Issue 1 - What's A Catholic to Do?

(The following is Fr. Strebler's Pastor's Column from the July 16,2023 bulletin.)

 

“We, the people of the State of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare, do establish this Constitution.”—Preamble, Ohio Constitution

 

Dear Parishioners:

 

Driving around in the last few days, I see campaign signs are popping up in yards like mushrooms after the very wet spells we have experienced this summer (I’m still waiting for the streak of 85° and sunny).  The signs are for and against (Ohio) State Issue 1 on the August 8 ballot.  This issue would change the Ohio Constitution to require that any amendment to the Constitution of the State of Ohio receive the approval of at least 60 percent of eligible voters voting on the proposed amendment. This would be a change from the simple majority currently required to amend the Ohio Constitution.  Also, any initiative proposing to amend the Constitution of the State of Ohio be signed by at least five percent of the electors of each county based on the total vote in the county for governor in the last preceding election.

 

There are pro- and con- arguments on passage of State Issue 1. Those in favor argue that a constitution should be harder to change because it guides other laws in the state; the US Constitution must be approved by three-fourths (38 of 50) of the states to take effect.  Ohio is one of eight states that require only a simple majority for amending the Constitution.  In these days of polarized politics, the level required for amending should be higher so that a super-majority is required which would call for greater cooperation and agreement. Those against hold that fifty-percent plus one is democracy at work and should be retained.

 

For some context: The Ohio Constitution has been amended 172 times since 1851; the US Constitution has been amended 27 times since 1879. 

 

It must be acknowledged that there are other factors lurking behind Issue 1.  Many Catholic and other pro-life groups are working for Issue 1 to pass in August as a way to prepare for a probable ballot in November that will expand and enshrine abortion as a right up until the time of birth, even to minors without parental consent.  Others are fighting against Issue 1 as to make the November issue easier to pass.

 

While acknowledging that subtext, we must see State Issue 1 in August and the potential November Issue as separate issues.  While the November Issue is a moral issue and as Catholics we must fight to defeat it, the August vote on State Issue 1 is not a moral issue—this is the stance of Bishop Malesic, the Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, and of the other Catholic bishops of Ohio.    Because it is not a moral matter, Catholic voters are permitted to vote according to their prudential judgement on State Issue 1. 

 

Sincerely,

Rev. Charles F. Strebler
Pastor