lifesitenews--2020-10-08--VP Pence during debate: ‘I’m pro-life. I don’t apologize for it.’ The LifeSite panel discussion.

October 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A group of LifeSiteNews writers and editors watched the Vice Presidential debate and had an internal panel discussion which I thought I ’ d share with you .
The best quotes of the night by far came near the conclusion of the debate when VP Mike Pence spoke on the right to life .
“ I couldn ’ t be more proud to serve as Vice President for a President who stands without apology for the sanctity of human life , ” he said .
“ I ’ m pro-life .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is another one of those cases where there is such a dramatic contrast .
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris support taxpayer funding of abortion all the way up to the moment of birth ...
They want to increase funding to Planned Parenthood of America… We will continue to stand strong for the right to life.
” Here is a slightly edited exchange between LifeSite managers , editors and writers during the debate .
If you watched the debate , you will be able to follow the fun… • Here we go .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Biased inaccurate assertion • 210K dead since corona ?
since that time how many aborted babies ?
?
• The common cold is not under control either .
• Pence has class ...
Addressing the camera and the people … sincere man • `` fighting for the dignity of all people '' ARE YOU KIDDING ME ?
• he 's coming across as a GREAT man , truly a statesman • love how they make an idol of science but deny humanity of the unborn and say gender is n't real • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Trump not the China virus !
!
!
!
• harris out of her league… this is t-ball for pence • Where are the questions about the intelligence community deciding to persecute the president ?
• Kamala seems to be faltering to me • Surprised he did n't go for the Russia hoax .
Maybe too complex for 2 minutes • come on Mike !
… answer the abortion question !
• `` practicing Catholic '' – she smirks as she says it • she could n't help but laugh when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • she pivots to Obamacare , wo n't focus on abortion • She loves science so much and still hold that the baby is the woman 's body .
Absurd • They do n't want to touch the abortion issue because they know the believers are already decided ... • he should now go back and tout the President 's pro-life creds • hope pence reminds her she called biden racist… during the dem debate • pence has the wisdom , and political tact , trump lacks • Kamala should say “ there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • it would lighten her image… she 'd win if she said that • She thinks she is on the Senate Judiciary Committee berating poor witnesses .
But the witness is the American people .
Her ego got the better of her .
• He is MR SMOOTH… this is truly remarkable • jump up and down ladies and gents - he won this debate hands down , no contest • HE DID IT , HE IS THE PICTURE OF POISE • I enjoyed this debate very much… Pence is my new @

October 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A group of LifeSiteNews writers and editors watched the Vice Presidential debate and had an internal panel discussion which I thought I’d share with you. The best quotes of the night by far came near the conclusion of the debate when VP Mike Pence spoke on the right to life. “I couldn’t be more proud to serve as Vice President for a President who stands without apology for the sanctity of human life,” he said. “I’m pro-life. I don’t apologize for it. This is another one of those cases where there is such a dramatic […]
October 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A group of LifeSiteNews writers and editors watched the Vice Presidential debate and had an internal panel discussion which I thought I’d share with you.
The best quotes of the night by far came near the conclusion of the debate when VP Mike Pence spoke on the right to life. “I couldn’t be more proud to serve as Vice President for a President who stands without apology for the sanctity of human life,” he said.
“I’m pro-life. I don’t apologize for it. This is another one of those cases where there is such a dramatic contrast. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris support taxpayer funding of abortion all the way up to the moment of birth… They want to increase funding to Planned Parenthood of America… We will continue to stand strong for the right to life.”
Here is a slightly edited exchange between LifeSite managers, editors and writers during the debate. If you watched the debate, you will be able to follow the fun…
Here we go.
The coronavirus is not under control! Biased inaccurate assertion
210K dead since corona? since that time how many aborted babies??
The common cold is not under control either.
Pence has class… Addressing the camera and the people … sincere man
“fighting for the dignity of all people” ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
he's coming across as a GREAT man, truly a statesman
Pence is sooooo classy!!!
love how they make an idol of science but deny humanity of the unborn and say gender isn't real
blaming the whole crash of the economy on Trump not the China virus!!!!
harris out of her league… this is t-ball for pence
Where are the questions about the intelligence community deciding to persecute the president?
wow – pence is crushing this
Kamala seems to be faltering to me
still pushing the russia lie?
hey she's using talking points from Fratelli Tutti
devastating here with Kayla
Surprised he didn't go for the Russia hoax. Maybe too complex for 2 minutes
come on Mike! … answer the abortion question!
“practicing Catholic” – she smirks as she says it
she couldn't help but laugh when she said he was a practicing Catholic!
she pivots to Obamacare, won't focus on abortion
She loves science so much and still hold that the baby is the woman's body. Absurd
tout Trumps' pro-life creds
They don't want to touch the abortion issue because they know the believers are already decided…
he should now go back and tout the President's pro-life creds
for sure
yeehaw
BOOOOM
wow
oh YEAH
hope pence reminds her she called biden racist… during the dem debate
pence has the wisdom, and political tact, trump lacks
There’s a fly on Pence’s head
It's a democrat drone 😉
Kamala should say “there’s a fly on your head”
it would lighten her image… she'd win if she said that
this is hilarious
let's pray that that fly leaves
see prayer works
She thinks she is on the Senate Judiciary Committee berating poor witnesses. But the witness is the American people. Her ego got the better of her.
He is MR SMOOTH… this is truly remarkable
jump up and down ladies and gents – he won this debate hands down, no contest
Pence 2024
HE DID IT, HE IS THE PICTURE OF POISE
PENCE <3
I enjoyed this debate very much… Pence is my new hero
Follow John-Henry John-Henry is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of LifeSiteNews.com. He and his wife Dianne and their eight children live in the Ottawa Valley in Ontario, Canada. He has spoken at conferences and retreats, and appeared on radio and television throughout North America, Europe and Asia. John-Henry founded the Rome Life Forum an annual strategy meeting for pro-life leaders worldwide. He co-founded Voice of the Family and serves on the executive of the Canadian National March for Life Committee, and the annual National Pro-Life Youth Conference. He is a consultant to Canada’s largest pro-life organization Campaign Life Coalition, and serves on the executive of the Ontario branch of the organization. He has run three times for political office in the province of Ontario representing the Family Coalition Party. John-Henry earned an MA from the University of Toronto in School and Child Clinical Psychology and an Honours BA from York University in Psychology.
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lifesitenews--2020-10-07--What Christians from from Communist countries say about the US today

