Anti-torture but pro-choice? Can't have that in church, please

[struggle4progress]

By NICK COLEMAN, Star Tribune
Last update: May 3, 2008 - 9:25 AM

Dr. Steven Miles, a world-renowned scholar, author and anti-torture activist, .. just got Tutu'd ...

Miles was invited months ago to talk about torture and its effects on society before masses at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Sunday. The invitation was issued by the peace and justice ministry at St. Joan's, which has a tradition of social justice work in the Twin Cities. In addition, Miles was scheduled to speak Tuesday to an adult education class at the church ...

According to a spokesman for the archdiocese, Miles was barred from St. Joan's because he supports abortion rights, a position "contrary to the teachings" of the church. Miles acknowledges that, but says he had no intention of speaking about abortion and that he sent the text of his talk on torture to the archdiocese.

"I wasn't asked about my position on abortion, euthanasia (he opposes it), divorce, papal infallibility or the Nicene Creed," he says. "The issue is whether I have something relevant to say to Catholics on torture." ...

http://www.startribune.com/18536339.html

[Ilsa]

1. I see this all the time.

Being anti-choice is such a fundamental issue to some people that if they support choice in abortion rights, then they are evil, having nothing worthwhile to say, goodbye, the end.

It's a shame that the congregation there won't have a chance to listen to someone who has something important to say.

Thank you very much for the post, BTW.

[midnight]

2. Silence is sinful.