Thursday, December 19, 2013
Action Center
Dear Sen. Tomlinson and Rep. Digirolamo.
This Bill is an "in your face" rejection of Catholic and Judeo / Christian moral teaching. This Bill is discriminatory against the Catholic church in particular as they are the only Christian denomination that has not wavered from Christian doctrine.
Therefore I join in writing in reference to HB/SB 300, which seeks to add "gender identity or expression" and "sexual orientation" to Pennsylvania's non-discrimination law. Simply put, this legislation is intolerant and prejudiced against people of faith.
Changing the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to protect people based on sexual attraction and behavior will jeopardize many churches and their charitable outreach. There are many examples of the impact this law can have, namely, the shuttering of Catholic adoption agencies. It is clear that our religious liberty will be trampled by HB/SB 300 - Catholic charitable ministries will no longer be able to make contributions to the common good of Pennsylvania without violating their religious beliefs.
To make matters worse, the law could also cause conflicts for private business owners with legitimate religious and moral concerns. A complaint was levied with the Human Rights Commission against a Kentucky t-shirt manufacturer because because their religious beliefs dictated that they decline to print t-shirts for a gay rights rally. Other examples of businesses suffering for standing up for their beliefs include photographers, cake bakeries and a cookie shop. All are given the unfair choice: close your business or violate your beliefs.
As your constituent, I am quite concerned that HB/SB 300 will run afoul of religious freedom and expose even more Pennsylvanians to discrimination. Please vote NO on HB/SB 300.
Action Center
Monday, December 16, 2013
Pope Francis statement on Sanctity of Marriage between one man and one woman ONLY
Pope Francis: Defender of Marriage and the Family
Pope Francis
During his years of leadership in Buenos Aires, Argentinean
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) boldly
defended marriage, the natural family, and the right of
children to have a father and a mother. His courage and
leadership were on display most vividly in the summer of
2010, when the Argentina legislature debated, and
ultimately passed, a law that redefined marriage to include
two persons of the same sex.
defended marriage, the natural family, and the right of
children to have a father and a mother. His courage and
leadership were on display most vividly in the summer of
2010, when the Argentina legislature debated, and
ultimately passed, a law that redefined marriage to include
two persons of the same sex.
Episcopal Leadership
Knowing that a marriage redefinition bill was on the horizon,
in April 2010 the Argentinean Episcopal Conference, of
which Cardinal Bergoglio was president (2005-
2011), published a statement on marriage: “On the
Unalterable Good of Marriage and the Family.” In the
statement, the bishops wrote that “the union of people of the
same sex lacks the biological and anthropological elements
that are proper to marriage and family.”
in April 2010 the Argentinean Episcopal Conference, of
which Cardinal Bergoglio was president (2005-
2011), published a statement on marriage: “On the
Unalterable Good of Marriage and the Family.” In the
statement, the bishops wrote that “the union of people of the
same sex lacks the biological and anthropological elements
that are proper to marriage and family.”
The bishops also responded to the oft-leveled charge of
discrimination, pointing out that “the recognition of a real
difference is not discrimination.” Continuing, they wrote,
“Nature doesn’t discriminate when it makes us a man or a
woman. Our Civil Code does not discriminate when it
demands the requirement of being a man and a woman to
contract marriage; it only recognizes a natural reality.”
discrimination, pointing out that “the recognition of a real
difference is not discrimination.” Continuing, they wrote,
“Nature doesn’t discriminate when it makes us a man or a
woman. Our Civil Code does not discriminate when it
demands the requirement of being a man and a woman to
contract marriage; it only recognizes a natural reality.”
Importance of Prayer
As the debate and vote on the marriage redefinition bill drew
closer, Cardinal Bergoglio wrote a letter to Carmelite nuns in
Argentina, enlisting their prayers and sacrifices, which he
called “the two invincible weapons of Santa Teresa,” a
reference to the founder of the Carmelite order, St. Teresa of
Avila.
closer, Cardinal Bergoglio wrote a letter to Carmelite nuns in
Argentina, enlisting their prayers and sacrifices, which he
called “the two invincible weapons of Santa Teresa,” a
reference to the founder of the Carmelite order, St. Teresa of
Avila.
In his letter, Cardinal Bergoglio wrote, “In the coming
weeks,
the Argentine people will face a situation whose
outcome can
seriously harm the family.” He then detailed what was at
stake with the bill’s potential passage:
weeks,
the Argentine people will face a situation whose
outcome can
seriously harm the family.” He then detailed what was at
stake with the bill’s potential passage:
At stake is the identity and survival of the family:
father, mother and children. At stake are the lives of
many children who will be discriminated against in
advance, and deprived of their human development
given by a father and a mother and willed by God. At
stake is the total rejection of God’s law engraved in
our hearts.
The Cardinal also highlighted the fact that advocating
for the authentic meaning of marriage is not just about
politics, but is a struggle between truth and deception, a
real spiritual warfare: “Let us not be naive: this is not
simply a political struggle, but it is an attempt to destroy
God’s plan. It is not just a bill (a mere instrument) but a
‘move’ of the father of lies who seeks to confuse and
deceive the children of God.”
