Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver writes this in an op-ed in today's New York Times:

Words are cheap. Actions matter. If we believe in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, we need to prove that by our actions, including our political choices. Anything less leads to the corruption of our integrity. Patriotism, which is a virtue for people of all faiths, requires that we fight, ethically and nonviolently, for what we believe. Claiming that "we don't want to impose our beliefs on society" is not merely politically convenient; it is morally incoherent and irresponsible.

Does this matter? Well, during the past three days President Bush has pulled ahead of John Kerry - a Catholic who insists who won't impose his beliefs on anyone else when it comes to abortion - in the Zogby tracking poll.

In Reuters' coverage of the tracker, it reports that Bush and Kerry are now tied when it comes to the Catholic vote. Earlier in the campaign, Kerry had a slight lead among Catholics. And now one of the country's Catholic archbishops is establishing a framework he thinks should guide their vote - a framework that puts Kerry clearly on the outs.

Watch this topic over the next few days.