New York Times Examines Voter Guides Emphasizing Christian Teachings On Abortion, Cloning, Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The New York Times on Saturday examined five Christian voting guides that emphasize church teachings on issues such as abortion, human cloning and human embryonic stem cell research. According to the Times, these guides are "mini-manuals of moral theology and church-state politics" that provide voters with a "religious framework for making their choices" but do not endorse candidates or parties. Summaries of the guides appear below.

• "Faithful Citizenship," United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: The booklet encourages Catholics to consider "fundamental moral choices" before voting. According to the Times, the booklet highlights issues such as abortion and euthanasia;
  
• "Voting for the Common Good," Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good: The guide outlines seven "major themes of Catholic social teaching." It also lists 19 issues, including abortion;
  
• "Voting God's Politics," Sojourners: The guide gives seven statements that are each followed by a biblical passage and recommended public policies;
  
• "Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics," Catholic Answers Action: The guide says that Catholics should vote based on candidates' positions on "five non-negotiable issues," including abortion and embryonic stem cell research, the Times reports; and
  
• "Voting With a Clear Conscience," Priests for Life: The pamphlet also takes the "non-negotiables stance, but with language equating abortion ... with terrorism," according to the Times. According to the guide, "Any candidate who says abortion should be kept legal disqualifies him/herself from public service" (Steinfels, New York Times, 10/14).

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