Catholics for Obama? The issue of abortion
John F. Kane, Professor of Religious Studies
Issue date: 10/27/08 Section: Perspectives
It's no secret that for many Catholics, abortion is the most central issue in their discernment about this coming election. And for all Catholics who accept their Church's condemnation of abortion, it becomes undoubtedly, the crucial issue, and why it has also been the subject of so much debate and comment, nationally and in recent issues of The Highlander.
I've previously written in these pages about why I believe a Catholic can vote for Obama and have focused on foreign policy and economic concerns. I've also related those concerns, especially the latter, to the topic of abortion. I'd always intended to write directly about abortion, and am especially led to do so by Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput's recent remarks (reported in this past Sunday's Denver Post) which accuse Democratic-friendly Catholic groups and individuals of doing a "disservice to the church." Chaput is a leader among fully one-quarter of the US Catholic Bishops who, according to a report in the London Tablet, have in one way or another urged Catholics to vote against Obama. In Chaput's words, Obama is the "most-committed" abortion-rights major party candidate since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
Fortunately, and to his credit, Chaput made it clear that he was speaking as a fellow citizen, and not with the authority of his office as Bishop. (For his office as bishop gives him no special authority to make practical, political judgments.) Other bishops have not been so clear on this crucial issue, and their one-issue advocacy has brought a storm of protest from many leadership Catholics who have views like those I've been arguing.
I'm happy to report that, given this national storm of controversy, two senior members of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops have just issued a statement that says, far better than I could, what needs to be said to Catholics about voting and the issue of abortion. They are Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the US Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Center (NY), chair of the Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. (Their statement is available online (go to: www.usccb.org) and I'd urge you to read it.)
I've previously written in these pages about why I believe a Catholic can vote for Obama and have focused on foreign policy and economic concerns. I've also related those concerns, especially the latter, to the topic of abortion. I'd always intended to write directly about abortion, and am especially led to do so by Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput's recent remarks (reported in this past Sunday's Denver Post) which accuse Democratic-friendly Catholic groups and individuals of doing a "disservice to the church." Chaput is a leader among fully one-quarter of the US Catholic Bishops who, according to a report in the London Tablet, have in one way or another urged Catholics to vote against Obama. In Chaput's words, Obama is the "most-committed" abortion-rights major party candidate since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
Fortunately, and to his credit, Chaput made it clear that he was speaking as a fellow citizen, and not with the authority of his office as Bishop. (For his office as bishop gives him no special authority to make practical, political judgments.) Other bishops have not been so clear on this crucial issue, and their one-issue advocacy has brought a storm of protest from many leadership Catholics who have views like those I've been arguing.
I'm happy to report that, given this national storm of controversy, two senior members of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops have just issued a statement that says, far better than I could, what needs to be said to Catholics about voting and the issue of abortion. They are Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the US Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Center (NY), chair of the Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. (Their statement is available online (go to: www.usccb.org) and I'd urge you to read it.)
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Jacob A. Starkovich
posted 11/19/08 @ 11:27 AM MST
This view by John Kane is moral relativism at its best, as well as flawed logic. There is no greater moral issue or civil rights issue than ending abortion. (Continued…)
Jacob A. Starkovich
posted 12/13/08 @ 2:29 AM MST
It would be wise for so called "Catholics" to judge themselves about supporting pro death candidates and issues before they pass away...
A. Sircy
posted 12/13/08 @ 10:46 AM MST
It's scary to think that Mr. Kane teaches at a Catholic University. He's like most Catholics these days: they've been infected with the "pick and choose" mentality of Protestants. (Continued…)
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