Author:
Publication: Zenit.org
Date: June 20, 2004
U.S. Bishops Warns Catholics of
"Cooperating in Evil"
[Note from Hindu Vivek Kendra: We
wonder how this will work out in context of India, where abortion is used
as one of the means for family planning.]
The U.S. bishops' conference issued
a rebuke to Catholic politicians who support abortion, and said that the
decision to deny them Communion is up to individual bishops.
Saying that "those who formulate
law" are obliged in conscience "to work toward correcting morally defective
laws," the bishops called on Catholics in public life to protect the unborn
and oppose legal abortion "lest they be guilty of cooperating in evil and
in sinning against the common good."
The bishops also pledged to counsel
Catholic public officials who act "consistently to support abortion on
demand" that this support "risks making them cooperators in evil in a public
manner."
The statement, "Catholics in Political
Life," was adopted by a vote of 183-6. It came after the Task Force on
Catholic Bishops and Catholic Politicians made an extensive interim report
at the episcopate's special assembly, held in Colorado last week.
In the statement, the bishops highlight
the need "to continue to teach clearly" and help other Catholic leaders
to do so about their "unequivocal commitment to the legal protection of
human life from the moment of conception until natural death." The statement
notes that Catholic "teaching on human life and dignity should be reflected"
in all parishes and all "educational, health care and human service ministries."
The prelates see a need to do more
"to persuade all people that human life is precious and human dignity must
be defended." The bishops welcome "conversation initiated by political
leaders themselves."
They also see the need for Catholics
"to act in support of these principles and policies in public life."
The statement insists that "the
Catholic community and Catholic institutions" should not honor those "who
act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles" with awards, honors
or "platforms which would suggest support for their actions."
It further says the bishops are
committed to maintaining communication with public officials "who make
decisions every day that touch issues of human life and dignity."
The bishops stated that "all must
examine their consciences" about their worthiness to receive Communion,
including with regard to "fidelity to the moral teaching of the Church
in personal and public life."
The statement notes that "the question
has been raised" whether it is necessary to deny holy Communion to Catholics
in public life who support abortion on demand.
"Given the wide range of circumstances
involved in arriving at a prudential judgment" in this serious matter,
the bishops state that they "recognize that such decisions rest with the
individual bishop in accord with established canonical and pastoral principles."
Noting that "bishops can legitimately
make different judgments on the most prudent course of pastoral action,"
they express their shared "unequivocal commitment to protect human life
and dignity."
The bishops conclude their statement
by saying that respect for the Eucharist "demands that it be received worthily
and that it be seen as the source for our common mission in the world."
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington,
D.C., chairman of the task force, said, on the release of the statement,
that "it reflects the bishop's role as teacher, pastor and center of unity.
We address the moral issues that our society faces without endorsing parties
or candidates."
