The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi

But Kerry's a Catholic, Isn't He?

Someone asked me this question recently. Perhaps the following information will help you decide.


JOHN KERRY: CATHOLIC ISSUES OVERVIEW

Abortion

In 1984, Kerry Said He Would Vote Against “Any Restrictions On Age, Consent, Funding Restrictions, Or Any Law To Limit Access To Abortion.” (John Kerry As Quoted In “Mass. Senate Candidates Quizzed On Women’s Issues,” Sojourner: The Women’s Forum, 6/30/84)

Kerry Received 0% Ranking From National Right To Life Committee For 108th, 107th And 106th Congresses, And 7% Ranking For 105th Congress. (National Right To Life Committee Website, http://www.nrlc.org/, Accessed 1/22/04)

Kerry Is First Presidential Candidate To Ever Be Endorsed By Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “The Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsed Mr. Kerry yesterday, the first time it has endorsed a presidential candidate. Its leaders said the election was crucial to preserving access to abortion.” (Laurie Goodstein, “Vatican Cardinal Signals Backing For Sanctions On Kerry,” The New York Times, 4/24/04)

Kerry Says He Personally Believes Life Begins At Conception, But “Article Of Faith” Should Not Translate Into Public Policy. “I am Catholic and have personally always believed life begins at conception, but I have never believed that that is something that should be translated as a matter of faith, an article of faith, into everybody else’s behavior for those who don’t share that faith …” (Sen. John Kerry, Campaign Event, Des Moines, IA, 1/9/04)

Partial-Birth Abortion

Kerry Has Voted At Least Six Times Against Banning Partial-Birth Abortion. (H.R. 1833, CQ Vote #596: Passed 54-44: R 45-8; D 9-36; I 0-0, 12/7/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 1833, CQ Vote #301: Motion Rejected 57-41: R 45-6; D 12-35; I 0-0, 9/26/96, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 1122, CQ Vote #71: Passed 64-36: R 51-4; D 13-32, 5/20/97, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 1122, CQ Vote #277: Rejected 64-36: R 51-4; D 13-32, 9/18/98, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1692, CQ Vote #340: Passed 63-34: R 48-3; D 14-31, I 1-0, 10/21/99, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 3, CQ Vote #402: Agreed To 64-34: R 47-3; D 17-30; I 0-1, 10/21/03, Kerry Voted Nay)

Kerry Says, “There Is No Such Thing As A Partial Birth.” “Just hours after President Bush signed a law banning what critics of the procedure call ‘partial-birth abortion,’ Senator John F. Kerry declared last night ‘there is no such thing as a partial birth,’ as he and the other Democratic presidential contenders sought the political support of women voters. … ‘It is a late-term abortion. They have done a very effective job of giving people a sense of fear about it. It’s part of their assault on the rights of women in America. … There’s nothing partial about their effort to undo Roe v. Wade.’” (Glen Johnson, “Kerry Hits Ban On Abortion Procedure,” The Boston Globe, 11/6/03)

Taxpayer-Funded Abortions

Kerry Voted To Allow Federal Money To Be Used To Distribute Morning-After Abortion Pill In America’s Schools. (H.R. 4577, CQ Vote #169: Motion Rejected 41-54: R 6-48; D 35-6, 6/30/00, Kerry Voted Yea)

