As Americans we all have the responsibility to vote, as
Roman Catholics we have the responsibility to vote
according to the tenets of our faith.
Among the issues facing us is the proposed
amendment to the Virginia State Constitution affirming
marriage as “a union between one man and one woman.”
The Bishops’ of Virginia, Bishop Paul Loverde and Bishop
Francis Di Lorenzo have jointly issued a pastoral letter on
the subject, copies of which are available in the vestibule.
I strongly urge everyone to read this letter, taking to
heart the teachings of our Bishop’s, which of course,
reflects the ages’ old teaching of the Church. In addition,
when electing individuals to public office, we should
consider their stance on this issue and that of abortion. If
we are faced with two or more candidates, we should
consider the viable candidate who will most support life;
that is oppose abortion. It is important that the
candidates supported are viable.
Abortion and its abolition or at least its limitation should
be the primary factor for Catholic voters. It is specious
reasoning to put the death penalty or other social concern
issues on the same level as abortion. One’s attitude to
the protection of innocent life at its most vulnerable
cannot help but impact on one’s attitude to other issues.
The organization, Priests For Life has put out a booklet,
“Voting with a Clear Conscience.” This booklet, together
with the Virginia Bishops’ Pastoral Letter have been made
available in the vestibule. Please study these documents
and then go out and vote like a Practicing Catholic.