DIOCESE OF TRENTON
POLICY STATEMENT ON PRO-ABORTION POLITICIANS
Most Rev. John M. Smith, J.C.D.
Bishop of Trenton
July 24, 1990
Reaffirmed July, 2001
"Some Catholic elected officials have adopted the argument that, while
they personally oppose evils like abortion, they cannot force their
religious views on a wider society. This is seriously mistaken on several
key counts: First, regarding abortion, the point when human like begins is
not a religious belief, but a scientific fact. Second, the sanctity of human
life is not merely Catholic doctrine but part of humanity's global ethnic
heritage, and our nations' founding principle. Finally, democracy is not
served by silence…Real pluralism depends on people of conviction
struggling vigorously to advance their beliefs by every ethical and legal
means at their disposal." --Living the Gospel of Life, U.S. Catholic
Bishops
POLICY STATEMENT ON PRO-ABORTION POLITICIANS
It would be misleading to assist pro-choice politicians with a platform to
promote their views for fear that others would falsely conclude that the Church
at least tolerates their position.
Therefore:
1. Public honors of any type should not be bestowed on such persons, by any
parish or diocesan institution;
2. Invitations are not to be offered to such persons to be speakers at public
events or in educational programs, nor given recognition or approval by parishes
or diocesan institutions;
3. Such persons should not be proposed to exercise any ministry, or hold any
office in the Church or in any parish, even as an honorary chairperson.
It is incumbent upon us as moral guides and pastors to make certain that the
Church's teaching is proclaimed clearly, and is explained by presenting the
theological and rational arguments against abortion.
Rising above other issues is our moral responsibility to respect and sustain
human life from conception to natural death. In this context, we know that
support and promotion of abortion is always wrong and can never be justified.
The Church's teaching about the sacredness of human life must be a priority for
all Catholics.
Most Reverend John M. Smith
Bishop of Trenton
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
"Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. The
conviction that human life is sacred and that each person has inherent
dignity that must be respected in society lies at the heart of Catholic
social teaching. Calls to advance human rights are illusions if the right to
life itself is subject to attack. We believe that every human life is sacred
from conception to natural death: that people are more important than
things: and that the measure of every institution is whether or not it
enhances the life and dignity of the human person."
-- Faithful Citizenship, National Conference of Catholic Bishops
"Now the word of the Lord came to me saying:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I
consecrated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you."
-- Jeremiah 1:5
"We urge those Catholic officials who choose to depart from Church
teaching on the inviolability of human life in their public life to consider
the consequences for their own spiritual well being, as well as the scandal
they risk by leading others into serious sin. We call on them to reflect the
grave contradiction of assuming public roles and presenting themselves as
credible Catholics when their actions on fundamental issues of human life
are not in agreement with Church teaching. 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…No appeal to
policy, procedure, majority will or pluralism ever excuses a public official
from defending life to the greatest extent possible."
-- Living the Gospel of Life, U.S. Catholic Bishops
OFFICE OF FAMILY LIFE/RESPECT LIFE
Diocese of Trenton
701 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
609-406-7400, Ext. 5592
Reverend Jeffrey E. Lee, Director
Reverend Michael Manning, M.D., Coordinator, Respect Life Ministries
E-mail: mmanni@dioceseoftrenton.org
