obergefell decision, in which Sen. Hirono declared, “That sexual orientation is both a normal expression of human sexuality and immutable was a key part of the majority's opinion in Obergefell.”
This is an accurate description of that opinion — and a key part of the reason why it was profoundly in error. I wrote about this at length in a blog post at the time. Justice Kennedy wrote twice about the supposed “immutability” of sexual orientation in his majority opinion in Obergefell. He wrote that laws prohibiting same-sex civil “marriages” are unconstitutional because they prevent an entire class of people — self-identified gays and lesbians — from ever being able to exercise the “fundamental right” to marry. This claim, however, only makes sense if two premises are true — first, that the principal purpose of marriage is the gratification of sexual desire; and second, that a homosexual orientation is immutable.
But even the amicus brief cited by Justice Kennedy — from the American Psychological Association — did not say that sexual orientation is “immutable.” Instead, it affirmed the multi-faceted nature of “sexual orientation” — which includes not only “sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions,” but also “an individual's sense of personal and social identity based on those attractions, behaviors expressing them, and membership in a community of others who share them.”
Contrary to the stereotype presented by Sen. Hirono, FRC and most other social conservatives do not consider same-sex attractions to be a “choice.” However, “behaviors,” “membership in a community,” and to a large extent “personal and social identity” are primarily a choice. The APA even said in its brief that “sexual orientation ranges along a continuum.” FRC's own amicus brief in Obergefell pointed out the “remarkable (but heretofore unnoticed) fact that dozens of the plaintiffs in the same-sex marriage cases that have been brought over the last twenty-four years previously had been married to a person of the opposite sex.” This is proof on its face that either: a) people with a homosexual orientation are capable of marriage to the opposite sex; or b) people's sexual orientation can change during the life course; or both.
— Article continues below Petition — PETITION: Ask Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to eliminate tax deductions for abortions Show Petition Text 6928 have signed the petition. Let's get to 7500 ! Thank you for signing this petition! Add your signature: Show Petition Text Country... State... Sign this Petition Just a few days ago, members of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus sent a letter to the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, asking him to issue new regulations to ensure that the expense of an abortion cannot be deducted from federal income taxes. Please SIGN this petition, which supports the Caucus' letter, and urges Secretary Mnuchin to eliminate tax deductions for abortion. Right now, people can deduct abortions from their federal income taxes because it is considered to be "healthcare." But, abortion is not healthcare; it is, rather, the taking of innocent pre-born human life. As the Senators' letter states: "Pregnancy is a natural condition of the human body, for both the mother and her unborn child, and only rarely, if ever, does a pregnancy physically threaten the life of the mother in such a way that the mother's death can only be averted by abortion, rather than through other means such as early induction or Caesarean section. Therefore, the IRS must cease considering abortions (except in the case of physical endangerment to the life of the mother) to be medical care under §213(d) and its implementing regulations."** Simply put, the senators are saying that tax breaks must not be given for procedures which do not constitute medical care. And, since abortion is not medical care, those tax breaks must cease. Led by Republican Sens. Mike Braun of Indiana and Warren Davidson of Ohio, the letter also says: "Any procedure for which a successful outcome depends on the death of a living human being, born or unborn, cannot be considered health care." No-one should benefit financially by the taking of innocent human life. Thank you for SIGNING this urgent petition, directed to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and CC'ed to President Trump, asking for new IRS regulations to specifically eliminate tax deductions for abortions. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 'Did you know many abortions are tax-deductible? These politicians hope to fix that' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/100-pro-life-senators-demand-treasury-dept-end-tax-breaks-for-abortion Senate Pro-Life Caucus Letter: https://www.braun.senate.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/081220%20Treasury%20Letter%20Final_0.pdf **Although not stated in the senators' letter, LifeSite understands that treatment to save the life of a mother, who is in duress during pregnancy or birth, and which results in the unintended death of the unborn child, is not 'abortion' in the commonly understood use of the word. Rather, it is just that: treatment to save the life of the mother. **Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com Hide Petition Text Sign this Petition
The Democrats — who are usually so quick to lecture others on following “the science” — have apparently not kept up with the science on sexual orientation. Perhaps they are still deceived by the myth that homosexuality is caused by a “gay gene” — which science has largely debunked. Or perhaps they are unaware of the major academic paper, “Scrutinizing Immutability” — co-authored by lesbian scholar Lisa Diamond — which declared that “arguments based on the immutability of sexual orientation are unscientific, given what we now know from longitudinal, population-based studies of naturally occurring changes in the same-sex attractions of some individuals over time.” (FRC analyzed these studies here.)
Judge Barrett chose not to be drawn into commenting on the statement by Justice Thomas earlier this month, signed by Justice Alito, after the Supreme Court recently denied an appeal from Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, who conscientiously objected to giving marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Although both Sen. Hirono and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) quoted Justice Thomas's statement that in Obergefell, “the Court has created a problem that only it can fix,” they ignored the two justices' plain description of what that “problem” was — namely, that “those with sincerely held religious beliefs concerning marriage will find it increasingly difficult to participate in society” because of the decision's “ruinous consequences for religious liberty.”
Again, Judge Barrett refused Sen. Booker's bait, saying only, “I don't know what Justices Thomas and Alito were thinking — you'd have to ask them.”
But when it comes to “sexual preference,” we should be glad that the Supreme Court nominee has spent the last couple decades studying, teaching, and interpreting the law, rather than surfing the web to keep up with the vagaries of the latest politically correct or incorrect terminology.
Published with permission from FRC Action.
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lifesitenews--2020-10-16--Priest ordained one year after Roe: No law can change humanity of babies targeted for abortion

October 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — As the Senate deliberations on Amy Coney Barrett continue , an important area of deliberation centers on the Roe v. Wade decision .
The question to consider is this : has anything changed from 1973 until now , 47 years later , in 2020 ?
Roe v. Wade allowed abortions to at least 24 weeks ’ gestation .
( Doe v. Bolton , Roe ’ s companion decision , allowed it up to the moment of birth . )
A recent study showed that 15 % of premature infants at 23 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of infants surviving at 22 weeks and two at 21 and 20 weeks ’ gestation .
“ Viability ” is younger than ever .
Has the humanity of the preborn changed during these past forty-seven years ?
No , viability measures the advancement of medical technology and the availability of neonatal intensive care units .
It measures the external life support systems not the humanness of the premature infant .
Viability is , in fact , unrelated to the question of whether the pre-born are living human beings .
