October 13, 2013:

The Challenges of Abortion

I will always cherish the memory of a friend who was a shining example of Christian leadership:  Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. I met him when he was a member of the Board of Directors of Religion In American Life where I was a vice President. Stories of his humility and kindness were legend in Cincinnati and Chicago where he served. When he was elevated to his position in Chicago I wrote him a very formal letter of congratulations. Yes, we were friends but I did not want to presume on that friendship. A few days later I received a handwritten note:  “Dear Dave, thanks for your best wishes and prayers. Love, Joe.” What a Pope he would have made!

      Cardinal Bernardin believed in what he called Christ’s seamless garment of life. While he supported the Roman Catholic opposition to abortion, he also believed that the Church in particular and America in general should show as much or more concern for the child once it was born. He was a strong advocate of programs aiding mothers and children. He also believed that “seamless garment” meant that Christians should be opposed to capital punishment and war!

      I disagree with “Joe” on the matter of a total ban on abortion. I understand the complexity of when life begins and when life is viable. I certainly do not believe that abortion should be used carelessly as a form of birth control. But I believe this divisive issue must be set in context. America today is awash with all forms of media exploiting or promoting human sexuality with little or no regard for the consequences of unprotected sex. There is a terrible irony in that those most opposed to abortion are also opposed to realistic sex education in schools and easy availability of birth control materials including the (so-called) “Morning After” pill. They seem to have little or no concern for the fact that single mothers make up the largest poverty group in America.

            I believe that women should be able to obtain a medically approved abortion free of all the cruel restrictions that pandering politicians want to impose. Life — real life — is too precious for that. What do you think?

Love,
Dave