Concluding, Cardinal Bergoglio implored the
intercession of the Holy Family: “We look to Saint
Joseph, Mary and the Child Jesus and ask that they
fervently defend the family in Argentina at this particular
time.”
Education and Mobilization of the People
Cardinal Bergoglio did not discount the importance of
ongoing education of the Catholic faithful, or the need for a
vocal, visible opposition to the marriage redefinition bill. On
the Sunday before the legislature’s consideration of the
marriage redefinition bill, the Argentine Bishops’ statement
on marriage was read at masses in Buenos Aires.
ongoing education of the Catholic faithful, or the need for a
vocal, visible opposition to the marriage redefinition bill. On
the Sunday before the legislature’s consideration of the
marriage redefinition bill, the Argentine Bishops’ statement
on marriage was read at masses in Buenos Aires.
The Cardinal also exhorted the Catholics of Argentina to
participate in a march and demonstration in Buenos
Aires.He specifically appealed to parish priests, rectors, and
chaplains to encourage participation in the march.
All Catholic participants were advised by Cardinal Bergoglio
to maintain a positive message, carrying only Argentinean
flags or positive slogans for man-woman marriage. The
slogan for the march was “We Want a Mom and Dad for our
Children.”
Opposition to the marriage redefinition bill was
strong. Catholic News Agency reported that 200,000
Argentineans gathered to protest the bill. Earlier in the
month, around 635,000 people had signed petitions
opposing the bill; their signatures were presented to the
Argentinean Senate.
strong. Catholic News Agency reported that 200,000
Argentineans gathered to protest the bill. Earlier in the
month, around 635,000 people had signed petitions
opposing the bill; their signatures were presented to the
Argentinean Senate.
Ecumenical Cooperation
Cardinal Bergoglio collaborated with other Christians in
Argentina to protest the marriage redefinition bill.
Specifically, the pro-marriage march included leadership
from not only the Catholic Church but also evangelical and
pentecostal groups (see footnote 41 on page 9). Cardinal
Bergoglio joined leaders from these Christian communities
in writing a letter that was read during the demonstration.
Together, the authors wrote, “Marriage is an essential
institution for our society and constitutes the basic structure
upon which it is built. It is the fundamental responsibility of
our political representatives to protect it and promote it, to
legally preserve it as it is, the union between one man and
one woman ordered toward mutual help, procreation, the
fulfillment and happiness of spouses, the satisfaction of life
in its fullness and the raising of children.”
Engaging a Hostile Culture
Unfortunately, Argentina passed the marriage redefinition
bill by a vote of 33 to 27 in the Senate. The vote made
Argentina the first country in Latin America to redefine
marriage to include two persons of the same sex.
bill by a vote of 33 to 27 in the Senate. The vote made
Argentina the first country in Latin America to redefine
marriage to include two persons of the same sex.
Since the passage of marriage redefinition legislature in
2010, Argentina has supported other measures that run
contrary to an authentic understanding of the human
person, marriage, and the family. In 2011, the Argentinean
governmentdistributed millions of copies of a “sexual
education” guide produced by the United Nations, which
taught readers about different types of families, including
those with a father and a mother, those with only a father or
a mother, and those with two fathers and mothers. “None of
these families are better or worse than the others,” says the
guide.
And in 2012, the Argentine legislature passed a bill that
permits individuals to legally change their gender at will,
regardless of their physiological sex, without enlisting
surgery or hormonal treatment, and without the approval of
a judge. The bill also included provisions for taxpayer-
covered sex reassignment surgeries at public hospitals.
According to the bill, gender is defined under the law as
“the experience of gender as each person feels it, whether
or not it corresponds with the sex assigned at birth.”
permits individuals to legally change their gender at will,
regardless of their physiological sex, without enlisting
surgery or hormonal treatment, and without the approval of
a judge. The bill also included provisions for taxpayer-
covered sex reassignment surgeries at public hospitals.
According to the bill, gender is defined under the law as
“the experience of gender as each person feels it, whether
or not it corresponds with the sex assigned at birth.”
Engaging an Anti-Catholic Culture
Argentina has known its share of anti-Catholic
persecution too. In a November 2012New York
Times article describing gay pride parades in Argentina,
the author writes of the most recent march, “There were
brief clashes with some Catholic activists who were
protecting the cathedral from vandals; in
previous years, the building had been spray-painted
with anti-clerical slogans.” He adds, “The event was
exhilarating.”
[Link withheld because the article includes an
inappropriate
picture.]
persecution too. In a November 2012New York
Times article describing gay pride parades in Argentina,
the author writes of the most recent march, “There were
brief clashes with some Catholic activists who were
protecting the cathedral from vandals; in
previous years, the building had been spray-painted
with anti-clerical slogans.” He adds, “The event was
exhilarating.”
[Link withheld because the article includes an
inappropriate
picture.]
