SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A Catholic bishop's strong opposition to the Archdiocese of Chicago's decision to recognize Sen. Dick Durbin has revived a long-standing struggle between church doctrine and political realities.
Cardinal Blase Cupich recently announced that the archdiocese would present a lifetime achievement award to the senior Catholic politician at a fundraiser aimed at supporting immigrant advocacy on November 3.
This announcement coincides with a continued crackdown on immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, resulting in hundreds of arrests in the Chicago area.
However, Durbin's support for abortion rights despite his personal disapproval has sparked criticism from Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, who finds the honor inappropriate and potentially scandalous to the faithful.
This decision risks causing grave scandal, confusing the faithful about the Church’s unequivocal teaching on the sanctity of human life, Paprocki stated.
Durbin, who recently announced he will not seek reelection after over 40 years in politics, has been recognized for his immigration advocacy. Cupich defended the award by emphasizing that the church’s teaching on life and dignity encompasses more than just the abortion issue.
Catholic teaching on life and dignity cannot be reduced to a single issue, even an issue as important as abortion, Cupich said, highlighting the significant and vulnerable position of immigrants during his tenure.
The friction between Catholic bishops and politicians who support abortion rights has historical roots, notably reaching a peak during the 2004 presidential election of John Kerry. Similarly, President Biden's election in 2020 showcased the tensions, exemplified by Paprocki's refusal to allow Durbin to receive Communion in 2004, a stance he continues to uphold.
Catholic bishops describe opposition to abortion as their top priority, yet surveys suggest that many lay Catholics oppose denying Communion to pro-abortion-rights politicians. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued guidelines in 2004 stating that honors should not be bestowed on those who act against fundamental moral principles.
In a political landscape fraught with debates around immigration and abortion, the duality of recognition for positive contributions versus adherence to church doctrine continues to challenge harmony within the community.
