Chicago Cardinal Faces Criticism for Honoring Abortion-Access Donor

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich is drawing criticism for planning to honor Michael Sacks, a prominent businessman and donor to organizations supporting abortion access, at a fundraising gala for Mundelein Seminary, the seminary for the Archdiocese of Chicago. The event, scheduled for Oct. 29, aims to raise funds for the education of future priests.

Questions have arisen regarding the recognition of Sacks due to his family foundation's contributions. Between 2020 and 2022, the Sacks Family Foundation reportedly provided grants totaling $500,000 to Planned Parenthood of Illinois. Additionally, a report from Crain's Chicago Business indicated that Sacks and his wife, Cari, contributed $600,000 to the Prairie State Access Fund, an initiative established to support abortion access in Illinois.

This situation echoes a similar controversy last year when Cardinal Cupich faced objections from some Catholic leaders for planning to honor Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., whose stance on abortion rights conflicted with Church teachings. Following the backlash, Durbin declined the award.

In a statement addressing the current situation, Cardinal Cupich defended the decision to honor Sacks, emphasizing the introduction of the Nostra Aetate Award. This award, named after a declaration from the Second Vatican Council, is intended to recognize leaders from non-Christian communities for their contributions. Cupich stated that Sacks is a "well-respected leader in Chicago and in the Jewish community." He further explained that honoring someone for their community leadership does not imply endorsement of all their personal positions, but rather fosters mutual respect and dialogue, aligning with the spirit of the Nostra Aetate declaration which encourages engagement with those outside the Catholic faith.

However, critics have voiced concerns. Carl E. Olson, editor of the Catholic World Report, questioned the choice on social media platform X, pointing out the financial support for abortion access and suggesting the possibility of honoring pro-life Jewish leaders instead. He also raised concerns about the cardinal's defense, which alluded to avoiding patterns of antisemitism through exclusion, interpreting it as potentially employing an "antisemitic card."

Christine Niles, a Catholic investigative reporter, also shared concerns on X, referencing a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' statement advising against honoring individuals who act in defiance of fundamental moral principles.

Kelsey Reinhardt, president and CEO of CatholicVote, echoed these sentiments, stating, "The U.S. bishops have taught that Catholic institutions should not give ‘awards, honors or platforms’ to those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles." She urged Cardinal Cupich to reconsider the honor.

In response to inquiries, the media relations department for Cardinal Cupich stated they have no further comment beyond the published statement. A spokesperson for Michael Sacks expressed that Sacks is honored to receive the award and believes the Cardinal's statement sufficiently addresses the matter.