Catholic First, Politics Second | National Catholic Reporter

Catholic First, Politics Second | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: To put partisanship second to religious would, in effect, require a Catholic caucus or lobby to deal with certain issues.  That might be problematic, especially given the misunderstanding most on the pro-life side have on the constitutional nature of the abortion issue - as a right rather than a policy.  Pro-life politicians would have to end efforts to construe it as something that can be fixed by overturning Roe in the Courts in the way the Federalist Society justices would favor.  That would set equal protection on its ear and won't happen.  There are also many problems with listening to religion on the marriage equality issue - especially as the evolving consensus on this differs from the Church.  Finally, the Republican members would really find it hard to break ranks on the economic side, particularly on tax issues.  Grover Norquist is the Pope there, not Francis.  Unorthodoxy on economics, not life, is the litmus test for both party leaders and donors - and without leaders getting together, followers will stay where they are (and nothing gets done - which is good for fundraising on both sides).  Not cynical, realistic.