October 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The year 2020 has brought an unprecedented attack on freedoms all across the world .
In this week ’ s episode of The Van Maren Show , Rod Dreher outlines the similarities the United States shares with Nazi Germany and Bolshevik Russia , calling the US a “ pre-totalitarian state.
” Dreher also warns Christians , “ there is persecution coming.
” Listen to the full episode to discover the similarities between the US today and Nazi Germany : A few years ago , Rod Dreher wrote The Benedict Option , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdraw from society in order to preserve their Christian beliefs and values .
Now , Dreher has published a new book , Live not by Lies , outlining the urgent situation Christians face in society today .
“ There is persecution coming , ” Dreher tells Van Maren , “ Christians need to right now prepare for it.
” Dreher warns the situation is becoming more urgent for Christians , already it is difficult to be a physician or lawyer as these professions demand a compromise of Christian morals .
It will soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain schools , hold certain jobs , or perhaps even shop at the grocery store .
He tells people to “ pay attention to what is happening in your church , your work place , your local schools , it is becoming distinctly more hostile to any kind of social conservatism and religious conservatism.
” We are already in a state of ‘ soft totalitarianism ’ in America .
In fact , we have many of the conditions that led the Germans to accept Nazism and the Russians to accept Bolshevikism .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept Nazism was loneliness , “ mass loneliness and alienation ” made them “ sitting ducks for people who came in with sweeping new ideologies that could replace the thing that they thought they were missing ” Loneliness has been on the rise in America and has been magnified by the prolonged coronavirus shutdowns .
The shutdowns have showed our low trust in society and others , another magnifier of loneliness that makes people ripe to accept totalitarianism .
Another factor present in Nazi Germany , Bolshevik Russia , and here in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the truth .
We see this especially on the left with the LGBT agenda , the denial of the life of a child in the womb , and many other ideologies that deny the truth .
You “ see people even being willing to falsify history for the sake of coming up with narratives to suit their ideological preferences , ” Dreher tells Van Maren .
Dreher also warns against the surveillance state .
Technology can surveil us in a way that is pretty much ‘ invisible ’ to Americans .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google and other companies for convenience and they ’ re using this data to manipulate our behaviors .
The next step is the implementation of a social credit system like the one seen in communist China , or a coronavirus tracking system that quickly evolves into a social credit system .
In addition , new school curriculum is being proposed that includes scandalous sex-ed , new Black Lives Matter propaganda , and pushes leftist ideologies .
Curriculum changes in Virginia , are “ going to turn these schools into indoctrination factories , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also discuss how situations across America are happening that would make people who lived under communist rule cringe .
A big problem is that we ’ ve lost the ability to discuss and debate different ideologies because we don ’ t speak the same language .
The way ‘ gender ’ is defined by the left is completely different from the way it is defined by the right .
The terms love , hate , violence , oppression , all mean different things depending on ones social views .
This divergence of language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal ideology and makes it impossible for liberals and conservatives to understand each other .
Without the ability to discuss and debate , society will continue to rapidly move away from socially conservative ideals .
You don ’ t want to miss this packed episode of The Van Maren Show .

In this week’s episode of The Van Maren Show, Rod Dreher outlines the similarities the United States shares with Nazi Germany and Bolshevik Russia, calling the US a “pre-totalitarian state.” Dreher also warns Christians, “there is persecution coming.”
October 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The year 2020 has brought an unprecedented attack on freedoms all across the world.
In this week’s episode of The Van Maren Show, Rod Dreher outlines the similarities the United States shares with Nazi Germany and Bolshevik Russia, calling the US a “pre-totalitarian state.” Dreher also warns Christians, “there is persecution coming.”
Listen to the full episode to discover the similarities between the US today and Nazi Germany:
A few years ago, Rod Dreher wrote The Benedict Option, a book outlining the need for Christians to withdraw from society in order to preserve their Christian beliefs and values. Now, Dreher has published a new book, Live not by Lies, outlining the urgent situation Christians face in society today.
“There is persecution coming,” Dreher tells Van Maren, “Christians need to right now prepare for it.”
Dreher warns the situation is becoming more urgent for Christians, already it is difficult to be a physician or lawyer as these professions demand a compromise of Christian morals. It will soon be that Christians can’t attend certain schools, hold certain jobs, or perhaps even shop at the grocery store.
He tells people to “pay attention to what is happening in your church, your work place, your local schools, it is becoming distinctly more hostile to any kind of social conservatism and religious conservatism.”
We are already in a state of ‘soft totalitarianism’ in America. In fact, we have many of the conditions that led the Germans to accept Nazism and the Russians to accept Bolshevikism.
A large factor that made Germans ripe to accept Nazism was loneliness, “mass loneliness and alienation” made them “sitting ducks for people who came in with sweeping new ideologies that could replace the thing that they thought they were missing”
Loneliness has been on the rise in America and has been magnified by the prolonged coronavirus shutdowns. The shutdowns have showed our low trust in society and others, another magnifier of loneliness that makes people ripe to accept totalitarianism.
Another factor present in Nazi Germany, Bolshevik Russia, and here in the United States is a mania for ideology over the truth. We see this especially on the left with the LGBT agenda, the denial of the life of a child in the womb, and many other ideologies that deny the truth.
You “see people even being willing to falsify history for the sake of coming up with narratives to suit their ideological preferences,” Dreher tells Van Maren.
Dreher also warns against the surveillance state. Technology can surveil us in a way that is pretty much ‘invisible’ to Americans. We are currently voluntarily giving our information to Google and other companies for convenience and they’re using this data to manipulate our behaviors.
The next step is the implementation of a social credit system like the one seen in communist China, or a coronavirus tracking system that quickly evolves into a social credit system.
In addition, new school curriculum is being proposed that includes scandalous sex-ed, new Black Lives Matter propaganda, and pushes leftist ideologies. Curriculum changes in Virginia, are “ going to turn these schools into indoctrination factories,” Dreher warns.
Dreher and Van Maren also discuss how situations across America are happening that would make people who lived under communist rule cringe.
A big problem is that we’ve lost the ability to discuss and debate different ideologies because we don’t speak the same language. The way ‘gender’ is defined by the left is completely different from the way it is defined by the right. The terms love, hate, violence, oppression, all mean different things depending on ones social views.
This divergence of language is slowly forcing people to accept socially liberal ideology and makes it impossible for liberals and conservatives to understand each other. Without the ability to discuss and debate, society will continue to rapidly move away from socially conservative ideals.
You don’t want to miss this packed episode of The Van Maren Show.
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lifesitenews--2020-10-07--What Christians from Communist countries say about the US today

