New Order of Catholic Priests Is Forming to Fight Abortions.

The Roman Catholic Church plans to establish its first religious society devoted exclusively to fighting euthanasia and abortion, church leaders said this week.

The society will be funded through private donations . . . , and is being established with the knowledge and blessing of the Vatican.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, churches risk losing their tax-exempt status if they endorse or oppose political candidates.

But they can adopt political positions and, to a limited degree, lobby to influence legislation.

Planned Parenthood said it feared that people trained by the society would use hardball tactics against healthcare providers, such as organizing clinic blockades.

(3-31-05 The Los Angeles Times.)