Do You Agree With Abortion Forgiveness?

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Pope Francis is capturing the media’s attention with his visit to Cuba and the United States this week.  So, a young woman currently working as a journalist in New York City, who is part of Columbia University’s M.S. program, interviewed me over the phone on Monday about Pope Francis’ announcement regarding abortion forgiveness for women.
My positive reaction to the pope’s decision shocked this journalist at first. It seems almost everyone she has interviewed so far were, to use her words, “judgmental” and against Pope Francis’s  decision.  Thus, it was my turn to be shocked. In my opinion, what could be more fitting than to open the Jubilee Year of Mercy 2016 by welcoming women who have suffered an abortion back into full communion with the Church?
Who were these practicing Catholics  she interviewed who refuse to extend  forgiveness to women who are burdened with guilt after having an abortion? Have they never sinned? Are they so perfect they fall into the trap of demanding only the pure be part of their Church club?

continue reading  on joy of nine9 and on CatholicStand

Comments

  1. Victor S E Moubarak11:59 am, September 25, 2015

    Great article Melanie. Thanx.

    Abortion is rarely decided upon lightly. A lot of women continue to bear the pain and guilt of what they have done for years if not for ever.

    The Catholic Church excommunicates women who have abortions and also the medics involved, (if Catholic). However, the Church does not excommunicate someone who commits murder. He can confess, repent and is forgiven. At no time is he excommunicated.

    The Pope’s message has been misunderstood (not for the first time). It is said that forgiveness and return to Communion will be allowed during the Jubilee Year. How about someone who confesses before, or after, the year is over?

    Our Church needs to clarify on where it stands on excommunication. Why excommunicate for one sin and not another.

    Christ never excommunicated anyone. He came to forgive, time and again.

    God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melanie Jean Juneau11:14 pm, September 25, 2015

      As i was writing this article, I wondered about this very same dilemma - "The Catholic Church excommunicates women who have abortions and also the medics involved, (if Catholic). However, the Church does not excommunicate someone who
      commits murder."

      Delete

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