In fact, on March 12, 2013, the day before Cardinal
Bergoglio
was elected Pope Francis, the cathedral in Buenos Aires
was occupied for four hours by drum-beating protestors
who opposed city subsidies for Catholic schools. A
mass in honor of the Conclave had to be cancelled.
Bergoglio
was elected Pope Francis, the cathedral in Buenos Aires
was occupied for four hours by drum-beating protestors
who opposed city subsidies for Catholic schools. A
mass in honor of the Conclave had to be cancelled.
Pope Francis, then, is no stranger to engaging with a
hostile culture and seeking to evangelize in the midst of
worldly powers strongly opposed to key tenets of
Catholic teaching.
Given his demonstrated zeal for the beautiful teachings
of the Church on marriage and the family, it will be
exciting to see how Pope Francis continues to
evangelize on the meaning of human love, sexuality,
and marriage. Our prayers are with
you, Holy Father!
hostile culture and seeking to evangelize in the midst of
worldly powers strongly opposed to key tenets of
Catholic teaching.
Given his demonstrated zeal for the beautiful teachings
of the Church on marriage and the family, it will be
exciting to see how Pope Francis continues to
evangelize on the meaning of human love, sexuality,
and marriage. Our prayers are with
you, Holy Father!
The media likes to take Pope Francis statements out of context, or leave out statements that clarify his and the Church's position on marriage from the foundation of the Church by Jesus Christ Himself.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Government shutdown threatens military Masses, chaplains :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
site-iconcatholicnewsagency.com/news/government-shutdown-threatens-military-masses-chaplains/
US Army chaplain Fr. Carl Subler says Mass for soldiers in Badula Qulp, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 21, 2010. USAF photo by Tech. Sgt Efren Lopez.
Washington D.C., Oct 8, 2013 / 04:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As the U.S. government shutdown continues, lawmakers are being urged to authorize the celebration of Mass by contract priests, who could otherwise face arrest for their routine ministry on military bases.
“Until the Federal Government resumes normal operations, or an exemption is granted to contract and (government services) priests, Catholic services are indefinitely suspended” at many military installations served by these priests throughout the world, warned John Schlageter, general counsel for the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services.
Lawmakers’ failure to reach an agreement on federal spending and the health care law prompted a shutdown of many government agencies that were not deemed “essential,” beginning Oct. 1.
In addition to affecting federal workers and participants in federal programs, the shutdown has impacted military bases throughout the world, where many Catholic service members rely upon contract priests for Sunday Mass and other sacraments and ministries.
In an Oct. 3 op-ed, Schlageter warned that non-active duty Catholic priests have been banned from carrying out their ministry on military installations during the government shutdown, meaning that some military personnel will be forced to “go without Mass.”
He explained that there is “a chronic shortage of active duty Catholic chaplains,” with only 234 active-duty priests serving the some 275,000 Catholic members of the military.
To help ease the burden, he said, government service and contract priests are employed by the government to “ensure that a priest is available when an active duty Catholic Chaplain is not present.”
However, the government shutdown means that many of these priests on military bases across the globe “are not permitted to work – not even to volunteer.”
“During the shutdown, it is illegal for them to minister on base and they risk being arrested if they attempt to do so.”
Shortly after his op-ed was released, a resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives to allow religious services to continue on military installations during the shutdown.
The resolution “recognizes that the performance of religious Services and the provision of ministry are protected activities under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.”
It asks Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to “permit the performance of religious services on property owned or maintained by the Department of Defense” and to allow military chaplains to perform their ministry to the same extent that they did before the shutdown.
The resolution was passed by the House in a 400-1 vote on Oct. 5 and has now been sent to the Senate.
Military Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio applauded the resolution as a way to ensure that men and women in uniform can practice their faith as they serve their country.
“Military personnel enjoy, like all Americans, the First Amendment guarantee of the ‘Free Exercise’ of religion,” he said in an Oct. 5 statement. “In the current political climate, however, nothing can be taken for granted.”
The archbishop thanked the House of Representatives for supporting the measure and voiced hope that the Senate will also “act decisively” to support the First Amendment.
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* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages
site-iconcatholicnewsagency.com/news/government-shutdown-threatens-military-masses-chaplains/
US Army chaplain Fr. Carl Subler says Mass for soldiers in Badula Qulp, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 21, 2010. USAF photo by Tech. Sgt Efren Lopez.
Washington D.C., Oct 8, 2013 / 04:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As the U.S. government shutdown continues, lawmakers are being urged to authorize the celebration of Mass by contract priests, who could otherwise face arrest for their routine ministry on military bases.
“Until the Federal Government resumes normal operations, or an exemption is granted to contract and (government services) priests, Catholic services are indefinitely suspended” at many military installations served by these priests throughout the world, warned John Schlageter, general counsel for the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services.
Lawmakers’ failure to reach an agreement on federal spending and the health care law prompted a shutdown of many government agencies that were not deemed “essential,” beginning Oct. 1.
