| November 19, 2007 | Volume 83, Number 2 | |
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Anti-abortion witnessIt’s always risky to mention comments by politicians because either that person’s supporters or those who think differently feel you are showing favoritism. In fact, one reader respectfully said that The Catholic Virginian seemed to show support for Democratic candidates in the recent elections for the House of Delegates and State Senate because a photo of Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo greeting Governor Tim Kaine — a Democrat — was published. The photo was taken at the recent Red Mass at St. Benedict Church in Richmond and appeared in the Nov. 5 issue dated the day before Election Day. The governor’s photo appeared in the CV simply because he was the state’s highest political official at the Red Mass. He made no political statement at the Mass nor did he speak publicly at all. The photo would not have been used if he had been running for election. Again with no intention of showing political support, we think a recent remark by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee makes a lot of sense. An ardent opponent of abortion, he said respect for life means more than caring for a baby in the womb — it also means caring for the baby of a family living under a bridge. He’s right about that. The recent 40 Days for Life witness is testimony to the strong feelings many have about the sanctity of human life which begins at conception. Throughout the country, including Richmond and Charlottesville, many took the time to pray quietly but effectively that people’s hearts would change regarding abortion. It certainly won’t have that effect on everyone, but some hearts were changed! Proof of that was clearly given by a young woman who said she had changed her mind about having an abortion after seeing people quietly praying. This is so gratifying to all who feel each human life — let’s call it a baby — is precious. And as we’ve said before, the idea that a woman would seek an abortion is ample proof that she knows life has begun. There would be no reason for the abortion if she had not learned about the beating heart of the baby she is carrying. Let us continue to pray and work for legislation in the upcoming General Assembly which respects human life in all forms. The Virginia Catholic Conference, which speaks for Virginia’s two Catholic bishops, will guide us as we seek to do that.
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