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Scots support reduced abortion time limits and statutory waiting period
| Posted on May 24, 2017 at 5:29 AM |
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 A new poll out today (Sunday 21 May) shows that most people
(60%) would like to see time limits for abortions reduced, among women the
figure is 70%. ComRes interviewed 2,008 British adults online between 12th and
14th May 2017. Data was weighted to be representative of all GB adults. 61% of Scottish respondents opposed any moves towards making
it mandatory for doctors to have to participate in abortion procedures against
their will, while 51% oppose moves to compel pharmacists to prescribe a pill
against their will, if they believe that pill will end the life of an unborn
child. The poll also showed overwhelming support (76%) for the
proposal that doctors, should “verify in person that a patient seeking an
abortion is not under pressure from a third party to undergo the abortion”. 65%
oppose tax-payer money being spent on abortions overseas, while 82% of Scots
believe, the law should require a waiting period of five days between an
initial consultation with a doctor and an abortion taking place, in order to
ensure that the mother has had enough time to consider all of the options
available to her. Responding to the findings, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia,
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said; “This weekend (20/21 May) in parishes across Scotland a
letter from the Catholic Bishops will be read at all Masses, urging voters to
engage with our democracy and to remember that human life at every stage of
development is precious and must be protected. As we remind our politicians
that abortion is always morally unacceptable, it is heartening to see that a
majority of our fellow citizens do not support the current abortion laws.” Archbishop Tartaglia added: “I welcome the fact that not only is there no demand for
time limits to be raised but 70% of women would like to see them reduced, that
82% of Scots would like to see a statutory waiting period introduced after a
consultation and before an abortion takes place and that over half of Scottish
respondents do not believe that doctors (61%) or pharmacists (51%) should be
compelled to participate in abortion procedures.” “These findings are both sobering and heartening, they
undermine the shrill calls of the so-called pro-choice movement that abortion
laws should be loosened. They send a powerful message to Scotland’s politicians
at a time when the Scottish Parliament has been given control over this
legislation and they remind us that the pro-life cause is alive and well in our
country.” The poll results have been released to coincide with the
launch of the “Where Do They Stand” website. The site will allow voters, to find
out where your local candidates stand on life issues - abortion, assisted
suicide and embryo research - by visiting www.wheredotheystand.org.uk Headline results • Only 1% want the abortion time limit raised to birth • 70% of women would like the current time limit for
abortion to be lowered. • 59% of women would like the abortion time limit lowered to
16 weeks or lower. • 65% oppose UK taxpayer money being spent on abortions
overseas. • 93% of women want independent abortion counselling
introduced. • 91% of women want a sex-selective abortion ban. • 79% of general population want a five-day consideration
period before abortion. • 84% of women want improved pregnancy support for women in
crisis. • 76% of population want introduction of doctors verifying
women not coerced. • 70% of parents want introduction of parental consent for
girls 15 and under to get abortions. Results by question Parental or guardian consent should be required for girls
aged 15 or under to undergo an abortion • 65% general population agree (21% disagree) (“just under
⅔”) • 70% of parents with children 18 or under in household
agree (16% disagree) • 73% Conservative voters agree (16% disagree) Doctors should be required by new legislation to verify in
person that a patient seeking an abortion is not under pressure from a third
party to undergo the abortion • 76% general population agree (11% disagree) • 77% females agree (11% disagree) • 77% 18-24 age agree (12% disagree) • 81% Conservative voters agree (10% disagree) In Great Britain the upper time limit for abortion is 24
weeks or approximately six months' gestation. By comparison, in most other EU
countries the limit for most abortions is 12 weeks or lower. In light of this
difference what do you think the time limit should be in Britain? • General population o 1% - It should be extended to birth o 1% - It should be extended above 24 weeks o 20% - It should remain at 24 weeks o 10% - It should be reduced to 20 weeks o 17% - It should be reduced to 16 weeks o 21% - It should be reduced to 12 weeks (biggest group) o 12% - It should be reduced to below 12 weeks • Females o 1% - It should be extended to birth o 1% - It should be extended above 24 weeks o 17% - It should remain at 24 weeks o 11% - It should be reduced to 20 weeks o 18% - It should be reduced to 16 weeks o 24% - It should be reduced to 12 weeks (biggest group) o 17% - It should be reduced to below 12 weeks • Political o It should be extended to birth §