Dependency does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It reflects the fragile state of the human being ’ s situation at different stages of pregnancy , not his humanity .
Viability measures the medical community ’ s ability to sustain life , not the status of that life .
Medical technology is not yet able to provide an alternative environment for babies younger than about 20–23 weeks to survive .
Some researchers predict , however , that if an artificial womb and placenta are developed , as well as further development of the use of oxygen-saturated liquid ( instead of air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at less than 20 weeks of gestation .
( By 12 weeks , the preborn child ’ s whole system is developed and fully functioning . )
Viability is not a fixed or definitive line or place and has certainly changed since 1973 .
In addition , since 1973 , we have the incredible medical advancements in fetology and perinatology , especially significant advances in medical technology , such as the electronic fetal monitors ( EFM ) .
EFMs were not widely used until after Roe v. Wade , and uniform standards for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Use of the fetoscope began in the 1980s .
The first intrauterine surgery done successfully on a pre-born child occurred in 1981 .
It reminded the world that a doctor is treating two patients , not just one .
We now have an amazing “ window to the womb ” with 3D ultrasound developed in the 1980s and 4D ultrasound in the 1990s , all of which preclude the thinking of “ out of sight , out of mind.
” Some studies show that 80–95 % of abortion-minded women who agree to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having an abortion choose not to kill the baby .
These mothers experience their pre-born children in real time instead of being purposely shielded from that reality at abortion facilities .
In addition to these dramatic transformations , the internet , websites , and social media since 1973 have facilitated on-site videos and instant communication with photos of pre-born children , including pictures of the terrible aftermath of abortions .
This helps us understand why Nicholai Berdyaev stated at the beginning of the 20th century : “ The greatest sin of this age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ philosopher Emmanuel Levinas puts it this way : “ the only thing that really converts people is the face of the other.
” Since 1973 , many laws have been enacted restricting abortion in most states , which certainly has shifted public opinion on the issue .
Between 2001 and 2010 , 189 abortion restriction laws were passed .
From 2011 to 2019 , there were 424 abortion restrictions in state laws , and this past year , there were 350 bills to restrict abortions , more laws than ever .
Forty-three states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These facts may explain in part why in the early 1990s , there were more than 2,000 abortion facilities in America , and now there are about 750 .
There are no abortion facilities available in at least 85 % of the counties in the United States ( compared to over 3,000 crisis pregnancies centers all over America ) , which reflects the fact that a significant number of Americans view abortion differently from how they viewed it in 1973 and now know the reality of pre-natal human life within the womb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claire Caldwell , Heidi Hoffman , and Gianna Jessen — they are abortion survivors because of the advancement in medical technology since 1973 .
The “ Abortion Survivors Network ” includes over 300 who survived attempted abortions .
They are not insignificant “ fetuses , ” a term meaning “ young one , ” or mere “ products of conception ” or simply meaningless “ clump of cells.
” They are real people ( victors ) who survived a horrendous , brutal attempt on their lives .
They bring home the reality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ( not just an abstract concept ) .
They are the visible ones , whom we are really talking about in the discussion of abortion since Roe v. Wade .
There was a lack of knowledge in Roe v. Wade of how abortion would change a person .
Thus , since 1973 , we have seen the rise of so many post-abortion healing programs .
Thousands of women have gone through Project Rachel over the last 35 years , as well as other Christian post-abortion ministries throughout the United States .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their stories of sorrow and regret through the “ Silent No More ” Campaign , which readers can view at I regret my abortion.com , abortiontestimony.com , Lumina , After Abortion , and Abortion Recovery International .
Dr. Theresa Burke is founder and director of the Rachel ’ s Vineyard Retreats , which take place in 49 states and 70 countries , with 1,000 retreats held annually .
She estimates that more than 150,000 women ( and men ) , with stories of devastation and brokenness , have made one of these retreats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seven justices who thought abortion would not have such a negative fallout and definite adverse aftermath years later .
Roe v. Wade has relegated the father of the child irrelevant to the abortion decision .
The decision was left to the pregnant woman alone ( It ’ s “ my body !
” ) without any consideration for her pre-born child or anyone else , including the father .
Previously , the courts tried to balance the decision between men and women in terms of divorce or parental rights .
Roe v. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave everything on women , and too often , many of these men end up with practically zero consequences or accountability .
One of the roles of men and fathers is to be a protector and a provider .
A man must be present in a family to fulfill that role .
Yet , sadly , over 80 % of fathers do not marry the teen mother of their babies .
Women head over 80 % of single-parent households , and almost half of children living only with their mothers are poor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coincidence that woman too often bear the brunt of poverty , including suffering severe consequences physically and emotionally , because Roe v. Wade laid the foundation for absentee fathers at one of the most vulnerable , insecure , and fearful points of a woman ’ s life .
Another consideration is that over 250,000 black American pre-born lives are destroyed each year through abortions .
It is estimated that since 1973 , abortion has reduced the black population by over 15 million .
( Seventy-five percent of Planned Parenthood ’ s abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About 13 % of American women are black , but they submit to over 28 % of the abortions .
This no doubt contributed to the fact that black Americans are no longer the largest minority in our country .
Latinos represent 12 % of the population but account for 20 % of the abortions ( 140,000 pre-born Latinos children are destroyed each year ) .
This outcome of destructiveness for non-white people was not envisioned in 1973 by Roe v. Wade .
Despite over 60 million abortions in the last 47 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more divorces , more spousal abuse , more sexually transmitted diseases , more women and children in poverty , etc .
The list of negative consequences goes on and on .
Killing innocent pre-born children and failing to support women in crisis and untimely pregnancies will never resolve the difficult situations pregnant women face , nor will it help decrease our social problems .
Roe v. Wade has contributed significantly to a more self-centered society and opened the floodgates for using violence to solve problems .
Moving forward , in 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their pre-born children , as well as our society , deserve a better solution than abortion , which has stimulated so much violence in the last 47 years .
Father Jim Hewes has been a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Rochester for 46 years and is currently a “ senior ” priest in residence at St. Mark ’ s in Rochester , New York .
He was one of the founding members of the Rochester Right to Life Committee ( 1968 ) , which was one of the first pro-life groups in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult situations that women with crisis pregnancies were faced with , he helped start one of the first Birthrights in the country .
Later on , he helped start the Human Life Commission in the Diocese of Rochester in 1978 .
He helped established Project Rachael in his diocese and directed the post-abortion healing ministry for eighteen years .