In addition to affecting federal workers and participants in federal programs, the shutdown has impacted military bases throughout the world, where many Catholic service members rely upon contract priests for Sunday Mass and other sacraments and ministries.
In an Oct. 3 op-ed, Schlageter warned that non-active duty Catholic priests have been banned from carrying out their ministry on military installations during the government shutdown, meaning that some military personnel will be forced to “go without Mass.”
He explained that there is “a chronic shortage of active duty Catholic chaplains,” with only 234 active-duty priests serving the some 275,000 Catholic members of the military.
To help ease the burden, he said, government service and contract priests are employed by the government to “ensure that a priest is available when an active duty Catholic Chaplain is not present.”
However, the government shutdown means that many of these priests on military bases across the globe “are not permitted to work – not even to volunteer.”
“During the shutdown, it is illegal for them to minister on base and they risk being arrested if they attempt to do so.”
Shortly after his op-ed was released, a resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives to allow religious services to continue on military installations during the shutdown.
The resolution “recognizes that the performance of religious Services and the provision of ministry are protected activities under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.”
It asks Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to “permit the performance of religious services on property owned or maintained by the Department of Defense” and to allow military chaplains to perform their ministry to the same extent that they did before the shutdown.
The resolution was passed by the House in a 400-1 vote on Oct. 5 and has now been sent to the Senate.
Military Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio applauded the resolution as a way to ensure that men and women in uniform can practice their faith as they serve their country.
“Military personnel enjoy, like all Americans, the First Amendment guarantee of the ‘Free Exercise’ of religion,” he said in an Oct. 5 statement. “In the current political climate, however, nothing can be taken for granted.”
The archbishop thanked the House of Representatives for supporting the measure and voiced hope that the Senate will also “act decisively” to support the First Amendment.
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* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Archbishop to Nancy Pelosi: You're wrong :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Archbishop to Nancy Pelosi: You're wrong :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Nancy Pelosi, this could be your moment.
St. Paul got knocked off his horse. St. Augustine dragged his feet. And for the rest of us, the story is still unfolding.
Conversion moments are personal. They can be uncomfortable and often—to our mortal eye—awkwardly timed. They are unfailingly memorable.
Nancy, this could be your conversion opportunity.
First, it’s a personal call.
Your hometown Archbishop—the shepherd concerned for your soul--has called you by name.
(As messengers go, you lucked out. Paul faced a lightning bolt and wary old Ananias, while St. Augustine had his mom after him for years and finally listened to a child.)
God’s messenger to you, Nancy, is a peer from your neighborhood who understands the work you do. He’s straightforward too, and he happens to be your spiritual shepherd. Surely his tug on your conscience must be perceptible, even to a Washington-hardened soul.
Why did he single you out now?
You’ve got a long-standing record of pro-abortion advocacy.
But your Newsweek interview on Dec. 21, 2009 went one step too far.
You said,
“ I have some concerns about the church's position respecting a woman's right to choose.
I have some concerns about the church's position on gay rights. I am a practicing Catholic, although they're probably not too happy about that. But it is my faith.
I practically mourn this difference of opinion because I feel what I was raised to believe is consistent with what I profess, and that is that we are all endowed with a free will and a responsibility to answer for our actions. And that women should have that opportunity to exercise their free will.”
Your plainspoken prelate, Archbishop George Niederauer, responded on January 13th, peeling off the Catholic label of “free will” that you so easily stuck on your pro-abortion beliefs.
Your plainspoken prelate, Archbishop George Niederauer, responded on January 13th, peeling off the Catholic label of “free will” that you so easily stuck on your pro-abortion beliefs.
He rejected your “pro-choice” stance as “incompatible with Catholic teaching.” Further, he corrected your reasoning, pointing out that “free will cannot be cited as justification for society to allow moral choices that strike at the most fundamental rights of others.
Such a choice is abortion, which constitutes the taking of innocent human life, and cannot be justified by any Catholic notion of freedom.”
Conversion is uncomfortable. We all like to think we know everything and that we’ve thought through all angles of our long-held positions. We are tempted to think that our natural inclinations are right, simply because we believe in our own judgment so passionately--or, Nancy, because it’s what we “feel” and what we’ve been “raised to believe.”
Only when our consciences are formed in the light of truth, “aided by the...advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church,” can we be sure that we see and judge clearly.
Well, this is indeed an awkward moment, isn’t it? Here you are, Nancy, at what could be your moment of truth. However, you’re in the middle of a health care debate and abortion is a driving force. You’ve got financial supporters and long-time friends on the wrong side of the abortion issue.
Conversion will be difficult, but take heart, that’s always the case. St. Paul was on his way to wipe out more Christian communities before his plans changed--and he couldn’t simply send out an email or a press release apprising his enemies of his change of heart.
It would take great courage for you to change your mind on abortion. You would certainly lose campaign donations from pro-abortion zealots. You’d probably lose the admiration and fawning support of Hollywood liberals. You’d certainly lose face.
But you might gain your soul.
