Religion and politics collide for area Catholics

GREEN BAY - Bishop David Ricken of the Green Bay Catholic Diocese says it's his job as a faith leader to give moral guidance during election season.

“It's not like you put faith over here in a box, and then there's the rest of life. Our teaching is meant to be carried out in our work life, our political life, et cetera,” said Ricken.

But a letter dated Wednesday from Ricken spelled out not only what issues to vote against, like “abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, human cloning and homosexual ‘marriage'.” The letter also said: "Some candidates and one party have even chosen some of these as their party's or their personal political platform. To vote for someone in favor of these positions means that you could be morally 'complicit' with these choices which are intrinsically evil. This could put your own soul in jeopardy."

Catholics in churches across the diocese this weekend will receive that letter as an insert in their weekly bulletin. The bishop says he's merely informing their moral conscience. However, some people see this as telling them how to vote.

Ricken clarified in a press conference Saturday he's not specifically targeting pro-choice Democratic Party candidates.

"My letter should not be misunderstood as an endorsement of any political candidate or party. The church does not endorse political candidates or political parties,” said Ricken.

Catholic voters were among those waiting in line Saturday morning for tickets to see President Barack Obama. They say the political beliefs of 345,000 Catholics in Northeast Wisconsin cannot be summed up in one man's statement.

"They seem to lump us into groups and say we're all thinking a certain thing, or we as women all feel this way or as men think that. I think we all are individuals and we're smarter than that. I think everyone needs to make their own choice when it comes to the abortion issue,” said Janice Reynolds of Green Bay.

Catholic voters volunteering for Republican challenger Mitt Romney's campaign say while their beliefs line up with Ricken's letter, his advice isn't the full weight of their decision when voting.

"I appreciate his decision. I use that as I do everything else as a kind of guiding light as I make my decisions. But my decisions are always based on a whole gamut of things,” said Mary Steffen, as she made calls to voters.

Neither presidential campaign would comment on the bishop's letter.

Ricken would not elaborate when asked if Catholics who support Democratic or pro-choice agendas will be penalized, such as being denied communion at Mass.

To read the full letter, click here .