October 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — As the Senate deliberations on Amy Coney Barrett continue, an important area of deliberation centers on the Roe v. Wade decision. The question to consider is this: has anything changed from 1973 until now, 47 years later, in 2020? Roe v. Wade allowed abortions to at least 24 weeks’ gestation. (Doe v. Bolton, Roe’s companion decision, allowed it up to the moment of birth.) A recent study showed that 15% of premature infants at 23 weeks survive, and the record includes 11 cases of infants surviving at 22 weeks and two at 21 and 20 weeks’ gestation. “Viability” is younger than ever.
Has the humanity of the preborn changed during these past forty-seven years? No, viability measures the advancement of medical technology and the availability of neonatal intensive care units. It measures the external life support systems , not the humanness of the premature infant. Viability is, in fact, unrelated to the question of whether the pre-born are living human beings.
Dependency does not define a person’s humanity. It reflects the fragile state of the human being’s situation at different stages of pregnancy, not his humanity. Viability measures the medical community’s ability to sustain life, not the status of that life.
Medical technology is not yet able to provide an alternative environment for babies younger than about 20–23 weeks to survive. Some researchers predict, however, that if an artificial womb and placenta are developed, as well as further development of the use of oxygen-saturated liquid (instead of air), many pre-born infants could survive at less than 20 weeks of gestation. (By 12 weeks, the preborn child’s whole system is developed and fully functioning.) Viability is not a fixed or definitive line or place and has certainly changed since 1973.
In addition, since 1973, we have the incredible medical advancements in fetology and perinatology, especially significant advances in medical technology, such as the electronic fetal monitors (EFM). EFMs were not widely used until after Roe v. Wade, and uniform standards for EFMs were not firmly established until 1997.
Use of the fetoscope began in the 1980s. The first intrauterine surgery done successfully on a pre-born child occurred in 1981. It reminded the world that a doctor is treating two patients, not just one. We now have an amazing “window to the womb” with 3D ultrasound developed in the 1980s and 4D ultrasound in the 1990s, all of which preclude the thinking of “out of sight, out of mind.”
Some studies show that 80–95% of abortion-minded women who agree to see an ultrasound of their baby before having an abortion choose not to kill the baby. These mothers experience their pre-born children in real time instead of being purposely shielded from that reality at abortion facilities. In addition to these dramatic transformations, the internet, websites, and social media since 1973 have facilitated on-site videos and instant communication with photos of pre-born children, including pictures of the terrible aftermath of abortions. This helps us understand why Nicholai Berdyaev stated at the beginning of the 20th century: “The greatest sin of this age is making the concrete abstract.” The philosopher Emmanuel Levinas puts it this way: “the only thing that really converts people is the face of the other.”
Since 1973, many laws have been enacted restricting abortion in most states, which certainly has shifted public opinion on the issue. Between 2001 and 2010, 189 abortion restriction laws were passed. From 2011 to 2019, there were 424 abortion restrictions in state laws, and this past year, there were 350 bills to restrict abortions, more laws than ever. Forty-three states have passed some type of gestational laws. These facts may explain in part why in the early 1990s, there were more than 2,000 abortion facilities in America, and now there are about 750. There are no abortion facilities available in at least 85% of the counties in the United States (compared to over 3,000 crisis pregnancies centers all over America), which reflects the fact that a significant number of Americans view abortion differently from how they viewed it in 1973 and now know the reality of pre-natal human life within the womb.
Melissa Ohden, Josiah Presley, Claire Caldwell, Heidi Hoffman, and Gianna Jessen — they are abortion survivors because of the advancement in medical technology since 1973. The “Abortion Survivors Network” includes over 300 who survived attempted abortions. They are not insignificant “fetuses,” a term meaning “young one,” or mere “products of conception” or simply meaningless “clump of cells.” They are real people (victors) who survived a horrendous, brutal attempt on their lives. They bring home the reality of the undeniable consequences of abortion to visible people (not just an abstract concept). They are the visible ones, whom we are really talking about in the discussion of abortion since Roe v. Wade.
There was a lack of knowledge in Roe v. Wade of how abortion would change a person. Thus, since 1973, we have seen the rise of so many post-abortion healing programs. Thousands of women have gone through Project Rachel over the last 35 years, as well as other Christian post-abortion ministries throughout the United States. In addition, thousands of women have shared their stories of sorrow and regret through the “Silent No More” Campaign, which readers can view at I regret my abortion.com, abortiontestimony.com, Lumina, After Abortion, and Abortion Recovery International.
— Article continues below Petition — URGENT PETITION: Tell the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade Show Petition Text 61375 have signed the petition. Let's get to 70000 ! Thank you for signing this petition! Add your signature: Show Petition Text Country... State... Sign this Petition PETITION UPDATE (9/26/2020): With President Trump's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court left by the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we are closer than we have been in decades to seeing Roe vs. Wade overturned. We now encourage the Senate to confirm Barrett as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Judge Barrett has a fantastic track recond on sanctity of life issues, has seven children, and is a devout believer. She is the perfect remedy for Ruth Bader Ginsburg's radical pro-abortionism. Please READ the full story here: 'BREAKING: Trump nominates Catholic mom of 7 Judge Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court' And then, please SIGN this petition telling the High Court that it's now time to end the activist Roe vs. Wade judgment. Thank you! __________________________________________________________________ PETITION UPDATE (6/29/2020): In a decision which has imperiled more abortion-minded women, sentenced more preborn to death, and upset pro-lifers across the nation,the United States Supreme Court decided 5-4 to strike down a Louisiana law requiring basic medical precautions in the event of abortion complications, with Chief Justice John Roberts reversing his own past decision to uphold a similar Texas law. Liberal Justice Stephen Breyer wrote the majority opinion, which held that the Louisiana law was unconstitutional for the simple fact that it was “almost word-for-word identical” to the Texas one the court already struck down in 2016. In his concurring opinion, Chief Justice Roberts acknowledged that he had “joined the dissent in Whole Woman’s Health and continue to believe that the case was wrongly decided. The question today however is not whether Whole Woman’s Health was right or wrong, but whether to adhere to it in deciding the present case.” We call on the Supreme Court to stop supporting the culture of death and overturn Roe vs Wade, now. PETITION UPDATE (1/20/2020): Hundreds of thousands of people will gather in Washington, D.C., this coming Friday, January 24th, for the March for Life. They will be praying for an end to Roe vs Wade, as the Supreme Court will hear a crucial, abortion-related case later this year in March. United our voices can change the course of history. Sign this petition TODAY! (LEARN MORE BELOW) PETITION UPDATE (1/3/2020): In advance of the Supreme Court's hearing arguments in an important abortion case later this year in March, 207 