In this week ’ s episode of The Van Maren Show , Rod Dreher outlines the similarities the United States @ @ @ @ @ Bolshevik Russia , calling the US a “ pre-totalitarian state.
” Dreher also warns Christians @ @ @ @ @ coming.
” A few years ago , Rod Dreher wrote The Benedict Option , a @ @ @ @ @ Christians to withdraw from society in order to preserve their Christian beliefs and values .
@ @ @ @ @ a new book , Live not by Lies , outlining the urgent situation Christians face @ @ @ @

In this week’s episode of The Van Maren Show, Rod Dreher outlines the similarities the United States shares with Nazi Germany and Bolshevik Russia, calling the US a “pre-totalitarian state.” Dreher also warns Christians, “there is persecution coming.”
A few years ago, Rod Dreher wrote The Benedict Option, a book outlining the need for Christians to withdraw from society in order to preserve their Christian beliefs and values. Now, Dreher has published a new book, Live not by Lies, outlining the urgent situation Christians face in society today.


lifesitenews--2020-10-08--It’s selfish to vote for pro-abortion politicians, Catholics must vote pro-life

To help keep this and other programs on the air , please donate here .
Watch this episode of Mother @ @ @ @ @ on 10.08.2020 .
In today ’ s episode , Mother Miriam emphasizes the importance of @ @ @ @ @ , she reminds Catholics that they can not vote for pro-abortion candidates as the seventh @ @ @ @ @ shall not kill.
’ “ I can not imagine a more important issue right now @ @ @ @ @ election , ” Mother tells listeners .
You can tune in daily at 10 am @ @ @ @ @ Facebook Page .
Never miss a show !
Subscribe to Mother Miriam Live email updates @ @

To help keep this and other programs on the air, please donate here.
Watch this episode of Mother Miriam's Live originally aired on 10.08.2020. In today’s episode, Mother Miriam emphasizes the importance of the upcoming election. Specifically, she reminds Catholics that they cannot vote for pro-abortion candidates as the seventh commandment reminds us ‘thou shall not kill.’ “I cannot imagine a more important issue right now in our country…than this coming election,” Mother tells listeners.
You can tune in daily at 10 am EST/7 am PST on our Facebook Page.
Never miss a show! Subscribe to Mother Miriam Live email updates here.


lifesitenews--2020-10-10--Deceased high-ranking bishop accused of abetting sex abuse in Germany

October 9 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Cardinal Karl Lehmann , one of the members of the so-called “ Sankt Gallen Group , ” has now been accused by experts of having covered up for abuse cases in his diocese of Mainz , Germany .
Together with his predecessor Hermann Volk , Lehmann , who died in 2018 , is accused of moving priests who were accused of sexual abuse into other parishes .
“ Clear indications in the parishes were ignored and played down , ” according to Ulrich Weber , the head of the new Mainz abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Weber , together with the current bishop of Mainz , Peter Kohlgraf , presented the interim results of his study that the diocese had started in 2019 .
Weber is a lawyer who had previously investigated the choir of the Regensburg singers .
This Mainz study is to be published in 2020 and covers all abuse cases since 1945 up to 2019 .
So far , there have been found 422 victims and 273 accused persons in the diocese , but further research and confirmation of the accusations need to be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volk and Lehmann , “ the diocesan leadership often did not have an adequate response to relevant reports , ” Weber explained during a press conference , according to the Catholic website Domradio .
Even severe accusations of abuse merely led to small sanctions on the part of the diocese .
In addition , if one of the accused priests was sent to another diocese , no information was passed on concerning his deeds .
Victims , abusers , and those who informed the diocese about sexual abuse were also instructed to remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ files were kept in such a way that they contributed to the obfuscation of the abuse cases .
Karl Lehmann was the bishop of Mainz from 1983 until 2016 ; his predecessor , Hermann Volk , had ruled the diocese from 1962 until 1982 .
Volk , like Lehmann , was a progressivist theologian and had participated at the Second Vatican Council , promoting the idea of ecumenism and friendship with Protestants .
Lehmann served as an assistant to Father Karl Rahner at the Second Vatican Council .
These two men were responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than fifty years .
According to the report of the local newspaper Allgemeine Zeitung , Weber insisted that both Lehmann and Volk are to be accused of “ misconduct with regard to cases of sexual violence.
” In one case , one paid the legal costs for an abuser , Weber explained , and in another , one downplayed the gravity of the actual sexual abuse .
“ Often , the response to abuse cases was to place the abuser priest into another parish.
” This took place even when the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations in the city , ” he added .
Another report of the Allgemeine Zeitung quotes Weber as pointing out that Cardinal Lehmann , after new guidelines concerning sexual abuse were established in 2002 , followed them .
He was the bishop of Mainz from 1983 until 2016 .
But Weber asked : “ How can it be that the diocesan leadership for the first time responded to incidents [ of sexual abuse ] after there was pressure on the part of the public and in the meda ?
” He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a long period of time , there was no palpable and authentic compassion for the victims ?
” Kohlgraf was praised by Weber as fully cooperating in the investigation of the history of sexual abuse in the diocese , and Kohlgraf himself said the task is now to face earlier mistakes that took place under the prominent former bishops Volk and Lehmann .
“ We will not avoid responding to this task .
In this regard , there exists no taboo in the diocese.
” Cardinal Lehmann was a member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberalize the Catholic Church , loosening the Church ’ s stance on the question of “ remarried ” divorcés , a so-called female priesthood , and sexual morality .
They also wished to promote collegiality and ecumenism , topics that were highlighted at the Second Vatican Council .
Lehmann is not the only member of the Sankt Gallen Group being accused of mishandling sexual abuse .
Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor was accused by a British woman of having abused her , and he was also shown to have allowed an abuser priest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he went on abusing a teenage boy with learning disabilities .
Murphy O ’ Connor treated another abuser priest in a similarly lenient way .
Finally , the prominent Sankt Gallen member Cardinal Godfried Danneels was caught on tape counseling the nephew of Belgian bishop Roger Vangheluwe , who had abused him , to remain silent and not to bring charges against his uncle .
These examples clearly show that a laxening of the Church 's doctrinal and moral teachings leads to a laxer response to sin .
In this case , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects on many victims of sexual abuse .

