A lot has been said and written about Congressman Cao voting for health care after the pro-life Stupak ammendment was approved. Cao, who is a Republican representing a 70% or more Democratic district, is being excoriated by many a Republican; some who are Catholic. Cao has said repeatedly that he could vote for health care as long as the pro-life ammendment was added. He has embraced the fact that a larger percentage of his district could benefit from some of the universal health care proposals.
In the weeks leading up to the vote, and again on the Monday after the fallout began, Cao has consulted with New Orleans Archbishop, Gregory Aymond. This is documented in the Clarion Herald, the archdiocesan newspaper. "I mentioned to him my prayerful support, and I also mentioned to him that if there was anything that we could do spiritually for him, we certainly wanted to do that," said Aymond. He continued,"to take a stance that is unpopular with one's own party is indeed noble and faith-filled." Aymond also went on to say that Cao is "a lifetime Catholic who takes very seriously his faith and his personal relationship with Christ and the church."
For all my Republican Catholic friends who want Democratic Catholics to stand up with faith first over party; may I suggest that goes both ways. Cao has insisted, and Archbishop Aymond seems to be saying too that Cao put his faith and his understanding of Catholic social justice ahead of party. Of course the problem for Cao is he stood up to the Grand Old Party and that just won't get you a lot of Christian charity.
Sometimes it would do the politicos of the world who want to make sure the world knows their faith, that they brush up on Catholic teaching. Yes, the many pro-abort Democrats are always dead wrong. But when one guy defends life but supports the people of his district, disagree but don't fall into sin yourself!
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