I have been asked to respond to the story that reported “Kerry said to be excommunicated” http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=32830 Here are my immediate thoughts:

It seems to me misleading if you read for the details.

It is a heresy to deny that abortion is wrong. Or at least it is arguably a heresy, it is at least the informal opinon of Fr. Cole.

Kerry does not say abortion is ok. He says (somewhat recently) that he is opposed personally, but respects the law of the land. That is not the same a publically teaching it is a good thing.

Also, as to the presumption of knowledge, which is essential to be guilty of heresy, Kerry arguably lacks it. He has held his position for many decades and Catholic Bishops have not informed him of his error. Catholic Theologians he might have read would have said it was ok. In fact in the 50s, I believe, the American Cardinals agreed that Jack Kennedy didn't have to be too Catholic in his politics.

I note that the debate has shifted to heresy, not material cooperation in evil. Many of the previous attacks at Kerry were from his cooperation in the evil of abortion. This is about teaching heretically.

Hope this helps.

Lest there be any doubt. I deeply believe the abortion cloud now hanging over America is even more serious than the cloud of Slavery or Segregation. I think politicians should lead for the rights of all Americans, particularly the most vulneralbe, (the unborn, the children, the sick and the elderly.) Kerry, my his own testimony, lacks the courage to stand for what he believes is right. I believe we commonly would say that one who lacks courage to stand for the truth is a coaward. Personally, I don't want a coward for President. At the same time, a coward is not a heretic.

Blessings,

Fr Gavin Vaverek, JCL

10/19/2004

Here is another canonists opinion: 
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/enpeters/blog.htm