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The Catholic bishops support gun control. Why don't we hear more about it?
https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/catholic-bishops-support-gun-control-why-dont-we-hear-more-about-it
In response to recent mass shootings, Pope Francis and the U.S. Catholic bishops have called for gun control measures that would save lives. This undoubtedly surprises some people who think that abortion is the only public policy concern of the church's hierarchy. Sadly, the media and the bishops themselves give too little attention to the larger "life" agenda.
While praying for the children killed and their families in Uvalde, the pope did not hesitate to say, "It is time to say enough to the indiscriminate trafficking of arms."
Francis has frequently denounced gun trafficking, including in his 2015 address to a joint session of Congress. "Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society?" he asked U.S. lawmakers. "Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood."
I think the answer is pretty obvious why we don't hear about it. The bishops would rather talk about abortion.
Non-Catholics/non-believers are more than welcome to comment so long as they observe the following rules:
"Welcome to the Catholic & Orthodox Group. This is a safe haven group where discussions about Catholicism and Orthodoxy take place in a forum free from gratuitous attacks or derision of religion and religious beliefs. There are other places for those who really like to do that. Our focus is on the beliefs and traditions of Catholicism and Orthodoxy. For the rest, welcome, and pax vobiscum. Peace be among you.
"Constructive criticism of the politics of the Catholic hierarchy is permitted, but no incendiary attacks on the Catholic and/or Orthodox faiths will be tolerated."
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The Catholic bishops support gun control. Why don't we hear more about it? (Original Post)
shrike3
Jun 2022
OP
Raven123
(6,154 posts)1. I agree with you
They dont talk about it, dont deny Communion over it, just put out a statement and return to the abortion issue. US Conference of Catholic Bishops as whole chose one issue as preeminent. This is the outcome.
sarisataka
(21,268 posts)2. My $.02
- abortion is the higher profile issue for the Church, so the bishops do push it more
- it is not unexpected that the Church would side with gun control so the media doesn't often mention it
- those who are opposed to the Church/Catholics don't want to give credit for anything good but instead deflect to the problems the Church has
shrike3
(5,370 posts)3. Thanks for another POV.
You make some good points. Food for thought.