The church is trying to enter politics………THIS is a secular soc , by the constitution.

I have cancelled a 50 yr membership in the Kof C……………because you wnat t get into our politics…………….POPE GUYS WE WON AND YOU CAN GO **** YOUR SELVES>

With respect to hate speech, I would agree with you that all speech is constitutionally protected, but there are myriad ways state, federal, and local governments can limit and restrict dissenting speech. The obvious option being explored right now is the question of tax exemption. Personally, I am of the mind that the Church has been around longer than the tax code, so it doesn’t worry me. Some pastors and bishops, however, might feel intimidated by the prospect.

Now to your question about non-Catholics voting for a candidate who follows Church teaching. First of all, Catholic moral teaching adheres to very strict principles of Natural Law, which have little to do with Catholic doctrines. In fact, this is why there are pro-life, pro-marriage Baptists, Methodists, Muslims, and Atheists.

Secondly, on a political theory front, the notion of direct representation, that is, the representative, Senator, Governor, President, must act based upon “the will of his constituents” is absurd. Specific individuals are chosen for their qualifications and abilities to make judgments. We rely on these men and women to provide leadership and sometimes make tough decisions. Otherwise, we could dispense with the Congress complete and run our country like American Idol.

But the big thing they are forgetting is that there becomes a real question in the mind of the non-Catholic as to whether it is right to vote for any Catholic who would follow the teachings of his Church rather than the will of his constituents.