FAITH TEACHING ON ABORTION, EUTHANASIA & OTHER MATTERS OF LIFE & DEATH:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

In the menu below, link to any section or scroll down to read all five sections for answers to the following questions:

In this painting, we see the scene of the Gospel of Luke of the New Testament found in Verses 40 through 45 of Chapter 1: 

Mary, the young mother of Jesus, has arrived at the house of her elderly Aunt Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

Just a few days before this, Mary had become pregnant by the Holy Spirit, as we are told in Verses 35 through 38, after the angel Gabriel told her, "you will conceive in your womb and bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus". 

Elizabeth, also pregnant, was in the six month of her pregnancy (i.e., 22 to 26 weeks).

Verses 41 through 44 state, 

"And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the  Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!"

And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy."

Here, the Bible is stating a fact that has recently been proven by Science and the discovery of DNA: A new person is created at the moment of conception. We now know that a person's unique DNA, in its final complete form, is created at that instant. Link to Medical/Science Findings.

1. As the bible states, "when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary", before Mary could tell Elizabeth she was pregnant, the Holy Spirit told Elizabeth that there was a person in Mary's womb and that this person was God ("my Lord").

2. Over three months before his birth, Elizabeth's unborn son, John, also knew that the Lord was present, in Mary's womb, and this made him so happy and excited that he "leaped for joy"!

3. From these verses of the Bible, we learn that there were four persons at this meeting, two unborn and two born. The age of one of the unborn was a few days after conception. The age of the other was between 5 and 6 months after conception. 

4. Elsewhere in the Bible, in the Ten Commandments, we are commanded, "Thou shalt not kill."

5. In conclusion,  Chapter 1 of the Gospel of Luke teaches us that:

1.  Abortion is murder, and, therefore, should be against the law of any civilized nation. 

2. Abortion is unthinkable: Feeling the great joy of these expectant women and pondering the destinies of their two sons, the thought of killing either child is abhorrrent.

3. A new life should be a cause for joy, celebration and thanks to God: In contrast to today's all to frequent reaction to an unplanned pregnancy, consider Mary's lengthy "Magnificat" rejoicing (Verses 46-55), despite the fact that she had been surprised by a pregnancy that was unplanned (by her) that would turn her world upside down.

In recent years (after 1973, the year the judges pondered the Roe vs. Wade case), science has proven that these words of sacred scripture are factual: There is a "you", a person, in the womb, before this new person is formed. Thanks to the discovery of DNA and subsequent research, we now know that a unique person is created at the moment of conception, i.e., at the instant a man's sperm fertilizes a woman's egg. At this very moment, a person's unique DNA is formed, complete, never to be changed or added to. (link to article, also linked from Medical/Science page) This is a person, not a mass of tissue, contrary to what the judges in 1973 assumed and upon which they based their fateful decision. (The Supreme Court Decision in Roe vs.Wade reads, "The word "person" as used in the Fourteenth Amendment, does not include the unborn." (Roe vs. Wade, at 158).)*

"As you do not know how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything." (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

With each new advancement in science and medicine, more truths of holy scripture are confirmed and we know more about the amazing intelligence and complexity of "the work of God". This is now visible in ultrasound videos showing a child's development in the womb of a women with child (link). Now, we can see what God always saw, His work, developing the "bones in the womb". 

The very words, "a woman with child" say it all.  There are two persons, two bodies, each with a soul. For millenia, until the last 50 years, any woman declaring that the baby being formed in her womb was "her body" would be thought to be mentally handicapped. or deranged. Even today, women celebrate "baby" showers, not "clump of cells" showers. 

Conclusion: The foregoing confirms that, according to the Old Testament, abortion is murder, and, according to the commandment ,"Thou shalt not kill", abortion should be against the law  in any civilized God-fearing nation.

* For an excellent legal analysis of the court's conclusion as to the "non-personhood" of a fetus and the ramifications of the court's conclusion should it be proven that an unborn child is a person, read "The Constitution itself proves every fetus is a 'person''" by Dr. Alan Keyes on the website of Renew America:  http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/keyes/190221 

In his encyclical Evangelium Vitae,  Pope Saint John Paul II stated the definitive teaching of the Catholic Church:

"In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to 'take part in a propaganda campaign in favor of such a law or vote for it.”

