27-October-2004 -- EWTNews Brief
BOSTON, USA, October 27 (CNA) - A former U.S.
Ambassador to the Vatican released a statement yesterday calling on Catholics to
exercise "responsible citizenship" and take their Catholic values with
them to the voting booth Nov. 2.
"As Americans, we find ourselves at a political and moral
crossroads," said Raymond Flynn. "The values that once defined this
nation as the great 'city on a hill' are being increasingly undermined amidst
the unprecedented cultural war in which we are currently engaged."
The popular three-term mayor of Boston challenged the lack of participation
of Catholics in the public sphere and in defending their values and heritage.
"Where are we as a nation when the very symbols of America's founding
principles are being removed from our schools and courthouses?" he asked.
"When our elected officials mention promoting 'traditional values' or a
'culture of life', they are accused of 'injecting their personal faith' into
public office and ridiculed. ...Will we continue to allow our nation's values
and heritage to be stripped away from us?"
Flynn said it is vital for Catholics to continue to take a lead role in these
finals days, leading up to Election Day. He pointed out that Catholics represent
the largest voting bloc at 25 percent.
"We need men of competence and integrity," he said, "who
understand and support the traditional values of our nation: God, Country, and
Family."
He encouraged Catholics in the final week to become informed on issues
related to the election - if they have not yet done so - and the Catholic
position on such issues through the numerous voter's guides that are available.