Archbishop Charles Chaput

Church teaching against abortion “requires absolute adherence” on the part of Catholic voters, who must “stand united” in opposition to the practice regardless of party affiliation, said Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia.

“(Abortion) really is a big issue today, and I think what it requires of Catholics is a loyalty to the Church prior to their political party,” Chaput said in an Oct. 20 interview.

“We’re Catholics before we’re Democrats.

We’re Catholics before we’re Republicans,” he said.

“We’re even Catholics before we’re Americans, because we know that God has a demand on us prior to any government demand on us.”

“If we don’t stand united on this issue (of abortion), we’re bound to failure,” Chaput said, “not only in the area of protecting unborn human life but in maintaining our religious freedom.”