SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Archdiocese of Chicago's decision to honor Senator Dick Durbin has reignited a longstanding tension between Catholic teachings and the realities of political life, especially in regard to issues like abortion. Cardinal Blase Cupich announced that Durbin would receive a lifetime achievement award at a fundraiser for the archdiocese's immigration ministry scheduled for November 3.
Senator Durbin has served five terms and has been a long-standing advocate for immigrant rights; however, his support for abortion rights, despite personally disapproving of the practice, has sparked backlash from Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield. Paprocki expressed deep concerns, stating that honoring Durbin risks confusing the faithful regarding the Church's clear stance on the sanctity of life.
“This decision risks causing grave scandal,” Paprocki stated, reflecting the views of several bishops who advocate for a more stringent interpretation of church doctrine. Conversely, Cupich has defended the decision, insisting that Durbin's contributions to immigrant advocacy during a time of heightened enforcement against immigrants should not be overlooked. He argues that Catholic social teaching cannot be simplified to a singular issue, even one as significant as abortion.
The situation illustrates broader tensions within the U.S. Catholic Church, where clergy have often found themselves at odds with politicians who support abortion rights. Historically, this friction was evident during the 2004 presidential campaign of John Kerry, a Catholic, and more recently with President Joe Biden in 2020. The issue of granting or denying Communion to politicians like Durbin, Kerry, and Biden has become increasingly contentious, leading to proclamations from bishops asserting that honors should not be awarded to those who oppose fundamental moral principles.
Amid this controversy, Bishop Paprocki has noted that he barred Durbin from receiving Communion in 2004, and he maintains that position today, raising questions about the authority of local bishops versus that of higher church figures like Cupich. This conflict not only highlights the internal disputes among bishops but also reflects the complex relationship between faith and politics, particularly when it involves critical issues surrounding life and dignity.
While the Catholic bishops collectively prioritize the opposition to abortion, polling indicates a disconnect with lay Catholics, many of whom support politicians who advocate for abortion rights. In a 2022 survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, a significant majority opposed the denial of Communion to these politicians.
The moral complexities surrounding honors for politicians like Durbin continue to evolve, suggesting that the Catholic Church will face ongoing challenges in reconciling its doctrines with the realities of contemporary political life. The decisions made by church leaders will have lasting implications on how the faith is perceived and exercised in the public square.
