Bishop Oscar Cantú Statement on the Passage of Proposition 1

Nov 10, 2022

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We were disappointed to receive the news that Proposition 1 passed. However, we should take note of important gains through our efforts and, of course, God’s grace.

Proposition 1 alters our state constitution to allow for unregulated, late-term abortions, all at taxpayer expense, redirecting state funding away from solutions to support California families in need. Meanwhile, Proposition 1 does not solve any of the underlying personal challenges that most women cite as reasons for choosing abortion—intimate partner violence, housing insecurity, inadequate access to healthcare, insufficient paid leave, childcare opportunities, or having no one in their lives able to accompany them through pregnancy and parenting.

While we were not successful in defeating Proposition 1, we did move the dial in creating an electorate in California more open to life. Since the beginning of the campaign, the percentage of Californians identifying as pro-life rose by almost 10%, while those identifying as pro-choice dropped by seven percentage points, from 62% to 55%.

What’s next, we might ask? We renew our commitment to accompany women and families in need with greater resolve than ever. We must step forward with open arms and effective resources to empower pregnant and parenting women in their most difficult moments with life-affirming resources and support.

We will continue our efforts to build a culture of life, in which all families receive the support they need, and the dignity of each person is respected.

I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to all our parishes, schools, ministries, and apostolic movements for their efforts to speak against Proposition 1 and urge a ‘No’ vote.

With prayers and gratitude, I remain,

Yours,

Bishop Oscar Cantú
Diocese of San José

Bishop Cantú Message on Laudato Si’ Action Platform

Nov 10, 2022

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our human family continues to face an increased socio-ecological crisis, with high risks of disease, hunger, migration, and conflicts due to environmental degradation and climate change. Three years ago (Oct. 4, 2019), as a Diocese, we invited our Catholic Communities and people of goodwill to reflect on and engage in Pope Francis’ call for “Ecological Education” and “Ecological Conversion” by taking practical steps to raise awareness and live more responsibly. A year ago, the Holy Father launched an extraordinary worldwide effort to foster collaboration between the Vatican and an international coalition of Catholic organizations. The effort, called the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is aimed at mobilizing Catholics and “all men and women of goodwill” (LS 3), to take “decisive action, here and now” as we journey towards a better future together. (LS 161).

As part of our continuous Diocesan steps towards this goal, I – with the guidance and assistance of the Stewards of Our Common Earth Committee under the Office of Life, Justice, and Peace – have enrolled in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Our Diocesan Action plan will focus on education, conversion, and advocacy. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform invites us to review and create our own personal goals based on its seven goals: Care for the Earth, Care for the Poor, Ecological Economics, Sustainable Lifestyles, Ecological Education, Ecological Spirituality, Partnerships, and Community Engagement. It also provides practical tools and measurable parameters that help us take action and evaluate where we stand on the road towards addressing the socio-ecological crisis.

As we mark the first anniversary of the launching of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform on this 33^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, I make an appeal that every parish, school, parishioner, and person of goodwill enroll in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, as we join efforts with the universal Church to achieve total sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology.

Check online for more information on activities about Laudato Si’ – Care for Common Home – within the Diocese.

If you have questions, please get in touch with Stewards of Our Common Earth Committee through the Office of Life, Justice and Peace by emailing: angelbert.chikere@dsj.org.

In Christ,
Bishop Oscar Cantú

Diocesan Statement on the Dismissal from the Clerical State (Laicization) of Theodore McCarrick

Oct 25, 2022

Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, Bishop of San José, reacted to the news of Theodore McCarrick’s laicization: “I’m relieved that the Church has arrived at a swift and just conclusion to the canonical investigation into the very troubling complaints against Theodore McCarrick. I echo the sentiments of Cardinal Daniel DiNardo (President of the USCCB) in hopes that this ruling and action by the Church brings victims and survivors one step further in the long process of healing.”

The dismissal of the former cardinal and retired archbishop of Washington, DC, Theodore McCarrick, from the clerical state, signals the Church’s resolve to hold bishops accountable for abuse or mismanagement. Involuntary dismissal, one of the most severe actions under canon law, is most appropriate, given the deep wounds that McCarrick inflicted on the innocent.

Coadjutor Bishop Oscar Cantu also weighed in: “The Church’s determination in holding bishops accountable for abuse or mismanagement just took an important step forward. We further anticipate clear resolve and directions from the meeting of the heads of national bishops conferences in Rome later this week. The good and healing of victims/survivors must be at the center of our decision-making.”

Cardinal DiNardo’s Full Statement Follows:

“The Holy See’s announcement regarding Theodore McCarrick is a clear signal that abuse will not be tolerated. No bishop, no matter how influential, is above the law of the Church. For all those McCarrick abused, I pray this judgement will be one small step, among many, toward healing. For us bishops, it strengthens our resolve to hold ourselves accountable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to Pope Francis for the determined way he has led the Church”