Grace Thompson
Catholics in the United States have historically had a complex relationship with the two-party system. While Catholics tend to vote Republican due to the Catholic emphasis on traditional values, there are also many Catholic Democrats. In fact, every US presidential election since 2004 has featured at least one Catholic candidate from one of the major parties. This divide is reflected in the Catholic population, with 48% of Catholic voters identifying as Republican and 47% identifying as Democrat. This has not always been the case, however. In the past, Catholics were more likely to be Democrats, with millions of poor European immigrants and their children pledging allegiance to both the Church of Rome and the Democratic Party. This began to change in the 1960s with the rise of a new kind of Democrat: wealthy, secular, and ideological. Today, the Democratic Party is seen by some as hostile to Catholicism, particularly on issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and the environment. Despite these differences, some Catholics continue to identify as Democrats, citing the party's emphasis on social justice, inclusion, and care for the downtrodden as values that are consistent with their faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catholics vote Republican or Democrat | 48% Republican, 47% Democrat |
| Catholics vote based on faith and reason | Catholics vote for the candidate whose views are least hostile to their faith |
| Catholics tend to vote Republican due to traditional values and virtues | Catholics vote based on their interpretation of religious teachings |
| Catholics vote based on social justice issues | Catholics support social justice issues like immigration, abortion, poverty, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality |
| Catholics are politically diverse | Catholics vote for both Republican and Democratic candidates |
| Catholics are influenced by religious leaders | Pope Francis criticized the desire to build a border wall as "not Christian" |
| Catholics are involved in politics | Catholic organizations like Catholic Democrats support Democratic candidates and social justice issues |
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What You'll Learn
Abortion
The Catholic Church's official teachings, promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1992, oppose all forms of abortion procedures that directly destroy a zygote, blastocyst, embryo, or fetus. This stance is based on the belief that human life must be respected and protected from the moment of conception and that a human being has the inviolable right to life from the first moment of existence. However, the Church does recognize as morally legitimate certain acts that indirectly result in the death of the fetus, such as the removal of a cancerous womb.
Despite the Church's official position, many Catholics hold different views on abortion. A 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 56% of U.S. Catholics said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 42% said it should be illegal in all or most cases. Catholic Democrats tend to be more supportive of legal abortion than Catholic Republicans, with 77% of Catholic Democrats and leaners saying abortion should be legal in all or most cases, compared to 36% of Catholic Republicans and leaners.
The discrepancy between the Church's official position and the views of some Catholics has led to complex judgments and reconciliations. Some Catholics who support legal abortion may do so to justify past experiences or to prioritize other issues such as war, healthcare, immigration, the economy, or social justice. Additionally, the Catholic Church recognizes the complexity of factors influencing a woman's decision to have an abortion and offers the possibility of forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The issue of abortion has had a significant impact on Catholic voting patterns in the United States. The Catholic vote, once solidly Democratic, began to shift towards the Republican Party in the 1980s, with abortion being a key driver of this change. However, in recent years, the Catholic vote has become more evenly split, mirroring the overall electorate. While abortion remains a motivator, other issues such as the economy, immigration, healthcare, and social justice have also influenced Catholic voters' decisions.
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Immigration
The Democratic Perspective
Democrats are often associated with more liberal immigration policies, such as favouring amnesty for undocumented immigrants and opposing harsh enforcement measures. They argue that their approach aligns with Catholic values of compassion and respect for human dignity. However, some Catholics disagree with Democrats on specific issues, such as their stance on abortion. Additionally, some Catholics view Democratic immigration policies as overly permissive, believing they fail to balance compassion with necessary border security.
The Republican Perspective
Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have typically advocated for stricter immigration controls and stronger border security. They emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting American citizens from perceived security threats. While this perspective acknowledges the nation's right to regulate immigration, some Catholics find it challenging to reconcile with their faith due to instances of dehumanizing rhetoric and inhumane treatment of migrants associated with Republican policies.
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic social teaching on immigration is grounded in three basic principles. Firstly, individuals have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families, reflecting the biblical teaching that the goods of the earth are meant for all. Secondly, nations have the right to regulate their borders and control immigration, but this must be balanced with respect for human dignity and the common good. Lastly, migration should ideally be a free choice, but when conditions for a dignified life are absent, people have a natural right to migrate, and countries have a duty to accommodate to the extent possible.
A Complex Issue
The immigration debate is complex, and Catholics may struggle to find a perfect alignment between their faith and the policies of any single political party. While Democrats may appear closer to Catholic social teaching on immigration, Catholics may disagree with their stance on other moral issues, such as abortion. Ultimately, Catholics are called to vote according to their faith, seeking to balance compassion for migrants with the legitimate concerns of border security and national interest.
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War and peace
Catholicism and the Democratic Party have not always been at odds. In the past, it was expected of good Catholics to be Democrats, with millions of poor European immigrants and their children pledging allegiance to both the Church of Rome and the party of FDR. However, in the 1960s, this dynamic changed with the emergence of a new type of Democrat: wealthy, secular, and ideological. This shift left many Catholic Democrats feeling conflicted, as their faith and the policies of their party began to diverge on issues such as abortion, poverty, immigration, war, and peace.