Kerry Has Voted At Least 25 Times In Favor Of Using Taxpayer Dollars To Pay For Abortions In United States. (H.R. 2965, CQ Vote #255: Motion Rejected 46-46: R 17-31; D 29-15, 10/24/85, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 2965, CQ Vote #274: Motion Rejected 47-48: R 35-17; D 12-31, 11/1/85, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 5175, CQ Vote #263: Adopted 48-42: R 16-33; D 32-9, 9/16/86, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 2713, CQ Vote #289: Motion Agreed To 60-39: R 16-30; D 44-9, 9/30/87, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 4776, CQ Vote #232: Motion Agreed To 49-37: R 16-25; D 33-12, 7/7/88, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 4776, CQ Vote #233: Motion Agreed To 51-34: R 16-24; D 35-10, 7/7/88, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 4783, CQ Vote #268: Adopted 73-19: R 39-5; D 34-14, 7/27/88, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 4776, CQ Vote #348: Motion Agreed To 45-44: R 31-10; D 14-34, 9/30/88, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 4404, CQ Vote #68: Ruling Of The Chair Rejected 45-51: R 34-10; D 11-41, 4/27/90, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 4404, CQ Vote #69: Ruled Germane 54-42: R 12-32; D 42-10, 4/27/90, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 110, CQ Vote #252: Adopted 62-36: R 16-27; D 46-9, 9/25/90, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 322, CQ Vote #254: Passed 73-26: R 20-23; D 53-3, 10/1/92, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 2403, CQ #235: Ruled Not Germane 48-51: R 36-7; D 12-44, 8/3/93, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 2518, CQ Vote #290: Rejected 40-59: R 6-38; D 34-21, 9/28/93, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 2020, CQ Vote #369: Adopted 52-41: R 15-35; D 37-6, 8/5/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 2020, CQ Vote #370: Adopted 50-44: R 40-10; D 10-34, 8/7/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 2020, CQ Vote #371: Rejected 45-49: R 9-41; D 36-8, 8/7/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 2076, CQ Vote #478: Motion Agreed To 52-44: R 43-9; D 9-35, 9/29/95, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1357, CQ Vote #539: Motion Rejected 55-44: R 46-7; D 9-37, 10/27/95, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1357, CQ Vote #542: Motion Agreed To 56-43: R 46-7; D 10-36, 10/27/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 3019, CQ Vote #38: Rejected 45-55: R 6-47; D 39-8, 3/19/96, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 3756, CQ Vote #284: Motion Agreed To 53-45: R 43-9; D 10-36, 9/11/96, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 947, CQ Vote #129: Rejected 39-61: R 5-50; D 34-11, 6/25/97, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 1023, CQ Vote #190: Adopted 54-45: R 48-7; D 6-38, 7/22/97, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1282, CQ Vote #197: Motion Rejected 47-51: R 7-46; D 40-5, 7/1/99, Kerry Voted Yea)

Parental Consent

Kerry Has Voted At Least Three Times Against Requiring Parental Notification For Minor’s Abortion. (H.R. 5257, CQ Vote #266: Motion Rejected 48-48: R 8-34; D 40-14, 10/12/90, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 323, CQ Vote #131, Adopted 52-47: R 38-5; D 14-42, 7/16/91, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 2707, CQ Vote #185: Rejected 45-55: R 31-12; D 14-43, 9/11/91, Kerry Voted Nay)

International “Family Planning”

In 1985, Kerry Expressed “Grave Concern” About White House Decision To Withhold Millions From International Planned Parenthood Federation. “I joined 16 of my colleagues in the senate in sending a letter to the White House expressing our grave concern about the recent decision not to provide the International Planned Parenthood Federation [IPPF] with 17 million dollars’ worth of population assistance appropriated in the fiscal year 1985 budget. This action is especially distressing because it comes at a time when several underdeveloped nations in Africa are experiencing famine. First, we are told that IPPF funds are withheld, and now we learn that the U.S. Agency for International Development is holding up money for family planning that might limit the number of babies born into desperate poverty, by not yet providing to the United Nations Fund For Population Activities [UNFPA] the funds appropriated for it.” (Sen. John Kerry [D-MA], Congressional Record, 2/6/85, p. S1213)

Kerry “Called On The Catholic Church To ‘Not Be A Barrier’ To Birth Control Worldwide …” (Anthony Flint, “US Plans Key Role On Population,” The Boston Globe, 3/5/94)

In Opposition To President Bush’s Reinstatement Of Mexico City Policy In 2001, Kerry Said “International Family Planning Programs Are In America’s Best Interests.” “President George W. Bush, despite his inaugural pleas for unity, yesterday plunged into one of the nation’s most bitterly divisive fights, banning federal funds for groups providing abortion counseling overseas. … Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), a strong abortion rights supporter, said Bush’s ban will have severe health consequences across the globe. ‘I will not back away from my conviction that international family planning programs are in America’s best interests,’ Kerry said. ‘We should resist pressures in this country for heavy-handed Washington mandates that ignore basic choices that should belong to free people around the globe.’” (Andrew Miga and Laurel J. Sweet, “Bush Move Sparks Abortion Firestorm,” Boston Herald, 1/23/01)

