The battle for life is escalating quickly under the new Obama administration, and a strong pro-life thrust must occur, and soon.   Since the election, many individual Catholic bishops have come out with some very strong words about the lack of respect for pre-born life shown by the Obama government. 

      Bishop Robert Vasa of Baker, Oregon, has stated unequivocally that those who back abortion but say they love God, are liars! (catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=14836).  Regarding the anti-life agenda of the Obama administration, Detroit's incoming Archbishop Allen Vigneron recently affirmed that "We are going to have to represent our opposition as forcefully as we can . . . " (www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jan/09012202.html).

     Addressing the Vigil Mass for the March for Life, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia asked: "Are we prepared to say yes to His will without counting the cost?" (www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jan/09012201.html).

       But individual bishops cannot be expected to take on the burden of this fight separately, they must act in concert. Most if not all of our bishops are fully cognizant that FOCA is gravely evil, since it will prevent and outlaw any attempts to mitigate the heinous abortion holocaust. Abortion is the ultimate "hate crime," and FOCA would permanently codify it.

     Therefore the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) should unite and as a body announce their intention to take definitive action to publicly rebuke and censure - by name - any and all Catholic Senators and Representatives that vote for approval of FOCA.   Such a rebuke might be extended to include refusal of Holy Communion, and even to Excommunication. 

     There have been some reports that FOCA might not be immediately addressed by Congress because of lack of enough votes for its approval.   This may be just a smokescreen, and we should not let our guard down.   Further, even if FOCA is defeated on the floor, Catholics who voted for it should still be held to account. 

     This link lists the pro-life offices for each diocese in the country. www.usccb.org/prolife/getinvolved.shtml#RI.  Clicking on the name of the diocese should bring up its pro-life page and contact information.  This is the email address for the pro-life office of the USCCB: prolife@usccb.org. 

     Certainly we are all being called to pray, but prayer should be joined to action, when action is possible.

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Related link: www.frankrega.com/Christmas.htm  Why they fear Christmas.