Barking On The Wrong Tree

This is a reaction to the news article published in Philippine Daily Inquirer titled, “Anti-life pols must be refused communion” (07/14/08). Lyda Canson (Chair of Gabriela Women’s Party) is barking on the wrong tree when she issued her statement; “Instead of denying them (Catholic politicians) communion, why doesn’t the Catholic Church look for measures to effectively solve the problem?”

The role of the church is to promote moral virtues while finding solutions to economic woes is the responsibility of the State. While I agree with her (Lyda Canson) that moralizing will never be the answer to the problem of abortion but clearly, it is not the stand of the Church to do otherwise – to advocate abortion. The issue of abortion is a non-debatable and non-negotiable issue for the Church. This is why the separation of the Church and State is clearly provided for in our Constitution for there are irreconcilable issues between the two, both moral and social standpoint. How could one explain the putting of a ‘fetus’ in a basket for mass offering? Will the inclusion of this unborn fetus justifies or cleanse the guilt of who ever did this? It goes without saying to these politicians (advocating or pushing “anti-life” bills masked us “Pro-Quality Life” measures) that by going inside the church and by receiving communion that their sins will be washed away.

The sanctity of life must be preserved and life is not for ours to take but Him. If parents are incapable of raising their children, then learn to practice self-discipline and be a responsible parent for once and for all. “If the mind is willing but the flesh is weak” situation results to unwanted pregnancy, why not offer that “life” to other willing couples rather than aborting it? Though may not jive fully in terms of moral principle, but it’s a matter of choosing lesser evil among the devils.

The Church is doing what it is ought to do, shouldn’t government do what it’s mandated to?