Kerry Says Reversing Mexico City Policy Would Be His First Executive Order. LARRY KING: “What would be the first executive order?” KERRY: “Reverse the Mexico City policy on the gag rule so that we take a responsible position globally on family planning.” (CNN/Los Angeles Times, Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Los Angeles, CA, 2/26/04)

In 2003, Kerry Voiced His Support For “Population Control Efforts Around The World.” “[I] think that tonight we have to make it clear that we are not going to turn back the clock. There is no overturning of Roe v. Wade. There is no packing of the courts with judges who will be hostile to choice. There is no denial of choice to poor women in the United States. There is no outlawing of a procedure necessary to save a woman’s life or health and there are no more cutbacks on population control efforts around the world. We need to take on this President and all of the forces of intolerance on this issue. We need to honestly and confidently and candidly take this issue out to the country and we need to speak up and be proud of what we stand for.” (Sen. John Kerry [D-MA], Remarks At NARAL Pro-Choice America Dinner, 1/21/03)

Litmus Test For Judicial Nominees

Kerry Stated He Would Only Support Nominees Who Pledge To Uphold Roe V. Wade. “The potential retirement of Supreme Court justices makes the 2004 presidential election especially important for women, Senator John F. Kerry told a group of female Democrats yesterday, and he pledged that if elected president he would nominate to the high court only supporters of abortion rights under its Roe v. Wade decision. … ‘Any president ought to appoint people to the Supreme Court who understand the Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court. In my judgment, it is and has been settled law that women, Americans, have a defined right of privacy and that the government does not make the decision with respect to choice. Individuals do.’” (Glen Johnson, “Kerry Vows Court Picks To Be Abortion-Rights Supporters,” The Boston Globe, 4/9/03)

Kerry Said He Would Filibuster Any Pro-Life Supreme Court Nominee. “The Supreme Court hangs in the balance and the next justices will determine whether we move forward or backward. Therefore, I will filibuster any Supreme Court nominee who would turn back the clock on the right to choose, on civil rights and individual liberties, on the laws protecting workers and the environment.” (Sen. John Kerry, A Call To Service, 2003, p. 182)

Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Kerry Was One Of Several Senators To Sign Letter To President George W. Bush, Urging Allowance Of Federal Funding For Embryonic Stem Cell Research. (Sen. John Kerry [D-MA], et al., Letter To President George W. Bush, 7/19/01)

Kerry, In Response To President Bush’s Stem Cell Decision, Said President Was “Using Words Of Compassion To Mask Efforts To Keep A Campaign Promise To Conservatives.” (Lawrence M. O’Rourke, “Stem-Cell Funding Limits OK’d Bush Allows Federal Money For Existing Research Only,” The Fresno Bee, 8/10/01)

Kerry Says He Would Reverse President Bush’s Ban On New Embryonic Stem Cell Research. “As president, I will reverse President Bush’s ban on new embryonic-stem-cell research, and I will reverse regulations that prevent the National Institutes of Health from funding research on cell-nucleus-transfer techniques. Embryonic stem cells hold the potential to find treatments and cures for Parkinson’s disease, cancers, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and spinal-cord injuries. Tens of millions of Americans could benefit from the discoveries possible in these stem cells. This president banned embryonic-stem-cell research, except for what he said would be over 60 stem cell lines already in existence. But there aren’t 60 lines available today. There are 11, and they aren’t diverse enough to meet research needs. As a result, urgent research is being thwarted in America. As president, I will make sure we can unleash all of our technology and scientific potential to use stem-cell research to develop cures. I trust in the promise of new discoveries -- and in the power of Americans to use them wisely.” (Sen. John Kerry As Quoted In “Q&A: The Democratic Candidates On Higher Education,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, 1/23/04)