PETITION UPDATE (7/9/2021) -
Father James Altman was informed late last week that he has been removed as pastor of St. James the Less parish, and that his priestly faculties have been suspended indefinitely.
Please Click Here to WATCH LifeSite's exclusive interview with Fr. Altman, and Click Here to READ more about this turn of events.
As Bishop William J. Callahan’s decree explains, this means he is forbidden from celebrating “The Holy Eucharist” with any members of the faithful present, except for his elderly parents. He is also “no longer allowed to preach,” administer baptism, or assist at marriages.
Altman said that he wasn’t issued restrictions from hearing Confessions or Anointing of the Sick.
The decree also states that he is to continue to live within the Diocese of LaCrosse, where he has been instructed to meet with the Vicar for Clergy at least once a month, and has been “invited to begin” a month-long “spiritual retreat” to help him to “spiritually heal” and “address the issues that caused the issuance of this decree.”
The order states it is in effect as long as “cause” is present, but it does not specify what the cause is. Callahan said he asked Altman to resign on May 23 for being “divisive and ineffective.”
Altman first triggered backlash from his bishop when his video “You cannot be a Catholic and a Democrat. Period” went viral last year. Altman shared that in response to this, his office “got the most vile, despicable phone calls, letters” and “some terrible, really foul messages.”
Callahan criticized Altman at the time for his “manner and tone,” to which Altman countered, “what about the manner and tone of the 10,000 babies that are chopped up last Saturday?”
“What I would hope would always come through no matter what people think about my manner and tone, is that they would recognize that what’s coming through there is God’s love,” Altman told LifeSiteNews. “A love that I recognize because He’s loved me, and I didn’t deserve that.”
“If I seem angry at times, it has nothing to do with me, it has to do with the people. And I asked the question recently, how can they love? If you love, how can you not feed your children?”
In late April, Altman chided the U.S. bishops for needlessly shutting churches and denying the faithful sacraments during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the hierarchy showed “an abundance of cowardice.”
In his interview with LifeSite, Altman alluded to the fact that some don’t like seeing him “upset.”
“I’m thinking well, if you’re denying my child food, the Bread of Life – [Bishop Fulton J. Sheen] said, if you can’t get angry about stuff like that then you can’t love either. Because greater love has greater anger towards those things that are contrary to the salvation of eternal souls, which is the only thing that matters in the end,” said Altman.
"I don’t care what they do to me, honestly, in the end… what troubles me is the interference with the feeding of God’s children, which is through word and through the sacrament. Both of which were denied to people over the past 15 months."
Please continue to SIGN and SHARE this petition, and to continue to contact the Diocese of LaCrosse's Chancery Office, to politely voice your opposition to the removal of Fr. Altman from his parish. The Chancery's phone number is: 608-788-7700.
_______________________________________________________________________
PETITION UPDATE (5/24/2021) -
Father James Altman, the Wisconsin priest whose video message last fall "You can’t be a Catholic and a Democrat" went viral and who has fearlessly admonished the U.S. bishops for shutting churches and denying the faithful Sacraments during the COVID-19 crisis, announced on Pentecost Sunday that his bishop has asked him to resign for being "divisive and ineffective."
Please CLICK HERE to READ LifeSiteNews' latest article related to Fr. Altman's ongoing persecution, just to continue shepherding his flock.
Bishop William P. Callahan began threatening the outspoken priest with "canonical penalties" in September, even as public support for the priest surged among rank-and-file Catholics around the country and the world.
And now, a group called 'Faithful America' is proudly boasting responsibility for taking down Fr. Altman, but Faithful America are not even a Catholic organization!
Thankfully, Fr. Altman says he is working with a canon lawyer to resolve this matter.
WATCH Fr. Altman's Sunday sermon in which he announces the bishop's decision to ask for his resignation.
"In response my canon lawyer asked for clarification – asked for the justification and a chance to review what was in my file that suggested I was so divisive and ineffective,” explained Altman. “And I say all this only because, I'm no expert on canon law, but understand only that while we are contesting bishop's request — and we are — he could in theory appoint a parish administrator whilst I remain a pastor without duties until the appeal goes through Rome, which could take up to a year or more."
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, offered his support for Altman via Twitter.
Please continue to SIGN and SHARE this petition with your like-minded family and friends.
And, after signing and sharing, please take a minute to contact the LaCrosse Diocese to politely voice your support for Fr. Altman, and against leftist pressure groups like 'Faithful America.' Please ask Bishop Callahan to prayerfully reconsider his decision and allow Fr. Altman to remain as pastor of St. James the Less parish.
The phone number for the diocese office is: 608.788.7700
Thank you!
PETITION UPDATE (9/15/2020) -
Just this past weekend a prayer vigil was held outside the Cathedral in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, on behalf of Fr. James Altman, the priest facing Church penalties for saying that you cannot be a Catholic and a Democrat in 2020.
Hundreds of faithful Catholics turn out to pray for Fr. Altman. Though Fr. Altman did use strong language to warn his flock against spiritual perils, what he said about the Democratic Party's platform is true!
Motivated by a deep sense of justice, supporters gathered at the Cathedral to pray for the priest, and for Bishop Callahan to stand by his priest rather than punish him.
"Fr. Altman is a rare breed. He’s a modern-day St. John the Baptist," declared one woman who attended the prayer vigil. "He’s really changed my life and so many others he’s had that impact on. We need more priests who are true shepherds."
Fr. Richard Heilman, who is the founder of the U.S. Grace Force and who was also present to help lead people in prayer during the vigil, had this to say about Fr. Altman: "Bottom line: he loves, loves, loves his flock. And so, like a good shepherd, if he sees the wolves invading, he sounds the warning alarm."
Please consider SIGNING this petition if you have not already signed. And, please SHARE this petition and video with your family, friends and colleagues. Thank you!
If after signing and sharing you wish to make an even greater impact, we encourage you to contact the Diocese of LaCrosse's Chancery Offices to politely let them know that you support Fr. Altman and want to see him continue in his essential ministry.
Diocese of LaCrosse's Chancery Office phone number: 608-788-7700.
___________________________________________________________________________________
ORIGINAL PETITION TEXT:
Father James Altman, pastor of St. James the Less parish in the Wisconsin Diocese of LaCrosse, has been threatened with canonical punishment by his Bishop, Most Rev. William Patrick Callahan.
Fr. Altman's alleged "offense"?
Stating what every faithful Catholic knows to be true in 2020: "You cannot be a Catholic and a Democrat."
Please SIGN this petition which will go to Bishop Callahan and ask him to stop any canonical proceedings against Fr. Altman.
In a strongly-worded YouTube video, designed to shepherd the faithful out of harm's way (supporting the Democratic Party's evil platform), Fr. Altman states the following:
"Here's a memo to clueless, baptized Catholics out there: You cannot be Catholic and be a Democrat. Period. Their party platform absolutely is against everything the Catholic Church teaches. So, just quit pretending that you're Catholic and vote Democrat. Repent of your support of that party and its platform, or face the fires of Hell..."
Strong stuff to be sure, but Fr. Altman was taking his cue from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (whom he quotes) – the Church has a "duty and obligation" to speak up when politicians act in an immoral way.
In other words, a pastor must give strong warnings, at times, to guide souls away from grave danger, even when the dangers come from politicians or a political party.
When your house is burning down...or, more appropriately, when someone is attempting to burn your house down, it's time to dispense with the niceties of politically correct language.
And, as Fr. Altman suggests, the Democratic Party's evil platform which promotes the desecration of God's plan for humanity is, in effect, trying to burn down our house (i.e., the Church).
Not only do the Democrats openly advocate for abortion (i.e., killing innocent human beings), but they also promote the destruction of the natural family and the desecration of human nature in support of the homosexual and transgender agendas.
Remember the following:
The Obama-Biden Administration attempted to force the Little Sisters of the Poor to participate in the provision of abortion-inducing drugs and contraception and threatened schools with the loss of federal funding if they wouldn’t let boys in girls’ bathrooms and vice versa.
Democratic Senators Kamala Harris and Mazie Hirono grilled a judge, who is a Knight of Columbus, on his membership in the Knights, absurdly suggesting that membership in the Catholic mens' fraternal organization should disqualify someone from sitting on the bench.
And, in 2017, the DNC Chairman said that pro-lifers were not welcome in the party.
No faithful Catholic should even think about voting for such a platform. And, the bishops should be on the frontlines, speaking this truth to power.
Thankfully, the Bishop of Tyler, Texas, Most Rev. Joseph Strickland, has come out in support of Fr. Altman's statement, tweeting:
"As the Bishop of Tyler I endorse Fr. Altman’s statement in this video. My shame is that it has taken me so long. Thank you Fr Altman for your COURAGE. If you love Jesus & His Church & this nation...please HEED THIS MESSAGE.”
With this petition, we now ask that Fr. Altman's own bishop, Most. Rev. Callahan, likewise support his priest and stop any canonical proceedings against him.
Devoid of united leadership from the Hierarchy, individual priests must do their best to inform the laity of the mortal dangers on full view in the Democrats' platform.
And, threatening to silence priests for strongly speaking the truth only plays into the hand of those who actually hate what the Church stands for...and who will, if elected, most likely seek to injure, or even eradicate, the Church.
The bishops should know that the legacy of the Democratic Party being the party of the small man and of the Catholic immigrant is now over.
The Democratic Party of today is the party of radical individualism, not the common good. And, rabid support for abortion and the homosexual agenda are practically obligatory.
As such, the Democratic Party is not a friend of the Church and any priest or bishop who thinks otherwise is being deceived, or allowing himself to be deceived or bullied.
This is not just an abstraction! This is a serious threat to Christianity and their party's platform needs to be met with strong opposition.
Thank you for SIGNING this petition to the bishop of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Bishop Callahan, asking him to support Fr. Altman rather than bringing any canonical proceedings against him.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
'Bishop threatens ‘canonical penalties’ for priest whose viral video warned Catholics can’t be Democrats': https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/bishop-threatens-canonical-penalties-for-fr-altman
YouTube Video - 'Fr. James Altman: You cannot be Catholic & a Democrat. Period.': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-7eoTN2vNM
Statement regarding Fr. James Altman from Bishop Callahan: https://diolc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Statement-Father-James-Altman-090920.pdf
'Bishop Strickland echoes priest: ‘You cannot be Catholic and be a Democrat’': https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/bishop-strickland-echoes-priest-you-cannot-be-catholic-and-be-a-democrat
**Photo Credit: Screen capture from Fr. James Altman's YouTube video on Alpha News MN


