ALBANY (NY)
Albany Times Union

Excerpts from Bishop-elect Edward Scharfenberger’s comments on hot-button Catholic issues:

On abortion: “Our position on the sanctity of life at every stage of human development from conception to natural death is firm, fundamental and unchangeable. When we get into politics, it gets sticky. I am strong pro-life, but I’m not in-your-face. I don’t tell people what to do. This is America.”

On women priests: “This is not an issue open to doctrinal development, but I’m open to listening to anything.”

On gays in the church: “I have friends who are gay and some who are celibate and live together in the same house. It’s up to them. I agree with what Pope Francis said. ‘Who am I to judge?’ Despite whatever term you use to describe your attractions, are you trying to follow Jesus and to live the Gospel? That’s what’s important.”

On the…