Democratic Catholic House Members Issue Statement of Principles

Religious News Service reports that 55 of the 72 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday issued a "Statement of Principles" (full text). The statement emphasizes the broad social agenda of the Representatives and the primacy of conscience in their views on social issues:

We are committed to making real the basic principles that are at the heart of Catholic social teaching: helping the poor and disadvantaged, protecting the most vulnerable among us, and ensuring that all Americans of every faith are given meaningful opportunities to share in the blessings of this great country. That commitment is fulfilled in different ways by legislators but includes: reducing the rising rates of poverty; increasing access to education for all; pressing for increased access to health care; and taking seriously the decision to go to war. Each of these issues challenges our obligations as Catholics to community and helping those in need....

In all these issues, we seek the Church's guidance and assistance but believe also in the primacy of conscience. In recognizing the Church's role in providing moral leadership, we acknowledge and accept the tension that comes with being in disagreement with the Church in some areas. Yet we believe we can speak to the fundamental issues that unite us as Catholics and lend our voices to changing the political debate -- a debate that often fails to reflect and encompass the depth and complexity of these issues.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro said Catholic Democrats did not want to see Catholic faith defined solely by a "one-issue, very narrow right-wing agenda." Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, who is heading a bishops' task force on how to respond to dissenting politicians, said he had not yet seen the statement, but said he was willing to continue informal discussions with Catholics in both parties. [Thanks to Mirror of Justice for the lead.]