You certainly have the right to not vote also, especially if you can’t find a lesser of two evils. It’s not that the other issues don’t matter. The videos are said to complement the USCCB’s document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” approved at last fall’s general assembly, but only after a contentious discussion among the bishops over whether or not abortion should continue to be recognized as the “pre-eminent” life issue facing the Church and the world today. It follows from Saint John Paul’s encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” if neither candidate is completely pro-life, then the vote must be cast for the candidate who will most likely limit the evil of abortion.” Linda M’s succinct statement here was missing if Fr Hying’s article. Voter Registration Department. It is not necessary to win the election, but it is necessary to avoid compromising our consciences. Even if one can’t warm up to either presidential candidate there’s a whole different situation and contrasting set of values between the two vice presidential candidates. Share. I think I can put it more succinctly: vote for President Trump and the Republicans. Not wise for the Church to become the handmaiden of nefarious regimes. I believe that this increasingly institutionalized disregard for human life in its most nascent and vulnerable stage has led to the increased violence against human beings that we sadly see all around us today. Guy, Texas. Each of the five videos is about 2 minutes, and one specifically focuses on the sanctity of human life. To not vote for any candidate for a high office is an evasion of moral duty. The choice of “preeminent” is deliberate here, meaning that procured abortion surpasses all other moral issues in its urgency, but clearly is not the only issue we face. You can also create your own ballot, which you can print or email. Thank you. How should the U.S. bishops respond to Catholics who are government officials whose policies result in the mass murder of innocents? Seriously, you think that Twitter posts that can be cranky and insulting somehow equates to “doesn’t value life?” Then I can see by your post here that you don’t value the lives of those who disagree with you. remove comments. We don’t have such a situation in this election. You cannot rationalize morality to suit your comforts and personal choices….let’s call this election what it is…Trump is PRO-LIFE and Biden is NOT…PERIOD!! How glad I would be of clear and strong guidance from our bishops. Probably there was not space to mention the international tensions between Elizabeth's…, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, https://the-american-catholic.com/2020/09/10/democrat-vote-mortal-sin-the-message/, https://the-american-catholic.com/2016/02/03/how-to-vote-nazi-with-a-clear-conscience/, https://ballotpedia.org/The_Republican_Party_Platform,_2020, https://www.sdcatholic.org/bishops/bishop-mcelroy/conscience-candidates-and-discipleship-in-voting/, How to vote according to our Catholic faith | Catholic Canada, A Defense of Single-Issue Voting | Defenders of the Catholic Faith | Hosted by Stephen K. Ray, Newman’s classic work on relationship between the Church and the World, “Wokeism” in France: The chickens coming home to roost. St. Paul makes clear that idolaters will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Voter Registration, the IN thing Count me in! In his powerful homily at the National Prayer Vigil for Life Mass in Washington, D.C. last year, Archbishop Naumann declared unequivocally, “Protecting the life of unborn children is the pre-eminent human rights issue of our time.” But there is barely an echo of that statement in his video appearance. — Theodoret, Ecclesiastical History, Book V, Chapter 17. We monitor hundreds of pieces of legislation throughout the year and determine whether or not to take a position for or against what we feel are the ones most important to our faith. Kamala Harris leaves much to be desired in so many areas and diverges with many of the Catholic Church’s teachings. Capitalized It is all or nothing. Yes we are Christians first. For all practical purposes, Spain is now thoroughly secular. Your email address will not be published. You can do it. Personal likes and dislikes of the candidates are an emotional indulgence that we cannot afford. Donna, So there is evidence that pursuing legal action isn’t necessary (or effective) to reduce the amount of abortions. They do. How incredible that we have a Catholic Speaker of the House, a Catholic running for President, a Catholic governor of NY (who celebrated the signing of the most radical abortion bill in the county), and We can’t seem to figure out whether or not we are Catholic enough to vote OUR eternity? 