Musings of a Catholic Convert

I understand that Barack Obama has selected Joe Biden (Sen. Delaware) as his running mate.  Many of the newswriters have said that this was a great move and a way to gain "the Catholic vote."  Talk abounds of how this fiesty Irish Catholic senator is "in line with Catholic Social Teaching" which of course they equivocate with caricatures of social issues.  Let me make this clear, friends - and you need to tell your friends, family, and coworkers this message - take it from another fiesty Irish Catholic when he reminds you that YOU CANNOT BE IN LINE WITH CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING IF YOU DENY THE RIGHT TO LIFE FOR THE UNBORN.

Catholic social teaching is based on the premise that we are created in the image and likeness of God.  This dignity of the human person exists at every stage of human life, beginning with natural conception.  Abortion is a sin against the dignity of the human person.  It is the snuffing out of an innocent human being.  It is murder.  To procure for yourself an abortion is to commit grave sin.  To encourage someone to have an abortion is to commit grave sin.  To create legislation to continue the murderous practice of abortion is grave sin.  When you as a voter cast your vote for someone who has a record of voting for such things, or who says this is their "moral conviction" or "what their conscience is telling them" you are in material cooperation with them.  Saying that you are personally opposed to abortion and voting for it or supporting those who do is still supporting abortion.  All you're saying is that you won't be the one physically butchering the baby, but that you fully support the person doing it.

Do you want to avoid material cooperation in the mortal sin of abortion, DON'T VOTE FOR A PRO ABORTION CANDIDATE.  Don't buy into the lie that because someone claims to be a Christian that they are living Christian lives.  Just because Biden has a rosary doesn't mean he is in line with the teachings of the Church.  Don't be fooled by propaganda.  Don't let your conscience be improperly formed because of sound bites and what you've been duped into believing is social justice. Fight for those innocent who cannot vote for themselves.  Fight for the children who are being murdered as you read this post.  Fight against the discrimination toward the unborn.  If we would quit voting for people who support such murderous garbage, we can instead elect people who will stop the killings and restore to these United States a culture of life instead of a culture of death.

Archbishop Chaput, I know that they have not invited you to the Democratic Convention in Denver, but please try to speak with Senators Obama and Biden.  Please encourage them to fight for life instead of against it.  You're a good bishop and I know you will do your best.  Thank you for standing up for the Faith.