In this document, he also stated, "the direct and voluntary killing of an innocent human being is always gravely immoral", knowing that a baby in the womb of a mother is a human being from the very moment of conception.

Evangelist Alveda C. King uses her God-given talents and abilities to glorify God and uphold the sanctity of life from the womb to the tomb. A strong supporter of President Trump, she currently serves on the pastoral team of Priests for Life, as Executive Director of its outreach called Civil Rights for the Unborn. She is also a voice for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, sharing her testimony of two abortions, God’s forgiveness, and healing. Here is a link to her 3-minutes' January 17 2019 interview on EWTN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy_8qeo7HX0As 

Knights of Columbus:

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson stated, in his 2016 annual report: 

“We need to end the political manipulation of Catholic voters by abortion advocates. It is time to end the entanglement of Catholic people with abortion killing. It is time to stop creating excuses for voting for pro-abortion politicians."

Reiterating the key points of his speech in the August 2016 Supreme Convention, he stated:

“the responsibility of faithful Catholics is to build a culture of life and a civilization of love. I also observed that I did not see how it is possible for us to do this when Catholic voters elect public officials who promote abortion, which in the United States alone has resulted in nearly 60 million deaths since 1973.” 

For the complete report by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, as quoted above, refer to the archives of COLUMBIA magazine on the website of the Knights of Columbus.

Speaking just before the 2016 Presidential election, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson stated the following, which is even more applicable to the 2020 Presidential election:

“The legal regime of abortion established by the Supreme Court in its Roe v. Wade ruling and subsequent decisions constitutes what the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls "structures of sin". This election presents us with candidates throughout the United States who are dedicated to building up and strengthening this "structure of sin".* They are pledged to repeal the Hyde Amendment restriction of taxpayer funding of abortion that has saved more than 2 million unborn children. And they are committed to the appointment and confirmation of judges who will oppose abortion restrictions. As a result, this election presents the greatest threat to the right to life of unborn children since the Roe v. Wade decision.

“I urge every Knight to follow the advice of Pope Francis, who stated, “study the proposals well, pray and choose with your conscience”, bearing in mind Pope Francis’ admonition that "Each child that is unborn, but is unjustly condemned to be aborted, bears the face of Jesus Christ”.

* If you don't know which candidates are being referenced above, i.e, those "dedicated to building up and strengthening the "structure of sin" of the Roe v. Wade decision, link here to this page of our site: VOTE JUSTLY

For the complete article by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, as quoted above, refer to the archives of COLUMBIA magazine on the wesbsite of the Knights of Columbus.

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“Our defense of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development...” (101).

No organization knows this better than the Knights of Columbus. We have been “clear, firm and passionate” in our defense of the dignity of every human life.

The pope is right. These are not “secondary” issues because there are no “secondary” people. There are public issues that involve intrinsically evil acts, such as the intentional killing of an innocent human being as in the case of abortion. 

Catholics have a responsibility to insist that those responsible for the public good, focus public debate where it belongs: on respect for the dignity of every human being and the sanctity of every human life.

For the complete article by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, as quoted above, refer to the archives of COLUMBIA magazine on the wesbsite of the Knights of Columbus.

by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson   7/1/2018

ON THE EVE OF THE WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES, POPE FRANCIS REAFFIRMS THE IMPORTANT CONNECTION BETWEEN LIFE ETHICS AND SOCIAL ETHICS

In my Columbia columns for January and April earlier this year, I reflected on Blessed Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae and its enduring messages on marriage and the gift of life -- messages further discussed throughout this issue. The following month, on May 25, Irish voters repealed the Eighth Amendment to that country’s constitution, which for decades had protected the lives of countless unborn children from abortion.

Providentially, Pope Francis had the courage to place the World Meeting of Families in Ireland next month. He has set the stage for the meeting with the recent publication of his apostolic exhortation on the call to holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad).

