Voting

By Ray Ross

I have always supported St. Cardinal John Henry Newman’s message that all Catholics have a duty to wade into the public square in support of their Catholic principles. As Catholics we are responsible for looking at all the issues and examining our consciences before deciding for whom we will vote.

Not all issues have the same moral weight. In the words of Fr. Mathias Thelen, noted speaker and author, and Pastor of St. Patrick Church in Brighton, Michigan, “Some issues are so foundational to the common good that a candidate’s position on a particular issue can disqualify them from having our vote”

While the U.S. Catholic Bishops have suggested that the laity look at all the issues before deciding on a particular candidate, in their document on voting they state: ”The threat of abortion represents a preeminent priority because it directly attacks our most vulnerable and voiceless brothers and sisters and destroy more than a million lives every year in our country.”

In short, it is not possible to have a civil society or the common good when an entire class of human beings do not have the right to life. Some politicians want to throw the unborn under the bus for their own political gain. We cannot compromise.

I hope everyone has had a chance to read Bishop Dewane’s document detailing why parishioners must vote NO on Amendment #4. I’d also recommend “Catholic Voters’ Guide 2024” which was developed by all of the Florida Bishops -

Catholic Voters’ Guide 2024