Below 1% - Labour o It should be reduced to 20 weeks or lower § 60%
- Conservatives § 60%
- Labour § 65%
- Liberal Democrats • Parents with children 18 or under in household agree o 69% - It should be reduced to 20 weeks or lower Where a doctor believes abortion to be the intentional
killing of a human being, would you support or oppose the Government making it
mandatory for doctors to have to participate in abortion procedures against
their will, if they want to remain in their profession? • 56% general population oppose (22% don’t know, 22%
support) “only 1/5 of the population support” • 61% Scottish oppose (23% don’t know, 15% support) • 66% of Liberal Democrat voters oppose (19% don’t know, 16%
disagree) In your opinion, would you support or oppose requiring a
pharmacist to prescribe a pill against their will, if they believe that pill
will end the life of an unborn child? • 45% oppose (23% don’t know, 32% support) • 51% Scottish oppose (22% don’t know, 27% support) Over the past five years, abortion provider Marie Stopes
International have been given more than £160 million of taxpayer money to spend
overseas, some of which has been used directly to fund abortions. Do you
support or oppose tax-payer money going to fund abortions overseas? • General population o 65% oppose tax-payer money being spent on abortions
overseas (20% support) § 46%
oppose and feel this money would be better spent back in the UK on other
Government priorities § 19%
oppose and feel this money should be instead spent on other areas of need in
developing countries such as basic health care and education • Political o 79% Conservatives oppose tax-payer money being spent on
abortions overseas In the Netherlands, the law requires a waiting period of
five days between an initial consultation with a doctor and an abortion taking
place, in order to ensure that the mother has had enough time to consider all
of the options available to her. To what extent, if at all, do you agree or
disagree that in this respect British law should be brought into line with the
Netherlands? • 79% general population agree (12% disagree) • 82% Scottish agree (8% disagree) A woman considering abortion should have a legal right to
independent counselling from a source that has no financial interest in her
decision. • 89% general population agree (4% disagree) • 93% women agree (2% disagree) Women who want to continue with their pregnancies, but are
under financial pressure to have an abortion, should be given more support to
help them through their crisis • 79% general population agree (10% disagree) • 84% women agree (7% disagree) • Younger cohorts have highest support o 18-24 - 84% o 35-44 - 83% o 45-54 - 81% o 55-64 - 74% o 65+ - 76% • 86% of parents with children 18 or under in household
agree (7% disagree) • 90% of Labour supporters agree (4% disagree) Aborting babies because of their gender should be explicitly
banned by the law • 89% general population agree (5% disagree) • 91% females agree (4% disagree) • 93% Scottish agree (4% disagree) ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides
by its rules. This text was taken from the Catholic Parliamentary Office Facebook page. |
Catholic Bishops call for faithful to reflect on beauth and goodness of Church teaching ahead of General Election
| Posted on May 15, 2017 at 10:20 AM |
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 In a pastoral letter which will be read at all 500
Catholic churches in Scotland this weekend (20/21 May) Scotland's Catholic
Bishops, will urge parishioners to participate in the 2017 General Election and
to be informed by the teachings of the Church. The detailed statement will invite Catholic voters to consider a number of key issues ahead of casting their vote at the election on June 8th. Commenting on the letter, the Director of the Catholic
Parliamentary Office, Anthony Horan said; “This General election provides an
opportunity for Catholics to take their beliefs into the polling station and
elect members of parliament who share their concerns.” The full text of the letter is as follows: This General Election presents us with an opportunity to
reflect on Catholic social teaching. As Christians, we have a civic and moral
duty to engage with our democracy. As Catholics, we believe that the primary
goal of society should be the common good; that is the good of all people and
of the whole person. Indeed, the common good is the very reason political
authority exists. This election provides an opportunity to reflect on the
beauty and goodness of Church teaching and to keep that teaching at the forefront
of our minds as we engage with candidates across all parties. During elections,
a range of issues compete for your attention; we highlight some of them here in
the hope that you will reflect on them and raise them with your candidates. Human Life Human life at every stage of development is precious and
must be protected. Any laws which permit
the wilful ending of life must always be rejected as reprehensible and unjust.
