Baltimore, MD. -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, who is present this week at the deliberations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued this statement this morning regarding the bishops' statement, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility," due to be voted on today:

"Priests for Life welcomes the bishops' statement providing concrete guidance to Catholics and other Americans about their responsibilities in the political arena. The bishops' statement calls us to avoid two extremes in considering the many important issues that voters must consider. One is to ignore the distinctions among the issues; the other is to ignore some of the issues when making the distinctions. Today's statement is a helpful tool in achieving the right balance.

"The bishops point out, and we echo, that the direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life - by abortion, for instance -- is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. If we do not welcome and protect the tiniest children, how can we welcome immigrants and the poor? If we cannot protect our children from the abortionists' forceps, how can we protect ourselves from the terrorists' bombs?"

Faithful Citizenship by Fr. Frank Pavone

For the full text of Fr. Pavone’s statement, visit www.PoliticalResponsibility.org.