lifesitenews--2020-10-10--Bishop Strickland praises Abp. Viganò, warns about Communist China

October 9 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Bishop Joseph Strickland “ absolutely ” agrees with Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò ’ s remarks about the Catholic Church putting too much trust in man and not enough trust in God .
“ And thankfully , other other church leaders — cardinals , different people — have spoken up , ” he said .
“ And that ’ s the message we as shepherds need to get out there .
We don ’ t trust in ourselves.
” Bishop Strickland made his comments during this week ’ s episode of The Bishop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last Friday .
The show will be aired every Tuesday here on LifeSite beginning next week .
Previously , the show was scheduled for Fridays .
Strickland , currently the bishop of Tyler , Texas , was asked by co-host Terry Barber of Virgin Most Powerful Radio what he thinks of Archbishop Viganò ’ s message .
Barber had compared Viganò to “ the John the Baptist of our church today.
” “ God ’ s ways are not our ways , ” Strickland replied .
“ And we need to remember that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... we can run it all ... that ’ s just not the truth.
” Strickland incorporated his message on trusting in God with other observations he had on the situation the Church is facing in China .
“ It ’ s just tragic how that ’ s unfolding in China .
And it ’ s being allowed by the world governments and even by the Church , ” he explained .
“ We know that Communism means no Church.
” If “ John Paul II [ was ] on the scene dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ] .
I mean , he lived it ... so many have lived what communism really is about.
” Strickland further argued that the mission of communists is “ to get rid of God , and so pretending that they ’ re going to allow the Catholic Church…to really operate in an atheistic communistic system , it doesn ’ t make sense .
It ’ s not going to happen.
” Strickland and Barber also discussed the importance of praying the Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary and trusting in God .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayers say and listen , ” Strickland said .

