Progressive Catholic groups say a pastoral letter issued by Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton is conspicuously silent on issues other than abortion.

“Being `right’ on taxes, education,health care, immigration and the economy fails to make up for the error of disregarding human life,” the bishop writes.

The letter, which Martino ordered all his priests to read in lieu of a homily this Sunday, further says that Catholic politicians who support abortion rights “should not partake in or be admitted to the sacrament of Holy Communion. As I’ve said before, I will be vigilant on this subject,” Martino warns.

HmmmâÂ?¦wonder if this message is intended for a certain VP nominee from Scranton?

Chris Korzen of Catholics United said its striking that Martino left racism, which the church also considers “intrinsically evil” out of his letter, especially in light of a front-page NYTimes article in which a Catholic laymen made a racist remark about Barack Obama-while sitting in a rectory.

Of course, Oct. 5 is the Catholic Church’s “Respect Life Sunday,” which the Scranton paper and others fail to mention.