Sunday, October 03, 2004

Catholic News Service continues its support of questionable organizations

By refusing to comment or question the statements of Pax Christi USA, CNS, in effect, demonstrates an endorsement of the flawed philosophies of that group.

The statements of this group are in direct opposition to the teachings of the Church.

I noticed the statement of Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala of Los Angeles, bishop president of Pax Christi USA, last Friday and decided not to say anything about. But now that Catholic News Service has decided to promote it, it cannot be left unchallenged. Unfortunately, the theme "Life does not end at birth" is inadequate for it does not address the fundamental issue that some are denied the right to life or, more appropriately in today's society, the opportunity to be born.
To work for the common good Catholics must base their political votes "on the full range of issues," Pax Christi USA said Oct. 1 in a statement titled "Life Does Not End at Birth." Its statement, also signed by more than 200 Catholic organizations, was published Oct. 1 as a full-page paid advertisement in daily newspapers in Erie and Allentown, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; and Morgantown, W.Va.
I suppose we will have to see who these 200 "Catholic" organizations are. Certainly they must be stalwart defenders of the faith!
First, Catholic Culture recently re-evaluated CNS and Pax Christi for fidelity, and as a result, CNS was given a "Caution" rating:
Catholic News Service was created in 1920 by the bishops of the United States. CNS is editorially independent and a financially self-sustaining division of the U.S. Catholic Conference. CNS specializes in reporting the news which affects Catholics in their everyday lives. This site is filled with news and articles, but needs to be used with caution as some of the articles contain some very questionable material. A better source for national and world news affecting the Church would be Catholic World News or Zenit.

And Pax Christi was given a rating of "Danger!":
According to their mission statement Pax Christi USA "rejects war, preparations for war, and every form of violence and domination. It advocates primacy of conscience, economic and social justice, and respect for creation.... Pax Christi USA works toward a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world." Unfortunately, their version of violence and domination is often at odds with the Church and her teachings. They seem to care more about finding common ground with abortionists and the gay rights lobby than about working for true peace.
Archbishop Burke, echoing the Holy Father, in presenting the teaching of the Church, tells us:
Some Catholics, too, have suggested that a candidate's position on other issues involving human rights are as important as his or her position on the right to life. Our Holy Father Pope John Paul II has reminded us that, in order to defend all human rights, we must first defend the right to life.

Catholic News Service is in need of extraordinary oversight by bishops of courage and fortitude. It should be cleansed of those who continue to use their positions to degrade or corrupt the teachings of the Church.

CNS Article here.

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