In an interview with The News Journal of Delaware earlier this month, Joe Biden took it upon himself to speak for the Roman Catholic Church. In the interview, speaking about the issue of abortion, he stated,

I know that my church has wrestled with this for 2,000 years.

The Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, bishop, Catholic Diocese of Wilmington responded in an letter to the editor to the Delaware Online

In the letter he states,

The Didache, probably the earliest Christian writing apart from the New Testament, explicitly condemns abortion without exceptions. It tells us there is a “way of life” and a “way of death” and abortion is a part of the way of death. This has been the consistent teaching of the Church ever since.

He also recognizes that the Reformers held the same position,

It was also the position of Protestant reformers without exception.

He goes on to say,

The Declaration of Independence lists life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as God-given rights. Life is listed first, and it is the principal function of the state to protect the lives of citizens. This understanding of the state’s primary obligation to protect human life is also fundamental to Catholic social doctrine to which the senator points. Without life all other rights are meaningless.

I couldn’t agree more. I recommend a full read of the letter. I’m glad to see Biden’s statements responded to by an official of the Church. As we know, sometimes silence can be seen as acceptance and agreement.