An Interesting Fact About the Catholic Health Association

At the bottom of Dr. Edward Peters' look at the recent actions of the "Catholic Health Association" head, Sr. Carol Keehan's endorsement of the abortion ladden health care bill currently in the House (If it deserves Abp. Naumann's attention, it certainly deserves ours) there was the following interesting fact in a footnote: "The CHA Board lists one bishop as a member (out of 23 slots), Robert Lynch of St. Petersburg FL--sharply criticized for his stance on the Terri Schiavo travesty".

Sadly that fact didn't surprize me. In fact it made perfect sense that he would be the 1 Bishop on the board. I also highly suspect he hasn't bothered to say a word to Sr. Carol either.

I recomend reading the whole post. I especially want to point out the question he raises that led me to the footnote. He raises an excellent question about the CHA use of the word Catholic in their title. "But I raise a further point: To whom exactly is the "Catholic Health Association" accountable in the first place? It appears that they answer only to their own board.* But, if they aren't accountable to a given bishop, or to the USSCB, or to Rome (1983 CIC 216, 300, and 312), then how does the CHA justify, say, using the word "Catholic" in their title? They apparently claim Catholic identity (and tax-exempt status) in virtue of their inclusion in the Kennedy Directory (see Archdiocese of Saint Louis), but do they deserve such accommodations from the hierarchy?

Groups that want the perks that come from being called "Catholic" need to conduct themselves in accord with the obligations of being Catholic, no?"

Yes they do, as he so rightly points out. If not then they shouldn't call themselves Catholic.