'It's just tragic how that's unfolding in China. And it's being allowed by the world governments and even by the Church,' Bishop Strickland said.
October 9, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Bishop Joseph Strickland “absolutely” agrees with Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s remarks about the Catholic Church putting too much trust in man and not enough trust in God.
“And thankfully, other other church leaders — cardinals, different people — have spoken up,” he said. “And that’s the message we as shepherds need to get out there. We don’t trust in ourselves.”
Bishop Strickland made his comments during this week’s episode of The Bishop Strickland Show, which premiered on LifeSite last Friday. The show will be aired every Tuesday here on LifeSite beginning next week. Previously, the show was scheduled for Fridays.
Strickland, currently the bishop of Tyler, Texas, was asked by co-host Terry Barber of Virgin Most Powerful Radio what he thinks of Archbishop Viganò’s message. Barber had compared Viganò to “the John the Baptist of our church today.”
“God’s ways are not our ways,” Strickland replied. “And we need to remember that. And we need to not think…we can run it all…that’s just not the truth.”
Strickland incorporated his message on trusting in God with other observations he had on the situation the Church is facing in China.
“It’s just tragic how that’s unfolding in China. And it’s being allowed by the world governments and even by the Church,” he explained.
“We know that Communism means no Church.” If “John Paul II [was] on the scene dealing with it…he would blast [China]. I mean, he lived it…so many have lived what communism really is about.”
Strickland further argued that the mission of communists is “to get rid of God, and so pretending that they’re going to allow the Catholic Church…to really operate in an atheistic communistic system, it doesn’t make sense. It’s not going to happen.”
Strickland and Barber also discussed the importance of praying the Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary and trusting in God. “We need to believe what these prayers say and listen,” Strickland said.
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lifesitenews--2020-10-10--How should Christians vote? Bishop Barron, Never-Trumpers muddy the waters

October 9 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Bishop Robert Barron has joined a small chorus of prominent faith leaders and “ conservative ” voices obscuring the clear choices Catholics and other people of faith face in the rapidly approaching presidential election .
And while their chorus is indeed small — mostly high-profile “ Never Trump ” academics — they have large megaphones with which to spread their confused , off-key messages .
Barron published a murky , equivocating commentary on what he describes as the “ intense dilemma ” Catholics face with regard to their vote .
For pro-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dilemma , ” as explained with uncompromising clarity by Bishop Joseph Strickland , Fr .
James Altman , and others .
“ Which of the two parties is more ‘ Catholic ’ ?
” asked the Los Angeles auxiliary bishop .
“ It seems to me impossible to adjudicate the question in the abstract.
” “ A Catholic in good conscience could never say that she will vote for Joe Biden because the Democrat is pro-choice , and by the same token , a Catholic in good conscience could never say that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican is for capital punishment , ” asserted Barron .
“ In the political calculus of a Catholic , opposition to abortion , euthanasia , and capital punishment should take pride of place , ” said Barron , finally allowing that “ the number of those threatened by abortion and euthanasia is far greater than the number of those under threat of capital punishment.
” However , by the end , the vagueness of Barron ’ s commentary overwhelms this glimmer of moral clarity .
The choice is not “ impossible to adjudicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or “ complicated politically.
” It is crystal-clear .
Barron is not the only one muddying the waters “ To vote for a candidate for president is to have an infinitesimal effect on the outcome of the election , but to wholly determine whom one wills to be president , ” asserted Ramesh Ponnuru and Prof. Robert P. George , writing at National Review .
Ponnuru is a senior editor of National Review .
Prof. George is the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and the director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assertion echoes the words of Matthew Franck , whose animosity toward Donald Trump was so great that in 2016 that Franck urged , “ Vote as if your ballot determines nothing whatsoever — except the shape of your own character.
” Franck is also associate director of the James Madison Program and lecturer in politics at Princeton University , working alongside Prof. George .
“ Neither of us has endorsed Donald Trump , ” admitted Ponnuru and George .
“ Both of us have been intensely critical of him on issues of personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public policy.
” These two towering figures in the world of concervative Catholicism then offered cover for Catholics to vote the “ pro–abortion up until the moment of birth ” Democratic ticket , Joe Biden and Kamala Harris : Professors George and Franck are senior fellows at the Witherspoon Institute in Princeton , New Jersey .
Witherspoon ’ s weekdaily publication , Public Discourse , recently ran a series of short essays by Catholic and Evangelical thinkers offering a “ variety of perspectives on the difficult prudential question of how social conservatives should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the editors at Public Discourse , “ these authors all share a core commitment to Biblical and natural law morality , ” three of the four were Never-Trumpers , rolling out the red carpet for Public Discourse ’ s conservatice Christian readers to vote for Biden-Harris : “ Christian Witness Demands That We Defend Truth — and Reject Donald Trump , ” blared the headline for Dr. O. Alan Noble ’ s article .
“ To support Trump would require me to support four more years of epistemological chaos , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Oklahoma Baptist University and editor-in-chief of Christ and Pop Culture .
“ To vote for four more years of this is to welcome and condone the further decay of our nation , and to accept the use of unmitigated propaganda.
” Brandon McGinley offered “ A Christian case for not voting for either presidential candidate in 2020 .
“ The options this November , and the trajectories they promise , are not acceptable , and in choosing between them we risk forsaking our calling by soiling our witness , ” said McGinley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of theology at Jesuit-run Fordham University , then offered a rationale for voting for the American Solidarity Party , which begins with an unself-conscious litany of unsubstantiated accusations : Even the sole essay offering support — tepid support at best — for President Trump ’ s re-election bears the half-hearted headline , “ Donald Trump and Our Heritage : Confessions of an Anti-Anti-Trumper.
” “ ‘ Can this appallingly immature and vicious person really be my president ?
!
’ I thought , as I rubbed my eyes , ” wonders Ralph Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young University , in his opening paragraph .
Splitting the religious conservative vote for Trump to elect Biden/Harris “ Our friends at Public Discourse ... are acting as if their goal is to split the religious conservative vote for Trump so that they can get Biden/Harris elected , ” wrote Prof. Robert Gagnon in a searing critique posted on Facebook .
“ They did a little symposium of articles , free of critique , on the coming presidential election in which 3 of the 4 invited contributors were variations of Never-Trumpism .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently .
Getting Biden/Harris in the White House may not be their goal ; but it sure is the effect , ” continued Gagnon , professor of New Testament theology at Houston Baptist University and former associate professor of the New Testament at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary .
“ This is n't even balanced from a neutral perspective , let alone sensible given what 's at stake , ” said Gagnon .
“ Apparently they think this is a nice academic exercise without devastating consequences for Christians should Biden/Harris get in power.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative Christian thinkers ?
Grassroots conservative Catholics and Evangelicals — those kneeling in the pews , not standing behind lecterns at prestigious universities — have become , quite remarkably , clearer thinkers than many in the hand-wringing conservatives of the academic and media class .
Their contrived justifications for voting for anyone but President Trump fail to hide their naked , seething contempt for him .
They ’ ve discredited themselves , condemning the non-egghead pro-life , pro–marriage and family Christians who plan to vote for the President ’ s re-election for having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotless .
Although they ’ ve assiduously avoided using the term , like Hillary Clinton , they regard trump supporters as “ Deplorables .
”

