We've got Catholic election coverage ready to go. Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky, kicks off our "What now?" series offering varied viewpoints on our church and our country after Election 2020. A Chicago Theological Union professor presents a talk on what Roe v. Wade has done to Catholic influence on politics. And a Catholic mom wants the Supreme Court to know that the Affordable Care Act has saved the life of her 9-year-old son, Jack, who has cystic fibrosis.



The Affordable Care Act saved my son's life


Tasha Nelson has a message for the Supreme Court. The Affordable Care Act, she writes, saved the life of Jack, her 9-year-old.


Jack was born with cystic fibrosis. Nelson remembers how her doctors suggested prenatal tests so that she could abort him if he was discovered to have the disease. She declined the offer.


Now a disability rights activist, Nelson notes that her son's initial treatments cost $6,000 per month. Now they are at $322,000 per year. Without the landmark Affordable Care Act, Jack would not have had access to the medications that have kept him alive and thriving.


She calls upon new Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett to remember how much of a pro-life contribution the Affordable Care Act has made in the lives of thousands of families. Arguments about the constitutionality of the act will be heard by the Supreme Court this month.


Read her full column here.



Abortion politics has been bad for the church


That's the view of Steve Millies, professor at Chicago Theological Union. He argues, in a talk reported on by Madeleine Davison of NCR, that single-issue politics has hurt the church and that there needs to be a renewed sense of empathy in political discourse.


Catholics, he says, should not be part of the Democratic or Republican parties, but should see themselves as part of the Samaritan Party, willing to do the bidding of their Savior to assist the poor and the needy. "Catholicism is not a political interest," he says.


Because it legalized abortion, Roe v. Wade, he says, has proven to be problematic for Catholics. But he says that decision can also been seen for its stance in empowering women to make their own decisions and that Catholics should recognize that value. The U.S. bishops have made a mistake in focusing so much attention on overturning abortion law, often at the expense of other pro-life concerns, Millies argues.


Read the full coverage of the talk here.



Pope Francis offers model for post-election era


"What now?" That's the theme of a series of post-election columns directed at what can be accomplished after this divisive political season.


The series begins with reflections from Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky. Perhaps not surprising for a bishop, he urges Americans to pay attention to the pope.


But this particular pope has some provocative things to say about how the country should be conducting itself. Francis notes in his recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, that nationalism has no place in a Christian understanding of the world. Neither does prejudice and discrimination directed against immigrants and minorities.


Stowe urges Americans to heed Pope Francis' injunctions to "speak boldly and listen charitably" and to follow the credo of "Thou shall not exclude." Only then, writes Stowe, can the country begin to emerge from this year's discord.


Read the bishop's essay here.



More headlines:


Sisters offer reconciling vision for post-election time


The staff of Global Sisters Report interviews sisters who counsel understanding and civility no matter what happens tomorrow. Life will go on, no matter who wins, and no political leader can heal the divisions that plague the country without the help of everyone, they say.


Read sisters' reflections on how we live together post-election.



More background:


The Latino vote may prove crucial. Here is how NCR has covered that important slice of the Catholic electorate.



Why some Latinos will vote Trump
The impact of the Latino vote on pivotal Florida



Final thoughts:


Only a day remains! NCR series puts it all into perspective. See our total election coverage: View the full series.


Today is the day that many visit cemeteries to remember those family members and friends we have lost. May that observance give us who are fortunate to be alive a renewed perspective on the gift of our own lives. Happy All Souls Day!


Peter Feuerherd
News Editor
[email protected]

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