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Dear Catholic Exchange:
My wife and I have been discussing how we should spend our money, and our question is this: “What should we as Catholics and strong pro-lifers do about companies that support anti-life agendas?” Is it our duty as Catholics to determine where our monies are being spent after we purchase items? Should we be digging into the corporate records of all the companies we buy from? Are there resources out there that can help us with this? What about companies that support both pro-life and anti-life agendas? In my mind, they still support abortion. This issue is weighing on us. If you could provide us any assistance on this matter, we would certainly appreciate the help and guidance!
Thank you for producing such a wonderful site.
May God bless you all.
Ed and Sherrie
Dear Ed and Sherrie,
Peace in Christ! At the outset, we would like to refer you to the websites for the St. Antoninus Institute (www.stantoninus.net) and Life Decisions International (www.fightpp.org). The St. Antoninus Institute publishes a pro-life shopping guide and makes available additional pro-life resources. Life Decisions International, in addition to providing information, is actively engaged in various campaigns against many companies who support abortion.
Are Catholics responsible for where their money goes after it is spent? A basic principle of the moral law is, as the Catechism teaches, “Freedom makes man responsible for his acts to the extent that they are voluntary” (no. 1733; original emphasis). A simple way to state this principle is: persons are only morally obligated to do what is reasonably possible. For example, if two people are in danger and it is only physically possible to save one, the rescuer has not committed an evil for failing to save both. If the rescuer, however, is able to save both, then he is obligated to do so.
Thus, while it may not be possible to know everything about every company, one must do his best to act in accordance with what he can know and in light of the options that are available. If a person knows that a store he patronizes gives money to pro-abortion causes, he must ask himself whether he must continue buying from that store. If there are products he needs, can he find them elsewhere, even if the price is a little more? The individual must also take into account what he can afford and still reasonably provide for himself and those for whom he is responsible. Some people are at an income level that leaves them no choice but to shop where things are the lowest price.
There are other practical measures that one can take. When possible, one can shop at smaller or locally owned stores. These stores are less likely to use their funds in unacceptable ways and, in any case, information about organizations the store donates to is easier to obtain. National and multi-national corporations weave a very complex web. For example, a particular company under one name may not donate to pro-abortion causes, but that same company may own a hundred other companies by which funds are funneled to immoral causes.
A final word should be offered about formal and material cooperation. It is always gravely sinful to formally cooperate with an evil. Formal cooperation is sharing in the immoral act of another by assisting its completion or sharing in the intention that the evil act be carried out. Material cooperation is assisting in the immoral act of another, but without approving of the sinful act. For example, when a company funds pro-abortion causes, making purchases contributes to the profits from which the company funds abortion. The patron, however, does not share in the intention of the company and may even be completely unaware. Depending on the circumstances, material cooperation can be permissible. An individual does not share in the guilt of abortion by shopping at a store that funds it. That does not change the fact, however, that if one knows this, he should consider his options and do what he can.
If you have further questions on this or would like more information about Catholics United for the Faith, please contact us at 1-800-MY-FAITH (693-2484). Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to “support, defend, and advance the efforts of the teaching Church.”
United in the Faith,
David E. Utsler
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
