Boston, Mass., Oct 26, 2004 / 22:00 pm
A former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican released a statement yesterday calling on Catholics to exercise “responsible citizenship” and take their Catholic values with them to the voting booth Nov. 2.
“As Americans, we find ourselves at a political and moral crossroads,” said Raymond Flynn. “The values that once defined this nation as the great ‘city on a hill’ are being increasingly undermined amidst the unprecedented cultural war in which we are currently engaged.”
The popular three-term mayor of Boston challenged the lack of participation of Catholics in the public sphere and in defending their values and heritage.
“Where are we as a nation when the very symbols of America’s founding principles are being removed from our schools and courthouses?” he asked. “When our elected officials mention promoting ‘traditional values’ or a ‘culture of life’, they are accused of ‘injecting their personal faith’ into public office and ridiculed. …Will we continue to allow our nation’s values and heritage to be stripped away from us?”
Flynn said it is vital for Catholics to continue to take a lead role in these finals days, leading up to Election Day. He pointed out that Catholics represent the largest voting bloc at 25 percent.
“We need men of competence and integrity,” he said, “who understand and support the traditional values of our nation: God, Country, and Family.”
He encouraged Catholics in the final week to become informed on issues related to the election – if they have not yet done so – and the Catholic position on such issues through the numerous voter’s guides that are available.