Circle the wagons

In the last two weeks there have been a great many important events in the world of religion. Some of them have the potential to dramatically alter the shape of Christianity in a way not contemplated since the Protestant Reformation.

On top of the list is the lifting by Pope Benedict XVI of the excommunication of the Bishops of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX). For those of you not familiar with the history involved here is a bit of background.

During the Pontificate of Blessed Pope John XXIII an ecumenical council later to be commonly referred to as Vatican II changed the manner in which Roman Catholics worship. The prevalence of Latin in the liturgy and many other traditions fell by the wayside as the Church attempted to become more relevant in the changing climate of the sixties. Traditionalists, like those of the SSPX held on to the traditions of the "old church" and after a series of events culminating in the unapproved ordination of four bishops were separated from communion with the Church.

This week the Pope lifted those excommunications. While there are still many issues to be ironed out with respect to full return of SSPX to the Roman Catholic fold it appears that this issue is on the fast track and will result in to the joyous return of this prodigal traditional element of the Faith.

Another big event being bandied about the blog sphere is what appears to be the imminent inclusion of the Traditional Anglican Church (TAC) in to the Roman Catholic Church as a personal prelature. The ramifications of a half million conservative Anglicans "swimming the Tiber" has huge implications particularly with the talks of schism in the Anglican Church between more traditional minded adherents and those that support the ordination of women and homosexuals.

As the political world has taken a sharp left turn both here and abroad it is interesting to note that conservative religious seem to be banding together. And while these developments have been decades in the making it is interesting to consider that stimulus to bring these events to fruition is the leftward shift in our politics.

As a nation we are morally tetering on the brink. Our new President has indicated his complete support for the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). This legislation will allow abortion on demand. Additionally it will remove mandates for parental notification and allow for greater Federal funding of abotions and related procedures. At the bottom of this slippery slope is something that should concern all health care providers. The absoulte removal of protections allowing persons personally opposed to these "freedoms" from participating in infantcide. Simply put, a nurse who can now refuse to participate in aborting a fetus will lose the ability to do so.

It is easy I suppose in the abstract to say you are not morally opposed to abortion. When you are the one that will have to pass the forceps to the doctor to crush a baby's skull will you have the same resolve? Will you be able to stand idly by in the procedure room and watch these events unfold?

If not, there will be plenty of room in the circle.