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The Forum > General Discussion > Abbott - Is there a conflict of interest

Abbott - Is there a conflict of interest

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Comments by the Pope on a Latin American visit regarding politicians and abortion leave me wondering if the conflict of interest for the Federal Health minister as a practicing Catholic has passed the point where he can legitimately keep that portfolio.

http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=51031

An earlier letter expressing the popes views included the text
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2530790.ece
"There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war or applying the death penalty but not however with regard to abortion or euthanasia," he wrote. "Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person's formal co-operation [with the sin] becomes manifest" - in other words, when a Catholic politician actively campaigns in favour of these "grave sins" - "he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin".

The material I've seen seems to refer to politicians who vote in favour of abortion or actively campaign for it - something Tony Abbot is unlikey to do but as health minister the Popes statements would seem to place our health minister in a compromised position.

R0bert
Posted by R0bert, Friday, 11 May 2007 11:31:20 AM
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Well, not necessary R0bert. The Health Ministers duties are to manage the sector and apply the governments policies. He doesnt have to agree with the policies. As you suggest, if he were to actively campaign in favour of abortion, he would have a compromise. But he doesnt have to if thats the position of the party in general - he can leave it to others to do the campaigning, and just be stuck with enforcing the party's policy on the matter. If he were to go against party policy, he'd be kicked out quickly enough.
Posted by Country Gal, Friday, 11 May 2007 12:58:54 PM
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Country Gal, that gets a lot trickier where his powers give him discression. As minister he is heavily involved in funding decisions and decisions about ancillary services (counselling etc). It probably comes down to how he interprets the popes comments - I suspect that catholic politicians may feel an obligigation to do everything within their power to hinder access to abortion.

R0bert
Posted by R0bert, Friday, 11 May 2007 1:05:17 PM
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Nice find. Faith is for many Christians and Catholics (or most), an ornament worn on the lapel or shirt sleeve. Divorce, abortion, contraception, gay believers and and female priests, are all normal aspects of their lives. Jesus Christ will be rolling in his 'grave' at every mass
Posted by Steel, Friday, 11 May 2007 3:40:01 PM
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RObert, this is a very interesting topic, thank you.

“The man who should have been the Pope” (in my opinion anyway) is the Italian cardinal Carlo Maria Martini.
An article about him:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4459805.stm
“Cardinal Martini has certainly had a high profile, and has not been afraid to suggest that it is time for changes in the way the Church is run.”
“Cardinal Martini says the Church must face up to the problems of modern life, including such issues as sexuality, divorce, the celibacy of the priesthood, and the role of women in the Church.”

Back to reality- we’re stuck with a conservative, traditional pope.
If the medieval demands of this Pope are becoming a danger to democracy, and if his organisation keeps intervening in politics, perhaps they should be subject to excommunication from our laws.
How would he like to receive a threat like that?

I think that non-liberal Catholic religion and politics can mix ony to a certain extend.
When it comes to Human Rights issues, in particular procreation including abortion, their opinion automatically will become equal to their religion’s stand.

Most strict religious people, especially those who uphold the traditional and conservative views of that religion, will identify with that religion. Their personality cannot be loose from their religious believes.
They cannot possibly make choices where life issues are concerned.
Posted by Celivia, Friday, 11 May 2007 4:11:46 PM
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Yes you are right and by the framers of the constitution they made it quite clear that church and state where to be seperate.

As for those reasons you have spoken.
If they want to be religious thats what they have churches for.

It all a constitutional thing.

www.tapp.org.au
Posted by tapp, Friday, 11 May 2007 4:19:54 PM
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