Nov 12, 2008 8:05 pm US/Eastern
Catholic Church Loading Up For War With Obama
Aborton, Specifically Late-Term Abortion, Is A Major Sticking Point Between The Church And President-Elect
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Barack Obama, seen here on Jan. 5, 2007, before being elected president, approaches the media after a meeting with President Bush at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Mannie Garcia/AFP/Getty Images
Fresh off of his election victory, President-elect Barack Obama is already facing a fight from another opponent – the Catholic Church – on the issue of abortion.
"Anytime someone like him, someone with his position [on abortion] is elected to a major office, it increases the difficulty for us," said Ed Mechmann of the New York Archdiocese.
Mechmann said that at their annual meeting this week, the nation's Catholic bishops are discussing how to tackle Obama's support of the Freedom of Choice Act.
That act, which currently stands before Congress, seeks to overturn the 2003 legislation signed by President Bush that bans late-term abortions in some cases.
"I would expect legislative advocacy campaigns and postcard campaigns, e-mails, writing letters, encouraging people to meet with their local legislators," Mechmann said.
Kelli Conlin, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice New York, said the Freedom of Choice Act is needed and is surprised that the Catholic Church is attacking Obama.
"It's an insurance policy for the American public, because if Roe [v. Wade] were ever overturned, it would be codified into law," Conlin said. "Congress would be saying this is a legal right for women."
When asked during the campaign about the issue, Obama said that he was "somebody who believes that Roe v. Wade was decided correctly."
How do New Yorkers feel about the church's campaign?
"I don't think I would ever go against Obama or anyone else for their beliefs, but my own personal belief is that I am against abortion," one person said.
"I am a huge Obama supporter," another said. "I think the Catholic Church and a lot of these conservative organizations are gonna have to take a step back."
During the election exit polls showed that Obama, who is Protestant, won more than 50 percent of the Catholic vote.
The new bishops' statement is meant to drive home the point in a way that cannot be misconstrued.
"We have a very important thing to say. I think we should say it clearly and with a punch," said New York Cardinal Edward Egan.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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