Catholic Network-Abortion

Alabama-based religious channel opposes pro-choice candidates

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - A worldwide Roman Catholic broadcasting service based in Alabama is urging U-S voters to reject political candidates who favor abortion rights—a position that puts it squarely against Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, a Catholic.

The Eternal Word Television Network, available in 65 (m) million households from its headquarters in metro Birmingham, is airing a six-part series leading up to Election Day that focuses in part on the Catholic church’s opposition to abortion.

On its Web site, the network has posted materials that state it’s virtually always against church teachings to vote for a candidate who supports abortion rights, even if the candidate follows church teachings on other issues.

Kerry has said he personally opposes abortion, but he supports women’s right to choose to have the procedure. President Bush opposes abortion rights except in cases of incest or instances when a woman’s life is in danger.

EWTN spokesman Scott Hults said the nonprofit religious broadcaster was not violating rules against church groups backing candidates because it had neither endorsed Bush nor mentioned Kerry by name.

On the Net: Eternal Word Television Network: http://www.ewtn.com.