U.S. Senators and Representatives have signed amicus briefs supporting a Louisiana law requiring abortionists to have admitting privileges at a hospital nearby an abortion center. Some of these supporting briefs also suggest that now is the time to reconsider Roe vs Wade as sound law. Please SIGN this petition, calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Roe vs Wade. _____________________________________________________________________________ More than 60 million Americans have been slaughtered in their mother's wombs as a result of Roe v. Wade. This activist, unconstitutional ruling in 1973 has left countless women emotionally and psychologically scarred. It was believed by many that Roe would be overturned in 1992 with Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Despite having eight Republican-appointed judges at the time, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to uphold it. Since then, major gains have been made in the fight for life, and many lives have been saved. However, Roe v. Wade remains the law of the land, leaving millions of defenseless pre-born children vulnerable to murder. According to a 2016 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35% of aborted babies are African American, despite black women only making up six percent of the U.S. population. 19% of aborted babies are Hispanic. We thus again call on the court to do everything they can to end Roe vs Wade. Now is the time for pro-lifers to join together and ensure that all of God's children have a right to life. Roe v. Wade must come to an end! FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/supreme-court-strikes-down-louisiana-abortion-regulations https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/over-200-congressmen-as-us-supreme-court-to-reconsider-roe-v-wade https://www.foxnews.com/politics/congress-members-file-competing-legal-briefs-in-key-scotus-abortion-case Hide Petition Text Sign this Petition
Dr. Theresa Burke is founder and director of the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats, which take place in 49 states and 70 countries, with 1,000 retreats held annually. She estimates that more than 150,000 women (and men), with stories of devastation and brokenness, have made one of these retreats. This was certainly not foreseen by the seven justices who thought abortion would not have such a negative fallout and definite adverse aftermath years later.
Roe v. Wade has relegated the father of the child irrelevant to the abortion decision. The decision was left to the pregnant woman alone (It’s “my body!”) without any consideration for her pre-born child or anyone else, including the father. Previously, the courts tried to balance the decision between men and women in terms of divorce or parental rights. Roe v. Wade gave them a free pass to leave everything on women, and too often, many of these men end up with practically zero consequences or accountability. One of the roles of men and fathers is to be a protector and a provider. A man must be present in a family to fulfill that role. Yet, sadly, over 80% of fathers do not marry the teen mother of their babies. Women head over 80% of single-parent households, and almost half of children living only with their mothers are poor. I don’t think it is a coincidence that woman too often bear the brunt of poverty, including suffering severe consequences physically and emotionally, because Roe v. Wade laid the foundation for absentee fathers at one of the most vulnerable, insecure, and fearful points of a woman’s life.
Another consideration is that over 250,000 black American pre-born lives are destroyed each year through abortions. It is estimated that since 1973, abortion has reduced the black population by over 15 million. (Seventy-five percent of Planned Parenthood’s abortion facilities are in minority neighborhoods.) About 13% of American women are black, but they submit to over 28% of the abortions. This no doubt contributed to the fact that black Americans are no longer the largest minority in our country. Latinos represent 12% of the population but account for 20% of the abortions (140,000 pre-born Latinos children are destroyed each year). This outcome of destructiveness for non-white people was not envisioned in 1973 by Roe v. Wade.
Despite over 60 million abortions in the last 47 years, America has experienced more teenage pregnancies, more divorces, more spousal abuse, more sexually transmitted diseases, more women and children in poverty, etc. The list of negative consequences goes on and on. Killing innocent pre-born children and failing to support women in crisis and untimely pregnancies will never resolve the difficult situations pregnant women face, nor will it help decrease our social problems. Roe v. Wade has contributed significantly to a more self-centered society and opened the floodgates for using violence to solve problems. Moving forward, in 2020, these women, these men, and their pre-born children, as well as our society, deserve a better solution than abortion, which has stimulated so much violence in the last 47 years.
Father Jim Hewes has been a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Rochester for 46 years and is currently a “senior” priest in residence at St. Mark’s in Rochester, New York. He was one of the founding members of the Rochester Right to Life Committee (1968), which was one of the first pro-life groups in the country. Being concerned about the difficult situations that women with crisis pregnancies were faced with, he helped start one of the first Birthrights in the country. Later on, he helped start the Human Life Commission in the Diocese of Rochester in 1978. He helped established Project Rachael in his diocese and directed the post-abortion healing ministry for eighteen years.
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lifesitenews--2020-10-16--Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

October 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In response to the crisis unfolding in our world and in the Church , LifeSite is offering Catholics throughout the world a chance to be united daily in prayer , in the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade .
Catholics from all over the world—from Israel , Uganda , Italy , France , Germany , Ireland , Pakistan , Singapore , the Philippines , India , Indonesia , Australia , New Zealand , Thailand , the United Kingdom , the U.S. , Canada , Brazil , and other countries—are gathering daily to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Pillari , J.C.L.
, an American priest currently studying in Italy .
Our goal is , by means of this daily rosary and by embracing and living out the message given by the Virgin Mary at Fatima , the triumph of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Heart .
To help obtain that goal , Bishop Athanasius Schneider graciously composed the following prayer for this worldwide rosary crusade : O Immaculate Heart of Mary , you are the holy Mother of God and our tender Mother .
Look upon the distress in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are living because of the spread of materialism and the persecution of the Church .
In Fatima you warned against these errors , as you spoke about the errors of Russia .
You are the Mediatrix of all graces .
Implore your Divine Son to grant this special grace for the Pope : that he might consecrate Russia to your Immaculate Heart , so that Russia will be converted , a period of peace will be granted to the world , and your Immaculate Heart will triumph , through an authentic renewal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purity of the Catholic Faith , of the sacredness of Divine worship and of the holiness of the Christian life .
O Queen of the holy Rosary and our sweet Mother , turn your merciful eyes to us and graciously hear this our trusting prayer .
Amen .
+ Athanasius Schneider , Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana To learn more about the urgency of responding to Our Lady ’ s message at Fatima , and about what you can do , please read Cardinal Burke ’ s 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //voiceofthefamily.com/full-text-cardinal-burkes-historic-call-for-consecration-of-russia/ ) .
As St. Padre Pio once said , “ The rosary is the weapon for these times.
