February 14, 2008
Archbishop Censures Clinton Stop at Catholic University
Says Senator's Record Not Consistent With
Church Teaching
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, FEB. 13, 2008 (Zenit.org).-
The archbishop of San Antonio said he was "surprised" to hear
that a local Catholic university will be the spot for a campaign
rally for Senator Hilary Clinton, whose records he says are not
consistent with Church teaching.
Archbishop José Gomez said this today in a press statement ahead
of Clinton's scheduled campaign rally at St. Mary's University
this evening. Clinton, a longtime supporter of abortion rights,
is holding the event as part of her bid for the White House.
In an official message from the communications office of the
archdiocese, Archbishop Gomez said, "I was surprised to learn of
Senator Hillary Clinton’s appearance at St. Mary’s University. I
was neither advised nor consulted by the university before the
decision was made to have Senator Clinton speak at the
university."
The prelate affirmed: "Catholic institutions are obliged to
teach and promote Catholic values in all instances. This is
especially important when people look to our Catholic
universities and colleges to provide leadership and clarity to
the often complicated and conflicting political discourse.
"It is clear that the records of Senator Clinton and some of the
other candidates for president on important life issues are not
consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church."
In the message that drew the support of Bishop Patrick Zurek of
Amarillo and Bishop Thomas Flanagan, retired auxiliary bishop of
San Antonio, Archbishop Gomez stated clearly, "It is not my
intention to tell people for whom to vote."
"However," he continued, "I encourage Catholics to understand
the teachings of the Church on the broad spectrum of public
issues that are of great concern today."
The 56-year-old archbishop recalled a 2004 document from the
U.S. episcopal conference that "affirmed that when dealing with
political candidates and public office holders, 'The Catholic
community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who
act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should
not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest
support for their actions.'"
Archbishop Gomez acknowledged that a disclaimer from St. Mary's
said the institution "as a Catholic tax-exempt university," does
not "endorse political candidates or their positions on issues
and acknowledges the fundamental differences between those of
the presidential candidates and the Catholic Church."
But the San Antonio archbishop affirmed, "Our Catholic
institutions must promote the clear understanding of our deep
moral convictions on an issue like abortion, an act that the
Church calls 'an unspeakable crime' and a non-negotiable issue."