There is much to reflect upon in Gaudete et Exsultate. In one section, the pope writes: “Our defense of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development.” (101).

No organization knows this better than the Knights of Columbus. We have been “clear, firm and passionate” in our defense of the dignity of every human life.

For the complete article by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, as quoted above, refer to the archives of COLUMBIA magazine on the wesbsite of the Knights of Columbus.

"The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed. At the same time, we cannot dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty and the death penalty. 

Our efforts to protect the unborn remain as important as ever, for just as the Supreme  Court may allow greater latitude for state laws restricting abortion, state legislators have passed statutes not only keeping abortion legal through all nine months of pregnancy but opening the door to infanticide. Additionally, abortion contaminates many other important issues by being inserted into legislation regarding immigration, care for the poor, and health care reform."  United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Introductory Letter to  "Forming of  Consciences for Faithful Citizenship", issued on November 11, 2019.

On February 5, 2020, the USCCB released a set of four 2-minute videos to supplement  the "Forming of Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" document.  Link here to the USCCB website to read this document: USCCB - Forming Consciences . Link here to view these videos on the USCCB YouTube channel USCCB YouTube Channel

The video "Catholics Protect Human Life and Dignity" states, "As Catholics, we witness to the life and innate human dignity of all people, those not yet born, ..., the elderly, and those nearing the end of life."

Link here  for a discussion of the USCCB's November 2019 decision to keep the identification of abortion as the Church's  preeminent priority on the website of EWTN's National Catholic Register:  USCCB November 2019 Decision re Abortion Priority

Click on the photo of the baby (above, upper right) to link to the website of LifeNews.com and read a February 6, 2020 article about the USCCB videos.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops' 1989 Resolution on Abortion states, "abortion has become the fundamental human rights issue for all men and women of good will".

The U.S. Catholic Bishops' 1998 statement "Living the Gospel of Life" states, "Opposition to abortion and euthanasia does not excuse indifference to those suffering from poverty, violence and injustice.... But being "right" in such matters can never excuse a wrong choice regarding direct attacks on innocent human life. Indeed, the failure to protect and defend life in its most vulnerable stages renders suspect any claims to "rightness" of positions in other matters affecting the poorest and least powerful of the human community. If we understand the human person as the "temple of the Holy Spirit", the living house of God, then these latter issues fall logically into place as the beams and walls of that house. All direct attacks on innocent human life, such as abortion and euthanasia, strike at the house's foundation."

On September 20, 2020, The Most Reverend Thomas Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield, issued a statement providing voting guidance.

The following is quoted verbatim from Bishop Paprocki's statement, in which he makes the members of his diocese aware of the political parties' positions on abortion, and the positions of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, President Trump and Vice President Pence on abortion:

"With specific reference to abortion laws and voting, Pope St. John Paul II wrote, “In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to take part in a propaganda campaign in favor of such a law, or vote for it."

"So where do the political parties and the major candidates stand on abortion, the preeminent issue of our time?

The 2020 Democratic Party Platform states that Democrats believe unequivocally that every woman should be able to “access safe and legal abortion.” They also pledge to “restore federal funding for Planned Parenthood,” the largest single provider of abortions in the U.S., and repeal the Hyde Amendment, which since 1976 has prohibited federal funds to pay for abortions except in rare cases to save the life of the mother, or if the pregnancy arises from incest or rape. The platform also pledges that Democrats will appoint U.S. Supreme Court justices and federal judges who will uphold Roe v. Wade.

Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Dick Durbin, the Democratic Party candidates for president, vice-president, and U.S. Senate (Illinois), respectively, all support the Democratic Party Platform promoting abortion and calling for the use of federal taxpayer funding of abortion and the appointment of pro-abortion judges. Biden also pledged to restore the Obama-Biden policy that mandates churches, businesses, colleges, and religious orders like the Little Sisters of the Poor to provide coverage for abortion pills in their employees’ health insurance plans.

The Republican National Committee issued a resolution stating that, due to constraints on the size of this year’s Republican National Convention as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, they would not issue a new party platform. Instead, the 2016 Republican Party Platform would remain intact. In it, Republicans “assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental right to life which cannot be infringed.” They “oppose the use of public funds to perform or promote abortion or to fund organizations, like Planned Parenthood, so long as they provide or refer for elective abortions or sell fetal body parts rather than provide healthcare.” They also “support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life.”

Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and Mark Curran, the Republican Party candidates for president, vice-president, and U.S. Senate (Illinois), respectively, all promote laws that restrict abortion, oppose federal funding for abortions, and support the appointment of judges who respect the life of unborn babies."

Could We Have Come to This? - Bishop Zubik 2019

When legislation allows for a person to be harmed or killed, a line is crossed. That is what happens with abortion: larger, stronger human beings kill weak, defenseless human beings both inside and now, in New York and Virginia, outside the womb.

The claim that a fetus is not a child, but a "blob of cells" is a lie! Ultrasound proves this point. Still, abortion advocates argue the unborn baby is either a pregnant woman's property or part of her body. But science shows that, from conception, each of us has a human genetic code that is different from that of either parent. Humans are not property; children are not their parents.

Abortion proponents have also argued that unborn children have no rights because they are small. But societies in which the strong are free to oppress and kill the weak are terrifying places to live

Abortion is far more than a "women's issue." It is a human issue. All of us were once unborn children.

Abortion is wrong. The governor of New York was wrong to sign that bill (allowing abortions up to the moment of birth), wrong to celebrate it.

…we need to make our voices heard. We cannot be a silent majority or a silent minority. We need to make sure that our federal and state legislators hear that the human rights of unborn and newborn babies must be respected - without exception.

Recently, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, Chairman of the US Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a challenge. I support and share this challenge:

“Now is the time for all Catholics, bishops, priests, and laity — to fight for the unborn with renewed vigor. We must educate family, friends, legislators, and fellow citizens about how it is never necessary to intentionally kill unborn children ...

"I urge ... thoughtful Americans of all religions...               

On September 22, 2020, The Most Reverend David Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh, posted a letter to provide Catholics with voting guidance:  

Here are direct quotes from this excellent letter: 

"At the forefront of "life issues" is the right to be born as the right upon which all other "life issues" rest. Pope Saint John Paul II makes this point in his encyclical "The Gospel of Life" where he writes, "The human person is to be respected and treated as a person from the first moment of conception; and therefore, from that same moment his rights as a person must be recognized, among which in the first place is the inviolable right of every human being to life." (#60)"

"Following consistent Catholic teaching, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in its introductory letter to the 2020 edition of "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," highlights that abortion is the "preeminent priority" of the "life issues." In that letter, we bishops write, "The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself..." 

"Respect for life IS the issue. But it is a continuum of other issues, many issues, that flow from the beginning of life at the moment of conception. Again, every other iteration of life flows from the preeminent moment of conception".

"From our Catholic perspective it is morally unacceptable to vote for a candidate with the specific intent in support of something which is evil, i.e. abortion..."

On September 9, 2020, The Most Reverend Albert Schlert, Bishop of Allentown (PA) issued a strong and clear statement to guide Catholics in their voting. The bishop's statement is  quoted on the website of Catholic News Agency here:  CNA article - Bishop of Allentown - Abortion 

Here are direct quotes from Bishop Schlert's statement:

"A Catholic voter is to approach the ballot box with the defense of innocent human life uppermost in his/her mind and conscience. As voters, we must carefully examine our consciences to determine if our vote cooperates with a candidate’s promotion of the grave sins of abortion and euthanasia. The United States Bishops gave stark guidance to politicians in 1998, “No public official, especially one claiming to be a faithful and serious Catholic, can responsibly advocate for or actively support direct attacks on innocent human life.” (Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge for American Catholics, no. 32)  While this statement addresses public officials once elected to office, in intellectual and moral honesty, we must extend these words to us citizens who, by our vote, elect the candidate to office.

"Some may see these words of guidance as an intrusion into the political arena. To the contrary, the Church and her bishops have a serious obligation and right to participate in public discourse and to assist the faithful in properly forming their consciences to be able to participate fully, with free and informed will, in the moral and civic act of voting."

