As the United States approaches the November congressional elections, the Church is not entirely comfortable with either major party. Perhaps most explosive has been the Supreme Court's ruling that overturns Roe v. Wade on abortion.
The catholic bishops have stressed that stopping abortion is only part of the fight and are calling for support for women, as in states such as Indiana, Idaho and West Virginia, lawmakers have rushed to ban abortion. In others, such as California and New York, governments are working to protect and even expand abortion services.
While the Catholic position on abortion is clear (so clear that numerous churches have been vandalized in apparent retaliation), so is its position on the rights of migrant families. Last year, the United States had more than 2 million people illegally cross its borders. The Republican Party has set out to make this a campaign issue, calling for a drastic clampdown on the influx. The Republican governors of Texas and Florida have opted to send migrant families to cities they consider liberal, such as New York and Washington, D.C. Two of these governors are Catholic and the bishops of those states have condemned their actions. "Using migrants and refugees as pawns offends God, destroys society and shows how low individuals can stoop (for personal gain).", wrote on Twitter the archbishop of San Antonio, Gustavo Garcia-Siller.
Other issues stirring the electoral waters are concerns about the economy, inflation and the state of democracy in a very polarized country. Catholics are as divided as other citizens. In the national synthesis document for the 2021-2023 Synod submitted to the Vatican, U.S. Catholics expressed. "a deep feeling of pain and anxiety" by the divisions that infiltrate the Church.
"People from both ends of the political spectrum have set up their camp opposing the 'others,' forgetting that they are one in the Body of Christ. Partisan politics is infiltrating homilies and ministry, and this trend has created divisions and intimidation among believers."said the text.
The impact of political divisions in the Church itself may be a concern for the U.S. bishops long after the November elections have concluded.