2020 Election Resources. Despite saying is he inspired by nuns, he would reverse the ruling against the sisters who recently won their court battle. People clamor for social justice and better racial attitudes and even climate change…..well, that won’t matter much if you kill the very babies who make up the next generation since dead babies don’t need rights once they are dead….catching the drift!! But we do have moral obligations that accompany our faith. A disqualifying issue is so grave and important that it is non-negotiable, making a candidate completely unacceptable for public office at the national, state, and local level. And we have an urgent duty to maintain good stewardship of our natural resources and our earthly home. After forty years of supporting Francisco Franco, the Fascist dictator of Spain, the Catholic Church in that country came out the worse. The Bible has FAR, FAR more to say about pride, about abusing power to mistreat the poor, about lying, about treating others with hatred, about humility, about seeking forgiveness, about faithfulness — about ALL of that than it does about abortion. Trump do you consider evil? Actually, what would happen would be that he ASP would take votes from the Republicans, who are fighting against abortion, and therefore give the election victory to the Democrats, who are fighting to protect abortion and even, in some cases, expand it to include the death of already born babies. Including the millios of babies who have been or will be butchered by abortion? And I asked why he didn’t bring this fact into his sermon. 2020 Election Faith Politics Abortion American Life League Archbishop Jose Gomez Catholic Jim Sedlak Joe Biden Judie Brown Kamala Harris pro-life U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. There is, of course, another option for those who consciences are justly troubled by both the Presidential candidates in this election. Note that 30% of abortions are performed on black woman, while they only constitute 12% of the population. President Trump signed an executive order in May 2017 saying churches and clergy can do this. I believe abortion opened the door to moral degeneration in our secular society, and a source of destruction of the family as ordained by God, which is the foundation of our society. I”ve seen Christians proudly state they are single-issue voters – it all comes down to abortion. Abortion is an intrinsic evil, always gravely wrong. Convos-19 has changed the whole world in just the first 30 days. March 3, 2020; March 4, 2020; Dive into God's Word. Research first; then assert! In 2020, I’m not so certain. I thank Bishop Hying for his statement, but it is not enough. . Related Topics. You are so deeply deceived that your post warrants no further comment. Lives during a pandemic. June 25, 2018 – The Catholic bishops met in Fort Lauderdale a few days ago.The dominating topic of discussion was politics, specifically, their official guide to Catholic voters… Trump’s former appointees have stated he is incompetent and not qualified to be President. Some people just insist that their bishop become a Democrat or a Republican and share their political opinions. A Brief Guide for Voters « prev: next » Voting. When the state pretends to have the authority to legalize the murder of innocent humanity as a matter of social policy it attempts to deify itself as possessing god-like authority over innocent human life. And this does NOT mean then go out and vote GOP. In some cases it’s morally feasible to choose between the lesser of two evils when voting. The head of the Federal Election Commission has recently stated that churches and clergy can do this. “When I read about Joe Biden’s stance on abortion, I see a man who has wrestled with his faith.”. Dates and times are on the voter guide. Friends, that is a lie. Paid parental leave? Comments under LifeSiteNews stories do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews. The California Catholic Conference of Bishops is opposed to Proposition 14 on the November 2020 ballot. I might give Mr Biden more slack if he wasn’t a life long Catholic . I’m with Fr. As we cast our ballot in the election this fall, the Lord calls us to pray, study Church teaching, form and examine our conscience and vote in light of our Catholic principles. As the bishop said, it is theoretically possible for someone to vote for a Democrat who supports abortion. Although I have always been pro-life, my commitment and understanding deepened when, as a young priest, I listened to and learned from the emotional, psychological, and spiritual pain of so many women and men who have been profoundly wounded by the violence of abortion. May God bless us all as we vote. This election is a vote for good or evil. Remember we are in the world, but not of the world. If a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for us to kill each other.”. Again, if you elect the left we are headed for Socialism or worse. This part’s platform is totally Catholic. Evil is evil and our Catholic Faith teaches us to uphold the 10 Commandments. Click here to sign up for our newsletter. Linda, you are wrong again. Caring for each other, especially the most vulnerable, is not only the responsibility of the government. I take your point very seriously, but do we not need, while maintaining our moral integrity,somehow to find a way of including Catholics in the electoral process? … LifeSiteNews welcomes thoughtful, respectful comments that add useful information or insights. Dear Bishop Hying, Only those who are leftsts first, Catholics second, if at all, cling to the seamless garment irrationality. Some Catholics are asking if they can vote for a presidential candidate who advocates for legalized abortion, as long as that is not the reason they are voting for that individual. They go through the motions of speaking against abortion, but belong to the party of death. I’ve heard more than one African American say they could