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--2020-10-10--NY Gov Cuomo blames ‘religious groups’ for uptick of COVID cases, singles out ‘ultra- orthodox’ comm

NY Gov Cuomo blames ‘religious groups’ for uptick of COVID cases, singles out ‘ultra- orthodox’ community

NEW YORK , October 9 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo issued a strong attack on religious communities that are seeing their liberties crushed in the wake of new COVID-19 restrictions .
Appearing on CNN , Cuomo proclaimed that religious liberty must be subject to the laws of the state .
“ This is not a matter of religious freedom , right ?
I don ’ t care if you ’ re a Roman Catholic , you ’ re Jewish , you ’ re Muslim , you ’ re an atheist , you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the laws of the state , ” he said .
The governor blamed religious communities for a rise in COVID cases , declaring , “ They are not following the rules .
We know what happens when you don ’ t follow the rules : the infection rate goes up.
” He especially targeted an “ ultra-orthodox ” community for what he called a “ cluster ” of new cases .
New restrictions coming into force this week divide the city into red , orange and yellow zones .
In red zones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ 25 percent capacity , up to a maximum of 10 people , whichever is fewer.
” Orange zones permit 33 percent capacity , or 25 people , “ whichever is fewer , ” with yellow zones allowing 50 percent capacity in places of worship .
This Friday marks the start of three consecutive religious holidays for the Jewish community .
The consequent effect of the restrictions , at this time particularly , will thus “ disrupt the religious observance of tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews in New York State , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday observance.
” The Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn has also filed its own lawsuit on the basis of First Amendment violations .
In a statement issued with the lawsuit , Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn said , “ The executive orders this week have left us with no other option than to go to court.
” The diocese ’ s document outlines the shortcomings in the numbers allowed in churches according to the new laws , stating , “ All of the Diocese ’ s 13 churches in the red zone , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 11 churches in the orange zone can accommodate 500 or more people , with the remaining church seating 200.
” Both lawsuits mention the double standards seemingly applied to religious communities and businesses in the red zone .
The Diocese of Brooklyn ’ s document mentions that “ all ‘ essential ’ businesses – a broad category that includes everything from grocery stores to banks to pet shops – remain open without capacity limitations.
” The Jewish communities ’ document further mentions that essential gatherings are permitted , yet “ ( n @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever been provided .
”

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


lifesitenews--2020-10-09--Doctors allowed to continue prescribing abortion pill virtually after Supreme Court fails to rule

WASHINGTON , D.C. , October 9 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — The U.S. Supreme Court declined to immediately uphold Food and Drug Administration regulations on the abortion pill , allowing doctors to continue to prescribe it virtually .
The Trump administration had petitioned the high court to uphold the FDA medical safety standards requiring doctors prescribing the abortion pill to meet with patients in person first .
The Supreme Court declined to grant the Trump administration its request .
The administration ’ s request came after a district court had issued an injunction that suspended the FDA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the abortion pill mifepristone .
But rather than rule decisively , the Supreme Court indicated it required further action from the lower court , stating , “ Without indicating this Court ’ s views on the merits of the District Court ’ s order or injunction , a more comprehensive record would aid this Court ’ s review.
” “ We are disappointed by the lack of a ruling .
Chemical abortion poses serious complications for women that can include heavy bleeding , intense and prolonged pain , infection , and even death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Marjorie Dannenfelser .
“ Every day of delay is a day that unborn children and their mothers are at risk from these dangerous drugs , ” continued Dannenfelser .
“ We thank the Trump administration for fighting for vitally important health and safety protections and are confident we will ultimately prevail.
” “ Medical abortion is increasing as a percentage of all abortions for reasons that benefit abortion providers but there are distinct disadvantages for women .
Medical abortion is far more likely to fail than surgical abortion , resulting in frequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of 20 women , ” explained Dr. Ingrid Skop , M.D.
, F.A.C.O.G .
at Faith and Law .
“ Abortion advocates are aggressively working to remove FDA and legislative restrictions so that medical abortion can be provided without evidence based oversight , ” said Skop .
“ These trends must be recognized and countered for the protection of American women.
” In their petition , “ The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , et al v the Food and Drug Administration , et al.
” ( ACOG v FDA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the COVID-19 pandemic of certain FDA requirements relating to in-person dispensing ... for an oral medication used to induce an abortion or to manage a miscarriage.
” a nationwide injunction preventing the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) from enforcing , during the COVID-19 pandemic , its longstanding safety requirements for the dispensing of Mifeprex , a drug indicated for termination of pregnancy during the first ten weeks .
Ever since the FDA approved the drug in 2000 , the agency has required drug sponsors to ensure that Mifeprex or its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is dispensed only by or under the supervision of a certified healthcare provider in a hospital , clinic , or medical office , and only after a patient signs a form acknowledging that she has been counseled about the drug ’ s risks .
The FDA has made , and continuously adhered to , the judgment that these requirements mitigate serious health risks associated with the drug , which can increase if the patient delays taking the drug or fails to receive proper counseling about possible complications .
The district court here nevertheless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations on a nationwide basis for the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic , holding they pose an undue burden on abortion access under Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey , 505 U.S. 833 ( 1992 ) , because of the potential costs associated with visiting a clinic during the pandemic .
In a one-sentence order , the court of appeals declined to stay that injunction , thereby allowing a single district judge to dictate national safety requirements for medication abortion in the middle of the current public-health emergency .
Judge Samuel Alito @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered a blistering dissent , noting that denying a stay “ would highlight the inconsistency in the Court ’ s rulings on COVID–19-related public safety measures .
In response to the pandemic , state and local officials have imposed unprecedented restrictions on personal liberty , including severe limitations on First Amendment rights .
Officials have drastically limited speech , banning or restricting public speeches , lectures , meetings , and rallies.
” “ The free exercise of religion also has suffered previously unimaginable restraints , and this Court has stood by while that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite those broad , heavy-handed restraints , “ a District Court Judge in Maryland took it upon himself to overrule the FDA on a question of drug safety .
Disregarding THE CHIEF JUSTICE ’ s admonition against judicial second-guessing of officials with public health responsibilities , the judge concluded that requiring women seeking a medication abortion to pick up mifepristone in person during the COVID–19 pandemic constitutes an “ undue burden ” on the abortion right , and he therefore issued a nationwide injunction against enforcement of the FDA ’ s requirement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently was not troubled by the fact that those responsible for public health in Maryland thought it safe for women ( and men ) to leave the house and engage in numerous activities that present at least as much risk as visiting a clinic—such as indoor restaurant dining , visiting hair salons and barber shops , all sorts of retail establishments , gyms and other indoor exercise facilities , nail salons , youth sports events , and , of course , the State ’ s casinos , ” continued Alito .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , including in locales with very low infection rates and limited COVID–19 restrictions.
” Alito concluded there was no reason for the high court not to rule .
“ This case presents important issues that richly merit review .
The District Court ’ s decision , if reviewed , is likely to be reversed .
And if the FDA is right in its assessment of mifepristone , non-enforcement of the requirement risks irreparable harm .
A stay is amply warranted , ” he warned .
Notably , neither Justice Neil Gorsuch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by President Trump – joined the dissent , leaving it unclear where they stand on loosening telemedicine abortion restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak .

