Alright. Few of you commenting on this issue have any knowledge of the theological and legal (Canon Law) principles regarding excommunication and abortion. Here's a primer:
One who performs an abortion - for any reason - is objectively excommunicated for the crime (sin) of murder. This does not require a formal decree from the Church. In this case, the stepfather would objectively be excommunicated for the crime (sin) of rape of a child. Don't get it all muddy - the press has focused on the doctors and mother - this does not lessen the stepfathers guilt.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella is correct in that certain circumstances may mitigate any sin - in this case abortion to save the life of the pregnant child.
Although the Church teaches that abortion is ALWAYS a mortal sin because it takes the life of an innocent human being, it is clear in this case (unless you are some hysterical jerk), that the mother and doctors saved the life of the pregnant girl. Had this girl been older and able to carry the twins to birth, then you would have a more clear cut case of "elective" abortion. Remember, it is not the fault of the twins that they were conceived by rape of a child.
It appears Archbishop Jose Cardoso Sobrinho acted like an insensitive jerk. Every organization has a few of these. It should not reflect on what is a sound doctrine.
Now go read Humanae Vitae and Evangelium Vitae, and get yourself informed.
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Alright. Few of you commenting on this issue have any knowledge of the theological and legal (Canon Law) principles regarding excommunication and abortion. Here's a primer:
One who performs an abortion - for any reason - is objectively excommunicated for the crime (sin) of murder. This does not require a formal decree from the Church. In this case, the stepfather would objectively be excommunicated for the crime (sin) of rape of a child. Don't get it all muddy - the press has focused on the doctors and mother - this does not lessen the stepfathers guilt.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella is correct in that certain circumstances may mitigate any sin - in this case abortion to save the life of the pregnant child.
Although the Church teaches that abortion is ALWAYS a mortal sin because it takes the life of an innocent human being, it is clear in this case (unless you are some hysterical jerk), that the mother and doctors saved the life of the pregnant girl. Had this girl been older and able to carry the twins to birth, then you would have a more clear cut case of "elective" abortion. Remember, it is not the fault of the twins that they were conceived by rape of a child.
It appears Archbishop Jose Cardoso Sobrinho acted like an insensitive jerk. Every organization has a few of these. It should not reflect on what is a sound doctrine.
Now go read Humanae Vitae and Evangelium Vitae, and get yourself informed.
March 28, 2009 - 12:10pmThis Comment
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