Nancy, the good Archbishop’s words are only a Google away. Think them over. Ponder them.
This could be your moment, Nancy. Consider it well…and “beware the grace that passes, never to return.”
The Vatican's highest-ranking American said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other Catholic politicians who support abortion should be denied communion.
"This is a person who obstinately, after repeated admonitions, persists in a grave sin — cooperating with the crime of procured abortion — and still professes to be a devout Catholic," said Cardinal Raymond Burke, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome.
Burke's rebuke came during an interview with the Minneapolis-based Catholic Servant newspaper in July, but only came to national attention after another Catholic paper, The Wanderer, reprinted the article online.
The Catholic Servant asked Burke, the most important court official in the Holy See, how Catholics should react to Pelosi's refusal to comment when asked about Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of manslaughter and first-degree murder charges for the death of a patient and seven babies who were killed after being born alive.
Editor's Note: Warren Buffett’s Secret to Wealth — The Bible?
"As a practicing and respectful Catholic this is sacred ground to me when we talk about this. I don’t think it should have anything to do with politics," Pelosi responded during a press conference earlier this year.
Burke said Canon 915 of the church's code should be applied in Pelosi's case: Those who are "obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion."
"To say that these are simply questions of Catholic faith, which have no part in politics, is just false and wrong," said Burke a former archbishop of St. Louis and bishop of La Crosse, Wis.
"I fear for Congresswoman Pelosi if she does not come to understand how gravely in error she is," Burke said.
Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., said in May that he would not deny communion to Pelosi, stating that the church does not use communion as a "weapon."
Urgent: Should Obamacare Be Repealed? Vote Here Now!
"This is a person who obstinately, after repeated admonitions, persists in a grave sin — cooperating with the crime of procured abortion — and still professes to be a devout Catholic," said Cardinal Raymond Burke, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome.
Burke's rebuke came during an interview with the Minneapolis-based Catholic Servant newspaper in July, but only came to national attention after another Catholic paper, The Wanderer, reprinted the article online.
The Catholic Servant asked Burke, the most important court official in the Holy See, how Catholics should react to Pelosi's refusal to comment when asked about Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of manslaughter and first-degree murder charges for the death of a patient and seven babies who were killed after being born alive.
Editor's Note: Warren Buffett’s Secret to Wealth — The Bible?
"As a practicing and respectful Catholic this is sacred ground to me when we talk about this. I don’t think it should have anything to do with politics," Pelosi responded during a press conference earlier this year.
Burke said Canon 915 of the church's code should be applied in Pelosi's case: Those who are "obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion."
"To say that these are simply questions of Catholic faith, which have no part in politics, is just false and wrong," said Burke a former archbishop of St. Louis and bishop of La Crosse, Wis.
"I fear for Congresswoman Pelosi if she does not come to understand how gravely in error she is," Burke said.
Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., said in May that he would not deny communion to Pelosi, stating that the church does not use communion as a "weapon."
Urgent: Should Obamacare Be Repealed? Vote Here Now!
Friday, September 20, 2013
In a meeting with Catholic gynaecologists this morning Pope Francis strongly condemned abortion as a manifestation of a “throwaway culture. 9-19-13
Pope Francis 9-19-13
- 9-20-2013
BY JOHN-HENRY WESTEN
ROME, September 20, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) –
"Every unborn child, though unjustly condemned to be aborted, has the face of the Lord, who even before his birth, and then as soon as he was born, experienced the rejection of the world," the pope said.
The comments come one day after the release of an in-depth interview in which the Pope had explained that despite criticism he has avoided speaking about moral issues like abortion and gay “marriage” in his papacy, instead focusing on preaching about the love of Christ.
“We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods,” Pope Francis had said in remarks that were widely interpreted as a call for Church leaders to downplay the Church’s moral teachings on controversial issues.
"I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that," the Pope had explained. "But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context. The teaching of the church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time."
In response to that interview the United State’s largest abortion advocacy organization, NARAL Pro-Choice America, even posted an image thanking the pope for his comments on their Facebook and Twiter pages. But NARAL’s celebrations were cut short by today’s blunt remarks by the Pope, in which he urged doctors to respect life "from the first instant of conception."
NARAL's thanks to the Pope may have been premature, in light of today's remarks.
Speaking to the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, Pope Francis spoke of a paradox in medicine today. “On the one hand we see progress in the field of medicine, thanks to the work of scientists who passionately and unreservedly dedicate themselves to the search for new cures,” he said. “On the other hand, however, we also encounter the risk that doctors lose sight of their identity in the service of life.”
“While new rights are attributed to or indeed almost presumed by the individual, life is not always protected as the primary value and the primordial right of every human being,” said the Pope. “The ultimate aim of medicine remains the defence and promotion of life.”
The pope told the doctors, "Your being Catholic entails greater responsibility: first of all to yourself, in the effort to be consistent with the Christian vocation, and then to contemporary culture, to help recognize the transcendent dimension in human life, the imprint of the creative work of God, from the very first moment of conception. This is a commitment to the new evangelization that often requires going against the tide, paying a personal price. The Lord counts on you to spread the 'Gospel of life.'"
