Governor Quinn, Cardinal Bernadin, and the Death Penalty

Of all recent Catholic leaders, Cardinal Joseph Bernadin of Chicago has impressed me the most. Though dead for fifteen years, his argument for a "seamless garment" or "consistent ethic of life" continues to challenge my own ethical thinking.

At a 1983 speech at Fordham University, he proposed that a consistent ethic of life, joining abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, war, and poverty as action areas that Roman Catholics should work to abolish. He continued to speak out on these controversial areas until his death, but was unable to gather a critical mass of popular support. At the time of his death, he was writing a book drawing on this notion of a seamless garment,The Gift of Peace, but questioned the value of his thoughts. He asked his assistant, as well as his publisher, "Do you think this is worth doing?" The book became a best seller and was translated into 14 languages.

One of those who read it and took its message to heart is Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. After signing a document on March 9 (interestingly Ash Wednesday), that repealed Illinois' death penalty, Governor Quinn held up his copy of Bernadin's book, citing it as an influence in his decision. In fact, on that fateful morning, before making his decision final, Governor Quinn prayed and read a passage in II Corinthians that spoke to human imperfection.

In my estimation, Governor Quinn, who heretofore had supported capital punishment, illuminates the role religion/faith can have on public policy. Religions across the spectrum seek to influence public policy according to the values each holds.

Governor Quinn cherry picked one element (the death penalty) from Bernadin's ethic. Will he apply the seamless garment ethic to other areas? (He has long had a pro-choice stance.) We'll see.

There is a mutuality operating in the repeal of the death penalty in Illinois: Cardinal Bernadin's ethic inspired Governor Quinn. Governor Quinn will help renew and expand the influence of Cardinal Bernadin's ethic.

[See NY Times article]