We must create a culture of life where the most vulnerable are valued and their
dignity respected. The undeniable value of human life, created in the image and
likeness of God, is fundamental to the Catholic faith. We should remind our
politicians that abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia are always morally
unacceptable. Marriage and the Family Society relies on the building block of the family to
exist. The love of man and woman in marriage and their openness to new life is
the very basic cell upon which society is built. The wellbeing of society
depends on the flourishing and health of family life and those in authority
should respond to this with policies that create economic and other advantages
for families with children. Poverty Sadly, poverty continues to be a scourge for many at home
and abroad. Too many people still struggle to make ends meet. This sad reality
cannot and should not endure in our country in the twenty-first century. Our
concerns should also extend to providing international assistance, while
ensuring that aid is not used to support immoral practices such as those which
compromise the basic right to life. Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Immigration The United
Kingdom should be a place where the most vulnerable are welcomed and given the
resources necessary to rebuild their lives. At the same time, we should provide
for those people living in and around conflict zones, and commit to working
towards the peaceful resolution of conflict. Living in Europe There are millions of EU citizens living in the UK and
millions of UK citizens living across the EU.
Mindful of the uncertainty affecting them, candidates should commit to
working towards delivering stability and security for them in future. Our politicians should forge and renew
international partnerships and establish rights for those who wish to work in
the UK, in a spirit of cooperation and friendship. Freedom of Religion and Conscience Millions of people worldwide are persecuted for their
beliefs. People of faith, including Christians, should be able to freely
practise their faith and bear witness to it in their lives, without fear of
prejudice, intolerance, abuse or violence. Candidates should be committed to
the right of people not to be forced to act against their conscience. Nuclear Weapons and the Arms Trade The use of any weapon that causes more than individual
and proportionate harm to civilians is immoral and, thus, rejected by the
Church. The use of weapons of mass destruction is a serious crime against God
and against humanity. While states are entitled to possess the means required
for legitimate defence, this must not become an excuse for an excessive
accumulation of weaponry which becomes a considerable threat to stability and
freedom. Respectful Politics Often, politicians are tempted to score points or resort
to insults. We need politicians who are willing to change this and to take
politics in a new direction, where dialogue is respectful, and where different
points of view, including those of a religious nature, are tolerated. As we cast our votes this election, let us bear in mind
the words of Pope Francis when he said, “The greatness of any nation is
revealed in its effective care of society’s most vulnerable members.” Our
nation, our Parliament, and our Government will be judged on how it treats its
poorest and most vulnerable citizens. Yours devotedly in Christ, Philip Tartaglia, President, Archbishop of Glasgow Leo
Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh Joseph Toal,
Vice-President, Bishop of Motherwell Hugh Gilbert, Episcopal Secretary,
Bishop of Aberdeen Stephen Robson, Bishop of Dunkeld John Keenan,
Bishop of Paisley William Nolan, Bishop of Galloway Brian McGee,
Bishop of Argyll and the Isles |
With Christianity dying out in Europe we need the family more than ever
| Posted on April 6, 2017 at 4:44 AM |
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 The prophetic words of John Paul IIIt's a real wake up call. Jesus is losing his influence in Europe. Christianity is dying out. We've known for some time now that Christianity is on the decline in Europe, but recent data released by the Pew Research Center reveals just how stark that decline is. Indeed, it is the only decline in any religion in any part of the world between 2010 and 2015. But for Christianity's decline in Europe, every religion across all continents witnessed an increase in numbers, including Christianity itself, which is growing rapidly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Islam is also growing rapidly in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as Asia Pacific. But it is in Europe where the real story lies. An astonishing drop of 5.6 million Christian