not find a job under the almighty Obama but have been doing well since Trump took over. St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) has warned us with respect to the very damaging effects of abortion on our society: “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want. How in such hands will you receive the all holy Body of the Lord? The emperor was fired with anger when he heard the news, and unable to endure the rush of his passion, did not even check its onset by the curb of reason, but allowed his rage to be the minister of his vengeance. What pusillanimous and disgusting excuses these are. The kiss of death of the Spanish Church was its fervent and close support of Franco’s regime. Edit Convid-19 auto correct is incorrect! Is that the one and only thing that matters to Jesus? See the remarks of Cardinal Clemens von Galen for a great example of rhetoric that conveys an appropriate sense of urgency: Cardinal Clemens von Galen Against Nazi Euthanasia. You see, when you say you’re voting for Trump because you’re pro-life, I can’t take you seriously. Doug and his family live in the Washington, DC suburbs. Make sure your voter information is up to date. “The Church cannot and will not endorse a particular candidate or party.”. Your rage has subsided, but your reason has not yet recognized the character of the deed. There was no good choice in 2016. For example, candidates supporting abortion are immediately disqualified as persons a Catholic may vote for. “Our current president only feels white people are worthy of protection.”. I told him that abortion is a politicized issue and there is clearly one political party that literally endorses abortion. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB’s) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. Those same riot-filled DEM states, California in particular , have shuttered churches for no valid reason for 6 months, with no sign they will open. Being a Catholic in India, while I admire that Bishop Hying has, more or less spelt out his own personal views and the Catholic teachings in general, many of those who eminently commented upon the article herein have made amply clear as to who should be preferred by a Catholic voter. They are a scandal for a Bishop of the Church of Christ. It is pretty obvious that applying Catholic principles, as laid out by the bishop, no one can really vote for a Democrat. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. A year ago, the Catholic Bishops of the United States issued a statement, in anticipation of this moment, stating that abortion is the preeminent moral issue facing our nation. September 14, 2020. I wonder who gave her the power to read souls, so that she is able to state so firmly that he is “evil through and through.” Meanwhile, perhaps she should look up the word “calumny.”. Trump has NEVER engaged in racial remarks. Or are you just content to burble old and fake leftist talking points?Evil based on doing WHAT?? The party platforms of both parties are readily available and it is clear which party is pro-abortion and which one is pro-life. We cannot allow Catholics to use that loophole I keep hearing about “well, if I vote for the bad candidate but do not ‘intend’ to help the abortion cause am I doing right them”…..NOPE! We must consider policies that promote peace among nations and peoples. Whats your proof that he is racist or his women have had abortions? A “disqualifying issue” pertains to actions of intrinsic moral evil: actions which can never at any time or under any circumstances be promoted, committed, or enabled. Catholic social teaching is a sure roadmap for all of us, as we seek to build a civilization of life and love, based on an authentic anthropology of the human person. The Michigan Catholic Conference's election resources page has information on voter registration, conscience formation, social media … Biden ain’t perfect, Trump ain’t perfect; Trump is ‘pro-life.’ Trump actually talks about the Almighty in front of the public. How will you who in your rage unrighteously poured forth so much blood lift to your lips the precious Blood? Posted on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' website at faithfulcitizenship.org and the USCCB's YouTube channel at bit.ly/31DHDGN, five videos in … On the other hand you have a man who in 47 years has done nothing to further the pro-life movement but instead supports abortion and wants us to pay for it. Seems to me Catholics, voting their conscience, must vote Trump since on core Catholic teachings there are no gray areas. Trump to protect religious freedom or the lives of children in the womb flies in direct contradiction to the character of Christ? It’s really an appalling scandal. Socialism is evil. It is MY conscience/behavior that I will answer for and I cannot fall back on the notion that this Bishop or that Priest told me that abortion was a small matter compared to many others. I think public policies that offer help and hope — financial and medical – are the best ways to reduce abortions. