SCRANTON – Instead of the usual homily, this weekend, parishioners in all diocese of Scranton churches are hearing a letter from Bishop Joseph Martino, telling Catholics that in essence, “right to life” is the only issue to consider when voting next month.

“It is the single most important issue confronting not only Catholics, but the entire electorate” Martino said, in his letter priests were required to read at masses this weekend.

Martino addresses those who say other issues, such as the economy, health care and the war in Iraq, must take priority.  “This reasoning is sound only if other issues carry the same moral weight as abortion does”, argues Martino.  “Health care, education, economic security, immigration, and taxes are very important concerns. Neglect of any one of them has dire consequences as the recent financial crisis demonstrates. However, the solutions to problems in these areas do not usually involve a rejection of the sanctity of human life in the way that abortion does.”