NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has lashed out at the head of her church in Australia, saying she was “saddened” by Cardinal George Pell for denouncing Catholic politicians who do not follow the church’s teachings.
In an exclusive interview, Ms Keneally said Cardinal Pell risked being “interpreted as condemnatory and threatening” by urging MPs to stick to their religious convictions when making policy decisions on contentious social issues such as same-sex marriage.
Ms Keneally, a deeply committed Catholic with a Masters degree in religious studies, said: “I read those comments from the Archbishop and, if anything, they saddened me.
“Almost every Catholic politician I know takes their responsibility as an elected representative and their faith very seriously. Many have really struggled, as have I, when moral issues require us to vote – and particularly when it is a conscience vote.”
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