Letter to Amnesty International from Bishop Skylstad on Change in Stance on Abortion, July 2, 2007

A Plea to Amnesty International Members: A Statement of the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop William S. Skylstad, Bishop of Spokane, July 2, 2007 

It is deeply disappointing that the Executive Council of Amnesty International (AI) recently abandoned Amnesty International’s neutral stance on abortion to take a pro-abortion position.  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been among those urging Amnesty to reject this proposed change when its International Council meets in August; however, action by Amnesty’s Executive Council in April 2007 preempted this process.  I call upon the members of Amnesty’s International Council to reverse this decision. 

The action of the Executive Council undermines Amnesty’s longstanding moral credibility, diverts its mission, divides its own members (many of whom are Catholic or defend the rights of unborn children), and jeopardizes Amnesty’s support by people in many nations, cultures and religions.  As Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, recently said, “if in fact Amnesty International persists in this course of action, individuals and Catholic organizations must withdraw their support, because, in deciding to promote abortion rights, AI has betrayed its mission.”  

For many years, the Catholic community in the United States and elsewhere has admired and worked with Amnesty International in its efforts to advance the cause of universal human rights.  Founded by a Catholic layman, Peter Benenson, Amnesty International has been a beacon of hope to thousands of prisoners of conscience and victims of abuse and torture.  In this regard AI has been a source of inspiration to millions of supporters, including the many Catholics who are members.  Much more urgent work remains, work which we believe will be harmed by this unprecedented and unnecessary involvement in the abortion debate.

plea-by-bishop-skylstad-to-amnesty-international-concerning-stance-on-abortion-2007-07-02.pdf