Smoke and sparks flew from my keyboard as I typed the following sentence.
I’m in agreement with Catholic militant David Quinn when he claims that the Catholic hierarchy has a right to challenge the Government on the issue of abortion.
Pat Rabbitte and others seem to believe that the Catholic Church does not have the right to campaign against government actions and plans surrounding the whole issue of abortion.
This, of course, is ridiculous.
The Catholic Church has the same rights as any individual or group to express disagreement and campaign against any government policy or action.
It should be allowed to retain those rights despite the fact that it operates a ruthless, medieval type regime of suppression against those within its own ranks who dare question its policies or actions.
I am reminded of the quote “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” (which is apparently misattributed to Voltaire)
The Catholic hierarchy has that right—this is not in effect the Catholic Church—the Catholic Church is all the members of the Church irrespective of their level of membership.