To the editor:

At the New Ulm Diocese Council of Catholic Women convention, U.S. Rep (Brad) Finstad eloquently shared how his faith guides his desire to engage in politics. Curious to further my own knowledge of this, I started with Bishop Robert Barron who reminds us doctrine is difficult to apply to political parties or legislation. However, with prudent application, it is possible.

Bishop Barron does provide five principles to guide political action. First, it is not as simple as voting along party lines. Second, ultimately, Catholic Social Teaching prioritizes defense of all human life. Third, “(A) Catholic may never vote for a candidate because that candidate supports a morally repugnant position, only despite that support and only because of balancing considerations. No political party cleanly supports “pro-life” legislation if you extend the definition beyond “anti-abortion”. Fourth, Catholics must place moral principles above methods. “Every Catholic ought to be for protecting the environment, serving the poor, defending the traditional family, battling social injustice, advocating for religious liberty and freedom of conscience.” And fifth, vote. Democracy provides a system for legitimate debate and prudential judgment. I would add that voting along party lines could be seen as imprudent.

I receive Representative Finstad’s newsletter and have received responses to questions I have posed to him. The usual response includes his commitment to “an end to government waste, fraud, and abuse.” While a worthy cause, this appears to be his guiding principle. His frequent use of the phrase “southern Minnesota’s families, farmers, and small businesses” seems to place a limit on who he is willing to represent. Together with his voting record, I question his commitment to Catholic Social Teaching.

Beth Zabel

New Ulm