PREMIER Kristina Keneally has lashed
out at the head of her church in Australia, saying she was "saddened"
by Cardinal George Pell for denouncing Catholic politicians who do not
follow the church's teachings.
In an exclusive interview, Ms Keneally said Cardinal Pell risked
being "interpreted as condemnatory and threatening" by urging MPs to
stick to their religious convictions when making policy decisions on
contentious social issues such as same-sex marriage.
Ms Keneally, a deeply committed Catholic with a Masters degree in religious studies, said: "I read those comments from the Archbishop and, if anything, they saddened me. Almost every Catholic politician I know takes their responsibility as an elected representative and their faith very seriously. Many have really struggled, as have I, when moral issues require us to vote - and particularly when it is a conscience vote."
Cardinal Pell told The Sunday Telegraph last week that Catholic
politicians couldn't have it both ways on sensitive moral issues such as
gay marriage and euthanasia, saying it was "incongruous for somebody to
be a Captain Catholic one minute, saying they're as good a Catholic as
the Pope, then voting against the established Christian traditions".
His
remarks caused a split among Catholic MPs who have been grappling with
contentious issues such as same-sex marriage, gay adoptions and
euthanasia.
Liberal NSW Upper House MP David Clarke agreed with the Cardinal. "You can't just use your religion when you want to," he said.
Member for Lakemba Tony Stewart said: "I found those comments from Pell bizarre and straight from the 1950s.
"Trying to get politicians to vote in accordance to the Catholic Church is really to the detriment of what parliamentary representation is all about in Australia."
In a swipe at Cardinal Pell, suggesting he could be more helpful, Ms Keneally said: "Politicians of faith often would like to turn to religious leaders for pastoral advice and guidance, and sometimes that's not available."
She said she disagreed with the Catholic church on some points and with some of its social teachings, including the church's views on abortion.
SIC: DT/AUS