The high court failed to act on a request from the Trump administration to uphold FDA standards requiring in-person visits.
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 9, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — The U.S. Supreme Court declined to immediately uphold Food and Drug Administration regulations on the abortion pill, allowing doctors to continue to prescribe it virtually.
The Trump administration had petitioned the high court to uphold the FDA medical safety standards requiring doctors prescribing the abortion pill to meet with patients in person first. The Supreme Court declined to grant the Trump administration its request.
The administration’s request came after a district court had issued an injunction that suspended the FDA’s authority to continue in-person requirements for prescribing the abortion pill mifepristone.
But rather than rule decisively, the Supreme Court indicated it required further action from the lower court, stating, “Without indicating this Court’s views on the merits of the District Court’s order or injunction, a more comprehensive record would aid this Court’s review.”
#SCOTUS tells Trump admin it will not act now on request to block lower-ct ruling that eased access to abortion pill during pandemic. Justices say they need “more comprehensive record.” https://t.co/aYa48PGwEk — Amy Howe (@AHoweBlogger) October 8, 2020
Justices say they will hold govt's request to allow lower ct to consider a new motion by Trump administration to dissolve/modify or stay order. #SCOTUS tells dist ct to rule w/in 40 days. Alito dissents, joined by Thomas. https://t.co/MLzxkp6n8X — Amy Howe (@AHoweBlogger) October 8, 2020
“We are disappointed by the lack of a ruling. Chemical abortion poses serious complications for women that can include heavy bleeding, intense and prolonged pain, infection, and even death,” said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser.
“Every day of delay is a day that unborn children and their mothers are at risk from these dangerous drugs,” continued Dannenfelser. “We thank the Trump administration for fighting for vitally important health and safety protections and are confident we will ultimately prevail.”
“Medical abortion is increasing as a percentage of all abortions for reasons that benefit abortion providers but there are distinct disadvantages for women. Medical abortion is far more likely to fail than surgical abortion, resulting in frequent complications and requiring surgical completion in one out of 20 women,” explained Dr. Ingrid Skop, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. at Faith and Law.
“Abortion advocates are aggressively working to remove FDA and legislative restrictions so that medical abortion can be provided without evidence based oversight,” said Skop. “These trends must be recognized and countered for the protection of American women.”
In their petition, “The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, et al v the Food and Drug Administration, et al.” (ACOG v FDA), the ACOG challenged “the enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic of certain FDA requirements relating to in-person dispensing … for an oral medication used to induce an abortion or to manage a miscarriage.”
More specifically, the case concerns:
a nationwide injunction preventing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from enforcing, during the COVID-19 pandemic, its longstanding safety requirements for the dispensing of Mifeprex, a drug indicated for termination of pregnancy during the first ten weeks. Ever since the FDA approved the drug in 2000, the agency has required drug sponsors to ensure that Mifeprex or its generic equivalent (collectively, Mifeprex) is dispensed only by or under the supervision of a certified healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or medical office, and only after a patient signs a form acknowledging that she has been counseled about the drug’s risks. The FDA has made, and continuously adhered to, the judgment that these requirements mitigate serious health risks associated with the drug, which can increase if the patient delays taking the drug or fails to receive proper counseling about possible complications. The district court here nevertheless enjoined the enforcement of those longstanding safety regulations on a nationwide basis for the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic, holding they pose an undue burden on abortion access under Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, 505 U.S. 833 (1992), because of the potential costs associated with visiting a clinic during the pandemic.
In a one-sentence order, the court of appeals declined to stay that injunction, thereby allowing a single district judge to dictate national safety requirements for medication abortion in the middle of the current public-health emergency.
Judge Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, offered a blistering dissent, noting that denying a stay “would highlight the inconsistency in the Court’s rulings on COVID–19-related public safety measures. In response to the pandemic, state and local officials have imposed unprecedented restrictions on personal liberty, including severe limitations on First Amendment rights. Officials have drastically limited speech, banning or restricting public speeches, lectures, meetings, and rallies.”
“The free exercise of religion also has suffered previously unimaginable restraints, and this Court has stood by while that has occurred,” he added.
Despite those broad, heavy-handed restraints, “a District Court Judge in Maryland took it upon himself to overrule the FDA on a question of drug safety. Disregarding THE CHIEF JUSTICE’s admonition against judicial second-guessing of officials with public health responsibilities, the judge concluded that requiring women seeking a medication abortion to pick up mifepristone in person during the COVID–19 pandemic constitutes an “undue burden” on the abortion right, and he therefore issued a nationwide injunction against enforcement of the FDA’s requirement,” wrote Alito.
“The judge apparently was not troubled by the fact that those responsible for public health in Maryland thought it safe for women (and men) to leave the house and engage in numerous activities that present at least as much risk as visiting a clinic—such as indoor restaurant dining, visiting hair salons and barber shops, all sorts of retail establishments, gyms and other indoor exercise facilities, nail salons, youth sports events, and, of course, the State’s casinos,” continued Alito. “And the judge made the injunction applicable throughout the country, including in locales with very low infection rates and limited COVID–19 restrictions.”
— 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
Alito concluded there was no reason for the high court not to rule.
“This case presents important issues that richly merit review. The District Court’s decision, if reviewed, is likely to be reversed. And if the FDA is right in its assessment of mifepristone, non-enforcement of the requirement risks irreparable harm. A stay is amply warranted,” he warned.
Notably, neither Justice Neil Gorsuch nor Justice Brett Kavanaugh – both appointed by President Trump – joined the dissent, leaving it unclear where they stand on loosening telemedicine abortion restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.
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