Archbishop Quinn says prudence must guide voting

Published: 2004-10-27

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) -- Prudence is needed in the present "critical moment in our life as Americans and as Catholics," retired Archbishop John R. Quinn of San Francisco said in a homily Oct. 24. Preaching at a Mass for the Knights of Malta, the archbishop also urged Catholics to "live in unity at a deeper level" despite differences over many issues. He said it is the church that affirms the transcendence and dignity of the human person and guards against all attempts by civil authority or society "to oppress or exploit the human person, weak or strong, for political, social, economic or scientific purposes." He said, "Every unrepeatable human being is from God, created by God and made for God. God is the all-embracing and ultimate purpose of human existence." Speaking of the critical moment facing American Catholics, he said, "There are burning divisions among us over abortion, euthanasia and stem-cell research. There are equally burning divisions among us over the issues of war, health care, education, tax relief and other issues, all of which affect human dignity."

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