Tony Blair assents to Catholic Church's teaching

The former Prime Minister, Tony Blair has been received into the Catholic Church by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor in the Cardinal's private chapel at Archbishop's House, Westminster. Secular papers could be forgive for referring to this as a "private ceremony" because it was held (understandably) in a context where members of the general public were not freely admitted. However, as Catholics know, every liturgical service is a part of the public worship of the whole Church. This includes the part where Mr Blair (as with anyone being received into full communion with the Catholic Church) was asked to say:
"I believe and profess all that the Holy Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God"
In response to the news of Mr Blair's reception into the Catholic Church, John Smeaton, the National Director of SPUC said:
"During his premiership Tony Blair became one of the world's most significant architects of of the culture of death, promoting abortion, experimentation on unborn embryos, including cloned embryos, and euthanasia by neglect,"
The SPUC Director continued:
"SPUC is writing to Tony Blair to ask him whether he has repented of the anti-life positions he has so openly advocated throughout his political career."
On previous occasions, various commenters have said that we must not judge another individual's conscience. Of course, I agree with them. However, since Mr Blair has, in the public forum, made statements, voted, and taken action publicly in contradiction of Catholic teaching, it reasonable to expect some public disavowal those positions and a reassurance that he now adheres publicly to the Catholic Church's teaching on everything. I pray that SPUC will receive a reply that will reassure Catholics who have been working tirelessly in the pro-life cause.

Coverage:
Daily Telegraph: Tony Blair turns Catholic in private ceremony
Times: Tony Blair finally becomes a Catholic
This is London: Tony Blair converts to Catholicism - as immigration means Britain is now a Catholic country
Guardian: Blair converts to Catholicism

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