Re: Pro-Life Open Letter Sent on October 9th, 2024, to the Synod on Synodality.
On October 9th, 2024, the following pro-life open letter was sent by e-mail to the Synod on Synodality (synodus@synod.va), with a request for it to be forwarded to His Eminence, Cardinal Mario Grech, and the Delegates of the Synod on Synodality. Additionally an attempt was made to have a copy of the letter delivered directly to some Delegates :
October 9th, 2024
Delegates of the Synod on Synodality
c/o His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech
General Secretariat of the Synod
Vatican City State
Re. Intentional Abortion.
Dear Delegates of the Synod on Synodality,
May the Holy Spirit guide you during this Second Session of the Synod, providing light on your conversations and wisdom for together all Delegates discern His Voice.
This open letter was written in a spirit of synodality, trusting that the Delegates of the Synod will give consideration to it.
Time is of the essence regarding the protection of the unborn, the most vulnerable, especially considering the eternal effects on souls. Since doctrine is clear and its interpretation consensual among the Churches present at the Synod on Synodality, it provides an exceptional occasion for a concrete pro-life action, reinforcing the handling of a vital issue in a unified synodal way.
Canon 1397, Second Paragraph, states: "A person who actually procures an abortion incurs a latae sententiae excommunication.” ( https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib6-cann1364-1399_en.html#OFFENCES_AGAINST_HUMAN_LIFE,_DIGNITY_AND_FREEDOM ).
Many Catholics are not aware of Canon 1397, Second Paragraph, or simply do not properly understand or evaluate the different forms of procurement. Therefore, it is important for the Church to provide guidance and clarification on this matter. In this respect, the Synod should properly evaluate and consider clarifying that not only the act of intentional abortion per se, but also creating the conditions for it to happen by providing funds or services, as well as consciously supporting strategic efforts aiming to advance a pro-choice political agenda and policies, can indeed be means to ultimately procure intentional abortion, which is the intentional ending of an innocent human life.
It is common for people to argue that the responsibility of intentional abortion lies only with the pregnant mothers. This stance not only lacks compassion but also ignores the fact that those not directly involved with the emotions of a particular case, acting consciously without the fog of the emotions, can possibly be even more accountable for procuring intentional abortion. It is a responsibility and a sin that may lie on the shoulders of an entire nation, if the resources of that nation, whether material or intellectual, are used to procure intentional abortion.
To declare oneself a Catholic while advocating for the ending of innocent human life through pro-choice policies, creates a profound inconsistency, as it involves endorsing actions that directly contradict the moral and ethical principles outlined by the Church. Such a stance undermines the integrity of one's Catholic identity, as it fails to uphold the essential tenets of the faith that affirm the inviolability of human life. This incoherence not only impacts personal faith but also the collective witness of the Catholic community in advocating for the protection and respect of all human life.
The sanctity of human life is a non-negotiable tenet of Catholic doctrine, grounded in the belief that life must be protected from conception until natural death. This belief is not subject to personal interpretation or sensitivity, it is a matter of fact within our faith tradition. Therefore, supporting or endorsing with your vote intentional abortion rights, directly or indirectly, represents a clear departure from the Church's teachings, bearing grave spiritual consequences.
This is an urgent matter and for this reason I urge and respectfully request that the Church, at this moment of the Synod, take the opportunity to provide clarification and definitive guidance in connection with the matter of intentional abortion procurement. Such guidance and clarification, should qualify, in simple language, the actions and parties considered involved in intentional abortion procurement, therefore subject to the terms referenced in Canon 1397 of the Code of Canon Law. This guidance, which reinforces the logical consistency required of Catholics in adhering to Gospel principles, will empower the faithful to make decisions that are in harmony with the Church’s teachings and mission, as well as with the conduct expected and due by the People of God.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I appreciate your commitment to guiding the Church through the synodal process and look forward to the clarity and direction it will provide.
Wishing you all many blessings,
In Christ,
Henrique S.C.S. Gregori
HSG Initiative LLC.