Fetal Tissue Research

Kerry Voted Against Ban On Fetal Tissue Research On Cells From Aborted Fetuses. (S. 1061, CQ Vote #215: Rejected 38-60: R 38-15; D 0-45, 9/4/97, Kerry Voted Nay)

Kerry Voted Against Disclosure Of Fetal Tissue From Abortions. (S. 1692, CQ Vote #338: Rejected 46-51: R 44-7; D 1-44; I 1-0, 10/21/99, Kerry Voted Nay)

Human Cloning

In 1998, Kerry Voted Against Invoking Cloture To Human Cloning Prohibition Act. (S. 1601, Roll Call Vote #10: Motion Rejected 42-54: R 42-12; D 0-42, 2/11/98, Kerry Voted Nay)

Kerry Supports So-Called “Therapeutic” Cloning. “While I oppose cloning for the purposes of creating a human being, I do support therapeutic cloning that has the potential to help cure many diseases.” (Sen. John Kerry As Quoted In “Q&A: The Democratic Candidates On Higher Education,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, 1/23/04)

Euthanasia

In 1996, Kerry Said He Could Support Assisted Suicide Under “Extreme Circumstances.” “On assisted suicide, Kerry said he could support it under extreme circumstances, as long as the patient, doctor and family agreed ‘death might be appropriate.’” (Matt Devine, “Candidates Tone Down Attacks In Fourth Debate,” The Patriot Ledger, 8/20/96)

In 1999, Kerry Said He ‘Personally Opposes’ Euthanasia, But “Medical Professionals” Should “Work With Patients To Make Decisions” About Drugs. “Both Massachusetts senators said they oppose physician-assisted suicide, but have reservations about sanctioning a government role in the decision. ‘I personally oppose euthanasia, but I think it's doctors and medical professionals who need to work with patients to make decisions about the use of drugs,’ Senator John F. Kerry said.” (Anne E. Kornblut, “Ban On Prescribing Drugs For Suicide Gets House OK,” The Boston Globe, 10/28/99)

Sanctity Of Marriage

Kerry Was One Of Only 14 Senators To Vote Against 1996 Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA), Which Banned Federal Recognition Of Gay Marriage And Same-Sex Partner Benefits. (H.R. 3396, CQ Vote #280: Passed 85-14: R 53-0; D 32-14, 9/10/96, Kerry Voted Nay)

Kerry Calls President Bush’s Support For Constitutional Amendment Banning Gay Marriage Attempt To Divide America. (CNN/Los Angeles Times, Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Los Angeles, CA, 2/26/04)

Kerry Praised Massachusetts Civil Unions Ruling, Saying It Called On MA Legislature To “Ensure Equal Protection For Gay Couples.” “I have long believed that gay men and lesbians should be assured equal protection and the same benefits - from health to survivor benefits to hospital visitation - that all families deserve. While I continue to oppose gay marriage, I believe that today’s decision calls on the Massachusetts state legislature to take action to ensure equal protection for gay couples. These protections are long over due.” (John Kerry For President, “Statement From John Kerry On Massachusetts Gay Marriage Ruling,” Press Release, 11/18/03)

Kerry Suggested He “Might Eventually” Support Gay “Marriage” If It Became Publicly Acceptable. Kerry believes civil unions “would be more acceptable to the public than marriage for homosexual couples. Kerry indicated he might eventually back gay marriages if a public consensus developed for them. ‘We need to achieve what we can, and then we will see where we are,’ he said.” (Ronald Brownstein, “Gay Issues Get Democratic Field’s Backing,” Los Angeles Times, 7/16/03)

When Asked Why He Doesn’t Support Gay Marriage, Kerry Said Catholicism Taught Him Marriage Is Union Of Man And Woman. “At Dartmouth, the senator drifted when asked whether he supported gay marriage. His voice dropping, he appeared to be walking along a sharp rhetorical cliff before he said he backed civil unions between gays and lesbians, but not formal marriage between them. ‘Why not?’ came the question, which Kerry ultimately answered by saying that his Catholicism has taught him that marriage is the union between a man and a woman.” (Glen Johnson, “Kerry Sets Tone For Campaign Sharpens Rhetoric As He Carves Path For The Presidency,” The Boston Globe, 1/13/03)

