...Vote Pro-Life!

Next Tuesday we, the people of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, will be joining with millions of other American citizens to cast our vote. At least I hope that we, the people of the archdiocese, will indeed exercise this privilege which is also a right and a duty. Unfortunately many eligible citizens fail to vote thereby allowing others to determine the direction our communities and country follow.

When we were baptized, we received a share in the life of the Triune God. We were reborn. Through this new life with the Lord, we were enabled to sanctify every aspect of our daily living. We could better appreciate the gift of life itself and therefore are more strongly obliged to respect every human being created in the Image and Likeness of God.

There are some who complain whenever the Church, or a bishop or a priest, addresses the societal issues of our day. However, as American citizens and members of local communities and states, it is our duty to participate fully in the process of government. It is therefore both an obligation and a right for the Church to speak out and give us direction. Bishop Joseph Hart of Cheyenne, Wyoming, recently wrote a letter to the people of his diocese urging them to vote pro-life. I completely concur with Bishop Hart who clearly states Church teaching. I am happy we are able to share that letter with you by printing it on page one of our newspaper.

Several years ago, I remember being criticized for urging people to vote pro-life. I was accused of being a "single issue voter." On reflection, that's not a bad designation. If one issue is big enough and important enough and capable of overshadowing other issues, then it should be addressed. If one issue is so fundamental that it affects every other issue, then it should be given prominence. If one issue perpetrates a grave injustice to anyone, then it has to be stopped. If one issue is a matter of life or death, then life has to be chosen. The one issue that is reflected in each of these situations is abortion. Therefore I am proud to be called a "single issue voter" in this regard for there is no other issue as basic, as fundamental and as urgent.

Abortion is the most serious and critical problem we are faced with today. Elsewhere in this paper, on page six, you can read an excellent explanation of this single-most important issue. Abortion is the underlying foundation for many of our modern-day societal ills.

On the other hand, when one is totally opposed to abortion and therefore rightly makes the judgement to vote only for pro-life candidates, the decision is not made in a vacuum. Logic tells us that decisions result in consequences. Hence the Church has always taught the ramifications that accompany the decision to be pro-life. Thus parents have a responsibility not only to beget children, but also to nurture them, to care for them, to instruct them and bring them up to a responsible adulthood. Christians have also been challenged to care for the poor, the needy and the lonely. Our hospitals, orphanages, shelters and nursing homes all testify to this tradition of care and concern. Being pro-life and anti-abortion is truly much more than narrowing it down to a single issue.

As a human being, I am against abortion because it is death, it is unjust, it is violent, it is wrong, it is sinful. How then can I support a candidate who supports abortion alleging to be "pro-choice?" I cannot!

Next Tuesday we will have an opportunity to make a difference by our vote. We will be able to save lives by voting for pro-life candidates. Our cities, our state, our country will only be as good as the people we elect to govern us. Therefore, let us call forth those who respect the life of every human being from conception to natural death. Call forth those who respect God as the Author of all life.

Statements of other Bishops on Abortion