Statements by the U.S. bishops on the current political scene do not focus on party affiliation or ideology. They take statements by the Vatican Council or popes and apply them to our times and tensions. In a sense, they do our political homework (i.e. form our conscience). The thought pattern of the bishops is different from most others in our society in that they place ethical values first.
Violence
U.S. bishops – Keep our nation from turning to violence.
Vatican – Violence made its appearance in interpersonal relationships (Gen. 4:1-16) and in social relationships (Gen. 11:1-9). Peace and violence cannot dwell together.
Immigration
U.S. bishops – Achieve immigration reform that secures borders, treats immigrants fairly, respects law, and addresses factors that compel people to leave their own countries.
Vatican – Immigration is a human right, regulating immigration according to equity and balance and in recognition of their human dignity.
Living wage
U.S. bishops – Help families overcome poverty by ensuring a fair, living wage.
Vatican – Salaries should meet the needs of the worker and his family (1931).
Health care
U.S. bishops – Provide it for the growing number without it.
Vatican – Health care is a universal human right (1979).
Discrimination, bigotry
U.S. bishops – Oppose policies that reflect prejudice, hostility to immigrants, religious bigotry, and other forms of discrimination.
Vatican – An era of globalization requires that human rights be defended.
Moral limits of military
U.S. bishops – Establish moral limits on the use of military force.
Vatican – Any act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities or extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and humanity.
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Bishop-elect Oscar Cantu was pastor of Holy Name Parish in Houston. One of the previous pastors was John Cassata, founding bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth. A previous associate pastor was Patrick Flores, later Archbishop of San Antonio. Three bishops from one parish – that might be a record.
