1,550 Catholic Sisters, Priests, and Leaders Sign Letter Expressing Concern for Judge Kavanaugh Nomination

For Immediate Release: September 4, 2018
Contact: Lee Morrow, lmorrow@networklobby.org, 202-601-7871
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1,550 Catholic Sisters, Priests, and Leaders Sign Letter Expressing Concern for Judge Kavanaugh Nomination
Sister Simone: “If Judge Kavanaugh cannot prove his determination to protect the rights of all people, then he must not be confirmed by the Senate.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate takes up the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court, more 1,550 Catholic Sisters, Priests, and other leaders signed a letter expressing their concern about Judge Kavanaugh, urging Senators to prioritize the common good when weighing their choice. The faith leaders are especially concerned with Judge Kavanaugh’s record on healthcare, immigration, labor rights, voting rights, and the death penalty.

The letter begins:

“You have a responsibility to evaluate his previous decisions, examine his concern for the common good, and ultimately determine whether or not Judge Kavanaugh respects stare decisis… As Catholics, we believe that any government official – including a Supreme Court Justice – must be concerned with the needs of people who are marginalized, not just the rich and powerful or a member of one’s own political party. As you consider how you will vote on the question of confirmation, we ask you to consider Judge Kavanaugh’s stance on these principles as demonstrated on his prior decisions and statements on issues such as healthcare, immigration, labor, the death penalty, and voting rights. ”

The letter goes on: “On crucial issues, we know that our faith teaching and our Constitution intersect. As Catholics, we share a faith tradition with Judge Kavanaugh. As people of the United States, we know that in our diverse society, where we meet is in the Constitution.“

The Catholic Faith Leaders explained that these crucial issues may all come before the Supreme Court soon, and expressed their belief that any Supreme Court Justice must “ensure that the religious consciences of all people are honored and protected, rather than preferencing the beliefs of the few.”

Upon release of the letter, Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said, “It is vital that any nominee to the Supreme Court proves that they will work for the common good from the bench. If Judge Kavanaugh cannot prove his determination to protect the rights of all people, then he must not be confirmed by the Senate.”

Read the full text of the letter, and see all 1,550 signatures from Catholic leaders online at www.networklobby.org/catholickavanaughletter

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NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a 46-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org