In a recent national organizing call, Catholic advocates rallied support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential run.
The call aimed to address and alleviate concerns among the Catholic community regarding her stance on abortion.
A Call to Action
Held on September 18, the “Catholics for Harris-Walz National Organizing Call” was orchestrated by various nonprofits, including Catholics Vote Common Good, which encourages faith-based groups to endorse progressive candidates.
The speakers featured a diverse lineup, including Sister Simone Campbell, former ambassador Joe Donnelly, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, and Anthea Butler from the University of Pennsylvania.
Polls and Perspectives
Sister Simone Campbell, who represents NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, pointed to polls indicating that many Catholics support legal abortion.
She emphasized that “our faith does not require the outlawing of abortion,” a statement that seems at odds with traditional Catholic teachings.
Campbell argued for the importance of individual conscience in decision-making, particularly regarding difficult pregnancies, stating, “Protecting life is what we’re about.”
She believes that couples should be trusted to navigate these complex situations.
Broader Issues Beyond Abortion
Anthea Butler encouraged Catholics not to focus solely on abortion as a voting issue.
She advocated for a holistic view of human dignity, asserting that it extends from conception to the end of life.
Butler highlighted the importance of addressing poverty and education, calling for Catholics to care about various societal issues.
Critically, she also condemned former President Donald Trump’s inflammatory remarks about Haitian migrants, describing them as disrespectful and contrary to Catholic values.
Church Teachings on Life
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has historically affirmed the moral wrongness of abortion, stating that life must be safeguarded from conception.
It defines the right to life as a cornerstone of civil society.
In November 2023, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reiterated their stance on abortion as a primary concern, issuing a voter guide that emphasizes the moral imperative to protect the unborn.
Embracing Human Dignity
Referencing Pope Francis, Campbell pointed out that the dignity of all humans—born and unborn—is sacred.
The Pope’s words stress the need for a passionate defense of life, asserting that all stages of development deserve respect and love.
Biden’s support for abortion rights has drawn criticism from some Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who noted a disconnect with traditional teachings.
Harris’ Position on Abortion
Harris advocates for maintaining the abortion standards established by Roe v. Wade, which would restrict states from enacting laws that protect unborn life before viability.
During a recent debate, she was evasive about her stance on late-term abortions, a point of contention given the thousands performed annually in the U.S.
Engaging Conversations
During the call, Campbell shared a positive experience with Harris, recalling their conversation about essential issues like healthcare.
Donnelly echoed this sentiment, portraying Harris as a compassionate leader focused on uplifting the struggling.
Both Donnelly and DeLauro criticized Trump’s comments about migrants and the Republican Party’s policies, which they believe deepen societal inequality.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 election approaches, the voices of Catholic supporters for Harris aim to amplify progressive values within the community.
With Trump also organizing a “Catholics for Trump” coalition, the discourse among Catholic voters is bound to become more vibrant and contentious.