Mass. bishops emphasize sanctity of life, traditional marriage in upcoming elections

Boston, Mass., Oct 27, 2010 / 04:00 am

Bishops in Massachusetts are emphasizing the importance of voters protecting the sanctity of life and upholding traditional marriage in the upcoming mid-term elections.

In a guest opinion column in Boston's Herald News on Oct. 26, the Massachusetts Catholic Conference released a statement signed by Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of the Archdiocese of Boston, Bishop George Coleman of the Diocese of Fall River, Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell of the Diocese of Springfield and Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Diocese of Worcester.

The bishops opened their remarks by saying that one "of the greatest blessings of our American democracy is the opportunity it affords to its citizens to step up and share their vision of a better society."

"It was the same yearning for a better life for everyone that brought many of our ancestors to this country. So it is a deeply-rooted concern for the common good that has moved us throughout our history to participate in the election process," they noted. "Our convictions about the importance of voting are bolstered by the innate sense of hope that has endowed this nation with such promise in good times and in bad."

The Massachusetts bishops then stated that in the upcoming elections, certain "moral and social issues are fundamentally important, since human rights are at stake and must be protected to help democracy to flourish in a way that benefits every citizen."

"These include the defense of the sanctity of life, the family based on marriage between a man and a woman, religious freedom, and the well-being of the poor," the prelates wrote.

Referencing Pope Benedict's address to the Pontifical Council for the Laity this past May, the bishops underscored that "it is imperative that we exercise our right and duty to vote" as "the common good is at stake."

"Particularly for us as Catholics," they said, "voting is an exercise of reason inspired by faith. Our participation as citizens in the electoral process allows us to propose our vision for this country and about our future as a democracy."

"Deciding which candidate in any particular race offers the best opportunity to take us in the right direction is not an easy task. Yet there is a measuring rod by which all electoral choices must be evaluated: Will my vote enhance human dignity?"

"The opportunity to vote is a blessing," the bishops concluded. "Taking advantage of this opportunity is an expression of hope. Go to the polls on Election Day and act on your vision of a better society."