Other Gay Issues

Kerry Supports Gay Adoption. “I support the right of qualified individuals and couples to adopt children regardless of sexual orientation. Children who are born to, or adopted by, one member of a gay or lesbian couple deserve the security of two legally recognized parents including health benefits, child support, and other financial security.” (Sen. John Kerry [D-MA] As Quoted In Response To National Gay And Lesbian Task Force Survey, 4/03, As Quoted In Sean Cahill et al., “The 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidates On Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, And Transgender Issues,” 5/03)

Kerry Voted To Strike Language Codifying Ban On Gays In Military. “On Sept. 9, 1993, the Senate rejected an amendment offered by Sen. Barbara Boxer, (D-CA), who tried to strike language in the 1994 Defense Authorization bill that codified the homosexual ban.” (Center For Military Readiness, “The Homosexual Exclusion Law Vs. The Clinton ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Policy,” 1/7/02; S. 1298, CQ Vote #250: Rejected 33-63: R 3-38; D 30-25, 9/9/93, Kerry Voted Yea)

Kerry Supports “Access To Pensions, Health Insurance, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement Leave, Hospital Visitation, Survivor Benefits, And Other Basic Legal Protections” For Same-Sex Couples. “John Kerry believes that same-sex couples should be granted rights, including access to pensions, health insurance, family medical leave, bereavement leave, hospital visitation, survivor benefits, and other basic legal protections that all families and children need. He has supported legislation to provide domestic partners of federal employees the benefits available to spouses of federal employees.” (John Kerry For President Website, “A Record Of Working On Behalf Of Gay And Lesbian Americans,” http://www.johnkerry.com/, Accessed 1/27/04)

School Choice

In 1996, Kerry Voted Four Times Against Giving Low-Income D.C. Children School Choice Option. (H.R. 2546, CQ Vote #20: Rejected 54-44: R 50-2; D 4-42, 2/27/96, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 2546, CQ Vote #21: Rejected 52-42: R 48-1; D 4-41, 2/29/96, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 2546, CQ Vote #23: Rejected 53-43: R 49-2; D 4-41, 3/5/96, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 2546, CQ Vote #25: Rejected 56-44: R 51-2; D 5-42, 3/12/96, Kerry Voted Nay)

In 1998 Interview, Kerry Said He Would Back Vouchers If “That’s What It Took To Make America’s Schools Better.” “Publicly, union officials reacted to Kerry’s speech with talk of ‘mixed feelings.’ Privately, they groused about Kerry’s ‘teacher-bashing.’ One NEA official told The Boston Globe after Kerry’s first speech that ‘we are not pleased with his swipes at teachers’ unions.’ But Kerry, undaunted, told me in an interview that he’d even approve of government-funded vouchers--good for tuition in any accredited private school--as part of an overall education reform, if that’s what it took to make America’s schools better.” (Dana Milbank, “John Kerry Takes On The Teachers’ Unions,” The New Republic, 12/14/98)

In 2003, Kerry Said Voucher Program Should Not Be A Moral Argument, And That School Choice Would Abandon Students Left In Public Schools. “[W]e have to guarantee that vouchers are not made into an argument that somehow there’s a morality in taking care of kids, 50 of them, and abandoning 4,000 in the school behind them. I refuse to accept that.” (Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Black Caucus Institute Debate, 9/9/03)

Last November, Kerry Said Vouchers Would “Destroy Inner City Schools” And Leave “Even More Children Behind.” “We need a President who will tell the truth about vouchers – that they weaken public education, make it harder to build good citizens, and hurt those most in need. Don’t cry crocodile tears for inner city kids while trying in effect to destroy inner city schools. Vouchers aren’t choice; they’re a bad choice that would leave even more children behind.” (Sen. John Kerry, Remarks In Council Bluffs, IA, 11/25/03)

As President, Kerry Would Veto “Vouchers Or Voucher-Like Programs.” “[Vouchers] don’t reform our public schools – they run away from them. … I have never supported vouchers. I will never support them. And if it ever comes to my desk, I’ll veto vouchers or voucher-like programs the day that bill arrives.” (Sen. John Kerry, Remarks In Council Bluffs, IA, 11/25/03)