Here is a link to the bishop's complete statement on the website of the Diocese of Allentown: Bishop of Allentown on Abortion and Voting 

Continue reading below for guidance from:

• Bishop Thomas J. Tobin (Bishop of Providence)
• Bishop Richard Stika (Bishop of Knoxville)
• Bishop Thomas Paprocki (Bishop of Springfield, Illinois)
• Bishop Thomas Olmsted (Bishop of Phoenix)
• Cardinal Raymond Burke, and
• Pope Saint John Paul II

He urged Congress to pass the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which was the focus of a hearing April 9 by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

He added, “I also pray that consideration of this bill moves our country closer to recognizing all unborn babies as legal persons worthy of our love and respect.”

Source: Northwest Catholic, April 10, 2019

Link: USCCB Committee - End Late-Term Abortions

Scroll up to hear from:

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), 
• Thomas Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield, Illinois, 
• David Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh,
• Joseph Strickland, Bishop of Tyler, Texas, and 
• Albert Schlert, Bishop of Allentown, Pennsylvania

Scroll down to hear from: 

• Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, 
• Richard Stika, Bishop of Knoxville, 
• Thomas Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix,
• Cardinal Raymond Burke, and
• Pope Saint John Paul II
• and additional guidance from Thomas Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield

 The Most Reverend Richard J. Stika, Bishop of Knoxville (photo at right): Recent Statements:

"If a person supports or promotes abortion, it is no different than supporting slavery. It is the ultimate abuse against human dignity and the human rights of the baby. It is the ultimate act of child abuse." - tweeted on October 9, 2020

"The nomination (of Amy Coney Barrett) today for the Supreme Court is not about her faith but rather  about people who worship abortion and mistake it as health care. The baby in the womb is not some tumor that threatens the life of the mother. Abortion is the ultimate child abuse." - tweeted on September 26, 2020

"Jesus said that Satan is the prince of lies. Satan does not desire us to believe that he exists and yet humans know that evil does exist. Abortion is evil and if a person does not believe in this concept of evil, then perhaps that person has lost their sense of humanity." - tweeted on September 25, 2020

Regarding Justice Ruth Gaber Ginsburg: "Today's ceremony at the Capitol was not the first time a woman was honored to lie in repose. Rosa Parks was the first but the Justice was the first to lie in state. There was much talk of "justice". What about the justice to deny a child in the womb of life outside the womb?" - tweeted on September 25, 2020

"How can anyone, who has an understanding of humanity and the dignity of the human being, justify an abortion? Now we also have a Party that supports unconditional abortions and the repeal of the Hyde Amendment." - tweeted September 22, 2020

"I am still confused as to how anyone who holds political office and says they're Catholic can claim to be a faithful Catholic and support unlimited access to abortion. 150 years ago, I would think there may have been Catholic politicians who were in favor of slavery. Did they also make the claim that they were faithful Catholics? Why is it that the official leader of one party has stated time and time again that Pro-Life people are not welcome in that Party? Why will no leader in that Party stand up for the dignity of all humans, even babies in the womb?" - tweeted September 20, 2020

June 6, 2019

The Most Reverend Thomas Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield, Illinois, has forbidden Catholic legislators who voted for the Reproductive Health Act from receiving Holy Communion in his diocese, citing penalties in Church Law for those who “persist in manifest grave sin.”
In a statement released by the Springfield Diocese Thursday, Bishop Thomas Paprocki declared that “Illinois Catholic lawmakers who promoted or voted for extreme abortion legislation are not to receive Communion.”

