Washington D.C., Nov 7, 2012 / 10:01 am
Catholic leaders are calling on President Barack Obama to respect the fundamental American principles of life and religious liberty after he won a second term in office.
"We will continue to stand in defense of life, marriage, and our first, most cherished liberty, religious freedom," said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
In a letter congratulating Obama on his re-election, Cardinal Dolan noted the "great responsibility" with which the American people have entrusted the president and assured him of the prayers of the U.S. bishops.
"In particular, we pray that you will exercise your office to pursue the common good, especially in care of the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, and the immigrant," the cardinal said.
"We pray, too, that you will help restore a sense of civility to the public order, so our public conversations may be imbued with respect and charity toward everyone," he added.
Cardinal Dolan's commitment to defending life, marriage and religious liberty was echoed by other Catholic groups following Obama's Nov. 6 win at the polls.