Austin, TX — The Roman Catholic diocese where Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tony Sanchez was raised has banned him from speaking at its churches because of his support for abortion. The Corpus Christi Diocese ban also applies to John Sharp, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.
Both Sanchez and Sharp are Catholics who support legal abortion but claim they are “personally opposed” to it.
“That's being schizophrenic about it,” Bishop Carmody said Monday. “That's saying, 'In my own home, I respect life, but when I'm in public office, I'm going to go with the pack.' ”
The Sanchez and Sharp campaigns did not immediately return calls for comment Tuesday.
Under guidelines in effect in the south Texas diocese since 1999, Catholics who declare themselves in support of abortion cannot hold church positions or speak at any Catholic institutions in the region.
The issue could be important because the Catholic Church is influential in many Hispanic communities, and Democrats' chances this year may depend on their ability to attract a record number of Hispanic voters. Texas Hispanics have historically supported Democratic candidates, almost all of whom have favored abortion.
Republican Gov. Rick Perry takes a pro-life position on abortion.
See The Associated Press for more coverage.
(This article courtesy of Steven Ertelt and the Pro-Life Infonet email newsletter. For more information or to subscribe go to www.prolifeinfo.org or email infonet@prolifeinfo.org.)
