Collective statement from Ohio bishops and additional statement from Bishop David Bonnar
NEWS RELEASE
November 8, 2023
CONTACT: Justin Huyck, Director of Communications
(330) 744-8451, ext. 320; jhuyck@youngstowndiocese.org
Below is the statement from the Catholic bishops in Ohio, including Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown, on the passing of Issue One. It was released on November 8 by the Catholic Conference of Ohio, which serves as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio on matters of public policy. A full list of signatories can be found on the statement released by the Catholic Conference of Ohio, attached to this press release.
“Today is a tragic day for women, children, and families in Ohio. We mourn that the dignity of human life remains concealed by the duplicity of a culture of death. Though this is a day of sorrow, we are never without hope. St. Paul tells us that it is in hope that we were saved and, “if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.”
Asking for God’s protection and mercy, we must look ahead. Despite the obstacles this amendment presents, the Catholic Church in Ohio will continue to work for policies that defend the most vulnerable, strengthen the child-parent relationship, and support women in need. As we pray for the conversion of minds and hearts to the gospel of life, we recommit ourselves to defending children in the womb and supporting women in need. The Catholic Church and faithful will never grow weary in our mission to help women and families flourish through ministries such as Walking with Moms in Need and other local organizations that provide material and spiritual support and through advocacy with policymakers.
We, the Catholic Bishops of Ohio, are grateful to the Catholic faithful, clergy, and all people of goodwill whose actions in this campaign demonstrated our commitment to honoring and upholding the dignity of life. Your sacrifices prove that the Church will never abandon her mission to support human life. We will persevere in this mission until every preborn child is protected, every pregnant woman is supported, and every human life receives respect, dignity, and justice.”
Bishop David Bonnar additionally comments:
“I am saddened by the result of this election, and above all concerned about vulnerable human life. I am also grateful for the valiant effort of the clergy, religious, and faithful, working together to make our Catholic voice known on this difficult but important issue. Countless hours were expended on this cause, with coordination between bishops, diocesan offices, and concerned faithful throughout the state and diocese. As a community of faith, we will build upon this collaboration and continue to promote the dignity of every human person. We will be unrelenting in our effort to care for women, children, families, and anyone in need. Our care for life and one another can never be reduced to election day. We need to be intentional every day about our love for one another and human life. This is all about forming a ‘culture of life and a civilization of love.’”
Download statement from Catholic Conference of Ohio with Bishops’ signatures as a PDF.
