I live in a rural area. I believe small groups anywhere closely represent large groups anywhere, microcosms. I gave a short informational speech at my local Daughters of Isabella meeting prior to election day about Obama’s voting record on abortion, and talked about what the Vatican and leading bishops were saying about Obama and the Democrat Party.
Judging from the looks I got, and one very outspoken woman, about 30% were astounded and probably already Republicans. About 30% were visibly uncomfortable, not sure if they were Democrats or just hate controversy. About 30% were angry one woman raised her hand in defiance of the news and said, “well, to hear you tell it, we are only supposed to vote Republican.” I said, “that’s just what the Vatican is saying, ma’am.” She continued, “well that’s not right, I think we need to help poor people.”
By the way, the other 10%, probably didn’t hear a word I said.
The Catholic Faith consists of many people who attend Mass regularly and do not even consider the abortion issue much maybe because it is unpleasant, maybe because they figure it is the law of the land, or maybe because they don’t know the Democrat Party is wholly pro-death.
Anyway, that’s what I think.
It is a strange mix.
I’m not familiar with Daughter’s of Isabella.
I’ve done some consulting work for several religious orders and Catholic organizations. Recently, I discussed a position with a religious order about assisting them in th area of marketing their ministry and vocations.
I would not necessarily say that this order was liberal, or for that matter conservative, but the vast majority of these sisters do not wear habits and my quick research on them, prior to speaking with them, shows activism on behalf of sex workers in Asia and water rights. They also view the UN as a viable source of dialogue on world issues.
I was confused as to why abortion would not be at the top of their list?
Very nice women, performing selfless work and living prayerful lives, but maybe a little soft in the head on political issues.
The more conservative women’s religious orders seem to be experiencing a renaissance, while what I would call the more liberal seem to be graying, diminishing and dying off.
I never got to a stage in my discussion with this group on what my recommendations would be for bolstering vocations, but they might not have been readily accepted anyway; put on a modest habit, get myspace and facebook accounts and go down to the youth Mass in DC on January 22nd and you will be certain to meet lots of young women who are very interested in serving God and might even consider making a lifetime commitment of service if there were a stronger commitment to issues such as pro-life and “one man, one woman”.
In fairness to this particular order they do have ministry in Rachel’s Vinyard, which is a very valuable ministry. The women in this movement are one of the greatest assets to the pro-lifers. It just seems to me that it would be better to address the abortion issue before it gets to this stage.