births to deaths has seen the religion plummet across the continent. There are many reasons for this, not least a much greater prevalence of lukewarm Christianity and an increasingly secular culture. Across the world Islam will continue to grow in greater numbers than Christianity, with a fertility rate of 2.9 compared to 2.6 for Christians. Islam also has the youngest median age in terms of adherents to the faith, at just 24. Hindus are at 27 with Christians at 30. We have known for some time that Islam would eventually catch up with Christianity in terms of numbers, and within twenty years births to women of Islamic faith will outnumber Christian births. But it is in Europe where there must be deep concern for Christians. Why is the faith struggling so much in that continent? For European Christians there is undoubtedly a crisis when it comes to the family. Europe's secular influence, with its liberal laws around contraception, abortion and marriage, has chipped away at the hearts and minds of the faithful, giving them an excuse to focus on the self and to set aside the call of Christ to first and foremost love God and neighbour. Families now come in all different shapes and sizes; their constitution often based on the ideological whim of selfish individuals. The idea that a young man and a young woman can look lovingly into one another's eyes, establish a firm and beautiful friendship that leads to the great sacrament of marriage and the bearing of fruit through the birth of new life is dumbed down by the culture of want. And we have all bought into it. It is a sad reflection on our lack of faith. As Pope John Paul II said, "As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live." We Christians have let down the family, and Europe is the nation Pope John Paul refers to. It is going and if we don't reclaim it the world will eventually go with it. Europe, to coin a famous song, is most definitely losing its religion and losing Christ. If it is to recover, radical change in attitude is required. Starting with the family. |
Cadbury, don't let the bullies win
| Posted on April 4, 2017 at 10:07 AM |
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 So chocolate maker Cadbury and the National Trust have decided to drop the word 'Easter' from their annual egg hunt events across the UK. Is this a disgrace? Is it absurd? Or is it quite simply "absolutely ridiculous" as Theresa May put it. I guess companies like Cadbury can do what they want when it comes to their own events and the marketing of their own products which, Cadbury claim, will continue to bear the word 'Easter' on packaging. I personally think the whole thing is just a little disappointing but not in the least bit surprising. It's disappointing that tradition has been kicked into touch in favour of what I suspect Cadbury see as a more 'inclusive' approach. I mean, who on earth is going to refuse to attend an event simply because the title bears the word 'Easter'? And, if they did, would their hyper sensitive presence be missed? It's also disappointing, but not altogether surprising, that the real meaning of events like Easter has been lost in our increasingly secular culture of relativism. Is it any wonder terms like 'Easter' are being gradually removed in a world that has no interest in objective reality and truth? We are infinitely obsessed with ourselves and what effect certain things may have on us without any consideration whatsoever for others, or for the common good. A simple, harmless word is suddenly and no less conveniently turned into a term of intolerant discriminatory speak. For the poor sensitive souls who do not align with its meaning, they simply cannot bear the horror it brings. The only logical solution, it seems, is to kill it (oh how this resonates with the real Easter message). It is, of course, complete nonsense that people can somehow be hurt or offended by the word 'Easter'. But this is the culture that has been created by those who desire no religion in their lives nor indeed the lives of anyone else for that matter. Their goal is an authoritarian regime where religion is no more, and they are carefully taking very small steps towards that goal. Perhaps Cadbury and the National Trust will see sense and not let the bullies win in this rather sorry pointless debacle. But, in the meantime, lest us rest easy in the comfort of the reality of Easter and the salvation it brings. |
Peaceful and prayerful: 40 Days for Life returns to Scotland this Lent
| Posted on February 7, 2017 at 6:40 AM |
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 During the season of Lent, a number of people will gather
outside four hospitals in Scotland in quiet, prayerful vigil to stand up for the inherent
dignity and value of human life. The 40 Days for Life vigils
