by Chuck Weber
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gn 4:9)
After committing murder, Cain’s infamous response to God’s inquiry regarding the whereabouts of Abel is tragically lacking. Jesus himself presents the definitive answer “yes” to this question in the parable of the good Samaritan, and ultimately, when he gives his life on the cross for the salvation of all mankind.
We are responsible for the good of our brothers and sisters, in Kansas and around the world.
The good Samaritan provides great care to a foreigner, a citizen of an enemy who was robbed, beaten and left to die alongside the road. This is the model of love we might take to heart as the 2024 election approaches. Our decisions as Catholics entering the voting booth are, on one level, a response to the “brother’s keeper” question.
Every Kansas state Senate seat and every Kansas House of Representative seat is on the ballot. As the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops of Kansas, the Kansas Catholic Conference does not endorse or otherwise make candidate recommendations. But as in all life decisions, consider first your Catholic faith and vote like a Catholic.
What does that mean? What are the key issues? What questions might we ask?
The Kansas Catholic bishops declare that “the threat of abortion” is the “preeminent priority” facing voters. More than a threat, Kansas is today the grisly epicenter of abortion in the Midwest.
Despite the Kansas abortion industry’s rhetoric, there are few legal protections remaining for women and preborn babies. Sadly, many women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy believe abortion is their only option. It’s not. We can help women facing difficult pregnancies by providing them information, resources and options so they can make a truly informed choice.
Do candidates for office support providing resources to women in need? This is one of many questions the Kansas Catholic Conference recently asked each candidate in a pre-election questionnaire. And while the protection of women and their preborn babies is the top priority, it’s not the only issue Catholics should consider before voting.
The candidate questionnaire includes diverse policy issues that are both universal and Kansas-specific in nature. In addition to these questions, we encourage voters to do their own homework. This is your crucial role.
The full set of policy questions and answers provided by candidates who responded can be found on the Kansas Catholic Conference website at: www.KansasCatholic.org under the RESOURCES tab.
As Pope Francis says: “Good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.”
