"Pro-choice need not apply!?"

[Befink]

I was surprised to see such a rigid response from Fr. Serpa on the pro-choice question.

The reality is there are a large number of practicing Catholics who would never have an abortion but struggle with the politics of pro-life and it’s perceived effectiveness in eradicating abortion and other problems in society. *While many of those are cafeteria Catholics, there are many other practicing Catholics who just continue to be conflicted on some teachings. *We explore but don’t find ourselves coming around (to be honest, the frustration gets old after a while). *My experience is that the Church shows love and patience just as God does for people who struggle and continue to seek. *On the contrary, your response implies “Pro-choice need not apply.”

Would you kindly help us understand what the Church’s position is on people who struggle to accept all teachings and may potentially never come around on some? *Should those people really quit being Catholics?

As a corollary. *I struggle to understand the Church’s distinction between the personal and political aspects of abortion. *Is it actually a sin to vote pro-choice or merely a sin to be personally involved in an abortion? *After all there must be a moral concern that pro-life politicians are not upholding their promises on this issue.

Thanks for your help

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

You voice concern with those who “struggle with the politics of pro-life and it’s perceived effectiveness in eradicating abortion and other problems.” You seem to suggest that such people are justified in being and, I would presume, voting pro-choice. But what is the choice? The choice is to take the life of an innocent child or not. Anyone can choose such an act. Such a choice is quite possible. It’s even legal in our country. But morally, no one has the right to do such a thing—no matter how effective such an action may seem to be in eradicating its’ perpetuity. Morality always trumps pragmatism. To support an act of abortion is mortally sinful–even when that support is given in a voting booth.

The Church is indeed sympathetic to her children who struggle with some of her teachings that they humbly accept only on faith. When most of His disciples left Jesus because they couldn’t understand His giving them His flesh and blood to consume, He turned to His apostles. They didn’t understand any more than the others did. But they accepted what they didn’t understand because they had faith in Him and they loved Him.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.