USCCB unexplicably gives Obama the benefit of the doubt

Recently, Cardinal Justin Regali at from the US Catholic Conference of Bishops wrote a stinging letter criticizing HR 3200 and the fact that revenue streams would be created for abortions.

However, after Obama's most recent speech to congress where he reiterated the same talking about no funding for abortion, the USCCB did not call him out. Instead:

Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of Pro-Life Activities, is also quoted, "We especially welcome the President's commitment to exclude federal funding of abortion, and to maintain existing federal laws protecting conscience rights in health care."

Mr. Doerflinger has a very strong reputation. But to be honest, I don't understand the source of his trust in President Obama. I agree with Thomas Peters in that there doesn't really be any reason for trust, especially with respect to pro-life issues. This is the same man who told the Pope that he would work to reduce the number of abortions, while at the same time having overturned the Mexico City policy, which had prohibited the funding of overseas family planning operations.

Deal Hudson has more here.