Yes, But How Many Bishops Will Actaully Stand Up & Do the Right Thing

Yesterday, a letter was sent to the US Senate & House of Representatives about the current status of health care reform. The letter was signed by Bishop William Murphy, Cardinal Justin Rigali & Bishop John Wester. In short, it makes it very clear that nothing currently under consideration in Congress is acceptable.

It makes it clear that manditory abortion coverage is acceptable. There letter also makes it clear that without wording guarenteeing the freedom of conscience for those opposed to abortion as well as ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion, then no bill will be acceptable. Clearly they don't buy the claim that because it isn't mentioned it isn't included.

What is also interesting is that, despite what some on the left try & claim, there is no mention of the need for a public option or the Federal government being involved. & the reason is simple. Those are not a part of Catholic Social teaching. Do they help acheive what Catholic Social teaching calls for can be debated, but no one can insist that you must demand this as a Catholic. Again, I find it ironic that those who would insist on that are the same ones who don't insist on protecting the unborn. Cafeteria Catholicism at its worst. (I won't use best as it never is.0

Sadly, those who want a Federal takeover & claim to be Catholic will ignore this. They will continue to twist other statements that the selectively pick out to justify their stand. They scream loudly when they see the Bishops statements support their stand. They insist we must heed what the Bishops say. But when it is something like this, they will be silent.

Even worse is the fact that, given the track record of the Bishops as a whole, why would they listen to this threat. Many Bishops, like my Archbishop have been silent. Others, like Mahony have pleaded ingonrance, but past actions have made it clear that they will not even speak out, let alone fight to protect the unborn.

So, while I applaud the efforts by Cardinal Rigalli et al, unless the rest of the USCCB decides to have the courage to actually do what it should, this is a hollow threat. The 50-60 + Bishops already speaking out will not be enough. But why should the dissidents worry when the past shows them their actions won't cost them anything?

Here is the text of that letter:

Dear Member of Congress:
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), we are writing to express our disappointment that progress has not been made on the three priority criteria for health care reform that we have conveyed previously to Congress. In fact, the Senate Finance Committee rejected a conscience rights amendment accepted earlier by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. If final legislation does not meet our principles, we will have no choice but to oppose the bill. We remain committed to working with the Administration, Congressional leadership, and our allies to produce final health reform legislation that will reflect our principles.
We continue to urge you to
1. Exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor of conscience rights. No one should be required to pay for or participate in abortion. It is essential that the legislation clearly apply to this new program longstanding and widely supported federal restrictions on abortion funding and mandates, and protections for rights of conscience. No current bill meets this test.
2. Adopt measures that protect and improve people’s health care. Reform should make quality health care affordable and accessible to everyone, particularly those who are vulnerable and those who live at or near the poverty level.
3. Include effective measures to safeguard the health of immigrants, their children and all of society. Ensure that legal immigrants and their family members have comprehensive, affordable, and timely access to health care coverage. Maintain an adequate safety net for those who remain uncovered.
We sincerely hope that the legislation will not fall short of our criteria. However, we remain apprehensive when amendments protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion are defeated in committee votes. If acceptable language in these areas cannot be found, we will have to oppose the health care bill vigorously. Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human life and dignity. Much-needed reform of our health care system must be pursued in ways that serve the life and
dignity of all, never in ways that undermine or violate these fundamental values. We will work tirelessly to remedy these central problems and help pass real reform that clearly protects the life, dignity and health of all.

Source: U.S. Bishops: Current Health Care Bills Violate Essential Principles; Will Seek Changes Or Have To Oppose (USCCB)