Pro-Choice Lawmaker Asked To Resign Church Position

ANDOVER, Mass. -- Laws of church and state are clashing in the town of Andover.

NewsCenter 5's Rhondella Richardson reported that the pastor of Saint Augustine's Church has asked Barbara L'Italien, a member of the state Legislature who supports abortion rights, to stop leading the choir.

The church's new pastor, the Rev. William Cleary, asked L'Italien to resign and stay off the altar because she is pro-choice and supports gay marriage.

"We were considering leaving but I don't want to give up without a fight," said parishioner Annette Grams, who supports L'Italien.

Grams is taking a stand for L'Italien, a second term Democrat who has led songs from the altar and has volunteered with the children's choir at St Augustine in Andover for four years.

"I tried to explain that my personal view is no different from the priest, but I represent people of all faiths and walks of life and that was not satisfactory," said L'Italien.

In a telephone interview, Cleary told Richardson that given the nature of the situation he had hoped to keep private, he would not comment on the situation at this time.

There are parishioners who side with the priest.

"I believe it is within his jurisdiction to fulfill the regulations of the church that he represents," said parishioner Pat Ferraro.

"You can't be pro-choice and Catholic. That's the teaching of our faith and I support him," said parishioner Bernie Brady.

"I feel very sad, very disheartened," said L'Italien.

As a state lawmaker, Richardson said, L'Italien has never had to vote on the abortion issue, but Cleary reportedly stated, "(Given her politics,) I can't allow her to be in a public posture, to be standing up at the pulpit singing or directing singing."

But for Grams, L'Italien's contribution to the church outweighs any conflict of interest.

"I have a very shy, non-risk taking daughter and she did a solo last year," said Grams.

L'Italien will skip choir rehearsal Wednesday night, but will not give up church or her legislative agenda.

Should Lawmaker Step Down?