will be held outside the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in
Glasgow, the Royal Infirmaries in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and Ninewells in
Dundee. It is peaceful, it is calm, and there is certainly no aggression or
scare tactics adopted, despite what the mainstream media try to portray. For those who claim that the 40 Days for Life event is
anything but peaceful and prayerful, I urge them to attend the event and to see
for themselves precisely the manner in which this so called ‘protest’ is
undertaken by those involved. There is no desire to harass anyone, and there is
certainly no desire to be abusive. It is better to witness first hand the
reality of the situation, rather than buy the lies of those who would prefer
that this vigil was something that it clearly isn’t. There will, of course, be times when someone has recently
undergone an abortion or suffered a miscarriage and, in coming across the vigil,
they experience distress and upset. I don’t think anyone attending the event
would feel anything but sympathy and compassion for those in such a situation.
The pro-life movement would not be in keeping with its belief that all human
life is precious if it did not feel for those who suffer and did not offer them support and consolation. The question is then whether
or not, given these instances of distress, the vigil is appropriate. We can put
forward a number of arguments for and against, and this will tend to be guided
by which side of the abortion debate we sit on. But the reality is this…science
is almost entirely settled on the fact that a distinct new human being with
their own DNA comes into existence from the moment of conception. This human
being is alive and is growing. The baby's
brain, spinal cord, heart and other organs begin to form a mere 2/3 weeks
following conception. This is why people participate in the 40 Days for
Life vigils. They genuinely do not think that it is acceptable for the state to
allow for the untimely death of an innocent, defenceless human being at its
most vulnerable stage in life. These vigils are peaceful and the only desire of participants
is to see that all human life is given a chance. A chance to be someone: to see
their very first sun rise; to feel the first snowflake on their hand; to
experience the nervous excitement of that first day in school; to get behind
the wheel of their first car; to find the love of their life; to perhaps even
have children of their own. They may even be lucky enough to grow old and enjoy
the perfect smiles of their grandchildren at Christmas time. This is life and
this is what we seek to protect.  Because the state supports the killing of unwanted children
in the womb, 8.7 million human beings in the UK never got the chance to
experience these simple, yet poignant moments in life. No matter how much we
try to deny or distance ourselves from that reality, we can never hide from the
truth that abortion extinguishes the life of a beautiful, precious little human
being who simply wants to be loved. The 40 Days for Life is a worldwide movement and it will take
place at the four Scottish hospitals throughout Lent from 1 March
until 9 April. There will also be official opening and closing events,
including one in George Square, Glasgow on 25 February. Click here
for full details. |
Vocations Magazine Launched in Scotland
| Posted on January 31, 2017 at 11:22 AM |
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 Is God calling you?Catholic Parishes throughout Scotland will be receiving
copies of a new magazine this week, aimed at encouraging young men to consider
the Priesthood. A total of 15,000 copies of the magazine which focuses on young men who
are currently studying for the Priesthood at the Scots College in Rome, will be
available in all parishes by next weekend 4/5th February 2017. The A4 publication titled ‘Priests for Scotland’ will be
distributed free to all of Scotland’s 500 parishes. Commenting on the launch,
Bishop John Keenan, the President of the Church’s national Vocations Agency,
‘Priests for Scotland’ said: “As I go round our parishes, schools and youth events I
see, every day, young or single men who’d make ideal priests and I’m sure God
is calling many of them to be priests for Scotland. But they won’t come forward unless they hear
God’s call. Today God calls them through modern media so I want everyone to
take a copy of Priests for Scotland and put it in the hands of a man you think
might be being called. You just might
have found Scotland a new priest and God won’t forget it!” Father John Morrison, Assistant Director of Priests for
Scotland, said “We wanted to let people know that there are still men who are
