I have to add that I don't agree with Catholic Church teaching on birth control, and I have disregarded that teaching when I saw fit to do so. Nonetheless, I do think that church authorities have a right to have an opinion on the matter, and to express that opinion.

I also believe that churches have a right and an obligation to speak out on matters of morals and social justice, even when those matters are being discussed or dealt with in a political forum. To me, "separation of church and state" means that churches must not be involved in the operation of government - but they certainly have a right to speak out strongly about what government does or fails to do.

But to demand that churches be silent on moral matters, is ludicrous.

-Joe-