Catholic Hierarchy

Kerry Said He Would Ignore 11th Encyclical Of Pope John Paul II, Which Warned Legislators Of Their Moral Accountability If They Support Abortion. “Four Bay State lawmakers said yesterday they will ignore the most recent papal encyclical opposing abortion laws, despite their Roman Catholic faith. U.S. Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry, both Democrats, and U.S. Rep. Peter G. Torkildsen (R-Danvers) and Martin T. Meehan (D-Lowell) said they cannot heed the Vatican’s warning that legislators bear more moral responsibility for supporting abortion laws than women who undergo the procedure. … In the almost 200-page encyclical, called ‘The Gospel of Life,’ John Paul II restated his opposition to abortion as ‘a grave moral disorder.’ In a clear message to legislators, the Pope dismissed claims of politicians who profess personal opposition to abortion while voting in favor of pro-choice laws.” (Connie Page, “Vatican Targets Lawmakers On Abortion,” Boston Herald, 3/31/95)

Kerry Claimed Most Catholics Support Roe, And Blames Bishops For Catholics’ Lack Of Adherence To Faith. “John Kerry said he had to ‘represent all the people in my state,’ including Jews and Buddhists. Then the senator repeated what former House Speaker Tip O’Neill apparently once said in front of several thousand priests and several thousand nuns, that 68 percent of them ‘support Roe v. Wade.’ ‘If the bishops can’t do and won’t say anything about that, don’t come to me. You know what I’m saying?’ said Kerry.” (Tom Bethell, “It’s The Bishops’ Problem,” The American Spectator, June-July 2003)

Kerry Said Vatican Should Not Instruct Catholic Politicians, Calling It “Inappropriate.” “The Vatican’s call for Catholic politicians to fight gay marriage is an ‘inappropriate’ violation of the separation of church and state in America, U.S. Sen. John Kerry said Friday. ‘I believe in the church and I care about it enormously,’ said the Democrat from Massachusetts, a Catholic who is running for president. ‘But I think that it’s important to not have the church instructing politicians. That is an inappropriate crossing of the line in America.’ Kerry’s comments came a day after the Vatican announced a campaign against gay marriages and gay adoptions, stating that Catholic politicians have a ‘moral duty’ to oppose laws granting legal rights to gay couples. Kerry opposes gay marriage, but has said he supports civil unions, such as those allowed in Vermont, which grant gay couples most of the rights and benefits of marriage.” (“Kerry Scolds Catholic Church For Pressuring Lawmakers,” The Associated Press, 8/1/03)

Kerry Expressed “Moral Outrage” With Vatican’s Statement On Gay Marriage. “[Kerry] said political concerns are secondary to his moral outrage over Thursday’s Vatican statement on gay marriage. ‘Our founding fathers separated church and state in America. It is an important separation,’ he said. ‘It is part of what makes America different and special, and we need to honor that as we go forward and I’m going to fight to do that.’ Catholics were stunned at the broadside from Kerry, saying he’s sure to draw the ire of some 65 million voting Catholics.” (David R. Guarino, “Kerry Raps Pope,” The Boston Herald, 8/2/03)

Religion On Campaign Trail

Kerry: “I Am Saying That I Don’t Believe We Should Raise Religion As A Matter Of Political Strategy. That’s What I’m Saying.” (Sen. Kerry, CNBC’s “Capital Report,” 1/8/04)

Kerry Used Scripture To Criticize “Our Present National Leadership.” “John Kerry cited a Bible verse Sunday to criticize leaders who have ‘faith but has no deeds,’ prompting President Bush’s spokesman to accuse Kerry of exploiting Scripture for a political attack. Kerry never mentioned Bush by name during his speech at New North Side Baptist Church, but aimed his criticism at ‘our present national leadership.’ Kerry cited Scripture in his appeal for the worshippers, including James 2:14, ‘What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?’ ‘The Scriptures say, what does it profit, my brother, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?’ Kerry said. ‘When we look at what is happening in America today, where are the works of compassion?’” (Nedra Pickler, “Bush Campaign Blasts Kerry’s Bible Quote,” The Associated Press, 3/28/04)

