These last few weeks the media has been filled with examples of politicians who have tried to talk about Catholic beliefs in television interviews, and this has led to great confusion. In general, it is a good thing when baptized Catholics seek to learn more about the faith and convey that faith to others. However, it is unfortunate when in the public forum they get it wrong. This was the case with U.S. House Speaker Pelosi and Senator Joe Biden.

While I desire to show respect for those who serve in public office, I must address the fact that on two different occasions each attempted to explain the Catholic teaching concerning the right of innocent unborn children to life and did so incorrectly. Because of the possible confusion, I want to express a correct understanding. While the Church carefully avoids entering the political realm in a way that would endorse one or other candidate, we always seek to fulfill our duty to articulate the teachings of the Church clearly and to influence public policy in a way that promotes the common good in the richest meaning of that phrase.

The Catholic teaching is clear. The Catechism of the Catholic Church was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s precisely to give an authoritative statement of virtually all Catholic teachings, often with citations from sacred scripture and tradition. Go to numbers 2270 and 2271 in the Catechism and you will find:

“Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person — among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. ... Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law.”

Further, this teaching that human life begins at conception and must be respected from the beginning is not an article of faith for believers, such as our belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Rather it is like the prohibition against stealing or slavery; it is based on natural law, which is written on the hearts of every human being, and thus binding for all people. One person recently expressed it this way: “The reality of human life beginning at conception is not being proclaimed as a matter of faith but rather acknowledged as a matter of fact.” Thus, it is not sufficient to say that I agree with this teaching about the beginning of life as a matter of faith, but I will not impose it on others any more than I would say that stealing or slavery is a matter of personal faith that cannot be imposed on others.

This is a timely issue because with October quickly approaching, we are once again on the threshold of “Respect Life” month. The U.S. Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities (of which I am an active member) once again has prepared a packet to help with liturgical celebrations, study and action on behalf of life. The materials are quite attractive and meaningful.

This year’s theme, “Hope and Trust in Life!”, is taken from the homilies of Pope Benedict XVI during his journey to the United Sates in April. Quotes from his homilies are contained in a small pamphlet that gives more flesh to the explanations that I made above. I am pleased that Mrs. Helen Rothgerber of Catholic Charities is making a sample copy of the respect life packet available to each parish free of charge. Since the emphasis on respect life is for the entire month of October, there is still time to get the sample and order additional materials.

Likewise, Mark Bouchard of Catholic Charities’ Parish Social Ministries Office has worked with a committee to prepare monthly materials called “Opening Prayer Days. For each month there will be materials that will focus on an important topic in promoting a culture of life within the Archdiocese of Louisville. In addition to prayers and reflections, there is a “challenge to action” section with suggestions on concrete actions as well as contact information for specific public officials. The first one, designed for the month of October, focuses on the respect for and defense of unborn children. These are excellent materials, and I hope you will take full advantage of them.

Please join me in continuing to deepen your knowledge and convictions about these important moral issues of our day. Together we stand up for human life!