HARRISBURG — Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason issued the following statement regarding the column, entitled “Public Witness and Catholic Citizenship,” issued by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. (Archdiocese of Philadelphia):
“I commend Archbishop Chaput of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for his direct and persuasive call to action in advance of the presidential election — a call to action that reminds Catholics that they must “think and act in accord with their faith.” No election in recent years has had more at stake and Archbishop Chaput’s strong belief that Catholics have religious and democratic duties to hold candidates accountable provides clear direction for Catholic voters in Philadelphia and the Commonwealth. It also makes clear just how important Catholics — and issues affecting Catholics — will be in determining the next President.
“As a voting bloc, Catholics have the power and opportunity to swing the presidential election for Mitt Romney — and are absolutely leaning this way. Polls, across the country and in Pennsylvania, are showing that Catholics are galvanized and support Governor Romney and Representative Ryan, who is a faithful Catholic. Their shared views, proposed policies and positions on important issues for families are in line with the “commitment to the common good and to the dignity of each human person,” that Archbishop Chaput identifies as critical to bearing public witness.
“While the Archbishop cannot and does not endorse a candidate, his thoughtful words should give all Catholics pause and encourage them to think about which presidential candidate truly reflects their faith before casting their vote. I believe most Pennsylvania Catholics, in considering Archbishop Chaput’s writing, will clearly see that Governor Romney is the only one who meets these criteria.”
For more information about the general election and how to support the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, visit: www.pagop.org. To read Archbishop Chaput’s weekly column, “Public Witness and Catholic Citizenship,” visit www.CatholicPhilly.com.
###