Newark, N.J., Sep 19, 2004 / 22:00 pm
No Catholic may legitimately support abortion or embryonic stem-cell research. That was the conclusive message of a letter to the faithful, issued by Archbishop John J. Meyers of Newark Sept. 17.
Acknowledging that many Catholics may be wondering whether they can, in conscience, vote for candidates who support abortion or embryonic stem-cell research – which necessarily destroys the embryo – the archbishop explained the circumstances in which a Catholic could do so.
He also clarified a statement, issued by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, called "On Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion.”
The Vatican statement created some confusion among Catholic voters because of a short note at the end that says Catholics could, in good conscience, vote for candidates who supported abortion or embryonic stem-cell medical research "in the presence of proportionate reasons."