“The policy and rule, now in effect, are morally repugnant and incongruent with the Gospel, which the faithful are commissioned to share throughout the world (Mt 28:19),” Broglio wrote.
“Moreover, the new DOD policy and VA rule fail to incorporate basic conscience protections, thus creating First Amendment pitfalls for military commanders and VA employees.”
Broglio cited Pope Francis, urging the Catholic faithful to refuse to participate in abortion.
“With this letter, I implore the faithful of this archdiocese to continue to advocate for human life and to refuse any participation in the evil of abortion,” the archbishop said. “As Pope Francis instructs, our defense of the innocent unborn must be ‘clear, firm, and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development.’ He has referred to the crime of abortion as hiring a hitman.”
Broglio added that Christians “must also be mindful of our Christian duty to exercise radical solidarity with mothers and families experiencing a challenging pregnancy.” He also encouraged “wide participation in, and support for, compassionate, post-abortive healing ministries, such as Project Rachel, so that those who have experienced abortion may receive healing and spiritual renewal through Christ’s infinite mercy.”
Some Republican lawmakers have voiced frustration with the Biden administration’s abortion policies related to the military. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, has led an effort to hold up military appointments that need Senate confirmation in protest of the policies.