Splitting the Catholic vote
Stephen Kent
The findings of a national study on the relation of faith and political views appear innocuous on the surface. But a drawback to such surveys is that they advance the idea of splitting that which is inseparable, often found useful to those in politics who want to split the Catholic vote to achieve their ends.
The Public Religion Research Institute surveyed a cross section of Americans but did a subset to obtain the opinions of Catholics.
Some 60 percent of Catholics surveyed said they would prefer the church to focus its public policy statements “more on social justice and the obligation to help the poor, even if it means focusing less on issues like abortion and the right to life.”
Strong support for social justice issues is admirable. What is disturbing about the survey results is the disintegration of faith beliefs. All beliefs stem from the basic belief in the dignity and worth of each human being. Support for one does not have to be done at the expense of the other. They are integrated, they are inseparable.
The survey question would be similar to asking airline passengers, “Should our maintenance department focus more on the wings or the engine?” The either-or choice does not make for a successful flight.
Too often, right-to-life and social justice issues, to their detriment, are associated with American political parties or political philosophy (conservative or liberal), left wing or right wing.
Our beliefs, if properly and effectively presented, should appeal to those favoring less government as well as those seeking a larger government presence.
“Many priests are comfortable delivering a countercultural message on life issues because they are perceived as black/white issues,” said Meghan Clark, assistant professor of theology and religious studies in moral theology at St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y.
She is also a consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.
While there is no doubt about church teaching on abortion, social teachings are less well understood, Clark said.
It may also be a matter of comfort level. People are uncomfortable with hearing about a wrong they are able to right. They do not wish to hear about a wrong that could have a direct and immediate impact in their lives.
When it comes to abortion, about the best we can do now is to keep the issue alive in the forefront of the public but with little expectation of an immediate result such as a change in the Constitution. Matters such as the economy, poverty and/or racial issues can be more readily addressed.
Surveys are fine, if they are understood to be a prioritization for an action plan at a specific point in time. But the risk is that at a quick glance they imply an either-or situation.
The solution is not to diminish the importance of abortion but to increase the catechesis and evangelization about social justice issues. They are not optional in the Christian faith life.
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Kent is the retired editor of archdiocesan newspapers in Omaha and Seattle. He can be contacted at Considersk@gmail.com.
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Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Father John Stokely distributes communion for the first time as a priest.
Archbishop Chaput anoints the hands of John Stokely with the oil of chrism, in the rite of ordination of a priest. 
A beaming Father Sean Loomis, right, receives a hug from his brother priest after being vested in the stole and chasuble, the outer garment of a priest celebrating Mass.
From left, Transitional Deacons Sean Loomis, John Stokely and Thomas Viviano joyfully process into the cathedral for their ordination as priests. 
Auxiliary Bishop Timothy C. Senior, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, states publicly that he finds the three men worthy to be ordained priests as he presents the candidates to the Archbishop.
The three men being ordained priests prostrate themselves before the cathedral's main altar during the prayers of the Litany of Saints.
Father Sean Loomis is ordained a priest by the laying on of hands and prayers of Archbishop Chaput. 
Archbishop Chaput lays his hands on the head of Thomas Viviano and silently prays to invoke the Holy Spirit. 
Thomas Viviano prays deeply during his ordination.
Archbishop Charles Chaput extends his hands in prayer over Thomas Viviano, John Stokely and Sean Loomis as he ordains them to the priesthood. 
Archbishop Charels Chaput annoints the hands of Sean Loomis with the oil of chrism. 
Archbishop Chaput gives the paten and chalice -- the sacred vessels for consecrating the bread and wine for holy Communion -- to John Stokely during his ordination. 
Father Thomas Viviano shares a fraternal kiss with Archbishop Charles Chaput after being ordained.
The three newly ordained priests concelebrate Mass with Archbishop Chaput for the first time.
Three new priests ordained for Archdiocese
Archbishop Charles Chaput ordained Sean Loomis, John Stokely and Thomas Viviano to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Saturday, May 18 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
It is something to see someone at a rally against Abortion on a Saturday who will not sit with you in a church on Sunday or work with you at a shelter or soup kitchen Monday through Friday. That same young woman who did not choose abortion will need assistance in raising that child. An offer after a confrontation is the Christian way…..
By: Barbara Ann Fields on November 9, 2012 at 2:11 pm