Catholic tradition has long supported and favored peacemaking efforts, with nonviolence being a central tenet. The Church's view on war and peace is outlined in its teachings, including the Catechism, which emphasizes the strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force and the obligation to avoid war. The Church promotes the idea of "positive peace", "just peace", or "sustainable peace", which encompasses various elements such as well-functioning governments and equitable resource distribution.
In war-torn Catholic countries, such as Colombia and the Philippines, Catholicism is deeply ingrained in all segments of society, including political leaders, the intelligentsia, the military, and rebel soldiers. This presents a unique challenge and opportunity for Catholic peacebuilding. Catholic clerics, including bishops and priests, often find themselves pulled into conflict mediation due to their respected and trusted position, even without formal training in peace work. They promote the peace and justice of Christ found in the scriptures and Catholic teachings, offering spiritual sources of restorative justice and healing for broken communities.
The Church also plays a crucial role in post-conflict resolution, advocating for human rights, restorative justice, reconciliation, and community healing. Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of Catholic relief and development organizations, works in over 200 countries and territories, including peacebuilding and reconciliation programs in Asia and South America.
While the Democratic Party may have moved away from the Catholic Church's stance on certain issues, it is important to recognize that the Church itself has a long and complex history of navigating its relationship with secular governments and political ideologies. From its early persecution in the Roman Empire to its later influence on secular power through papal authority, the Church has continually adapted to its political context while striving to uphold its teachings on peace and justice.
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LGBTQ+ rights
The relationship between the Catholic Church and the LGBTQ+ community is complex and often contentious, with a history of strained relations. While the Church has welcomed celibate gay and lesbian people into its community, it does not recognize or perform sacramental marriages between same-sex couples. The Church's stance is that same-sex attraction is not inherently sinful, but the act of sexual activity is considered a grave sin.
There are various organizations within the Catholic Church that advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ Catholics, such as DignityUSA and New Ways Ministry, which promote inclusion and justice. These groups have been censured by the American Catholic Church hierarchy. The Church's teachings emphasize that all same-sex individuals must be treated with respect and compassion, and unjust discrimination should be avoided. However, some Catholic institutions have campaigned against LGBTQ+ rights, promoting chastity and celibacy among LGBTQ+ members.
Globally, the Catholic Church has been politically active on LGBTQ+ rights issues, with a complex history. Pope Francis, for example, supported civil union status for same-sex couples, a notable shift from his predecessors. However, the Church has also been criticized for its involvement in the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-gender movements, particularly in countries like Poland and Slovakia, where it has influenced policymaking.
The Vatican has released documents outlining the inclusion of transgender people in Catholic sacraments, allowing for their baptism and participation as godparents. Yet, the Church maintains strict views on sex and gender, rejecting the concept of gender as a social construct.
For LGBTQ+ Catholics, reconciling their identity with their faith can be challenging. Some choose to interpret scripture independently, focusing on principles of charity, love, and kindness, rather than solely following the directives of the Church. Others emphasize their Catholic identity and the positive aspects of the Church, such as its rituals and sense of community.
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Environmental issues
Catholics who are Democrats are more likely to view climate change as a serious problem caused by human activity. They align with the Democratic Party's emphasis on environmental protection and social justice, which includes concern for the poor, migrants, and minorities. Democrats are seen as championing the downtrodden and striving for the communal good.
However, some Catholics may struggle to reconcile their faith with Democratic policies that contradict Church teachings on abortion, sexual ethics, and religious freedom. The Democratic Party's secular and ideological stance on these issues has created a conflict for Catholic Democrats, who must navigate their religious beliefs and political affiliations.
The Church teaches that climate change is a grave moral issue, threatening commitments to protect human life, health, dignity, and security. This includes a preferential option for the poor, who are often the most affected by environmental degradation. Catholics are called to be good stewards of God's creation, promoting sustainable practices and caring for the natural world.
To address environmental issues, Catholics are encouraged to take individual and community action. This includes energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and advocating for sustainable economic policies. Catholic organizations, such as the Catholic Climate Covenant, offer guidance and resources to help Catholics live out their faith through environmental stewardship.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics tend to vote Republican, but there are still many Catholic Democrats. In fact, Joe Biden, a Catholic, was the Democratic presidential nominee in 2020. Catholics are split down the middle politically, with 48% identifying as Republican and 47% identifying as Democrat. Catholics are often more aligned with their political party than with the teachings of their church. For example, 77% of Catholic Democrats believe that abortion should be legal, despite the Catholic Church's formal opposition to abortion.
While it's true that the Democratic Party is secular, Catholics who are Democrats believe that the party's so-called "liberal" ideals are very similar to the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. For example, the Democratic Party champions the downtrodden of society, which is a specifically Christian duty.
Democrats are right to be concerned about the damage that is being done to the environment, which is undeniable and un-Christian. However, the Democratic ideas about electric vehicles and free internet run against their stated ideals for the planet.
