Is there really a Catholic vote?

[rug]

By Anne Tarallo
Posted Jul 19, 2012 @ 03:51 PM

Easton — In our ongoing monthly series, members of the Pastoral Team at Holy Cross Parish in South Easton have attempted to clarify many misperceptions or misunderstandings concerning the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. During this politically charged summer as we prepare for an important election in the fall, more misperceptions concerning the Catholic Church prevail in the media. Let’s consider one of them.

As we are all aware, the Church has been quite visible in the news recently as it defends religious freedom in the wake of certain mandates included in the “Affordable Health Care Act” enacted by Congress. In the midst of the controversies and debates between politicians and pundits, we are often provided polling data that includes a category or voting bloc identified as the “Catholic vote.”

The reality is that Catholics tend to make up their own minds when it comes to voting for a particular candidate or on a particular issue. There is as much debate and disagreement among Catholics as there is in the population as a whole. A recent Gallup survey (May 2, 2012) of Catholic voters shows that while many differ in how they view the issues of the day, the ethnicity and religiosity of the voter plays a significant role in how Catholics tend to vote.

During an interview with Bill O’Reilly on the Fox News Channel, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York spoke concerning the controversy over religious freedom resulting from the Obama Administrations policy requiring Catholic institutions (except parishes) to provide contraceptives through their health insurance plans.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/mansfield/news/lifestyle/x915674990/GUEST-COLUMN-Is-there-really-a-Catholic-vote?zc_p=1#axzz21BeXQBRb

Anne Tarallo is the director of Faith Formation at Holy Cross Church in South Easton. She holds a master’s degree in pastoral theology. She can be reached at [e-mail].

[demosincebirth]

1. I have 30 members of my family living within 50 mile radius and only one who is wishy-washy. The

rest are yellow dog dems. The majority middle age. So, we don't argue too much.

[meow2u3]

2. Catholics have a diversity of political views

They range from left liberals to traditionalist righties, with most being moderates. There is no one Catholic vote.

[hedgehog]

3. Try to define "Catholic" - do you mean people who were baptised,

people who go to Mass most Sundays, people who agree with the Vatican on everything? It's a moving target these days.

What would be cute is to compare self proclaimed Catholics with self proclaimed former Catholics!

[tjwmason]

4. An important distinction

From what I have observed (from afar, I hasten to add) it appears that many of those who come from Catholic families/heritage and, while not having firmly rejected it, do not practise it on a frequent basis nonetheless still have views largely in line with Catholic Social Teaching on the importance of looking after the weakest and most vulnerable members of our society.

[hedgehog]

5. I think there are a lot of people who would deny being Catholic anymore,

but all they've left behind is the Vatican and whoever spouts the Vatican line. If they've found a good priest, they stay. If their parish is assigned to a careerist, they go.