Pocono News Section

Bishop's Abortion Letter Stirs Controversy in Scranton Diocese

Bishop's Abortion Letter Stirs Controversy in Scranton Diocese - Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 10:27PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 @ 10:27pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- The Roman Catholic Bishop of Scranton made it mandatory. All priests must replace their homilies this weekend with a letter authored by Bishop Joseph Martino on the sanctity of life, specifically abortion.

A letter from the bishop told parishioners at Saint Ann's Basilica to remember the church's teachings on Election Day. Bishop Joseph Martino made national attention with a sharp two-paged, single-spaced message that deals with abortion.

Theresa Baux of Scranton said, “I think it was well versed, beautiful. He really explained the life issue. Life is the foundation. Without the foundation, the house falls down.”

Some priests, speaking on the condition of anonymity, blasted their Bishop for requiring the letter be read at a point in the mass when they would normally preach. Susan Yanchik of Scranton said, “I just don't agree with it. I don't think it should be brought up in church.”

Some Catholic rights groups called the bishop's letter "narrow," saying it ignores standards on voting set by bishops across the county. Those standards suggest church leaders deal broadly with election issues. Yanchik added, “I'm against abortion, but I just don't think it should be brought up in church.”

Still some told us the church is an appropriate place for such a charged message. Debbie Coval of Scranton said, “I don't know if they're necessarily getting into the political arena. I mean, this is what the church stands for. It's part of our faith.”

Baux said, “The church has been in the arena for life. It has never, ever been out of the arena. Go back and look at history.”