Contact: Matt Smith, Catholic Advocate, 202-521-9828

MEDIA ADVISORY, Oct. 11, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Below are excerpts from a statement released today by Deal Hudson and Matt Smith, the leadership of Catholic Advocate, in response to the recent Introductory Note added to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" document:

"There has been a flurry of commentary on the Introductory Note added to the new version of 'Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.' Some have commented that the version just published by the bishops' conference is the 2007 version, without revisions, and, as such, has been scored a victory by the Catholics who supported Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. Naturally, those who abused the 2007 document in telling Catholic voters that Obama was a "pro-life" candidate -- no, we are not kidding -- would be pleased to receive what they consider a green light to do more of the same in 2012.

"A closer look at the new Introductory Note, however, suggests to us language that was intended to be more than a mere appendage, to be conveniently overlooked when it comes time to sell Obama and other pro-abortion politicians to Catholic voters in the upcoming election.

"Many bishops, and especially the USCCB Executive Committee who signed the new introduction, are aware of the confusion and consternation created during the 2008 campaign caused by the abuse of the document. Dozens of individual bishops issued statements to clarify the document and defend it against the spin being put on it by abortion advocates. The Introductory Note acknowledges this abuse and warns against the privatized version of conscience long held by pro-abortion Catholic politicians...

"...The Introductory Note does not pull any punches when it comes to our 'clear obligation to oppose intrinsic evils which can never be justified and that others require action to pursue justice and promote the common good.' That some evils are 'intrinsic' in nature, and not a matter of prudential judgment, is the reason that all the issues cannot be assigned the same quantitative value -- there are, as the bishops point out, qualitative differences.

"And, when it comes to underscoring the specific 'current and fundamental problems' among 'pressing national issues,' the Introductory Note begins with 'Continuing destruction of unborn children through abortion and other threats to the lives and dignity of others who are vulnerable, sick, or unwanted,' followed by the attempt of government to force those in 'health care, education, and social services -- to violate their consciences or stop serving those in need.'

"How those Catholics who support the reelection of Barack Obama can celebrate a victory given the language of this Introductory Note is puzzling, unless they intend to ignore it altogether...

"...The Executive Committee of the USCCB has done all Catholics a great service by providing a guide to using their 'Faithful Citizenship' document. This guidance provides just what was needed, so as the bishops urge us, 'We can act together to promote and protect human life and dignity, marriage and family, justice and peace in service to the common good."