In the wake of the recent decision of Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois to spin off from the Diocese of Belleville, ensnared in the new state law that granted same-sex couples the right to seek civil unions, I asked Bishop William Lori whether the new USCCB ad hoc Committee on Religious Liberty that he heads would orchestrate both federal and state challenges to the free exercise of religion.
And, if there was not an orchestrated approach, could the decisions made by state Catholic conferences set precedents that could harm the USCCB’s battle at the federal level?
Bishop Lori said the USCCB committee would maintain a “relationship with all state Catholic conference directors. It is up to the state conferences to reach decisions on how they will respond.”
That said, Bishop Lori noted that common deliberations were essential to keep the entire conference informed and aware of the broad range of issues and threats that have surfaced: “It’s a good thing for us to come together here, where we are renewed in our teaching, in good practices, and in strategies needed for defending our liberties. How that will pan out remains to be seen.”
But Bishop Lori contends that the spinning of Catholic social agencies into secular entities cannot be seen as a broadly acceptable solution. These agencies were started by Catholics with the expectation that they would be part of what the Church does. In Deus Caritas Est, Benedict says organized charities are part of the mission of the Church. Spinning them off will lead agencies to lose the fullness of the Church’s response to serving human dignity.
“If the government knows all, decides all, determines all, the individual citizen is very vulnerable. Schools, churches and families provide a buffer between the individual and the state.”
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Spinning off the agencies is a false ‘solution’ that undermines out faith and is the ‘cheap grace’ (after Bonhoeffer) alternative. Why not keep the agency as Catholic and reject all public money? “But we can’t afford it!!” you will hear? Oh, is that so? How much property does the Church own in that area? How about selling off some to help pay? How about using cheap folding chairs for Mass instaead of refurbishing old pews at much greater expense, or, more likely, building cheaper, inglorious new buildings when we need them? Or asking Catholics for a one time contribution in addition. We say ‘the beautiful buildings’ etc are needed for the faithful to comprehend the “fullness of the Church” Really? How about the Chinese and African Catholics hoveling in secret for Mass because they value it so much? How about Jesus saying “The Son of Man has no place to lay his Head”. Our priorities are mixed up. Comments?
Gerard…you sound a little guilty becasue the Catholic Church in USA has “too much”...for sure, we are not in China or Africa (they are actually much richer than we are in practicing and living their Catholic faith…I’ve seen it)...pretending that we should be like them by “selling off Church assets” is sentimental…but where is the justice in that? The Catholics who have gone before us and sacrificed so much of their time-talent-treasure…to build and sustain many Catholic parishes and schools…is it now okay to “sell off those assets? Also, for Catholic charity organizations to reject all public money sounds good…but what about the justice?...all Catholics pay taxes…their tax dollars are going to all kinds of secular and “De-Christianized” so-called Christian charity organizations…don’t you think that Catholics who pay taxes should see some of their tax dollars go to Catholic charity organizations who serve “all-comers”...but withing Catholic moral and social teaching guidelines. I don’t believe justice is served in either of your options. No, we need to “fight the good fight” for justice for the Catholic Church…and demand justice in the redistribution of tax monies. The Catholic citizens of the Catholic Church of USA…have served this nation with a singular distinction…both domestically and on the battlefields of our history…they deserve better from this Nation…and we need to fight for that justice.
Pax Christi
Pax: There’s an old saying: If you don’t want the government’s hand in your pocket (program), don’t put your your hand in the government’s pocket”.. Tough issue. Peace, brother/sister. Jerry
Thank you, Johnson. Gerard’s reasoning is warped. I absolutely agree with you on this : “No, we need to “fight the good fight” for justice for the Catholic Church…and demand justice in the redistribution of tax monies. The Catholic citizens of the Catholic Church of USA…have served this nation with a singular distinction…both domestically and on the battlefields of our history…they deserve better from this Nation…and we need to fight for that justice.
Pax Christi”. Since Catholics pay taxes in the U.S. their Church is entitled to get funding from the State. And you are so right, Johnson. Here in Africa, we live our Faith fully and sincerely. Even though the madness of the corrosive American culture is seeping in, we are ready to fight it off with whatever we have - and with sustained Prayers and fasting. We have to protect Christ’s Church from the Agents of the Evil One who have launched the most vicious attack on Her. We have to win; we shall win no matter how long it takes because Christ and His Holy Spirit are fighting with us.
There are people in government that (hate) dislike Catholics and what our Church teaches. It is important to speak up and let them know you will vote against them and their party. Write letters to the press and contact your your political party. The worst thing you can do is to act dead. As a Canadian, I can recognize Hillary and even Obama telling Catholics to get to the back of the bus.
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