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has re-released Faithful Citizenship, a voter guide prepared before the 2008 elections. Also, thanks to Catholic World Report for printing it — would that every single Catholic publication would print and publish such clear teachings of our Faith. It is to clearly state Catholic teaching. When you make the perspective personal, it becomes real. Thank you. I’m old enough to remember when America was a great and a good country. We need Boldness in our Church now. We can vote as Catholics without compromising our consciences by voting for alternative candidates. So Bishop Hying is correct. James Altman. An explicitly political organization. But why? It is quite possible that she may rise to the presidency, given Biden’s particular health. Does this really sound like someone wort of the office of President? If you do not have the right to be alive you have no rights at all. It is a sad thing, as a moral teacher, that you will not speak directly to this. So they are without excuse; 21 for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Blunt talk doesnt kill anyone. So as a practical matter, in this election, no Catholic should vote for any Democrat. What executive orders or legislation signed by Pres. Any American who votes for a Democrat for national office is complicit in the most monstrous evil the world has ever seen. Also, it would sound to me as if you were taught in the Church at the time of rainbows and fluffy happy clappy tripe in the late 60’s and early 70’s, when the CCD books contained practically no actual information. Refugees’ lives. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted a letter Tuesday that says the “threat of abortion” remains the “preeminent priority” for Catholic bishops. Thank you. I believe, given the power, the Left will come after the Church and tax us. Originally released in 1998 by the USCCB, “Living the Gospel of Life” is still a viable election resource for American Catholics looking to form their consciences in preparation for elections in 2020. All Rights Reserved. Each of the five videos is about 2 minutes, and one specifically focuses on the sanctity of human life. sentences or comments will be removed (Internet shouting). 29 They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics.This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. Attempt not to add another crime to that which you have committed. So he’s just another James Martin or Father Pfleger, just from the other side. “In a democracy it is important to state our convictions, not our compromises.”. The lives of people who disagree with him. . I do not know the condition of anyone else’s soul. As Catholics, we cannot and must not vote for a candidate that supports abortion. | Legal Information | Privacy Policy. On Wednesday, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a series of short videos to supplement its voting guide, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility,” Crux reports. That would be ridiculous. Catholic voters have little to be excited about in this election. Pittsburgh Diocese Voter Guide. voting. Personally, Obama got the cost of insurance up so high and I can’t find the ole’ catastrophic coverage that I used to have. The USCCB, as well as individual bishops, do not endorse specific candidates for election. That does not sound like a man of God to me. For this reason, we do not claim to speak for any individual bishop or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. We don’t live in a democracy. For more information: http://www.numberofabortions.com/ Let what you see here take you on an educational journey…to the truth. Doug Mainwaring is a journalist for LifeSiteNews, an author, and a marriage, family and children's rights activist. I do know that Jesus suffered and died for all of us and expects each of us to want and hope for the best of each other. To counter this, there has been a recent petition circulated by pro-life Democrats to make the Party open to pro-lifers. The Bishop’s job is not to tell us how to vote. So I have no idea why you are upset. A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who with his party platform calls for the expansion of legal abortion throughout pregnancy and public funding of abortion. Linda, At some point the mother realizes that she has killed her unborn child with devastating consequences. It is neither. vote and to combat voter suppression. Your comments were so beautifully written and only wish every catholic could realize the importance of their vote. They exposed the ghoulish, diabolical body parts business of PP. He’s had many years in office to “fix” things. Frankly, when you have two complete opposite candidates with one DIRECTLY supporting the core Catholic teachings versus the other completely opposed, THEN I believe the Catholic church has a duty to the faithful to endorse the correct candidate….if not, why? Biden is a manipulated fake. My foot he “cares about the poor and the needy and truly loves people.”