Election 2008

Dear Friends in Christ,

In a little over three weeks we will go to the polls for one of the most crucial elections of our nation’s history. In the next three weeks I hope all of you will take time to seriously reflect on your obligations as citizens to seek the greater good for our country. Presently the media is full of bad news about our economy, but this should not prevent us from focusing on even more important issues that involve the very foundations upon which our American society is built, namely the right to life and the family. There are three propositions on the November ballot that need our attention.

First, there is Proposition Four. Here is an excerpt from the California Bishops’ statement supporting this proposition:

Proposition 4 contains public policy that is both sensible and realistic and which will benefit not only our families but our society as a whole. It is a sensible policy to encourage a minor girl faced with a serious decision like an unexpected pregnancy to go to her parents or family for their love, their wisdom, and their counsel. It is a realistic policy that her parents or family be notified of her request for an abortion whether or not she chooses to consult them. Society will benefit because similar involvement laws in other states have the effect of discouraging irresponsible sexual behavior and teenage pregnancies. In addition, individual rights and unborn babies will be protected because a minor girl will be afforded support in the unfortunate circumstance that she is being coerced to have an abortion.

Secondly, Proposition 6 involves retribution not rehabilitation for criminals. The Bishops of California oppose this proposition. Here is an excerpt from their statement:Communities do have a right to establish and enforce laws to protect people and to advance the common good. At the same time, our Church teaches us to not give up on those who violate these laws. Despite their very different claims on society, the lives and dignity of both victims and perpetrators should be protected and respected. As bishops, we oppose Proposition 6 because it advances a retributive rather than a restorative justice model for dealing with crime. Proposition 6 would create multiple new crimes and additional penalties, some with potential for new life sentences. Proposition 6 could also curtail the participation of nonprofit organizations in community councils that determine county-level policy for juvenile justice. Although Proposition 6 was introduced in good faith by those with legitimate concerns about“ safe neighborhoods,” it offers more of the same criminal justice policies which have failed in the past—and it will cost Californians billions of dollars without increasing public safety.

Finally, Proposition 8, which restores the true definition of marriage, also has our Bishops’ support. Here is what they say: We need to recall that marriage mirrors God’s relationship with us—and that marriage completes, enriches and perpetuates humanity.. We must support traditional marriage as the source of our civilization, the foundation for a society that can be home to all human beings, and the reflection of our relationship with God. We need to remember that we are all children of God possessed of human dignity and that each of us is created in God’s image. Protecting the traditional understanding of marriage should not in any way disparage our brothers and sisters—even if they disagree with us.

God bless you and have a great week.