Time: “Kerry Has At Times Put A Pious Cast On His Own Rhetoric.” “Polls consistently show that Americans prefer their leaders to be religious, and in running to unseat the most openly devout President in recent years, Kerry has at times put a pious cast on his own rhetoric. In a speech at a Mississippi church on March 7, he said Bush does not practice the ‘compassionate conservatism’ he preaches, and quoted James 2:14, ‘What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?’” (Karen Tumulty and Perry Bacon Jr., “A Test Of Kerry’s Faith,” Time, 4/5/04)

Kerry Took Communion At Non-Catholic Church. “Photo ops are the saving grace of many political campaigns, but Bay State Sen. John F. Kerry gaffed one recent opportunity – flouting Catholic doctrine by taking communion at a non-Catholic church. The Democratic presidential candidate invited the press to services at the AME Charles Street Church in Roxbury Sunday. But the photos showed Kerry taking communion. That, Catholics say, is a catechism no-no. ‘Catholics should not receive communion in a Protestant church,’ said Sister Mary Ann Walsh of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. ‘It’s standard church teaching.’” (David R. Guarino, “Thou Shalt Not Flub Thy Photo Op, Sen. Kerry,” Boston Herald, 4/7/04)

CHRISTIAN FAITH IN GENERAL:

In 1996, Kerry Complained About Senators Voting Against Their Professed Religious Ideals. “Sen. John F. Kerry, speaking at a Roxbury church, complained yesterday that some of his fellow senators profess Christian beliefs while voting in ways that contradict those ideals. Addressing the congregation of the Twelfth Baptist Church, Kerry said he often feels torn at Senate prayer breakfasts as he meets colleagues who seem to lack compassion in public life. ‘To be candid, I struggle when I sit next to someone who says they’re born again, but votes against child care, votes to cut 12- to 18-year-old kids off Medicaid,’ Kerry said.” (Michael Grunwald, “Kerry Tells Congregation Votes Should Match Faith,” The Boston Globe, 10/21/96)

And Called On Politicians To Run Their Life “In A Christian Way.” “After a few remarks about the apostle Paul, Kerry decried the ‘difference between the rhetoric and the reality’ in politics, urging politicians, ‘Run your life in a Christian way.’” (Michael Grunwald, “Kerry Tells Congregation Votes Should Match Faith,” The Boston Globe, 10/21/96)


Now Kerry Defends Positions At Odds With His Church. “Kerry is Roman Catholic, but his support for abortion rights is at odds with Vatican teachings. ‘I don’t tell church officials what to do, and church officials shouldn’t tell American politicians what to do in the context of our public life,’ Kerry said …” (Nedra Pickler, “Bush Campaign Blasts Kerry’s Bible Quote,” The Associated Press, 3/28/04)

Says He Shares Catholic Church’s Anti-Abortion Views, But Says Public Officials Shouldn’t Impose Views On Others. “On abortion, Kerry said that he - as a Catholic - does share his church’s anti-abortion views ‘as an article of faith.’ But as a public official, he said he didn’t believe he had the right to impose such views on others.” (Jo Mannies, “Candidates: Bush Must Go,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 1/29/04)

And Has Called Church Instructing Politicians “Inappropriate Crossing Of The Line In America.” “The Vatican’s call for Catholic politicians to fight gay marriage is an ‘inappropriate’ violation of the separation of church and state in America, U.S. Sen. John Kerry said Friday. ‘I believe in the church and I care about it enormously,’ said the Democrat from Massachusetts, a Catholic who is running for president. ‘But I think that it’s important to not have the church instructing politicians. That is an inappropriate crossing of the line in America.’ Kerry’s comments came a day after the Vatican announced a campaign against gay marriages and gay adoptions, stating that Catholic politicians have a ‘moral duty’ to oppose laws granting legal rights to gay couples.” (“Kerry Scolds Catholic Church For Pressuring Lawmakers,” The Associated Press, 8/1/03)

--Source: http://www.aboutjohnkerry.com/

~ Posted by Jean M. Heimann