Richard & Diana Doll: Even bishops agree we don’t have to be single-issue voters

We have read several recent letters arguing against supporting pro-choice candidates. Then we came across a truncated quote in a church bulletin which disturbed us. It said: “A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who favors a policy promoting an intrinsically evil act, such as abortion.”

The complete quote, from our copy of “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, states: “A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter’s intent is to support that position.” In other words, we are perfectly free, in conscience, to consider the totality of a candidate’s qualities and positions – not to be single-issue voters.

In our eyes, and echoing the Bishops’ teachings, a president needs to protect the whole spectrum of human life and dignity. This includes keeping the country safe, exploring peaceful resolutions to conflicts, opposing torture and injustice, fostering workers’ rights, promoting a safety net for the weak and poor and protecting the livability of our planet. A president like this would be a blessing.

This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 2:50 PM with the headline "Richard & Diana Doll: Even bishops agree we don’t have to be single-issue voters."