Cardinals Statement draws sharp criticism from Australian Prime Minister

Canberra: The archbishop of Sidney said recently that it is inappropriate for catholic MP's to call themselves 'as catholic as the pope', while at the same time going against the teachings of the Catholic Church in sensible questions of morality. This statement earned the Cardinal sharp criticism from the Australian Prime Minister.

"Every catholic politician takes his responsibility as MP and his faith very serious" said Prime Minister Kristina Keneally, and added that many had MP's had to fight really hard when it comes to dealing with questions of morality. The statements of Cardinal George Pell would make her feel 'quite sad' said the Prime Minister and added that such statements could possibly lead to a split within the fraction of catholic MP's when it comes to questions regarding Same Sex Marriage, Adoptions Rights for Same Sex Couples and Assisted Suicide. She added further that such statements my the Cardinal might felt to be 'damning and threatening' by many. By her own account she won't let teachings of the Catholic Church influence important decisions and cited the 'question of Abortions' as prime example.

Many other politicians criticized the statement of the Cardinal sharply. Tony Stewart called Pell's statement "bizarre and right out of the 1950's: The attempt of the Cardinal to have Members of Parliament to vote according to teachings of the Catholic Church never ever had any benefits for parliamentary democracy."

Source: GayWien.at