” Through prayer , God can shape history , change the world , and bring about a great time of renewal and peace for the Church and for the world , through the triumph of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Heart .
Join us today !
If you would like to follow along with the prayers said during this rosary , you can access them via this PDF .
This document also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the daily rosary on LifeSite led by Fr .
Pillari .

(LifeSiteNews) — In response to the crisis unfolding in our world and in the Church, LifeSite is happy to promote Regina Angelorum Press’s Daily Rosary, which is offering Catholics throughout the world the chance to be united daily in prayer, in the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade.
Catholics from all over the world — from Israel, Uganda, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and other countries — are gathering daily to pray the Rosary, led by Father Pillari, JCL, MCL, STL, an American priest currently studying in Italy.
The Daily Rosary is being offered each day at 12noon EST through Regina Angelorum Press’ YouTube Channel to which you can subscribe HERE.
The goal is, by means of this Daily Rosary and by embracing and living out the message given by the Virgin Mary at Fatima, the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart.
To help obtain that goal, Bishop Athanasius Schneider graciously composed the following prayer for this worldwide Rosary crusade:
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, you are the holy Mother of God and our tender Mother. Look upon the distress in which the Church and the whole of humanity are living because of the spread of materialism and the persecution of the Church. In Fatima you warned against these errors, as you spoke about the errors of Russia. You are the Mediatrix of all graces. Implore your Divine Son to grant this special grace for the Pope: that he might consecrate Russia to your Immaculate Heart, so that Russia will be converted, a period of peace will be granted to the world, and your Immaculate Heart will triumph, through an authentic renewal of the Church in the splendor of the purity of the Catholic Faith, of the sacredness of Divine worship and of the holiness of the Christian life. O Queen of the holy Rosary and our sweet Mother, turn your merciful eyes to us and graciously hear this our trusting prayer. Amen. + Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana
To learn more about the urgency of responding to Our Lady’s message at Fatima, and about what you can do, please read Cardinal Burke’s 2017 address at the Rome Life Forum.
As St. Padre Pio once said, “The Rosary is the weapon for these times.” Through prayer, God can shape history, change the world, and bring about a great time of renewal and peace for the Church and for the world, through the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. Join us today!
If you would like to follow along with the prayers said during this Rosary, you can access them HERE. The document also includes a brief F.A.Q. pertaining to the daily Rosary.
You can send your prayer requests to https://reginangelorumpress.com/prayer-intentions/
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lifesitenews--2020-10-16--Priest devotes homily to dangers of a Joe Biden presidency for Catholics

TOWSON , Maryland , October 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A Catholic priest of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter gave a straightforward and courageous homily that clearly laid out Joe Biden and the Democratic Party ’ s stance on the non-negotiables on Sunday , October 11 , 2020 .
Father Ed Meeks , the founding pastor of Christ the King Church in Towson , Maryland , declared , “ There are certain realities about the candidates and their parties that directly impact our Catholic faith , and we must be aware of these realities before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meeks admitted that it is not his place to tell his parishioners how they should vote , but he said , “ It is my place as your priest and pastor to help you see how your vote may or may not line up with the teachings of the church.
” For this reason , he exhorted the faithful to vote in accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church , which are based on Sacred Scripture and the living tradition contained in the Church ’ s Magisterium .
Citing Pope Emeritus Benedict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fr .
Meeks told his parishioners that the three non-negotiables for Catholics are the sanctify of life from conception to natural death , the sanctity of marriage as a lifelong sacramental union between a man and a woman , and the preservation of religious liberty .
“ On these [ non-negotiables ] and other critical issues , there is one presidential candidate who stands in very public [ and ] very obstinate opposition to Church teaching — namely , former vice president Joe Biden , ” Fr .
Meeks announced .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you the five things that every Catholic needs to know about ‘ Catholic ’ Joe Biden and how these line up with the non-negotiables , ” he added .
The first thing Fr .
Meeks called his parishioners ’ attention to is that Biden is “ unabashedly pro-abortion.
” He reminded them that Biden and the Democratic Party support ending the lives of young children up to birth and even afterward .
He also pointed out that Biden ’ s party repeatedly opposed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and that they advocate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which would force all American taxpayers to fund abortions .
Fr .
Meeks then brought up the fact that Biden stands in direct opposition to the Church ’ s teaching on the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman .
He recalled that Biden publicly endorsed so-called “ same-sex marriage ” in 2012 when he was vice president and that he officiated the “ marriage ” of two men in 2016 .
In addition , Fr .
Meeks warned his parishioners that a “ Biden presidency would be a danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He cautioned that Biden would restore the Obamacare mandate requiring religious organizations to fund contraception for their employees and that if Biden were to institute a nationwide shutdown , such an action “ would once again close our churches.
” Fr .
Meeks also made his parishioners aware that a Biden presidency would “ open the door ” for the United States to quickly become a socialist country .
He reminded them that Biden signed on to Bernie Sanders ’ s socialist agenda and that non-partisan groups have called his running mate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the U.S. Senate.
” Finally , Fr .
Meeks alerted the faithful that Biden ’ s stance on the four previous issues subverts the “ position of nominal and misinformed or poorly catechized Catholics.
” Biden ’ s position is a disservice to Catholics and Christians because it gives the false impression that “ what he holds isn ’ t that bad , ” Fr .
Meeks said .
Fr .
Meeks ’ s homily serves as a warning about if Biden is elected president and an exhortation to Catholics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians who contradict and subvert Catholic teaching and tell them “ enough is enough .
”

PETITION UPDATE (3/15/21) -
Reports suggest that the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Conference (USCCB) is preparing a vote on what to do about pro-abortion Joe Biden (and, presumably, other abortion-promoting politicians) who continues to present himself (themselves) for Holy Communion.
Public excommunication would be a suitable response for Biden's obstinate, public and grave sin of scandalously promoting abortion.
Please continue to SIGN and SHARE this important petition.
__________________________________________________________________
PETITION UPDATE (2/4/20)
Since Joe Biden was sworn-in on the 20th of January, he has wasted no time in signing Executive Orders to destroy the protections which former President Trump offered to the unborn and to the innocence and modesty of children of the United States.
In one executive order, Biden rescinded the Mexico City Policy prohibiting the federal government from spending taxpayer monies on abortion and the promotion of abortion.
And, in another executive order, Biden seeks to force girls' athletic programs, restrooms, and locker rooms to accept gender-confused males.
