Agnus Daily

Washington, D.C. - With the elections coming quickly, many Catholics are unsure as to who they should vote for.  On one side, conservative Catholics argue that Catholics are obliged not to vote for a candidate that holds a pro-choice stance.  On the other, you have more liberal Church members advocating that many of the so-called "life-issues" have gray areas and cannot be judged as an absolute that keeps you from voting for a liberal candidate.  On top of that, Church officials, while active in disseminating the Church's view of Catholics participating in the political process, often write letters  and guidelines that are far too complicated for the common voter.  However,  one Church official is seeking to solve this dilemma by sending a clear and unmistakable message to American voters this election year.

Archbishop Ronald Talinger, Chairman of Catholics for Ethics and Family, has created a guide that is aimed at reaching all Catholics, even those that are not necessarily devout.  "The Church does a great job of solidly stating their position," explained Archbishop Talinger, "but it does so in a way that not everyone can easily understand.  That's why the common Catholic needs something that speaks to them about how they are required, as Catholics, to vote this year."

What moved Reverend Talinger to create this guide was the creation of groups such as "Catholics for Obama," that claim you can be Catholic and still vote for a Pro-Choice candidate.  Reverend Talinger argues that this is not the case, and seeks to inform all Catholics that there are certain issues that are simply non-negotiable.  

Archbishop Talinger graciously gave us permission to publish and disseminate his guide, and hopes that all Catholics have a chance to read it prior to entering the ballot box.  "My aim is to reach every Catholic by the time they pull the lever," said Reverend Talinger.  

Below are images from Reverend Talinger's voter guide.  The voter guide is also available in PDF format.

Tim A. Troutman  - Army of Martyrs     |2008-10-10 13:09:07 LOL - Awesome! Glad to see this site back up and running. Quote 0   0

Maggie     |2008-10-10 14:59:45 That's hilarious! However, I'm not sure it's perfectly accurate-- doesn't McCain support ESCR? Even so, he supports fewer instrinsic evil non-negotiables than does Obama McCain: 1, ESCR, Obama, 3 (that I know of), Abortion, ESCR, gay "marriage" Quote 0   0

Ian  - That's Funny, In a Sad Way     |2008-10-10 15:09:16 You have managed to, I think, inadvertently lampoon the US Bishops who put out supposedly clear documents that just raise more questions. McCain still supports the use of existing embryos for stem cell research. He just doesn't support creating new ones for research. So which candidate do we color red? This leaves us with the same questions as the bishops tend to when they write on politics. Quote 0   0

Steve Hartman  - From the author...     |2008-10-11 03:50:43 Thank you for your comments. It is rumored that Archbishop Talinger is publishing an amended version in which John McCain is replaced by Alan Keyes. Until such time, color Barack Obama in red, and McCain in a light pink. It's still morally alright to vote for him since he is the lesser of two evils, but it's good to keep in mind that he's pink on the issues of life. Quote 0   0

Katrinka Yobotz   |2008-10-11 15:56:16 I agree with Ian and Steve. There can be no compromise on life issues, and McCain compromises. He supports stem cell research from human embryos, and he makes exceptions for abortion if the baby's father is guilty of rape. He and Palin both say that abortion and homosexual "marriage" are not national issues, but the states should decide if they want to allow them. Although "personally opposed" to abortion, Palin would not impose her choice, but would work with the other side for fewer abortions. This is not pro-life. This is pro-choice. More information on Church teaching on the issues: http://www.aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread -view.asp?tid=653&posts=3#M1915 Quote 0   0

A smart person   |2008-10-14 03:42:47 You people are ignorant fools. "Don't vote the guy who supports BABY KILLING!" Instead, let's vote for the guy that kinda-sorta supports baby killing, but also wants to continue fighting wars, to continue to have a s****y economy, and who doesn't want to support stem-cell research even though it could save millions and millions of lives, but puts thousands of unborn babies at risk who aren't even SENTIENT yet at risk because God kind of said so because the bible kind of said so...or at least that's what your interpretation seems to make. Also, the bible was written by people. Think about it. Quote 2   5

Steve Hartman  - Another smart person   |2008-10-14 16:59:13 Steve Hartman here, with 20-years journalistic experience. Your points are interesting and provocative (that's journalist talk for "you make make no sense, but are entertaining enough to get ratings" ). It is my understanding, and it may just be my Degree in Theology and Political Science getting in the way, that neither candidate wants to continue fighting wars, or have a horrible economy. Likewise, the Church isn't against stem cell research as long as it's not embryonic stem cell research. Anyhow, you do seem like a smart person. I mean, what smart person wouldn't pack 5 or more moral and theological arguments into one paragraph. That's talent! Perhaps my friend the Stealth Apologist would be a match for you enlarged cranium of immense knowledge. Quote 0   0

Kim   |2008-10-14 17:47:41 Some might be interested in this website of the Catholic Bishops. This is the official website and document from the Catholic Bishops, November 2007, re: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States. http://www.usccb. org/bishops/ FCStatement. pdf Quote 0   0

