Rigidness makes a hard choice harder
AS AN Episcopal priest and the chair of the board of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, I was deeply saddened to read about Cardinal O'Malley's remarks on this historic presidential election ("O'Malley heartened, worried by election," Page A1, Nov. 11).
The Roman Catholic Church has a long, respected tradition of moral reasoning and teaching, while recognizing that - at the end of the day - each of its adherents must consult his or her conscience. To deny that moral freedom to Roman Catholic women on the singular question of procreative choice strikes me as punitive, not pastoral.
Roman Catholic women are no less likely than women of other faiths to decide that terminating a pregnancy may be the best, most moral choice they can make in a complex situation. The difference is that their clergy cling to a rigid opposition to - even condemnation of - the right to choose, which denies these women full inclusion in their communities of faith and makes an already difficult decision even more painful.
Contrary to the cardinal's claims, the prochoice position incorporates a deep respect for life - for women, children, and families. Moreover, unlike the Catholic bishops' statements, the prochoice position respects that people of faith and good conscience may well vehemently disagree about abortion, yet recognize the greater evil would be to impose those views on everyone - without regard for women's conscience and women's lives.
REV. ANNE C. FOWLER
Jamaica Plain 