SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A Catholic bishop's opposition to the Archdiocese of Chicago's plans to honor Sen. Dick Durbin, despite his support for abortion rights, revives a long-standing struggle between church teaching and political reality.
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago announced last week that the archdiocese will present a lifetime achievement award to Senator Durbin at a Nov. 3 fundraiser focused on immigration. This comes amid heightened immigration enforcement during President Donald Trump's administration, which has led to numerous arrests in Chicago.
However, the recognition has faced backlash due to Durbin's stance on abortion. Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield expressed his shock at the prospect of honoring the senator, emphasizing the need for the Church to maintain its teachings on the sanctity of life.
This decision risks causing grave scandal, confusing the faithful about the Church’s unequivocal teaching on the sanctity of human life, Paprocki stated.
Despite the controversy, Cupich defended the award by highlighting Durbin's extensive work on behalf of immigrants during challenging times. He argued that the Church's teachings encompass a range of moral issues and should not be reduced to a single topic, such as abortion.
The tension between supportive bishops and those opposing abortion rights has been an ongoing issue in the Catholic community. This conflict was particularly highlighted during the elections of key Catholic politicians, such as John Kerry in 2004 and more recently Joe Biden.
Durbin, unable to seek reelection, has faced scrutiny regarding his position on issues like abortion throughout his career. Yet Cupich reiterated the importance of acknowledging the senator’s contributions and defending vulnerable communities.
As this situation unfolds, it underscores the complexities of the relationship between political leaders and religious institutions, as well as the challenges faced by Catholic officials reconciling their doctrines with modern political realities.
