Christian theology has been staunchly pro-life going back to the earliest writings of the first and second centuries. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this eternal truth, and church officials have been crystal clear whenever the question comes up. Despite this, there are a number of elected Catholics who are ardent in their support for the abominable practice of abortion. 

On Tuesday, 30 Catholic Democrats issued a signed letter claiming that their faith compels them “to defend a woman’s right to access abortion.” The letter prompted the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to rebuke the letter in a statement published Wednesday: 

Members of Congress who recently invoked teachings of the Catholic faith itself as justifying abortion or supporting a supposed right to abortion grievously distort the faith. It is wrong and incoherent to claim that the taking of innocent human life at its most vulnerable stage can ever be consistent with the values of supporting the dignity and wellbeing of those in need. ‘Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception,’ including through the civil law [Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2270, 2273]. Abortion violates this with respect to preborn children and brings untold suffering to countless women.

The statement continued with a discussion of the role of conscience in Catholic doctrine: 

Nevertheless, conscience is not a license to commit evil and take innocent lives. Conscience cannot and does not justify the act or support of abortion. In fact, conscience ‘must be informed and moral judgment enlightened’ with the Word of God in faith and prayer, and ‘guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church’ [CCC 1783, 1785]. Moreover, the reality that the preborn are our living sisters and brothers is not only a matter of faith, but is attested to by science and sound reason.

Good on the USCCB for not allowing Democratic officials to twist the Catholic faith into supporting the evils of abortion. The church has vital roles to play in society as its moral witness. Speaking out against those who distort moral truth is chief among them.