Is the Catholic Church “Single Issue”?

The controversy between the Catholic bishops in the United States and Senator John Kerry and other Catholic politicians who staunchly support abortion rights has drawn considerable media coverage. The bishops wish to uphold the Catholic Church’s perennial, non-negotiable moral teaching on the grave evil of abortion despite the outspoken dissent of some prominent Catholics in public office.

One interesting sidebar to this discussion involves the priority of abortion among the many issues confronting the Church and society today. Some who are critical of the bishops are quick to point out that the Church is not “single issue.” This rhetoric is most frequently used by those who want to justify pro-abortion voting patterns. They understand that if Catholics tow the line on the abortion issue, there would be significant political ramifications. Therefore, these critics insist that the Catholic Church is not “single issue,” that abortion must not be a litmus test when it comes to evaluating candidates for public office.

The fact is many Catholics for decades have supported abortion rights and pro-abortion candidates, so any proactive intervention by the bishops at this point will predictably meet opposition. But what about the “single issue” argument? Is it more smoke and mirrors by those with a political agenda that conflicts with Church teaching, or is there more to it than that?

The “single issue” argument and the at times vicious personal attacks against some bishops wrongly presuppose a political motivation on the part of Church leaders. As pastors, the bishops must be vigilant in protecting their flocks. That sometimes involves prophetic teaching and firm action that won’t make them popular. Even if some might interpret their actions as being harsh (when they’re eminently pastoral) or politically motivated (when as likely as not in today’s climate the candidates will actually benefit politically from the confrontation), they cannot grow weary of doing the right thing (2 Thess. 3:13). The prudence that comes into play here is not political pragmatism, but what is needed for the salvation of souls.

But is the Church “single issue”? Absolutely not! In fact, the U.S. bishops are currently at work on publishing a voter’s guide that objectively provides the presidential candidates’ stance on dozens of issues. They do this as a public service every election year.

 Anyone who has read the documents and public statements of the U.S. bishops in this area knows that Catholics are rightly concerned about the broadest range of topics. No organization has provided a more comprehensive and coherent approach to the complex issues our society faces than the Catholic Church.

And it should be further noted that the Church as a matter of principle does not align herself with particular candidates or political parties.

Yet, not all issues are created equal. That’s why the body of U.S. bishops, in their June 2004 statement Catholics in Political Life, stressed the moral obligation of all Catholics—especially Catholic politicians—to oppose abortion rights.

Abortion is distinctive because it touches upon the fundamental right to life, a right without which other rights are rendered meaningless. Further, because it’s an intrinsic evil that can never be justified, and given the Church’s definitive, unequivocal witness to this truth, it is not merely an optional or a la carte item on the Catholic menu. Catholics are not “pro-choice,” that is to say, “pro-abortion,” under any circumstances.

This is one of the exceptional issues (same-sex “marriage,” cloning, and euthanasia being others) where Catholic moral teaching—and the natural law—does not allow for a diversity of opinions. More typically, Catholic social teaching informs the issue without compelling a particular approach or position. For example, the Church is concerned about healthcare and education, but Catholics may take vastly different approaches to addressing these societal concerns without violating ethical norms.

It should also be noted that the “single issue” issue cuts both ways. Pro-abortion politicians—including, sadly, some prominent Catholics—routinely apply a pro-abortion litmus test of their own when it comes to scrutinizing judicial nominees. The fact of the matter is that everyone has particular issues that are most significant to him. The Church is far from “single issue,” but her principled views on abortion are clear and are given the priority they deserve without ignoring other issues.

Abortion is not the only issue, but it’s a decisive issue.

Leon J. Suprenant, Jr. is the president of Catholics United for the Faith (CUF) and Emmaus Road Publishing and the publisher of Lay Witness magazine, all based in Steubenville, Ohio. His email address is leon@cuf.org.

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