Catholic Fire

Catholic Group says "Archbishop Burke Right to Deny Communion to Giuliani" Fidelis , a national Catholic advocacy group, applauded the courageous decision by St. Louis' Archbishop Raymond Burke to deny Holy Communion to Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, and all pro-abortion politicians running for president, regardless of their political party. The Associated Press is reporting that Archbishop Raymond Burke would deny Holy Communion to Rudy Giuliani and any pro-abortion Catholic running for president. Four Catholic Democrats running for president also support abortion, include: Senator Christopher Dodd, Senator Joe Biden, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Rep. Dennis Kucinich. When asked if he would deny the sacrament to Giuliani, Burke responded, "If the question is about a Catholic who is publicly espousing positions contrary to the moral law and I know that person knows it, yes I would," said Burke. "It is a cause of concern for me a...

Thank You Letter Sent, Calls for Letters of Support to Bishop CHELSEA, MI – Fidelis today praised Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, for his public critique of Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani over his position on abortion in his weekly column Without A Doubt that runs in The Rhode Island Catholic newspaper. In his column, Tobin described Giuliani’s position on abortion as “pathetic,” “confusing,” and “hypocritical.” Fidelis President Joseph Cella stated: “We are grateful for Bishop Tobin’s courage in condemning the incoherence of Rudy Giuliani’s support of abortion on demand. Bishop Tobin’s words serve as an authoritative and unambiguous reminder to Giuliani and all Catholic politicians of their moral obligations as Catholic public leaders to defend human life. His column also offers yet more support to the argument why faithful Catholics should reject Giuliani’s candidacy.” This week’s column entitled My R.S.V.P. to Rudy Giulian...

In her most recent campaign video Hillary ("abortion rights") Clinton is pictured standing right next to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The Catholic - based organization Fidelis is calling for the removal of Mother Teresa's image. Fidelis President Joseph Cella commented, “It is wholly inappropriate, disrespectful and disturbing that Hillary Clinton is using an image of Blessed Mother Teresa as a political tool, especially given their radically different views on abortion. Mother Teresa tirelessly fought to protect unborn children, while Hillary Clinton staunchly supports abortion on demand in all nine months of pregnancy, including partial birth abortion and taxpayer funding of abortion. Out of respect to Mother Teresa, and the Missionaries of Charity strict guidelines for the use of Mother’s image, we call on the Hillary Clinton campaign to immediately remove her image from their campaign video.” For a look at the video, click here. At approximately 2:29, you wi...

CHELSEA, MI – In response to Pope Benedict XVI’s statements today regarding pro-abortion politicians who are Catholic, Fidelis President Joseph Cella released the following statement: “We are deeply grateful to Pope Benedict for his comments on the Catholic legislators in Mexico City who voted to legalize abortion. The Holy Father’s message serves as a powerful teaching moment for all pro-abortion politicians, including those in the United States, especially those who are Catholic and running for President in 2008. Those presidential candidates who are Catholic, including Senator Joe Biden, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Chris Dodd, Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Rudy Giuliani should prayerfully consider the larger message of Pope Benedict, and their obligation as Catholics to defend the sanctity of all human life. The Holy Father’s steadfast defense of the dignity of the human person is vital considering the assault on unborn children. Such disregard for human life by our elected ...

Fidelis to Launch Ad Campaign WASHINGTON D.C. – The national Catholic-based advocacy group Fidelis applauded the breaking news Tuesday evening of the resignation of Melissa McEwan from the John Edwards presidential campaign committee. The announcement of McEwan’s resignation came less than one day after his official blogger, Amanda Marcotte, stepped down after it was revealed that both Marcotte and McEwan had leveled profane and vulgar attacks against God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Benedict XVI, and all conservative Christians on their personal blogs. Fidelis President Joseph Cella stated: “We welcome the news that both bloggers have now left the John Edwards campaign. However, we remain deeply disturbed that the bloggers left on their own accord without any prodding from Edwards. By refusing to act against these bigoted bloggers, Edwards signaled either his support of their writings or his cowardice by refusing to act against them.” In her blog post announcing the decision to res...

Formal Letters Sent Requesting Public Action WASHINGTON, D.C. – The national Catholic-based advocacy group Fidelis has sent formal letters to Democratic presidential candidates Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama calling on them to publicly condemn the anti-Catholic and anti-Christian blog posts of Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan, who serve as the official bloggers for the John Edwards for President Committee. Fidelis President Joseph Cella stated: “Senators Clinton and Obama must publicly condemn the hateful writings of these bloggers and call for their dismissal. Anything less than a clear public condemnation would significantly call into question their efforts to reach out to religious voters, many of whom have felt alienated by the Democratic Party in recent years.” In the letters, Cella wrote: “You are in a unique position to make clear that anti-Catholic and anti-Christian bigotry of any kind should not be tolerated by any candidate. By taking up this issue public...