Notes from The Pastor's Page

Pastor's Page: Human Life Issues and Political Responsibility
October 18, 2010

I have ministered in half a dozen parishes in our diocese, since I was ordained in 1973. I have met many faith filled Catholics committed to the protection, promotion and preservation of human life from its earliest beginnings in the womb until the time of natural death.

Some have dedicated themselves as advocates for affordable housing on Long Island. Others have been staunch opponents of abortion and promoters of alternatives to abortion, since national law allowed abortion on demand in 1973.

Still others have been involved in efforts to alleviate poverty both in our own country and around the world. We cannot do everything, but we can do something.

Whether we lobby for welfare reform, changing immigration policy, interfaith dialogue, or women's equality, we can make our voices heard in the public arena.The radical evil of racism still divides our American society, the human family. Current economic downturn has increased poverty levels to one out of seven Americans.

45 million people, mostly dependent children, are beneath the poverty level established by federal guidelines of $22,000 for a family of four. Dealing with poverty effectively is a moral imperative. It threatens the dignity of human beings and deprives them of life's basic necessities: food, clothing and shelter.

In preparation for presidential elections, our bishops have published for many years a guide to form the Catholic conscience, and the consciences of all people of goodwill, "Political Responsibility." They state: "Our moral framework does not easily fit the categories of right or left, Republican or Democrat. We are called to measure every party and movement by how its agenda touches human life and human dignity."

As Catholics, we are pro-life. This encompasses all life issues that threaten the dignity of human beings and their God-given rights. This means that we cannot be apathetic or in different to the needs of our neighbor, regardless of their color or country of origin.

Again the bishops state: "We encourage people to use their voices and votes to enrich the Democratic life of our nation and to act on their values in the political arena. We hope American Catholics, as both believers and citizens, will use the resources of our faith and the opportunities of this democracy to help shape a society more respectful of the life, dignity and rights of the human person, especially the poor and vulnerable."

Peace,
Father Bruce