Knights’ leader right on abortion, wrong on Catholic voting duties
While Carl Anderson, leader of the Knights of Columbus, is absolutely correct about the unique status of abortion, he is absolutely incorrect if he is claiming Catholics have an unwavering moral obligation never to vote for a pro-choice candidate.
Charles C. Camosy
August 8, 2016
CRUX CONTRIBUTOR
Carl Anderson, leader of the Knights of Columbus, is undeniably a polarizing figure. Directing what he calls “the strong right arm” of the Church, he is a champion for many conservative Catholics for many of the same reasons the Catholic left considers him deeply problematic.
One major, longstanding reason for such polarization is his prioritization of abortion as a uniquely important political issue. At the Knights’ international convention last week he suggested no other issue could outweigh abortion in our political considerations, given that it is “killing on a massive scale.”
Anderson also appeared to claim that Catholics may not vote for a pro-choice politician.
“It is time to end the entanglement of Catholic people with abortion killing,” he said. “It is time to stop creating excuses for voting for pro-abortion politicians.”
His statements have drawn the ire of left-leaning Catholics such as Anthony Annett at DotCommonweal. Annett asks “Why is abortion such a unique category?” and expertly demonstrates problems with appeals to concepts like non-negotiability and intrinsic evil.
https://cruxnow.com/commentary/2016/08/08/knights-leader-right-abortion-wrong-catholic-voting-duties/