I agree, the catholic church does have the right to say what “good standing” is. I’m not disputing that. And, the church has strong views on abortion (which, to some extent, I agree with). However, they make it difficult for Catholic politicians to do their work. Yes, they need to be concerned with a right to life – but they also need to be concerned with the rest of society. From the John Kerry homepage: “He believes that the Constitution protects their[women’s] right to choose and to make their own decisions in consultation with their doctor, their conscience, and their God.”

This is supportive of abortion rights, but it’s certainly not an endorsement of it. I think it’s essentially the right course to take. Does it defend babies everywhere? No – but society hasn’t determined that fetuses are babies – and catholics (and catholic politicians) have to exist in a larger sphere than just the Church. Their faith should influence their actions – but it exists in a larger cauldron of faiths than just itself.

Have you seen what else is in the document? From the LA times article: “It allows girls and women to serve at the altar if a local bishop permits it, although it says using men and boys for the practice is “laudable.””

I generally go to church whenever I’m feeling severely unsettled. Now? I don’t know – besides the abortion, the piece about limiting women’s roles in the church – I can’t imagine feeling settled in church.