Lawmaker Whines that Catholic School Snubbed Him

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — An Illinois state legislator says his former Catholic high school invited him to join the school's "Hall of Honor" in recognition of his political career — then yanked back that invitation after deciding his voting record wasn't in line with the church's positions on abortion.

"The school called me (this week) and informed me … that they had serious concerns about my voting record," said state Rep. Kurt Granberg, D-Carlyle, describing the conversation in which, he said, he was effectively un-inducted from the school's Hall of Honor, shortly after being invited into it.

"I said, 'Why is that?'" Granberg said. "They said they were very concerned I wasn't 'pro-life enough.'"

He apparently supported embryonic stem cell research although the Post Dispatch merely refers to stem cell research, leaving out the important descriptive term "embryonic."

The Post then proceeds to recount numerous instances with Archbishop Burke and his praiseworthy defense of Church teaching.

As for Granberg, he said he isn't angry about Mater Dei's snub but is concerned about the message it sends regarding the separation of church and state.

"I have a great deal of respect for the school and the teachers and the students … (but) I am concerned that a small vocal minority is making personal judgments … in terms of morality," said Granberg.

That small vocal minority - acting in accord with the natural moral law and the teachings of the Church? How dare they?, he seems to ask....Kudos to the school for it decision!

It's a shame that professed Catholics could be so ignorant to claim that there is a church/state separation issue, let alone vocalize that a "small minority" is making judgements regarding morality. Church teaching is very clear on these matters. One who chooses to ignore the natural moral law and Church teaching should not be surprised if others decide not to extend particular honors to him.