Since the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was shamefully silent throughout the presidential campaign on the pre-eminent issues of abortion and gender ideology, and what Biden vowed he would do as president, it is cold comfort that their pro-life office is now speaking up about this Administration's wilful disregard for human life and for God's design of human nature (i.e., two biological sexes).
Stated plainly, Joe Biden is as bad as he said he would be, and the bishop, acting in unison (as the USCCB) have an obligation to the Lord (first) and to the faithful (second) to refuse Holy Communion to this grave public sinner.
With all due respect to these bishops, they diminish the Holy Eucharist and their high office, as well as cause grave scandal to the faithful, by dialoguing with a man who is promoting mass murder of the unborn against the constant teaching of the Church.
A man who continues to use the church as a backdrop for statements about how "Catholic/religious" he is, but, at the same time, is now doing everything in his power to protect the murder of the innocent, needs to publicly repent before dialogue can begin.
The bishops should not dialogue with or congratulate someone who has publicly betrayed the Church's teaching and who is leading others astray.
It's an embarrassment and a scandal for the bishops to continue to allow him to receive Holy Communion.
Please SIGN and SHARE this petition today!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETITION UPDATE (12/10/20)
Prior to the election on November 3, the U.S. bishops did not address Joe Biden’s anti-Catholic position regarding faith and morals as a unified body.
The USCCB, the organization to which every U.S. bishop belongs and which is staffed and led by bishops, remained disgracefully silent in the run-up to the election.
What were the bishops afraid of, losing their charitable tax status with the IRS, or being deprived of fat checks from the HHS (immigration programs) and USAID (foreign aid programs)?
Or, were they just too cowardly to clearly declare Christ's law to be above man's law and risk the ire of a Joe Biden as president?
Either way, the bishops’ lack of clarity in this regard is a terrible scandal in itself and probably greatly contributed to the possible election of a pro-abortion, anti-Catholic Catholic to the presidency.
Given the fact that exit polling shows Catholics split their vote 50-50 for Trump and Biden, even a slight deviation in the heavily-Catholic swing-states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania could have produced different results.
The bishops could have spoken out against Biden’s pro-abortion stance collectively, but, again, they were overwhelmingly and shamefully silent.
Because of this, they will be at least partly responsible for the policies advanced by a Biden administration, in the event that Biden is sworn into office.
However, the bishops can, even now, mitigate the damage done by their inaction by taking the following steps: 1) Speak with one voice, as the USCCB, and plainly condemn Biden's pro-abortion stance; 2) Publicly advise Biden not to present himself for Holy Communion because of his scandalous position on abortion and homosexual "marriage;" and, 3) Tell Biden to publicly repent of publicly promoting the wilfull murder of the preborn, sins against nature, and diminishing the natural family.
Thankfully, some individual bishops have spoken out forcefully on Biden's scandalous behavior, and his standing in the Church.
On November 9, Archbishop Strickland of Tyler, Texas tweeted: “A dark cloud has descended on this nation when the USCCB and Planned Parenthood speak in unison in support of a Biden-Harris administration that supports the slaughter of innocents by abortion for all 9 months of pregnancy.”
Additionally, Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver, Colorado and Archbishop Charles Chaput have both declared publicly that Joe Biden “should not receive Holy Communion."
But, to add insult to injury, Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C. has said that he will give Holy Communion to Biden because “it’s a matter of the responsibility that I have as the archbishop to be engaged and to be in dialogue with him, even in those areas where we obviously have some differences.”
And, Bishop W. Francis Malooly of Wilmington, Delaware and Bishop McElroy of San Diego also congratulated Biden in statements, but they have not indicated whether or not they would administer Holy Communion to him.
With all due respect to these bishops, they diminish the Holy Eucharist and their high office, as well as cause grave scandal to the faithful, by dialoguing with a man who is promoting mass murder of the unborn against the constant teaching of the Church.
A man who uses the church as a backdrop to make sickening political advertisements about how "Catholic/religious" he is, but, at the same time, says that he will do everything in his power to protect the murder of the innocent, needs to publicly repent before dialogue can begin.
The bishops should not dialogue with or congratulate someone who has publicly betrayed the Church's teaching and who is leading others astray.
It's an embarrassment and a scandal for the bishops to continue to allow him to receive Holy Communion.
Please SIGN and SHARE this petition today!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishops-concerned-about-pro-abortion-biden-previously-hailed-him-as-second-catholic-president
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/abp-aquila-backs-call-for-pro-abortion-catholic-joe-biden-to-be-denied-holy-communion?utm_source=top_news&utm_campaign=standard
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/former-philly-archbishop-biden-not-in-full-communion-with-the-catholic-church
https://www.thesoutherncross.org/news/bishop-mcelroy-offers-prayers-and-congratulations-to-president-elect-biden/
https://www.ncronline.org/news/politics/us-catholics-weigh-mixed-reaction-biden-win
____________________________________________________________________________
PETITION UPDATE (9/29/20)
Cardinal Raymond Burke has stated that Democratic candidate Joe Biden should not receive Holy Communion because of his support for abortion.
In an interview for Thomas McKenna's Catholic Action for Faith and Family podcast, Cardinal Burke states the following (starting around 5:00):
First of all, I would tell him [Biden] not to approach to receive Holy Communion, out of charity toward him, because that would be a sacrilege and endanger the salvation of his own soul.
But, also, he should not approach to receive Holy Communion because he gives scandal to everyone, because if someone says, 'I'm a devout Catholic," and, at the same time is promoting abortion, it gives the impression to others that it's acceptable for a Catholic to be in favor of abortion.
Of course, it's absolutely not acceptable, and never has been, and never will be.
We give thanks for Cardinal Burke's frankness and clarity. And, we call on every U.S. Catholic bishop to follow Cardinal Burke's lead and call out Joe Biden for his bloody-minded hypocrisy on the issue of abortion.
To reiterate: You cannot be a Catholic and support abortion.
Thank you for continuing to sign this urgent petition.
___________________________________________________________________________
PETITION UPDATE (8/17/20)
The Democratic presidential candidate, Joe Biden, keeps claiming to be Catholic but has said he will do everything in his power to support abortion.
And, with his pick of California Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, Biden has just cemented abortion into the Democrats' 2020 presidential ticket.
Indeed, Harris is vehemently pro-abortion.
During her time as attorney general of California, Harris played a key role in defending Planned Parenthood over its sale of aborted baby parts (which violated multiple federal laws, according to undercover video of abortion industry personnel).