Jean Bainger   |2008-10-15 16:19:28 What nonsense. We should be all aware that when it comes to acting on these "red" button issues it makes no difference who we voted for. The issues will always be decided by the response of all the people. We, as Catholics, may solidly put into office the man who agrees with all our issues. He is not a king hence he does not make laws. We may vote the Congress in but our Catholic wishes are not the wishes of the majority. Check the stats. Don't you wonder why the Vatican stays out of this mess. The reference is made to American Cahtolic Bishops as Conservative. This is not the way Rome is. They are more globally concerned. So despite our Bishops I know that to vote for the man who is good for all the people's welfare in spite of his stand on "red" button issues is the way my conscious leads me. We shall never mandate a particular religious doctrine because our nation is not monolithic. Stop trying to legislate religion, get out there and behave in a way that will lead others to our Catholic ways. Try doing a bit of studying and check to see what history has to show us about the Church and Government being the same. Quote 1   2

Drusilla     |2008-10-17 00:23:40 I wonder how many have actually done the research on whether McCain actually supports ESCR?And I don't just mean reading blogs but voting history and all the rest. And how many have actually read and talked to their bishops or those their bishops have authorized to present what the Church teaches on voting to limit evil? Charity demands we do the work before we make the accusation. The Barackacide has made that easy. McCain not so much. Quote 0   0

carpenter   |2008-10-18 02:15:36 JER 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. JER 23:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. JER 23:7 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; JER 23:9 Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness. JER 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. JER 23:11 For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD. JER 23:12 Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. The Catholic church is the the false profit_ what ever they recomend beware Quote 0   0

Steve Hartman  - re: Profit     |2008-10-19 04:50:19 carpenter wrote: The Catholic church is the the false profit_  what ever they recomend beware 20-years-experienced Steve Hartman here; I am intrigued by your comments! During this time of economic crisis, it is good to know where to look for investment tips. Now, you say that the Catholic church is the false profit. Does that mean that it would not be a good time to invest in the Church? I didn't even know that the Church was being publically traded! If we are to expect false profit from investing in the Church, where can we get some real profit? Bonds and T-Bills are looking pretty tempting at the moment, at least until the market settles, don’t you think? Quote 0   0

Jim Burke  - McCain no longer supports ESCR (Embryonic research   |2008-10-19 18:37:36 McCain has previously voted in favor of embryonic stem-cell research, but has since been better informed on the matter. He now sees the promise in adult stem-cell research, and that ESCR is no longer necessary in his mind. Early in his campaigning, I listened to him talk and couldn't stand when he promoted ESCR. But thanks to surrounding himself by more informed people on issues, he stands on the right side of the issue now. If he hadn't come to understand the issue more, the two candidates would be equal on this issue, but with this change, McCain adds to the fullness of pro-life views. http://media.www.utcecho.com/media/storage /paper483/news/2008/10/16/News/Candidates.Pressed. By.HotButton.Issues-3491562.shtml Quote 0   0

Lou  - lou   |2008-10-22 08:41:15 To Jean Bainger and others who continue to make these red button issues a religious arguement. Stop and think for a moment that these issues can be discussed without God. An atheist, agnostic, Hindu, Christian, Muslim etc.. can attest that these issues are human right issues and not simply religous obligations to be forced on everyone. The holocost and slavery were great wars that seemed fruitless to fight at the time because that way of life was such a large aspect of the social compass. Yet it makes no difference if the fight is too great or the opinions too different. Enough injustice enrages people who acknowlede the heinous injustice to human rights in these issues. The standard is set automatically. These issues are paramount to any others and must be expected to determine the vote. Quote 0   0

Oh, for heaven's sake   |2008-10-23 18:57:04 Quote: "What nonsense. We should be all aware that when it comes to acting on these "red" button issues it makes no difference who we voted for. The issues will always be decided by the response of all the people. We, as Catholics, may solidly put into office the man who agrees with all our issues. He is not a king hence he does not make laws. We may vote the Congress in but our Catholic wishes are not the wishes of the majority. Check the stats. Don't you wonder why the Vatican stays out of this mess. The reference is made to American Cahtolic Bishops as Conservative. This is not the way Rome is. They are more globally concerned. So despite our Bishops I know that to vote for the man who is good for all the people's welfare in spite of his stand on "red" button issues is the way my conscious leads me. We shall never mandate a particular religious doctrine because our nation is not monolithic. Stop trying to legislate religion, get out there and behave in a way that will lead others to our Catholic ways. Try doing a bit of studying and check to see what history has to show us about the Church and Government being the same." Beautiful. Well said. Vote Obama. Quote 0   0

Maxwell  - Pardon me?   |2008-10-23 19:23:50 This is a blatant disregard for human intellect and reason. Yes, the life issues are black and white, as stated by the Holy Church. To vote is a personal, moral and political right we have in this country but to dumb it down is obscene. What I mean to say is, the assumption is not wrong that Obama supports less life issues than McCain, however, why just these two canidates? For crying out loud, that is a coloring book! Sincerely, Maxwell - A Catholic concerned that people do not think anymore Quote 0   0

AussieApologist  - The Aussie Apologist     |2008-10-29 23:30:42 I know most of you are Americans, but try and read English. The sentence says "Color THE candidate who supports the direct killing of babies, same-sex marriage, AND other anti-life issues in Red." ... no room for pink there! P.S. It's spelled 'colour' Quote 0   0

Steve Hartman  - Language Barrier   |2008-10-30 08:19:37 Hey now, Being a journalist of 20 years, I have seen people die because of a disagreement in the spelling of American English words and British (Australian too) English words. I will not condone violence of this kind. America is the world's superpower, I suggest just giving them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to spelling. The American War of Independence was partly started because a disagreement as to whether the "H" in "Herb" was silent or not. Quote 0   0

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