Bishops: Faith should
shape
how people vote in
'08
By Cathy Lynn
Grossman, usatoday.com from the Web, November 14, 2007
BALTIMORE — The nation's
Catholic bishops Wednesday approved a statement on the nature of "faithful
citizenship" that hammers home the "intrinsic evil" of abortion and reminds
Catholic voters that their choices in the 2008 elections "also may affect" their
salvation.
Politicians and public officials also are cautioned that their "spiritual well
being" is affected by their actions.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrapped up its fall meeting here by
nearly unanimously approving a long version of the statement and a shorter, more
conversational version to be inserted in parish bulletins.
Both stress life issues such as abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell
research, artificial contraception and racism are "evils" that can never be
supported.
USA TODAY ON POLITICS: Excerpts of the bishops meeting
Yet there's also room for a prudential voter, seeing no candidate in line with
Catholic teachings, to weigh other critical moral issues such as poverty, peace,
or social justice.
It is "a summary of Catholic teachings; It is not a voter guide," said Bishop
Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, in presenting the results of seven committees
input.
It is intended to offer "theological, not ideological" framework on "what it
means to be a Catholic and an American, a believer and a voter."
The language sternly reminds Catholic voters, "if they fail to form their
consciences they can make erroneous judgments."
The statement says voters can go astray because of "ignorance of Christ and his
Gospel, bad example given by others, enslavement to one's passions, assertion of
the mistaken notion of autonomy of conscience, rejection of the Church's
authority and her teaching."
"Nothing new here except the process," said an expert on church politics, the
Rev. Thomas Reese, of the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University
in Washington, D.C.
Although the bishops have issued a statement on "faithful citizenship" before
every presidential election year since 1976, this is the first time it was
presented to the full body of bishops for approval.
Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, S.D., tried but narrowly failed in proposing an
amendment that said salvation would be in danger if a voter made "wrong"
choices.
He told the bishops in Wednesday's discussion, "if we do not warn our people
that choosing intrinsic evils will have an impact on their salvation, then we
will truly fail as teachers,"
But DiMarzio questioned, "Are we ready to give the impression that one vote
could endanger a person's eternal salvation?" He reiterated that the
statement and bulletin insert are "trying to form consciences, not trying to
judge them."
The bishops ultimately agreed to softer language: "It is important to be
clear that the political choices faced by citizens have an impact on general
peace and prosperity and also may affect individual salvation." Still, the
statement acknowledges, "in today's environment, Catholics may feel politically
disenfranchised, sensing that no party and few candidates fully share our
comprehensive commitment to human life and dignity."
None of the five Catholics currently running for president follow Catholic
pro-life teachings. Although this document does not address whether they
should receive communion, they are reminded, "the kinds of laws and polities
supported by public officials affect their spiritual well-being." The
bishops also say, "Catholics are not single issue voters" and steer people to
also examine candidates' stances on human rights such as food, shelter, health
care, education and meaningful work, support for traditional marriage, care for
the environment and efforts toward peace.
"The use of the death penalty, hunger, lack of health care or housing, human
trafficking, the war in Iraq, and unjust immigration policies are some of the
serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act," the
statement said.
"As bishops, we vigorously repeat our call for a renewed politics that focuses
on moral principles, the defense of life, the needs of the weak, and the pursuit
of the common good. This thinking of political participation reflects the
social teaching of our Church and the best traditions of our nation."
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