The church flyer for the Immaculate Conception parish on 16 October goes on to say: "Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell."

The flyer's authors say five policies, including support for abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research, will doom supporters to eternal damnation.

They went on to publish a further parish flyer on October 30. This specifically mentioned Hillary Clinton by name.

It expanded the original list of issues, adding supporting gun control and "accepting immigrants whose "religious values are to eradicate every belief except those of their own prophet and god" as being sure ways for voters to go to hell.

The San Diego Catholic Diocese was quick to condemn the flyer.

They denounced the fliers saying they were not put out by the church in any official capacity.

"While we have a moral role to play in explaining how Catholic teaching relates to certain public policy issues, we must not and will not endorse specific candidates," said Bishop Robert McElroy in a statement.

Diocesan spokesman Kevin Eckery added to McElroy's statement, saying the messages don't reflect Catholic teaching and are inappropriate.

On the contrary, Eckery said the Church recommends people vote according to their consciences.

Source

• The Huffington Post
• CBS News
• Time
• Image: Now the end begins

The "Nuns on the Bus" are focusing on budget cuts proposed by House of Representatives budget committee chair Paul Ryan, a Catholic who has in the past expressed enthusiasm for the views of libertarian author Ayn Rand.

The nuns, a rotating crew of 14 sisters sponsored by the Catholic social justice lobby group Network, say Ryan's plans to cut spending on Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program would harm "people who are already suffering".

In their big, colourful bus, the nuns are attracting rock-band attention, with video crews from CNN, PBS, CBS and documentary makers following their path.

Since the bus tour dates overlap the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' "Fortnight of Freedom", some observers suggest the nuns aim to divert attention from the bishops' campaign.

This campaign, targeted mainly at President Obama's decision requiring most employers to provide health insurance that includes birth control, has been organised around liturgical feasts for martyred defenders of the faith.

It includes prayer vigils, rallies and other events to draw attention to what the bishops see as government attacks on religious freedom.

Independent advocacy groups such as CatholicVote.org and Women Speak For Themselves, have joined the effort with TV ads, videos, Facebook appeals and petition drives.

Sources

• CNS
• Deseret News
• Washington Post
• Nuns on the Bus
• Image: Nuns on the Bus