Show-Stopper: Cardinal Egan Speaks Truth to Pelosi

When Archbishop Chaput issued his strong statement against Pelosi, many were quick to hope that he would eventually replace Cardinal Egan as Archbishop of New York.

Reading this statement, however, I think Cardinal Egan is doing just fine when it comes to publicly responding to heresy. Judge for yourself (underlining mine):

STATEMENT OF HIS EMINENCE, EDWARD CARDINAL EGAN CONCERNING REMARKS MADE BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Like many other citizens of this nation, I was shocked to learn that the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would make the kind of statements that were made to Mr. Tom Brokaw of NBC-TV on Sunday, August 24, 2008. What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age.

We are blessed in the 21st century with crystal-clear photographs and action films of the living realities within their pregnant mothers. No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb. In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons. They are not parts of their mothers, and what they are depends not at all upon the opinions of theologians of any faith. Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being “chooses” to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.

A simply incredible statement.

I am reminded of the courageous words Cardinal Egan spoke to (republican) Rudolph Guiliani in April. When I covered that story, I commented:

The first public fruits of the pope's visit to America might well be giving the pastors of the Church the courage they needed to call out the wolves who have been attempting to masquerade as sheep in the American fold.

Today I'm happy to have my supposition - and prayer - confirmed again in a new setting.

Someone pinch me.

update: Reader Thomas helpfully opines:

Nancy Pelosi may turn out to be a useful idiot.

Her incredible statements have forced the issue to a point where all her ilk may be forced to at least rise to the level of basic honesty and say they are out of communion with the Church they professed to be members of.

I can't agree more.

update 2: Rush Limbaugh has apparently quoted Egan's statement on his radio show today.