The American Bishops have decided to launch a new initiative to protect the rights of their religious freedoms. They claim that recent issues in American culture and government practices have encroached upon the precious rights that are granted to Roman Catholics throughout these United States. As we read in the news about which things are bothering the Church and disrespecting the Church's rights, I sit and wonder when the Church will stop disrespecting the rights of American Women by limiting control of our own reproductive organs, and when the Church will stop treating homosexuals as second class citizens. Where's their initiative for that?
What type of issues are bothering the Catholic Church? Well, of course the usual---rampant homosexuality, same-sex marriages--but lately its women's rights, availability of free contraception coverage that have been bothering them.
"Religious liberty is under attack, both home and abroad," American bishops said on Thursday in their document which is titled "Our first, most cherished freedom."
So let's talk about the backdrop story: After the United States attempted to amend a version of its Affordable Health Care Act requiring employers, not insurance companies, to pay for contraceptive coverage---hoping to appease the Catholic groups who objected to Catholic entities (colleges, hospitals, etc) having to fund contraception coverage, The Roman Catholic Church says: No Dice. It's not good enough. And honestly, I can see their displeasure. However, acting as if they are the little guy that's getting trampled on by legislation as they lead hundreds rallies and charges every year to make abortion illegal and limit women's rights is a bit sideways to me.
Another side to the story: The Catholic Church has had several Catholic foster care and adoption services put out of business because those entities REFUSED to place children with gay couples or unmarried straight couples. Because of this adamant discrimination, public/government funds cannot be given to the Catholic child services entities and thus, the services have failed. What happened to 'beggars can't be choosy?' I'm willing to bet the $23.75 in my checking account that every single one of those kids would have been better off in a home with a family rather than in an orphanage. Where are there priorities? Are they so caught up in believing the immorality of homosexuality and cohabitation that the children can't get a chance to get a family? (And anybody that comments that unmarried people shouldn't be able to adopt because they can break up at any time which will cause stress to the child, please see Divorce Rates and then get back to me.)
See here an article posted on the Right Wing News website that headlines: "Homosexual Agenda Used to Close Catholic Adoption Services" noting in the article that Catholicism is one of the last "roadblocks on the road to totalitarianism" and thus, liberals use the corroding "obscene travesty of homosexual marriage" to attack it. So, anyone defending their freedoms that are "under attack", has an ulterior motive to undermine the Catholic Church? Excuse me while I gag.
So, finally, this initiative is going to be "extensive and it's going to be occurring over a few years," and it will include urging priests to individually speak out in favor of religious freedoms and including inserts in church bulletins.
"The encroachment upon the rights of Catholic Americans is a plight that must be ended immediately, says American Bishops. "This is not a Catholic issue," the statement released by the Bishops said, "This is not a Jewish issue. This is not an Orthodox, Mormon or Muslim issue. It is an American issue."
Well, they seem to be the only ones crying about their rights as they step on others. So, yeah, I'd say its a Catholic issue.
What are your thoughts?
I think it is important to highlight that the Catholic Church SUPPORTS a universal healthcare policy. This being said, I think that they are within their rights as a religious organization to refuse coverage of birth control, citing moral objection. This only means that birth control will not be covered for those women who work for Catholic organizations. All of this will of course be outlined in the insurance policy presented by the Catholic organization at the time of hiring. I believe that it is unconstitutional to FORCE Catholic organizations to cover birth control, and I understand the Catholic Church's reluctance in accepting a policy under which they would be required to cover birth control.
ReplyDeletecomplete agree with every thing you said there. if they dont support/agree with birth control, even though if they did a poll of how many church-going catholics use birth control they would get a rude awakening, they shouldnt be forced to pay for it. 100%
ReplyDeletemy problEM: the catholic church continually goes out of its way to attack others rights--the pro-life movement in general, the anti-homosexual rights--and to have the gall to actually claim that there are hidden agendas to undermine the church. i find it to be appalling.
thanks sooooo much for commenting, much appreciated.
I am impressed with your grasp of the issue and ability to articulate your position clearly. As teachers that is something we notice. As to the issue, I think it is but one of many in which the church (and perhaps, some religions generally) feel threatened because of the conduct of their clergy. If you look at the structure of the church it is completely male dominated and unless that changes I think you will continue to see this lack of grasp on reality which pervades the institution. I also wish to point out the failure of BOTH sides on this particular issue to be able to discuss and revise opinions without it becoming a "war" against women or a "war" against religion. Those are very male dominant phrases. It is time for real change in these institutions......government and religion.
ReplyDelete