Reverend Fathers and Deacons:
During the Q&A portion of last week’s pro-life presentation during clergy days, several resources were promised, responsive to various questions raised. They are below.
1. Because the survey results Michael Pauley shared were confidential, one priest asked if that data — highlighting religious adherence and partisan affiliation — was available elsewhere, so that it might be discussed publicly. Generally, yes. See, for example, this 2022 Pew survey: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/05/23/like-americans-overall-catholics-vary-in-their-abortion-views-with-regular-mass-attenders-most-opposed
2. Do we have a resource that highlights specific phrases in the petition and explains them? We are working on a line-by-line textual analysis, in graphic visual form. Thanks for the examples that some of you sent. In the meantime, we have:
— a FAQ overview available. https://sdcatholicconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FLYER.ABORTION.AMENDMENT.JUNE_.15.pdf
— a 1-page bulletin insert. https://sdcatholicconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AbortionAmendment2024.F.pdf
— a series of 21 bulletin “blurbs”, to run weekly. https://sdcatholicconference.org/bulletin-announcement-series
3. Do we have a complete listing of existing laws that will be eliminated if this amendment were to pass? See the FAQ linked above for a partial list (page 2 of the FAQ). We do have the complete list, and are working to turn it into a reader-friendly resource.
4. Do we have any video resources explaining the amendment? The Life Defense Fund has a 5 minute video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwpMb-_xIy4
5. What can the lay faithful do right now? Don’t sign the petition being circulated! Also, the Life Defense Fund is seeking volunteers and accepting donations. LifeDefenseFund.org
As Bishop DeGrood indicated in his bulletin board post this week, stand by for further opportunities to participate in a unified communications plan to educate on this important issue. More to follow soon.
In Christ,
Chris Motz
Chris Motz | cmotz@sfactholic.org