My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In May, all priests in every parish and Diocese in Ohio were asked to make known the position of the Ohio Catholic Conference regarding the upcoming November ballot initiative to remove any restrictions on abortion in the state of Ohio. The amendment attacks the fundamental understanding of the human person, made in God’s image and likeness; undermines a fundamental anthropology; removes rights from parents; could potentially jeopardize the conscience rights of medical professionals; and represents an assault on human life and the human family. Once more, I urge all Catholics to register to vote and to vote No on the proposed amendment in November.

Upon hearing the priests preach on this issue, I received a number of letters stating that the Church should not be involved in politics and that the church should not speak on these types of political issues. The issue of abortion is a fundamental moral issue, touching upon issues vital not only to our lives as Catholics (and the lives of vulnerable, unborn children) but also to the common good. Moral issues are routinely addressed from our pulpits, and preaching about these moral issues serves to inform our consciences more fully so that we may participate in the political process to build a culture of life and to defend the weak and the vulnerable.

In his encyclical letter The Gospel of Life, St. John Paul II wrote, “What is urgently called for is a general mobilization of consciences and a united ethical effort to activate a great campaign in support of life. All together we must build a culture of life.” (EV, 95)

The saintly Pontiff also reminded us that “The first and fundamental step towards this cultural transformation consists informing consciences with regard to the incomparable and inviolable worth of every human life. It is of the greatest importance to re-establish the essential connection between life and freedom. These are inseparable goods: where one is violated, the other also ends up being violated.” (EV, 96)

Some of the letters said that priests said that if one does not vote “No” in November one commits a mortal sin, and that the Church should not be telling people how to vote. Is this the case? As a moral theologian, I can say that one commits a mortal sin, when there is grave matter involved; when one knows the Church’s teaching or the truth of the matter; and one freely chooses the evil anyway. How you vote is a matter of your conscience and will involve your freedom; however, conscience is informed by Scripture, Tradition; the Magisterium of the Church; and reason. Each person bears moral responsibility for his or her vote.

As Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Columbus, I must state that we cannot remain indifferent to the plight of the unborn. One need only think of the parables of the Good Samaritan, the Rich Man and Lazarus; or the Last Judgment; nor can we, as Catholics, remain silent in the face of grave injustice. 

Others objected that in the United States, there is a separation between church and state. Although the Constitution ensures separation of church and state, that is largely to prevent the government from intruding into religious affairs and to prevent religious groups from running the government. It does not mean that Catholics and other religious groups should keep their faith private, nor does it mean that they should not be involved in the political process to shape a better civilization and to promote the common good. In fact, because God has so blessed us, we have perhaps an even greater responsibility toward our brothers and sisters, born and unborn.

I encourage all the faithful not only to pray for an end to abortion but to use your freedom, through the political process, to help build a culture of life, in which every person is valued, cared for, and respected. No matter how the election goes in November, we as Catholics have a duty to defend the rights of unborn children and to continue to accompany women and their children, putting our faith into action.

May the Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Redeemer, and St. Joseph, the Protector of the Holy Family, assist us in our vocation to be a People of Life!

Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes
Bishop of Columbus