. If neither candidate is completely pro-life, then Catholics must attempt to limit the evil aspects of abortion, by determining which candidate would cause the less damage. ... Voting System Guide, and Video Demo. The Voter Guide and questionnaires were developed by the editorial board of The Dallas Morning News. If All Catholics and people of like convictions would do this, we could make the much needed moral changes to our society and world. We are not compelled to vote for a President. Editor’s Note: The Register’s Election 2020 series covers a range of key issues, including abortion, economy, education, environment/energy, marriage/family and religious liberty. Many women are pressured into abortion, often by an irresponsible boyfriend who can’t be bothered dealing with a child or by family members. How can one care about the poor while supporting the proliferation of Planned Parenthood clinics in their neighborhoods? This is not a call to action to soldiers and warriors for Christ; it is an appeal for do-gooders and helpers in a Church where women and soft men possess the dominant voice. The letter will serve as an introduction to a voting guide for Catholics voting in the 2020 presidential elections, according to America Magazine, reminding Catholic voters that their top priority voting should be in voting against abortion. Groom a pro-life person to run and support her/him? 2019) Introductory Letter. It is rendering unto Caesar authority over innocent human life which belongs to God alone, the God Who commanded humanity “Thou shalt do no murder.” The martyrs of the early church didn’t just occasionally announce that it was wrong to render unto Caesar worship that belonged only to God and then do so anyway. With what eyes then will you look on the temple of our common Lord — with what feet will you tread that holy threshold, how will you stretch forth your hands still dripping with the blood of unjust slaughter? Proposition 18. THEY will not be spending MY eternity! So I don’t believe criminalizing the choice is the best way to truly help those women. I had better be crystal clear, heart, mind and soul about my decision that will affect MY eternity. Oh and the biggest of all, tries to use his “Catholic” faith to win support when there is no evidence by his choices he believes ANYTHING the Church actually teaches. Voting for the American Solidarity Party is a vote for the Democrats and you know it. I see a man whose heart wants no abortions and who has struggled throughout his years in public service to determine the best way to accomplish that. My state has four bishops. He has threatened to sue the Little Sisters of the Poor for refusing to support, against their religious beliefs, healthcare for their employees that includes coverage for contraceptives and abortifacients. In addition to supporting abortion up to the time of birth, he has also indirectly supported infanticide by refusing to support a move by congress to pass legislation requiring medical treatment for survivors of an attempted abortion. Then Catholics must attempt to limit the evil aspects of abortion, by determining which candidate would cause the less damage. Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting. Encouraging people to exercise? The USCCB states that Catholics must always oppose policies that violate human life or weaken its protection. Not only is the content of the videos jarring for pro-life America, but the effeminate tone that saturates the entire series will leave many Catholic men cold. Submit to the restriction to which the God the Lord of all agrees that you be sentenced. While the “pre-eminence” of abortion was kept in the document, it is nowhere to be found in the videos. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted last week to update the church’s guide on making conscience-driven choices at the voting booth to reflect Pope Francis’ teachings. The phrase “rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic” comes to mind. It results in millions of Catholics voting for a party that ferociously advocates “legal” mass murder. We strive for greater justice in our society and for an end to violence, to racism and racial divisions. The Church cannot and will not endorse a particular candidate or party. Use your power from the Holy Spirit at baptism and confirmation to change your country! I think God wants me to vote for a good decent caring man who is Catholic. Liberal Catholics who think this election is a difficult choice should maybe decide IF they want to remain Catholic as this faith may be asking more than they are willing to give. I pray for Donald J Trump daily that God help him lead this nation back to God if that be His Will. There are absolutely some non-negotiable issues. These fundamental questions are issues of both truth and conscience which each of us must take to prayer and ask the Lord to guide us. Box 949, Coppell, TX 75019 This is the ETERNITY we will choose for ourselves…and that’s a long time, folks! This is unsurprising, considering the pope’s antipathy for President Trump and his pontificate’s embrace of highly politicized liberal causes. “so obviously violates every moral and value I was taught in the Church.”. Poor old Father Altman appears to be some kind of hysterical, uncontrolled priest who cannot keep out of politics. One of these is voting. For Christians to convey to Caesar their approval of this by their complacency and their silence is blatant idolatry, even if that silence is broken occasionally by paying a little lip service to the teaching the Holy Spirit has preserved in the Church for twenty centuries – that murder is gravely wrong, and that that includes the murder of the innocent child in the womb. I see a man who has wrestled with his faith and decided that basic tenets of it don’t really matter as long as he can get elected to public office. What self-important tool uses their influence to tell people how to vote?

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