Week in Review – Archbishop Cordileone Bars Nancy Pelosi from Holy Communion; STOPP International Gets a New Director
Archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone, announced in a letter last Friday that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is barred from receiving Holy Communion.
Pelosi, a self-proclaimed “devout” Catholic, has been a staunch and outspoken supporter of abortion violence, which is in direct violation of Catholic Church teaching on the value of human life.
Archbishop Cordileone stated that until Pelosi publicly repents of her support for the murder of preborn children, and makes a good confession, she is not to present herself for Communion. If she ignores his orders, the priest or ecumenical minister is not to give her Communion.
I am hereby notifying you that you are not to present yourself for Holy Communion and, should you do so, you are not to be admitted to Holy Communion, until such time as you publicly repudiate your advocacy for the legitimacy of abortion and confess and receive absolution of this grave sin in the sacrament of Penance.
Fox News notes that for decades Pelosi has been a proud supporter of the culture of death, quoting her comment from 2008 that “the point is, [the Church] shouldn’t have an impact on the woman’s right to choose.”
While it is indeed a bishop’s obligation to enforce Canon 915 on his flock, Archbishop Cordileone has received much criticism for his brave letter to Pelosi. Several bishops, however, are standing together in support as more than 12 Catholic bishops have publicly praised the good and faithful work of Archbishop Cordileone. Every Friday, ALL executive vice president Hugh Brown hosts a talk-radio show on the Radio Maria USA network. The show is a continuance of Jim Sedlak’s Pro-Life Activism from Creation to Death and can be heard live every Friday at noon (ET). Each show features an update on what is happening in the pro-life world and frequently guests will appear on the show to provide first-hand updates and experiences.
As we enter the very last days of May, the month of our Blessed Mother, some monumental things have developed for American Life League’s STOPP International program.
In early January, STOPP International founder and ALL executive director Jim Sedlak passed away suddenly. Jim left behind a legacy dedicated to stopping Planned Parenthood in every community. Since January, ALL has been dedicated to finding the right person with the same passion for life and our Blessed Mother that Jim carried with him.
It is our distinct privilege that, in the month of May, we announce Rita Diller as the interim director of STOPP International. Rita previously worked with Jim and STOPP but retired in 2015. She has since come out of retirement to carry on Jim’s legacy and place STOPP back on the map as Planned Parenthood’s number one enemy number.
ALL in the News – Washington Post Quotes American Life League on Canon 915, As Does Fox News
Following Archbishop Cordileone’s letter to Nancy Pelosi barring her from receiving Holy Communion, ALL released a statement praising the archbishop’s courage and calling on other bishops to do the same. The statement was featured in articles by the Washington Post, The Mercury News, and American Family News.
ALL was also quoted in a Fox News article condemning commentator Whoopie Goldberg for mocking the archbishop’s decision.
Dwain Currier, ALL’s director of public policy, was interviewed by Religion News Service on the landscape of the political battle against abortion. The article was picked up by The Roys Report and Christianity Today.
Once a week, ALL’s Celebrate Life Magazine posts an editor’s blog on its website. The content can range from helpful advice to deep dives into current events. This week’s blog discusses Archbishop Cordileone and Nancy Pelosi. The blog was featured as an exclusive by LifeSiteNews.
Every Friday, ALL executive vice president Hugh Brown hosts a talk-radio show on the Radio Maria USA network. The show is a continuance of Jim Sedlak’s Pro-Life Activism from Creation to Deathand can be heard live every Friday at noon (ET). Each show features an update on what is happening in the pro-life world and frequently guests will appear on the show to provide first-hand updates and experiences.
Twice a week, Judie’s commentaries are distributed to an expansive media list. The list contains over 100 media outlets, such as Fox News, The Federalist, Breitbart, and The Daily Caller, among others. Judie’s commentaries are each featured on the front page of ALL.org. Each commentary is also featured as a part of Judie’s recurring column on Renew America.
Video of the Week – Why This Evil?
In 2008 several Amish school children were killed by a gunman. A CBS News reporter asked Brian Rohrbaugh, whose son was murdered at the Columbine school shooting in 1999, for his thoughts on the state of the culture. His remarks are as true now as they were then, considering the evil perpetrated at a Texas elementary school this week.
Action Item of the Week – The National Men’s March to End Abortion and Rally for Personhood
Join the National Men’s March to End Abortion and Rally for Personhood on Saturday, June 11, 12-3 pm, in Tallahassee, FL.
There is a man connected to every abortion. Men are a big part of the problem, and it’s time for all men to take responsibility to be a big part of the solution. All men of goodwill are needed for the March and everyone else is needed for the Rally. This is truly a battle for the soul of our nation. We highly encourage fathers to march with sons, and entire families to join us at the Rally. Every life matters!
More information and updates are available at themensmarch.com or by texting MENSMARCH 22828.
Pro-life Social Media – US Bishops Go to Twitter to Show Support for Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone
Few bishops go on record as willing to enforce Canon 915. We now know, for a fact, that Archbishop Cordileone of the diocese of San Francisco is one of the willing. But he isn’t alone. After the archbishop announced on Twitter that Nancy Pelosi could no longer receive Communion in her home diocese of San Francisco, several other bishops retweeted and shared their appreciation for his necessary and charitable actions.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Archbishop Cordileone for loving Nancy Pelosi in the Truth of Jesus Christ! https://t.co/JVLofcg5IV
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) May 20, 2022
I support Archbishop Cordileone in his courageous pastoral outreach to a member of his flock. His actions are made as a shepherd with the heart of Christ. https://t.co/mRGCtE2ZN3
— James D Conley (@bishop_conley) May 20, 2022
I applaud the courage of Archbishop Cordileone and his leadership in taking this difficult step. Let us continue to pray for Abp. Cordileone, priests of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Speaker Pelosi, for the protection of the unborn, and for the conversion of hearts and minds. https://t.co/Nw4jH25sHy
— Archbishop Paul S. Coakley (@ArchbishopOKC) May 20, 2022
(1/4) I wish to express my strong support for Archbishop Cordileone’s decision stating he has publicly declared that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi not be admitted to Holy Communion. https://t.co/OmdlDhJHKZ
— Bishop David Ricken (@BpDavidRicken) May 21, 2022
I fully support and earnestly commend Archbishop Cordileone’s action in regard to Speaker Pelosi. All politicians who promote abortion should not receive holy Communion until they have repented, repaired scandal, and been reconciled to Christ and the Church. https://t.co/TTncsZWVu2
— Bishop Paprocki (@BishopPaprocki) May 20, 2022
Please join me in praying for @ArchCordileone for his protection during these times as he shepherds all of his flock with perseverance and fortitude. Please pray for the ongoing conversion of @SpeakerPelosi and for others who place themselves at odds with the Gospel of Life. https://t.co/8Q7C96t506
— Bishop Michael Olson (@BpOlsonFW) May 21, 2022
Bishop Hying's statement regarding Archbishop Cordileone's recognition of Speaker Pelosi choice to separate herself from full communion with the Catholic Church… https://t.co/ffmpvpF5iX
— Diocese of Madison (@MadisonDiocese) May 20, 2022
I support and commend my brother bishop, Archbishop Cordileone, for making this courageous, compassionate, and necessary decision. Read my full statement:https://t.co/lrPvvRjBbP https://t.co/jOOIZafbRr
— Archbishop Aquila (@ArchbishopDen) May 20, 2022
I fully support Archbishop Cordileone. No bishop enjoys making these decisions but we are all bound to teach the truth with love, compassion and without compromise.
— Bishop Thomas Daly (@Bishop_Daly) May 21, 2022
