Youngstown Catholic Bishop ‘saddened’ by result of Ohio abortion vote
YOUNGSTOWN - Bishop of the Youngstown Catholic Diocese David Bonnar says he is “saddened” by the passage of Ohio Issue One on Tuesday, which enshrines reproductive rights as part of the state constitution.
The Bishop further said in a statement released to the media that he is concerned about what he calls “vulnerable human life”.
The balance of the bishop’s statement follows:
“I am also grateful for the valiant effort of the clergy, religious, and faithful, working together to make our Catholic voice known on this difficult but important issue. Countless hours were expended on this cause, with coordination between bishops, diocesan offices, and concerned faithful throughout the state and diocese. As a community of faith, we will build upon this collaboration and continue to promote the dignity of every human person. We will be unrelenting in our effort to care for women, children, families, and anyone in need. Our care for life and one another can never be reduced to election day. We need to be intentional every day about our love for one another and human life. This is all about forming a ‘culture of life and a civilization of love.’”
Bishop Bonnar’s comments were in addition to the following joint statement from all of Ohio’s Catholic Bishops:
“Today is a tragic day for women, children, and families in Ohio. We mourn that the dignity of human life remains concealed by the duplicity of a culture of death. Though this is a day of sorrow, we are never without hope. St. Paul tells us that it is in hope that we were saved and, “if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.”
Asking for God’s protection and mercy, we must look ahead. Despite the obstacles this amendment presents, the Catholic Church in Ohio will continue to work for policies that defend the most vulnerable, strengthen the child-parent relationship, and support women in need. As we pray for the conversion of minds and hearts to the gospel of life, we recommit ourselves to defending children in the womb and supporting women in need. The Catholic Church and faithful will never grow weary in our mission to help women and families flourish through ministries such as Walking with Moms in Need and other local organizations that provide material and spiritual support and through advocacy with policymakers.
We, the Catholic Bishops of Ohio, are grateful to the Catholic faithful, clergy, and all people of goodwill whose actions in this campaign demonstrated our commitment to honoring and upholding the dignity of life. Your sacrifices prove that the Church will never abandon her mission to support human life. We will persevere in this mission until every preborn child is protected, every pregnant woman is supported, and every human life receives respect, dignity, and justice.”
According to the unofficial tally, Ohio Issue One was approved with nearly 57% of the vote.
