Flynn: Catholics must vote for culture of life
Ray Flynn
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By Dennis Sadowski, Editor
CLEVELAND-It’s time for Catholics to unify and vote for a culture of life on November 2, Ray Flynn, former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, told a Cleveland audience on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inaugural program of the Cleveland Catholic Forum, Flynn said the upcoming election is “without a doubt the most important political election in our lifetime.”
“This election we have to do something we haven’t done before. We have to vote not on our opposition to any candidate, but we have to unite to vote on the culture of life,” the lifelong Democrat said as applause erupted from the 200 people in attendance at the Cleveland State University Convocation Center.
Acknowledging that Ohio’s Catholics are concerned about other issues including the war in Iraq, the loss of jobs, long lines for flu shots and prescription drug coverage, Flynn said voting for the culture of life is vital.
“You people hold the key right here in this state, not only for president of the United States, but the direction of the country,” he said.
“All these other issues are important. Let’s fight for social and economic justice. But let’s go to the polls and make America a culture of life and we’ll be the winner.”
He called the U.S. bishops’ statement on Faithful Citizenship “right on the money” as a guide for Catholics before they go to the polls. “It’s very precise and very accurate,” he said.
The former mayor of Boston also urged the audience to begin organizing other Catholics to spread the message that they will only support candidates—Republicans, Democrats or independents alike—who back the culture of life as identified by Pope John Paul II.
“The Catholic laity has never organized in this country,” Flynn said. “We’re allowing other people who don’t represent your values, allowing them to represent you and to speak for you. You must be actively involved.”
Flynn also encouraged organizations such as the Cleveland Catholic Forum to make themselves known to the media so that when reporters need a comment from a Catholic perspective, they have trusted lay voices to contact.
Although Flynn endorsed President Bush in 2000 he declined to do so when an audience member asked him about his position for 2004. He said he did not want to appear to be publicly supporting any one candidate “at this point” lest his primary message be skewed by the media.
He also was critical of Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic presidential candidate, for his pro-abortion position and for saying he would nominate only pro-choice judges to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Neither party really reflects my point of view,” he explained. “It’s more important for me to be a good Catholic than a good Democrat.
“I would like to see both the Democratic party and the Republican party be pro-life.”
For more information on the Cleveland Catholic Forum, call 866-299-7476 or go online at www.clevelandcatholicforum.com
