Catholic Priests Plan Election Ads Aimed at Abortion Rights
A national group of Roman Catholic priests, saying they want to expose Christian politicians who support abortion rights as false prophets, announced an advertising campaign Tuesday aimed at making opposition to abortion the top issue for voters.
Priests for Life is beginning its effort with a full-page ad in today’s editions of the New York Times. They will air television ads in selected markets next month.
“Voters are free to elect whom they choose. But to be free, one has to be informed of the implications of one’s choice, including the moral and spiritual implications,” said the Rev. Father Frank Pavone, the national director of the New York-based group.
“It is our mission, as spiritual leaders, to instruct them on the moral principles that should inform their decisions.”
The ads will not mention specific candidates or make any endorsements. If the ads target specific races or candidates, it could compromise Priests for Life’s tax-exempt status.
Pavone said the group plans to spend between $250,000 and $1 million on the ad campaign. Priests for Life has not determined where the ads will run but will target markets where local Catholic politicians have voted for abortion rights, he said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
