Responding to inquiries from Sen. Patrick O'Malley, Patricia Pitkus Bainbridge, M.A., of the Rockford Diocese Respect Life Office provided the following policy, which was developed this week.

"In the Diocese of Rockford permission to speak at or use diocesan, parish, or institutional property shall not be granted to individuals who hold any view that is contrary to the Catholic Magisterium's moral teaching and practice."

Ms. Bainbridge went on to say, "My hope is that all other Dioceses in the state will also adopt the same or similar statement and in my position as Chairman of the Department for Life/Catholic Conference of Illinois, I will continue to encourage this action."

In an email to Catholic Citizens, Ms. Bainbridge thanked Senator O'Malley for his repeated efforts to have such a policy adopted. In October, Senator O'Malley participated in a protest outside Saint Xavier University during a lecture by pro-abortion former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who had been invited to the University to address the Catholic community regarding his "moral compass." (See "Sisters of Mercy at Saint Xavier University Theologically Mangle "Ex Corde Ecclesiae" To Justify Invitation to Pro-Abort IL Gov. Jim Edgar")

In a letter to Ms. Bainbridge, widely respected as a leader in the Catholic pro-life movement in Illinois, O'Malley said, "As someone who has served in the Illinois General Assembly for 10 years, my experience confirms that the adoption of policies as would enforce such an exclusion will profoundly change the debate on abortion in Illinois."

Senator O'Malley went on to suggest that one way to pro-life policies for Catholic politicians effective would be to create a list of those Catholic candidates who accept the fullness of Catholic teaching on sexual morality and the value of life. "The only way to be eligible (for such a list)," suggested Senator O'Malley, "would be to vote pro-life and/or repent."

"In Cook County alone, I believe the number of politicians who would change their position on the issue of abortion and/or be removed from office (by voters) would be enough to profoundly change the laws in Illinois," said Senator O'Malley. "Think what could happen if this is done statewide."

In Chicago this year, several high profile pro-abortion activists have been given access to Catholic institutions. In February, Rev. Al Sharpton was invited by Rev. Michael Pfleger to preach during Mass at St. Sabina's, where Sharpton gave a highly charged political speech condemning President Bush, and admitting he was pro-abortion. (See "Pro-Abort Rev. Al Sharpton Uses Pulpit at St. Sabina's to Blast President Bush As Pro-Life Catholics Picket Outside".)

State Comptroller Dan Hynes drew protestors to a downtown fundraiser which claimed the faculty and staff of St. Ignatius High School as active members of the Hynes for Senate campaign. Hynes was later forced to apologize for showing the school's faculty as co-sponsors and donors to his fund raiser without their consent. (See "Pro Abortion Catholic Dan Hynes Campaign Apologizes as Multiple Ethical Lapses Become Public".)

Throughout the United States, many Catholic Bishops continue to allow pro-abortion Catholics to flaunt their defiance of Church teachings without fear of retribution. Many in the Church hierarchy clearly are concerned that if they alienate pro-abort politicians who support their 'social justice' agenda, it will result in abandonment or even revenge by these politicians.

Considering our rapidly devolving pagan society, and a Federal Court system that no longer hides its overt hostility to Christian moral truth, it is encouraging to see the Rockford Diocese firing back as the cultural revolution expands. Catholic Citizens of Illinois hopes that other bishops in Illinois are willing and able to take the same courageous approach.