And, last year, Harris unveiled a plan to essentially force pro-life states to seek permission from the federal government before pro-life laws can take effect.
Additionally, Harris has dangerous views on religious liberty and freedom of speech.
Harris displayed anti-Catholic bigotry in the confirmation hearings of Judge Brian Buescher. Harris cited his membership in the “all-male society” the Knights of Columbus and its stances against abortion and same-sex “marriage” as grounds for rejecting Buescher for a federal district court in Nebraska.
And, David Daleiden, head of the pro-life investigative group Center for Medical Progress, wrote that from his firsthand experience, he considers Harris the “greatest threat to First Amendment civil rights our country has ever seen.”
Joe Biden has seriously erred by taking on Kamala Harris as his running mate, further distancing himself from the truths of the Catholic Faith, especially that every life is sacred from conception till natural death.
Please CLICK HERE to read an article which details one U.S. bishop's warning about the Biden-Harris ticket.
And, please continue to SIGN and SHARE this petition.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Of course, these two things are incompatible: you cannot be Catholic and pro-abortion.
And, a "Catholic" politician's responsibility in this regard is absolute: On pain of serious sin, he or she can never promote abortion because abortion is the wilful murder of innocent preborn human beings, and also because doing so causes grave scandal to the Church and the faithful.
Please SIGN this urgent petition asking the bishops of the United States to refuse to give Holy Communion to Joe Biden until he publicly repents from his scandalous promotion of abortion.
Biden recently promised to “codify Roe v. Wade” as president, adding, "my Justice Department will do everything in its power to stop the rash of state laws that so blatantly violate a woman’s protected, constitutional right to choose."
And, since starting his latest run for the presidency, Biden also flip-flopped against the Hyde Amendment, saying that he would allow federal funds to be spent on abortion - a position he claimed to be against for more than 40 years.
In short, Joe Biden will do everything in his power to enable and defend the wilful murder of innocent preborn human beings.
So, this should not be a hard decision for our U.S. bishops. In fact, in another circumstance, it was already done by an Illinois bishop.
Indeed, Bishop Paprocki, of Springfield, Illinois, invoked Canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law to withdraw Holy Communion from two Illinois state politicians who had worked to enact radical new abortion legislation in 2019.
Canon 915 states: "Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion."
Of course, no-one, least of all the bishops, wants anyone to be deprived of Holy Communion.
A politician who publicly and obstinately advocates for the murder of innocent preborn babies puts himself out-of-communion with the Church and her teaching.
Pro-abortion politicians should not think that they can advocate for the murder of the unborn and receive the Body of Christ at the same time. This would be to defile the Eucharist while giving scandal to the faithful.
Depriving politicians of Holy Communion is not just meant to prevent scandal; it is also designed to bring a grave public sinner to repentance. In this way, such an action is meant to be for the good of their souls, too.
Thank you for SIGNING this urgent petition which calls on the U.S. Catholic bishops to refuse to admit Joe Biden to Holy Communion until he publicly repents from his scandalous promotion of abortion.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Joe Biden: I support abortion ‘under any circumstance’ - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/joe-biden-i-support-abortion-under-any-circumstance
Catholic priest denies Joe Biden Holy Communion for pro-abortion stance - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/catholic-priest-denies-joe-biden-holy-communion-for-pro-abortion-stance
Cardinal McCarrick and the Concealing of Rome’s Position on Denying Communion - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cardinal-mccarrick-and-the-concealing-of-romes-position-on-denying-communio
**Photo Credit: Joshua Roberts / Getty Images


lifesitenews--2020-10-16--We’d ‘rather die from COVID than loneliness’: Nursing home residents protest lockdowns

COLORADO , October 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Residents at a Colorado nursing home recently held an outdoor protest to show their anger against state COVID-19 visitor regulations which prevent physical contact with family members .
The heartbreaking demonstration saw residents protest with signs reading “ Prisoners in our own home , ” and “ Give us freedom , ” as well as “ We want families back , ” with one that read they would “ rather die from COVID than loneliness.
” The protest took place on October 8 at Fairacres Manor located in Greeley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that around 20 residents participated in the protest , many of whom were in wheelchairs .
Colorado ’ s indoor visitation guidelines are extremely strict , allowing only for those 18 years or older to visit following “ social distance guidelines ” and mask-wearing .
Outdoor visiting is allowed with no age restrictions , but the guidelines state that visitors must wear a mask and keep a six-foot distance intact , meaning physical contact is not possible .
One resident told a local news station that all they want is a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because one thing we have to look forward to is a simple hug , ” said Fairacres Manor resident Sharon Peterson in the CBS4 report .
“ We used to be lucky here at Fairacres to show each other what we mean to one another and we can not do that anymore….. We did this because one thing we have to look forward to is a simple hug.
” Peterson , who is 75 , is a long-term resident of Fairacres Manor and acts as its Resident Council President .
The long-term care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , and according to their website , is part of the Vivage - Senior Living communities group .
An assistant administrator at Fairacres Manor , Ben Gonzales , said in the CBS4 report that residents wanted to “ hug their grandchildren , ” and “ be able to hold the hands of their loved ones.
” According to a Greeley Tribune report regarding the protest , Gonzales noted that both residents and staff had sent a letter in August to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as well as to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleading with them to allow physical contact .
While Gonzales noted in the Tribune report that they did not hear a reply from Polis or the health department , the day after news broke of the protest , Polis issued a statement which was reported in the CBS4 report .
“ We absolutely understand how difficult it has been for residents of residential care facilities and their families .
Social interaction is essential to physical and mental health , and so we have provided guidance to residential care facilities that allows for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , ” read Polis ’ s statement .
Polis has been a vocal advocate for the wearing of masks and following “ social distancing ” protocols in Colorado .
This week he warned that his state needs to get COVID-19 “ under control now ” after a rise in case numbers .
While most COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. and Canada have been attributed to those over the age of 65 , alarms have been raised over their treatment in care homes .
In July , House Minority Whip Steve Scalise blasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s handling of the COVID-19 crisis in his state , in particular his decision to force nursing homes accept COVID-19 patients .
In August , the U.S. Department of Justice ( DOJ ) requested data from the Democrat governors of New York , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , and Michigan , whose states “ required nursing homes to admit COVID-19 patients to their vulnerable populations , ” according to the DOJ .