As he has in the past, Francis condemned a “throwaway culture” that would eliminate the weak and vulnerable in society. “Our response to this mentality is a 'yes' to life, decisive and without hesitation. 'The first right of the human person is his life. He has other goods and some are precious, but this one is fundamental – the condition for all the others'”.
Concluding, the Pope said, “bear witness to and disseminate this 'culture of life' … remind all, through actions and words, that in all its phases and at any age, life is always sacred and always of quality. And not as a matter of faith, but of reason and science! There is no human life more sacred than another, just as there exists no human life qualitatively more meaningful than another”.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Bishop: Catholics must adjust to cultural bias against faith :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Bishop: Catholics must adjust to cultural bias against faith :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Please read Bishop Papropcki"s letter.
Especially the paragraph where he compares what is
happening to the Catholic Church in America to what
happened to the Roman Catholic Church under Communist
rule in Poland.
That is on the way to reality here in America under the
Obama "progressive" style of government.
The sad truth is that the constitution is being ignored and
many changes in our government policy's are by Executive
Directive, not by laws created by Congress.
Please read Bishop Papropcki"s letter.
Especially the paragraph where he compares what is
happening to the Catholic Church in America to what
happened to the Roman Catholic Church under Communist
rule in Poland.
That is on the way to reality here in America under the
Obama "progressive" style of government.
The sad truth is that the constitution is being ignored and
many changes in our government policy's are by Executive
Directive, not by laws created by Congress.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Political Update from Faithful in the 8th Congressional Districk
This information from Faithful Citizenship in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District is forwarded to keep Bucks County Catholics / Christians informed as to what legislation is pending and the need for you to contact your Federal and State legislators to co-sponsor and vote to support this legislation.
Remember, our Catholic/Christian values are slowly being removed by a President who said we are not a Christian nation, and many of his executive orders go around Congress to make that a factt.
PLEASE act now! Call your legislators to support the legislation in the following paragraphs.
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Support HR 732
As per Priests for Life, "The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) would make it illegal to take a minor across a state line to evade the requirements of a pre-abortion parental involvement law in the girl’s home state." Please ask Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com) to join with 105 of his colleagues as a co-sponsor of HR 732.
There is a special web page to facilitate messages to Casey, Toomey, Fitzpatrick, and Speaker of the House John Boehner: https://www.votervoice.net/NCHLA/Campaigns/30688/Respond. There is also a special web page to facilitate messages to President Obama, Vice President Biden, Casey, Toomey, and Fitzpatrick: https://www.votervoice.net/PACC/Campaigns/30694/Respond.
On the state level, HB 300 and SB 300 speak of "freedom from discrimination in...public accommodation," regardless of "'gender identity or expression.'"
On a federal level, Congressman Time Huelskamp has introduced H.J. RES. 51, supporting a an amendment to the U.S. Constitution limiting marriage to a man and a woman. Please ask Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com/ ) to be a co-sponsor.
Further, the measure states that 'the Congress affirms that the Congress, each State, the District of Columbia, and all United States territories have the authority to protect the lives of all human beings residing in its respective jurisdictions.'" Please ask Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com) to join with 39 of his colleagues as a co-sponsor of HR 23.
Posted to Faithful Citizenship in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.
Conscience Protection - Support HR940/S1204
Joint letters were issued on 6/21/13 by Archbishop William Lori of the USCCB and Dr. Russell Moore of the Southern Baptist Convention, to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and to members of the U.S. Senate, supporting H.R. 940 and S. 1204. While Representative Mike Fitzpatrick is a co-sponsor of HR 940, neither Senator Casey nor Senator Toomey are co-sponsors of S 1204.There is a special web page to facilitate messages to Casey, Toomey, Fitzpatrick, and Speaker of the House John Boehner: https://www.votervoice.net/NCHLA/Campaigns/30688/Respond. There is also a special web page to facilitate messages to President Obama, Vice President Biden, Casey, Toomey, and Fitzpatrick: https://www.votervoice.net/PACC/Campaigns/30694/Respond.
Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria, the Middle East, and the World - and Support for S653
Confounding those who would like to infer that "pro life" citizens are not concerned about their brothers and sisters who have already been born, Mercer County (NJ) Congressman and pro life champion Chris Smith has been a pioneering leader on human trafficking: "There’s nobody more committed or dedicated....it’s no understatement to say that he was banging the drum on this long before many in Congress even knew the term 'trafficking in persons' or understood what it really meant" (Secretary of State John Kerry, Remarks at the Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) Release, 6/19/13). TheTrafficking in Persons Report 2013 documents some of the unspeakable abuses of our brothers and sisters, which are happening on the world stage:- "a mere fraction of the more than 26 million men, women, and children who are estimated to suffer in modern slavery have been recognized by governments as such and are eligible to receive the protection and support they are owed.... traffickers who enslave and exploit millions are operating with impunity, beyond the reach of the law....Though today’s estimates suggest that the majority of trafficking victims are indeed women and girls, it is now clear that trafficking victims are subjected to both sex and labor trafficking, and a significant percentage of trafficking victims are men and boys."