Bishop Paprocki calls out two Catholic legislators by name, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, but extends the ban to any Catholic who voted for the bills.
“Due to their leadership roles in promoting the evil of abortion by facilitating the passage of Senate Bill 25 this legislative session and House Bill 40 in 2017, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton have been barred from receiving Holy Communion,” the statement reads.
“In addition, Illinois Catholic lawmakers who voted for either of these abortion bills are not to present themselves to receive Holy Communion,” it says.
These legislative leaders “have shown obstinate and persistent support of extreme abortion legislation,” the statement declares. “House Bill 40 legalized taxpayer funding for abortion and Senate Bill 25 makes abortion a fundamental right, allows for the killing of innocent children up to the moment of birth, and requires private insurance to pay for abortion, among other anti-life changes.”
The statement was accompanied by a formal decree, which was mailed earlier this week to those Catholic lawmakers who voted for House Bill 40/Senate Bill 25.
“To support legislation that treats babies in the womb like property, allowing for their destruction for any reason at any time, is evil,” the bishop said. “It’s my hope and prayer these lawmakers reconcile themselves to the Church so they can receive Communion.”
Bishop Paprocki, who is a canon lawyer, said that if these legislators would like to return to communion with the Church, they must seek sacramental absolution and demonstrate a “public conversion of life.”
“In view of their gravely immoral action to deprive unborn children legal protection against abortion, it must be said that any Catholic legislator who sponsored, promoted, advocated, or voted for these pro-abortion bills has acted in a seriously sinful manner unfaithful to the 2,000-year-old Christian teaching against abortion and therefore, would place themselves outside of the full communion of the Catholic Church,” the bishop said. “Such persons are not to receive Holy Communion until they have celebrated the sacrament of reconciliation and displayed a public conversion of life.
Along with citing Canon Law, Bishop Paprocki appealed to recent statements by Pope Francis in which he compared abortion to hiring a hit man to resolve problems in life.
“I want to thank lawmakers who stood up to these barbaric pieces of legislation and voted ‘no,’ and I applaud their courage to speak the truth that the most basic right we should all enjoy, is the right to life,” Paprocki said.
Source: ncregister.com - 6/6/19

The Very Reverend John Lankeit, Rector of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Phoenix stated the following in his October 2, 2016 homily, "If you know which party and candidate want to promote and expand abortion, and you still intend to enable them to continue their war on the unborn with your vote, it is my duty as a priest to tell you that your soul will be in grave danger, especially if you present yourself for holy communion after casting such a vote with the full knowledge of what you are doing."

He further stated, "“If you do not know which candidate and party I am referring to then you should not even consider voting until you do. Ignorance in this area is unacceptable because ignorance in this area jeopardizes millions of babies’ lives and jeopardizes the souls of many Catholic voters."

This homily is a perfect example of what Catholic priests can say from the pulpit, without risk of violating the restrictions imposed on churches by Section 501 of the Tax Code. At no time does Father Lankeit mention the name of a presidential candidate or political party, however, no one hearing this homily has any doubt as to how a Catholic - or any Christian -needs to vote.

The protection of the rights of parents to educate their children.”

The above content is sourced from the website of the Diocese of Phoenix, here: Diocese of Phoenix - Catholics in the Public Square

January 13, 2020: Cardinal Raymond Burke stated the following:

"It is absolutely clear that abortion is the pre-eminent social issue. Abortion, from the very first days of the Church, has always been considered to be among the most grievous of sins."

"In the moral law, the first and principal law has to do with the respect for human life... Until we restore respect for human life, none of the teaching on the other social issues has any solid foundation."

The above content is sourced from the website of ChurchMilitant.com

Roman Catholic Priest Father Frank Pavone (in the attached photo, with Pope Saint John Paul II) has a gift for stating facts in simple, understandable terms. His book, "Ending Abortion" (2006 - Catholic Book Publishing Corp.), is a treasure trove of short educational articles. We will conclude this page on "Faith Teaching on Abortion Decisions", with a quotation from page 142 of this highly recommended book, backed up by a direct quote from a saint, Pope Saint John Paul II:

"If a candidate who supported terrorism asked for your vote, would you say, "I disagree with you on terrorism, but where do you stand on other issues?"

I doubt it.

In fact, if a terrorism sympathizer presented him/herself for your vote, you would immediately know that such a position immediately disqualifies the candidate for public office - no matter how good he or she may be on other issues.

Abortion is no less violent than terrorism. Any candidate who says abortion should be kept legal disqualifies him/herself from public office. We need look no further, we need pay no attention to what the candidate says on other issues.

Pope Saint John Paul II put it this way: "Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights - for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture - is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition for all personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination." (Christifideles Laici, 1988)"