In May , a report by the Canadian Armed Forces ( CAF ) alleged serious healthy and safety issues in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of malnourished and neglected residents , insect infestations , spoiled food , and a lack of proper safety precautions .

The heartbreaking demonstration in Colorado saw residents protest with signs reading 'Prisoners in our own home,' and 'Give us freedom,' as well as 'We want families back,' with one that read they would 'rather die from COVID than loneliness.'
COLORADO, October 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Residents at a Colorado nursing home recently held an outdoor protest to show their anger against state COVID-19 visitor regulations which prevent physical contact with family members.
The heartbreaking demonstration saw residents protest with signs reading “Prisoners in our own home,” and “Give us freedom,” as well as “We want families back,” with one that read they would “rather die from COVID than loneliness.”
The protest took place on October 8 at Fairacres Manor located in Greeley, Colorado. Local news channel, CBS4 reported that around 20 residents participated in the protest, many of whom were in wheelchairs.
Colorado’s indoor visitation guidelines are extremely strict, allowing only for those 18 years or older to visit following “social distance guidelines” and mask-wearing.
Outdoor visiting is allowed with no age restrictions, but the guidelines state that visitors must wear a mask and keep a six-foot distance intact, meaning physical contact is not possible.
One resident told a local news station that all they want is a “simple hug.”
“We did this because one thing we have to look forward to is a simple hug,” said Fairacres Manor resident Sharon Peterson in the CBS4 report.
“We used to be lucky here at Fairacres to show each other what we mean to one another and we cannot do that anymore….. We did this because one thing we have to look forward to is a simple hug.”
Peterson, who is 75, is a long-term resident of Fairacres Manor and acts as its Resident Council President. The long-term care facility offers its residents nursing and rehabilitation services, and according to their website, is part of the Vivage – Senior Living communities group.
An assistant administrator at Fairacres Manor, Ben Gonzales, said in the CBS4 report that residents wanted to “hug their grandchildren,” and “be able to hold the hands of their loved ones.”
— Article continues below Petition — PETITION: No to mandatory vaccination for the coronavirus Show Petition Text 1082415 have signed the petition. Let's get to 1100000 ! Thank you for signing this petition! Add your signature: Show Petition Text Country... State... Sign this Petition People of goodwill can disagree about the safety, efficacy and religious implications of a new vaccine for the coronavirus. But, everyone should agree on this point: No government can force anyone who has reached legal adulthood to be vaccinated for the coronavirus. Equally, no government can vaccinate minors for the coronavirus against the will of their parents or guardians. Please SIGN this urgent petition which urges policymakers at every level of government to reject calls for mandatory coronavirus vaccination. Fear of a disease - which we know very little about, relative to other similar diseases - must not lead to knee-jerk reactions regarding public health, nor can it justify supporting the hidden agenda of governmental as well as non-governmental bodies that have apparent conflicts of interest in plans to restrict personal freedoms. The so-called "public health experts" have gotten it wrong many times during the current crisis. We should not, therefore, allow their opinions to rush decision-makers into policies regarding vaccination. And, while some people, like Bill Gates, may have a lot of money, his opinion and that of his NGO (the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) - namely, that life will not return to normal till people are widely vaccinated - should not be permitted to influence policy decisions on a coronavirus vaccination program. Finally, we must also not allow the rush by pharmaceutical companies to produce a new coronavirus vaccine to, itself, become an imperative for vaccination. Unwitting citizens must not be used as guinea pigs for New World Order ideologues, or Big Pharma, in pursuit of a vaccine (and, profits) which may not even protect against future mutated strains of the coronavirus. And it goes without saying that the production of vaccines using aborted babies for cell replication is a total non-starter, as the technique is gravely immoral. However, if after sufficient study of the issue, a person who has reached the age of majority wishes to be vaccinated with a morally produced vaccine, along with his children, that is his business. But we cannot and will not permit the government to make that decision for us. Thank you for SIGNING and SHARING this petition, urging policymakers at all levels of government to reject mandatory coronavirus vaccination. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Bill Gates: Life won’t go back to ‘normal’ until population 'widely vaccinated' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/bill-gates-life-wont-go-back-to-normal-until-population-widely-vaccinated COVID-19 scare leads to more digital surveillance, talk of mandatory vaccine 'tattoos' for kids' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/covid-19-scare-leads-to-more-digital-surveillance-talk-of-mandatory-vaccine-tattoos-for-kids Trudeau says no return to ‘normal’ without vaccine: 'Could take 12 to 18 months' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/trudeau-says-no-return-to-normal-without-vaccine-could-take-12-to-18-months Trudeau mulls making coronavirus vaccine mandatory for Canadians - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/trudeau-mulls-making-coronavirus-vaccine-mandatory-for-canadians US bishop vows to ‘refuse’ COVID-19 vaccine if made from ‘aborted fetal tissue' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishop-vows-to-refuse-covid-19-vaccine-if-made-from-aborted-fetal-tissue ** While LifeSite opposes immorally-produced vaccines using aborted fetal cell lines, we do not have a position on any particular coronavirus vaccines produced without such moral problems. We realize many have general concerns about vaccines, but also recognize that millions of lives have been saved due to vaccines. *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com Hide Petition Text Sign this Petition
According to a Greeley Tribune report regarding the protest, Gonzales noted that both residents and staff had sent a letter in August to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as well as to Democratic Governor of Colorado Jared Polis, pleading with them to allow physical contact.
While Gonzales noted in the Tribune report that they did not hear a reply from Polis or the health department, the day after news broke of the protest, Polis issued a statement which was reported in the CBS4 report.
“We absolutely understand how difficult it has been for residents of residential care facilities and their families. Social interaction is essential to physical and mental health, and so we have provided guidance to residential care facilities that allows for that interaction while also keeping residents safe from COVID-19,” read Polis’s statement.
Polis has been a vocal advocate for the wearing of masks and following “social distancing” protocols in Colorado. This week he warned that his state needs to get COVID-19 “under control now” after a rise in case numbers.
While most COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. and Canada have been attributed to those over the age of 65, alarms have been raised over their treatment in care homes.
In July, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise blasted New York Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis in his state, in particular his decision to force nursing homes accept COVID-19 patients.
In August, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requested data from the Democrat governors of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, whose states “required nursing homes to admit COVID-19 patients to their vulnerable populations,” according to the DOJ.
In May, a report by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) alleged serious healthy and safety issues in five Ontario nursing homes, including evidence of malnourished and neglected residents, insect infestations, spoiled food, and a lack of proper safety precautions.
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