- "Pope Francis has called for a Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria, the Middle East, and the world to be held on September 7, 2013, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace....We are anguished by the terrible suffering of the Syrian people and again affirm the need for dialogue and negotiation to resolve this conflict that has wrought so much devastation....As our nation's leaders contemplate military action, it is particularly appropriate and urgent that we in the United States embrace the Holy Father's call to pray and fast....We ask all U.S. Catholics and people of goodwill to join us in witnessing to the hope we have in our hearts for peace for the Syrian people. May our prayers, fasting, and advocacy move our nation to promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Syria. And may Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us and the people of Syria."
- "As Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I commend your tireless efforts to advance religious freedom as evidenced by your sponsorship of S. 653, a bill to establish a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia....
"The bishops have long been concerned over the plight of religious minorities, particularly Christian communities in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Egypt, India and Pakistan, many of whom have lived for centuries side by side with those of other faiths, but now find themselves coming under increased attack and harassment. Such attacks have led many to flee, becoming displaced within their own country or escaping across the borders to seek refugee status, uncertain as to what the future holds....
"Following egregious violence against religious minorities, such as church bombings in Egypt and Nigeria, bombings of Ahmadiyyah mosques and buses carrying Shi’a pilgrims in Pakistan, the attack on the Syrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad, the assassination of Pakistan’s Minister for Minority Affairs, the targeting by Hindu extremists of Christian villages in India, or riots in Burma that have killed almost 200 Muslims and left thousands homeless, we have strongly urged the Administration to press other governments to undertake concrete measures to respect and protect the human rights and religious freedom of all their citizens....
"we commend you for introducing S. 653 and lend our support to passage of this legislation"
Euthanasia - Oppose HR1173
HR 1173 would constitute a direct assault on our great treasury of clear teaching on health care for our brothers and sisters (e.g.,
In contrast to what the Church proclaims about the sanctity of each human life,- Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, Charter for Health Care Workers, 1995;
- Address of John Paul II to the Participants in the International Congress on "Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemnas", 3/20/04;
- Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Responses to Certain Questions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Concerning Artificial Nutrition and Hydration, 8/1/07;
- USCCB, Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (5th ed), 11/17/09).
- "The POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is a standard document that, when signed by a designated healthcare professional, dictates whether to withhold or administer certain forms of medical treatment and/or care. POLST is known by different acronyms in various states (MOST, MOLST, POST, etc.)....The completed POLST form is not simply an expression of a patient’s treatment preferences; it is a set of physician's orders which must be followed....POLST is tilted toward non-treatment and can encourage premature withdrawal of treatment from patients who, but for the denial of treatment, would not die....Of special concern is a new federal bill – the 'Personalize Your Care Act' (H.R. 1173). Introduced by Representative Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon [with Alyson Schwartz as a co-sponsor], ...it is described as a bill to 'amend the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of voluntary advance care planning consultation under Medicare and Medicaid, and for other purposes'....H.R. 1173 includes funding for promotion of POLST throughout the country" (What is a POLST, and why should you oppose it?, LifeSiteNews.com, 8/30/13).
"Gender Identity" - Oppose S 815 and SB300/HB300
As readily acknowledged by the Human Rights Campaign, the term "gender identity" refers to how a person views herself or himself, regardless of whether that perception corresponds with anatomy. With regard to individuals with "deep-seated homosexual tendencies," the Church reminds us that- "They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2358).
- "In assessing proposed legislation, the Bishops should keep as their uppermost concern the responsibility to defend and promote family life" (Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, 1986).
On the state level, HB 300 and SB 300 speak of "freedom from discrimination in...public accommodation," regardless of "'gender identity or expression.'"
- "California Gov. Jerry Brown just signed a law aimed specifically at schools, requiring them to permit any student to use any restroom or locker room, no questions asked. And this scenario would play out across Pennsylvania if the recently introduced HB/SB 300 were to be approved by the state Legislature. HB/SB 300 is being sold as a 'sexual orientation and gender identity' employment nondiscrimination bill, but in states and cities with similar ordinances the reach of the law always stretches to bathrooms, locker rooms, dorm rooms and any other public facility traditionally segregated by gender" ( Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/21/13).
Labor Day Statement from the USCCB
- "Every human being enjoys a basic right to be respected, not because of any title, position, prestige, or accomplishment but first of all because we are created in the image and likeness of God....
"Even with new indicators of some modest progress in recovery, the economy still has not improved the standard of living for many people, especially for the poor and the working poor, many of whom are unemployed or underemployed....
"The current imbalances are not inevitable, but demand boldness in promoting a just economy that reduces inequality by creating jobs that pay a living wage and share with workers some profits of the company. It also requires ensuring a strong safety net for jobless workers and their families and those who are incapable of work. As individuals and families, as the Church, as community organizations, as businesses, as government, we all have a responsibility to promote the dignity of work and to honor workers’ rights....
