- Return
to Pro Life Corner
A Challenge to Live the Gospel
of Life
By Richard M. Doerflinger
Guest Editor
The following editorial was written by Richard M. Doerflinger, associate director for policy development at the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
When the Catholic bishops of the United States approved a new statement on the sanctity of human life this November, the most frequent question reporters asked of bishops and staff was: "What's new about this statement?"
The reporters knew that the Catholic Church has a centuries-long moral tradition on the need to defend human life. They also knew that the Catholic bishops have defended a consistent ethic of life, linking efforts against abortion and euthanasia with efforts against poverty, racism and capital punishment. What they wanted to know was how the new statement, "Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics," would make things different.
Some, life the Washington Post, made up their own answer, announcing that the bishops had kicked off a new political "campaign" to mobilize Catholic voters on the abortion issue. Others thought new plans to excommunicate certain Catholic politicians might be in the works. These were, to say the least, misunderstandings -- the statement is not a political strategy map but a pastoral exhortation to Catholic citizens, voters and public officials. There are new elements to the statement, but they build on the Church's past statements and actions on these issues.
One new aspect, inspired by Pope John Paul II's 1995 encyclical "The Gospel of Life," is a new confidence and coherence in relating attacks on life such as abortion and euthanasia to other threats to human dignity. The bishops were very clear in affirming their commitment to human life at every stage and in every circumstance: "Opposition to abortion and euthanasia does not excuse indifference to those who suffer from poverty, violence and injustice." Yet the value of each and every human life is so clearly undermined by direct attacks on innocent life that opposing such attacks is of fundamental importance even as the Church continues its efforts against racism, homelessness and other problems."
Secondly, the bishops made a very direct appeal to public officials, especially those who claim adherence to the Catholic faith. They commended public leaders who courageously speak and act in defense of human life at all stages. In part this more direct approach grows out of the bishops' own experience of opposing the grotesque late-term procedure known as partial-birth abortion. An unprecedented number of bishops over the past two years have written directly to their elected officials and met personally with them -- sometimes accompanied by thousands of letters and postcards signed by lay Catholics in their home dioceses. In this statement, the bishops openly affirm their continuing obligation as pastors to teach the moral truth to those who wield public authority.
The bishops have posed a bold challenge to
U.S. Catholics. "American Catholics have long sought to assimilate
into U.S. cultural life," they say. "But in assimilating, we have
too often been digested. We have been changed by our culture
too much, and we have changed it not enough. If we are leaven,
we must bring to our culture the whole Gospel, which is a Gospel of
life and joy. That is our vocation as believers." As we
approach a new millennium, if we live more fully and unapologetically as
Catholics who love life, we may help our society become both more truly
American and more fully human.
Copyright ©1998 Arlington Catholic Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.
This article was published in the Arlington
Catholic Herald,
200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 607, Arlington, VA 22203; Vol 23, No 50;
dated Dec. 17, 1998, on page 4.
E-mail:
letters@catholicherald.com
Fax: 703/524-2782;
Editorial: 703/841-2590;
Advertising: 703/841-2594;
Circulation: 703/841-2565
A note from the Web Master:
It is noteworthy and honorable that some folks are willing to stand up for a ban on Partial-Birth Abortion. Let us not forget that ordinary everyday Abortion is also murder. We must understand that murder is murder no matter the method. Because one method of abortion seems to be horrible does not justify the other methods. We should be horrified and sickened by any Abortion regardless of the method. The Fifth Commandment spells it out clearly: "Thou shalt not kill." A fetus is a person, a human being with a God given soul. Imagine the pain the Lord must feel when any Abortion occurs. Please contact both of your Senators and Representative, via letter or phone, to let them know how horrified you are that Abortions are legal and to stop Partial-Birth Abortions and all other Abortions as soon as possible. (It has become apparent recently that they do not respond to email therefore you will have more of an impact by writing or telephoning.)
This page is hosted
by
Get
your own Free Home Page
Todays Date: