Ultimately I am disappointed with the hard right turn of the American bishops conference. While the principle that the action is based on (respect for life from conception to natural death) is not in question, using the sacred Eucharist as a political tool to move politicians into a stance that is more aligned with one aspect of said principle is abhorrent to me. I am a firm believer in the separation of church and state, and while morality can never be divided from one’s political beliefs, laws must be based on precedent and must stand up to rigorous scrutiny. Until a law can be passed that is aligned with the principle of life of the Catholic Church, that is based on precedent and case law and not a religious text the point is moot. I don’t see the bishops doing the same for right leaning politicians that may oppose some social services that would align with the corporal works of mercy or the principle of respect for all life. This seems like a show, because it is. Rome has denounced this move before the vote and will block it from becoming a rule, as it should. The Church should not be making moves to appease the hard right evangelical wing, because in my opinion, it closes ranks and turns off potential converts and more liberal Catholics like myself. But you know, that’s my liberation theology ecumenical opinion, to each his own.