"The Church, in accord with her principles on the life and dignity of the human person, wishes to collaborate with unions in securing the rights and dignity of workers....
"Ethical and moral business leaders know that it is wrong to chase profits and success at the expense of workers’ dignity....
"Whenever possible we should support businesses and enterprises that protect human life and dignity, pay just wages, and protect workers’ rights. We should support immigration policies that bring immigrant workers out of the shadows to a legal status and offer them a just and fair path to citizenship, so that their human rights are protected and the wages for all workers rise....at the same time it is important to end the political, social, and economic conditions that drive people from their homelands and families. Solidarity calls us to honor workers in our own communities and around the world....
"let us renew our commitment to promote the dignity of the human person through work that is honorable, pays just wages, and recognizes the God-given dignity of the working person" (from theUSCCB's Labor Day Statement 2013).
Marriage - Support HB 1349 and OPPOSE SB 719; Support H.J. Res 51
On 5/8/13, Bucks County Representative Paul Clymer joined Representative Daryl Metcalfe in introducing HB 1349,
"Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for marriage.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows:
Section 1. The following amendment to the Constitution of Pennsylvania is proposed in accordance with Article XI: That Article I be amended by adding a section to read:
§ 29. Marriage.
Marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."- "State Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, today announced he will co-sponsor the Marriage Equality Bill, introduced by Reps. Brian Sims, D-Phila., and Steve McCarter, D-Montgomery/Phila.
"The bill, which mirrors S.B. 719, introduced by Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery/Delaware, would eliminate the prohibition of same-sex marriages in Pennsylvania."
On a federal level, Congressman Time Huelskamp has introduced H.J. RES. 51, supporting a an amendment to the U.S. Constitution limiting marriage to a man and a woman. Please ask Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com/ ) to be a co-sponsor.
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Support HR 7/S 946
As per Priests for Life, "The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would prohibit the federal funding of abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother." Please ask Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com) to join Rep. Chris Smith and 131 other of his colleagues as a co-sponsor of HR 7. Please ask Senators Pat Toomey (http://www.toomey.senate.gov/?p=contact) and Bob Casey (http://www.casey.senate.gov/contact/) to join 23 of their colleagues as co-sponsors of S 946 (Note: Casey introduced his own S 142, which appears to this blogger to be a weakened version and has no co-sponsors.).Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Support HR 1797 and S 886
As per a 5/21/13 statement by Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life:- "Priests for Life believes this is the most significant legislative effort to date in bringing protection to unborn children. We have therefore already alerted every parish in America to inform and mobilize its congregation in support of this bill. We are also calling upon pro-life organizations large and small to give it their full support."
The Right to Informed Consent - Oppose SB 872
Dr. Rick Fitzgibbons of Montgomery County is a psychiatrist, member of the Pediatric Psychosocial Development Committee of the American College of Pediatricians, and director of the Institute for Marital Healing. Dr. Fitzgibbons maintains that- "Youth have the right to be provided informed consent about the serious medical and psychiatric illnesses, and risks, of the homosexual lifestyle. Pediatricians, mental health professionals, physicians, nurses and school counselors have a clear legal responsibility to do so, and parents, family members, educators, and clergy a grave moral responsibility" (Same-Sex Attractions in Youth and Their Right to Informed Consent, 5/21/12).
The Sanctity of Human Life Act - Support HR 23
As per Priests for Life, "The Sanctity of Human Life Act would declare that the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution vests in each human being at 'fertilization, cloning, or its functional equivalent, irrespective of sex, health, function or disability, defect, stage of biological development, or condition of dependency.'Further, the measure states that 'the Congress affirms that the Congress, each State, the District of Columbia, and all United States territories have the authority to protect the lives of all human beings residing in its respective jurisdictions.'" Please ask Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com) to join with 39 of his colleagues as a co-sponsor of HR 23.
SNAP, Immigration Reform, and the Budget
As per the USCCB, "urge your Representative and Senators to support SNAP (food stamps), pass bi-partisan immigration reform, and support a budget that helps people struggling in this economy."Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act - Support HR 61 and HR 217
As per Priests for Life, "HR 61 would require any entity receiving taxpayer funds through the federal Title X family planning program to certify in writing that it will not perform abortions and will not provide funds to any entity that performs abortions. The bill would allow funding to go to organizations that perform abortions only in cases to save the mother’s life or where a pregnancy results from rape or incest. The measure would deny Planned Parenthood and any other abortion providers a major source of their federal funding." Kudos to Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com) for being one of the 91 co-sponsors of HR 61.As per Priests for Life, "HR 217, like HR 61, would require any entity receiving federal funds from the Title X family planning program to certify that it will not perform abortions and will not provide any money to another entity that performs abortions. The bill would effectively bar Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers from participating in the Title X program." Please ask Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com) to join with 176 of his colleagues as a co-sponsor of HR 217.
Posted to Faithful Citizenship in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.
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