being drawn to the Priesthood. We wanted to communicate some of the joy and
happiness they have felt in responding positively to that call.” The free
magazine will be available at parishes throughout Scotland. Priests for Scotland website: http://priestsforscotland.org.uk/  (text from the Scottish Catholic Media Office) |
Vice President Mike Pence tells pro-life campaigners that 'life is winning' in America
| Posted on January 27, 2017 at 3:44 PM |
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 Mike Pence at March for LifeToday Vice President Mike Pence spoke to hundreds of thousands of pro-life advocates gathered for the annual March for Life on the National Mall. He is the first Vice President to address the March in person. Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway also spoke at today’s March. Vice President Pence’s remarks reflected his deep roots in the pro-life movement and the Trump-Pence Administration’s commitments to the right to life cause:
Kellyanne Conway said:
Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser, onsite at the March for Life, offered the following comment in response:
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Church commits to anti-bullying efforts
| Posted on January 27, 2017 at 3:32 PM |
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The Catholic Church in Scotland has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling all forms of bullying in its schools. However, this article by The Times fails to cover the Church's clear message that Catholic Schools will never compromise Catholic teaching. You can access the article here: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/scotland/lgbti-pupils-to-have-safe-spaces-at-catholic-schools-9kwz5869r |
Looking anew at the Nativity scene (Dwelling on the Word of God, Sunday 8th January 2016)
| Posted on January 7, 2017 at 3:37 PM |
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 After Jesus had been
born at Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King Heron, some wise men came
to Jerusalem from the east. “Where is the infant king of the Jews?” they asked.
“We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.” Today's Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12): In contrast to the wise men in today’s Gospel, we live in a
world of instant access to news. Through
television and the internet, we have access to the most up-to-date news of all
genres 24 hours a day. Indeed we are
bombarded by news from across the world and it is difficult to disconnect from
this stream even with concerted efforts.
The wise men were likely men of contemplation. Before setting out on a
long and arduous journey, carrying with them precious belongings, they would
have spent much time noticing and pondering the meaning of the star rising in
the west. They likely discussed this at
length between them, having their own doubts and misgivings about their
quest. How puzzled would they have been
to find their journey’s end, not in a palace, but in a stable – had they got
this right? And there, in the silence of the night, their efforts and faith
were rewarded as they saw the wondrous sight.
They saw that which prophets had long foretold and nations sighed for. The Lord at his birth. What would we be willing to do or sacrifice to
see this sight? To us, Jesus’ birth may
seem like “old news”. Repeated
re-enactments and a multitude of nativity images can numb us to the awe we
should rightly feel when contemplating this scene. We face different challenges from the magi in
our time. Theirs was a time of quiet and contemplation, of expectation and
hope. They saw this wondrous sight for
the first time, having no idea what they would see. Our is a time of noise, instant gratification
and cynicism. We have ‘seen it all before’.
Plus Christmas is really over now isn’t it? It’s time to move on to a
new year! But like the wise men we are asked in the readings today to search in
the silence for signs of our Saviour’s coming and to remain open minded about
where and when we might encounter Jesus.
Taking the promptings of our innermost soul and no little share of
faith, Jesus will guide us through uncertainty and darkness, to behold His face
in all its glory. It is worth spending
time contemplating what the wise men saw and asking God to give us the grace to
see this scene anew, so that we can honour and praise him with all our hearts as
they did. |
Pope's message for 50th World Day of Peace
| Posted on December 13, 2016 at 8:22 AM |
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 Picture: zenit.orgPope Francis asks "God to help all of us to cultivate nonviolence in our most personal thoughts and values." Read the entire message here: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-message-for-50th-world-day-of-peace/ |
