Is Voting Pro-Choice, Anti-Catholic?

Upon the election of every Christian Democrat to the White House, the Catholic Church takes it upon itself to make a political statement out of religious beliefs. This year, with the election of Barack Obama, a Protestant who belongs to the United Church of Christ, the reaction is no different.

For those who have been reading the news, you are already aware of the scrutiny that President-elect Barack Obama has faced from Catholic bishops about his pro-choice political stances. They are even recommending that those who voted for him shouldn't be able to receive communion.

Here is an excerpt of the statement from the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago:

The recent election was principally decided out of concern for the economy, for the loss of jobs and homes and financial security for families, here and around the world. If the election is misinterpreted ideologically as a referendum on abortion, the unity desired by President-elect Obama and all Americans at this moment of crisis will be impossible to achieve. Abortion kills not only unborn children; it destroys constitutional order and the common good, which is assured only when the life of every human being is legally protected. Aggressively pro-abortion policies, legislation and executive orders will permanently alienate tens of millions of Americans, and would be seen by many as an attack on the free exercise of their religion.

Interestingly, despite the strong views from the Church, over-half of Catholic voters supported Obama in this election. Planned Parenthood President, Cecile Richards wrote a compelling narrative about the situation:

While this may come as a surprise to Catholic bishops who are meeting this week to discuss the election, it is consistent with what we know about the attitudes of Catholic voters.

In a poll commissioned by Planned Parenthood last year, Catholic voters were asked to name their largest concerns around the issues of abortion and family planning.

The number-one response was that there are "too many unwanted children in America whose parents can't take care of them."

Second, they said government was too quick to interfere with people's personal lives and private decisions.

And third, government was not doing enough to provide education and resources to help people make responsible decisions about sexual behavior and pregnancy.

From these two narratives - when it comes to the Catholic vote - a question is presented about which entity could alienate their constituency more: an Obama Presidency or the Catholic Church.

If the Church keeps demanding that Obama criminalize abortion, could it turn away moderate Catholics from engaging with the Church? Or could Obama's support of pro-choice policies disengage those Catholics who voted for him, but still remain pro-life?

While the United States has the third largest Catholic population in the world after Brazil and Mexico, only one-fourth of Americans identify as Catholic. As a Catholic myself, I find it rather frustrating that the Church is still trying to legislate its policies into government. The separation of Church and State is something that I truly believe in for many reasons. One reason is because favoring a religious stance in government would be effectively discriminating against those who are atheist or of another religious creed. Just as I believe in equality for all human beings, I believe in the equal ability to practice your religion without government interference.

Editorial note 11.17.08: Title has been changed from "Is Being Pro-Choice, Anti-Catholic?" to "Is Voting Pro-Choice, Anti-Catholic?" as it seems to summarize the piece more effectively.