I've been heartened to hear scattered reports of Roman Catholic priests and bishops finally growing some guts and confronting some of the legions of politicians who claim Catholicism and yet support any and all forms of abortion. One could wish that the entire church would summon up some cajones and excommunicate a few Ted Kennedys.

The latest report comes from the May 7 Roll Call magazine, by way of Pro-Life Infonet's daily email. Here are some snippets:

Virginia Congressman Feuds With His Priest on Abortion

Alexandria, VA -- Eyewitnesses say pro-abortion Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) got into a nasty battle with the Rev. Michael Dobbins, a Roman Catholic priest at the Congressman's parish of Blessed Sacrament in Alexandria, VA, earlier this month.

A red-faced Moran was spotted after the 9 a.m. Mass exchanging heated words with Dobbins. "Moran was screaming and pointing fingers at him," said one parishioner who was speaking on the condition of anonymity. "He went ballistic."

Reports of what exactly transpired are conflicting, but it would appear that the main bone of contention is that the priest dared say something about pro-life issues.

The controversy centered on the fact that Moran was attending Mass with City Councilman Bill Euille and Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine. The Congressman felt that the comments about issues such as abortion and stem cell research during the sermon were an unfair attempt to damage Euille, the Democratic candidate for mayor, just two days prior to the election.

That takes some guts. Not only do they want to further their infanticidal agenda, but they apparently want the church to simply ride along with them in quiet acquiescence.

According to Dobbins' friend, the priest responded to Moran's anger by responding "How can you reconcile yourself as a Catholic with your views on abortion?"

Moran's camp agreed this was not a good way to break the ice. "The Congressman responded in kind that he was not going to change his position", said Drummond.

But the Dobbins' friend insisted it did not end there. "Moran went off the wall," he said. "He started screaming at him. The nostrils were flaring. He said "You priests don't know anything about abortion!"

"Congressman, put away the talking points," Dobbins shot back. "Talk to me as your priest."

Moran allegedly responded that there was "not enough time" for the duo to discuss all the Congressman's problems with the church. But with Moran's woes over the years and all the speculation about how his career may be over apparently in mind, Dobbins offered a final word.

"Congressman, one day you will need me," said the priest. "And I will be here."

Moran fired back that "you priests are close-minded" before other parishioners stepped in and tried to calm everyone down.

Unless more priests are willing to put themselves on the line with specific, high-profile people, the Roman Catholic Church's official pro-life stance is next to meaningless.