In a message shared with the 308 Archdiocese of Detroit parishes during the weekend, Cardinal Adam Maida condemned Catholic public officials who support “direct attacks on innocent human life.”
The message, which was read in the parishes during their masses, added fuel to an already heated governor’s race. Attorney General Jennifer Granholm, who is Catholic, personally opposes abortion, but supports a woman’s right to choose. Her opponent Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus has said he is pro-life.
“We don’t think people should impose their religious beliefs upon others,” Granholm campaign spokesman Chris DeWitt said. “There are a number of Catholics out there who are pro-choice.”
Joy Yearout, co-chairwoman of MSU Students for Life, says there are not many pro-choice Catholics, and is glad to see the Catholic Church taking a stand against Granholm.
“Until now, the Catholic Church hasn’t come out and condemned Jennifer Granholm,” the political theory and constitutional democracy junior said.
“If you don’t respect the basis of human life, how can you respect other aspects of human life?”
Posthumus campaign spokesman Sage Eastman, wouldn’t estimate whether the abortion issue will swing votes on election day, but he clearly defined Posthumus’ stand on the issue.
“Dick Posthumus has been a leader in the right-to-life community,” he said. “For those voters, Catholic or otherwise - who share his views - Posthumus is the candidate,”
“We hope to do very well among voters who make that a concern,”
Maida, who spoke Sunday at the Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, urged voters to give abortion “the highest attention” when going to the polls in November.
But, there are those who disagree with Cardinal Maida’s message about abortion being the main priority for voters.
“We’re appalled at the Catholic Church making abortion their number one issue,” Planned Parenthood Executive Director Judy Karandjeff said. “We think that focusing on family planning and prevention will reduce the number of abortions.”
DeWitt and Eastman agree that abortion is an issue, but it’s not the only issue. They both say environment, employment, education and health care are other issues voters should be concerned about.
Some students said that the issue of abortion is important, but making it a high priority will not affect the governor’s race.
“For most people, abortion isn’t an issue that will affect them in the near future,” no-preference freshman Leigh Merrill said. “Most people are concerned about right now rather than later on.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
