Consistent Ethic of Life By: Michael Valachovics

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin American Catholic Bishop, who served as Archbishop of Chicago from 1982 until his death.

The Seamless Garment “Catholic social justice teaching promotes a “Consistent Ethic of Life”. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago termed the Catholic position a “seamless garment” (John 19:23)” (Catholic Social Teaching p94)

Bible Quote “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece.” (John 19:23)

“Seamless Garment” This view point says that we must respect life from the moment of conception until natural death. This means from womb to tomb.

“Seamless Garment” We must not only guarantee a child the right to life, but as a society we must support the quality of life of the weak and powerless

Catechism of the Catholic Church "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being.“ (2258 CCC)

Government and Consistent Ethic of Life It must guarantee a right to life, and also create a free and equal social conditions that enable those born to have a Consistent Ethic of Life.

The Catholic Church Abortion and Euthanasia are not the only issues related to a consistent ethic of life. The words of the American Bishops say: “To Focus on the evil of deliberate killing in abortion and euthanasia is not to ignore the many other urgent conditions that demean human dignity and threaten human rights” (Living the Gospel of Life, no 23)

The Catholic Church Abortion and Euthanasia are not the only threats to a consistent ethic of life. “Opposing abortion and euthanasia “Does not excuse indifference to those who suffer from poverty, violence and injustice” (Living the Gospel of Life, no 23)

Protect Human Life The Bishops support aid to those who are sick and dying The Bishops encourage national leaders to strengthen barriers against weapons of mass destruction.

Promoting Family Life Laws should support marriage as a life long commitment between man and a woman The Bishops support their commitment to protect children in all settings and at all times.

Pursuing Social Justice The Bishops must support policies that create jobs for everyone The Goal of welfare reform should be to reduce poverty and dependency Reform social security so it is a reliable income for the neediest workers Affordable and accessible health care is a human right Bishops should support programs to overcome discrimination They should also support energy conservation and the development of clean energy.

Practicing Global Solidarity The Nation must not define national security by only military terms The US should lead the fight against global poverty The US must try and reverse the spread of weapons of mass destruction. We should adopt a more generous immigration and refugee policy

Conclusion We must respect life from the moment of conception until natural death We must do all we can to respect life and protect life from the beginning to the end.

Resources Text Book (Catholic Social Teaching by Michael Pennock) New American Standard Bible Living Gospel of Life, no. 23 Catechism of the Catholic Church