Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland’s Archbishop is criticizing Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski for speaking at a fundraiser for an abortion rights organization.  The Governor and his wife are honorary hosts for the event, to be held this Friday evening in Portland.

Archbishop John Vlazny released a statement Tuesday calling the Governor’s appearance an embarrassment for the Catholic church.

Kulongoski is Catholic.  But his spokeswoman, Anna Richter Taylor, says the Governor has supported abortion rights for most of his political career.

Anna Richter Taylor:  “The Archbishop is the Governor’s pastor, and he has only respect and admiration for the Archbishop.  But they obviously disagree on this issue.”

In his statement, Archbishop Vlazny called abortion a “grave evil”.  He’s encouraging Catholics to call the Governor’s office to protest the fundraiser.