Affirm Appreciation of Orthodoxy, Unity
BALTIMORE, Maryland, AUG. 31, 2009 (Zenit.org).- On Thursday, a community of Episcopal nuns and their chaplain will be received into the Catholic Church by the archbishop of Baltimore.
Ten sisters from the Society of All Saints' Sisters of the Poor will be received into the Church by Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, along with Episcopal Father Warren Tange, the Baltimore archdiocesan newspaper reported last Thursday.
Having spent seven years in prayer and discernment, the sisters felt drawn to the Catholic faith due to its orthodoxy and unity.
The superior of the community in Catonsville, Mother Christina Christie, affirmed that after studying Catholic teaching for two years, the sisters are "very excited" for their upcoming reception.
In their convent chapel, the nuns will receive the sacrament of confirmation, and will renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Their chaplain will also enter the Church at that time, though he is still discerning the possibility of becoming a Catholic priest.
Mother Christina affirmed, "We felt God was leading us in this direction for a long time."
The communiqué noted that many of them were troubled by recent changes in the Episcopal church, including the approval of women's ordination, the ordination of a gay bishop and other "lax" stances on moral issues.
Another nun, Sister Mary Joan Walker, said, "We kept thinking we could help by being a witness for orthodoxy."
The superior explained, however, that the effort was "not as helpful as we had hoped it would be."
She continued: "People who did not know us looked at us as if we were in agreement with what had been going on [in the Episcopal church]; by staying put and not doing anything, we were sending a message which was not correct."
They acknowledged that some friends in the Episcopal church have been hurt by their decision to leave, accusing them of abandoning the fight to maintain orthodoxy.
"We're not," said Sister Emily Ann Lindsey. "We're doing it in another realm right now."
Papal leadership
In the uneasiness with certain issues in their church, the sisters spent time researching various Episcopal splinter groups, as well as other Christian denominations. Finally, they came to the realization that they were independently feeling drawn to the Catholic Church.
"This is very much the work of the Holy Spirit," Mother Christina said.
Now, two years after having begun the study of the Second Vatican Council and other Church teachings, they affirmed that there were hardly any theological obstacles to overcome.
The concept of papal infallibility was a difficulty at first for some, but now the sisters affirm that the Pope exercises an authority not found in the Episcopal church.
"The unity that Christ called for can be found in the Catholic Church under the leadership of the pope," they said
"Unity is right in the midst of all this," said Sister Catherine Grace Bowen. "That is the main thrust."
Two nuns who decided not to become Catholic will nonetheless continue to live with the community and work together with their religious sisters.
The nuns dedicate themselves to prayer, giving retreats, visiting people in hospice care, and designing religious cards.
The community, which maintains a traditional full black habit with a white wimple, is a branch of the society founded in England. The American branch has been in Baltimore since 1872, working with the poor in the region as part of their charism of hospitality.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
FactCheck.org Says NRLC Correct on Abortion in Obama Health Bill
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- In recent weeks, NRLC has seen a wave of "factcheck" commentaries in various mainstream media, generally denying that the health bills being advanced by President Obama and top Democratic congressional leaders would result in government funding of abortion. Some of these articles assert that government funding of abortion would be prevented by a federal law called the "Hyde Amendment," some assert that it would be prevented by an amendment adopted in a House committee called the Capps Amendment, and some assert that President Obama himself has said that he agrees with a "tradition" that the government should not fund abortions. Regrettably, all three of these assertions are demonstrably false.
On August 19, 2009, President Obama himself said that it is "not true" and a "fabrication" to say that his health plan will "mean government funding of abortion." NRLC immediately challenged Obama's statement in a press release, in which NRLC Legislative Director Douglas Johnson said, "President Obama today brazenly misrepresented the abortion- related component of the health care legislation that his congressional allies and staff have crafted. . . . the bill backed by the White House (H.R. 3200) explicitly authorizes the government plan to cover all elective abortions." The NRLC release also observed, "Many of the 'factcheck' articles that have appeared in the news media in recent weeks reflect, at best, unsophisticated understandings of the provisions they purport to be explaining, and also give evidence of a weak understanding of Obama's history on the policy issues involved."
In response to the Obama-NRLC exchange, the independent FactCheck.org, affiliated with the Annenberg Public Policy Center, examined the issue. On August 21, FactCheck.org issued its analysis, written by FactCheck.org Director Brooks Jackson, titled, "Abortion: Which Side is Fabricating?" We quote here briefly from FactCheck.org's conclusions:
". . . it's likely that any new federal insurance plan would cover abortion unless Congress expressly prohibits that. Low- and moderate-income persons who would choose the 'public plan' would qualify for federal subsidies to purchase it. Private plans that cover abortion also could be purchased with the help of federal subsidies. Therefore, we judge that the president goes too far when he calls the statements that government would be funding abortions 'fabrications.' . . . The NRLC's Johnson said 'the bill backed by the White House (H.R. 3200) explicitly authorizes the government plan to cover all elective abortions.' And our analysis shows that Johnson's statement is correct."
NRLC is in general agreement with the FactCheck.org analysis, except we think that FactCheck.org is in error in the way it uses the term "public funds." The House bill backed by the White House contains language (the Capps Amendment) that explicitly allows the federal agency that administers the "public option" to collect an additional amount of premium funds specifically to cover the costs of elective abortions, and no one would be allowed to enroll in the "public option" without paying this abortion surcharge. NRLC asserts that once the government collects these funds, they are "public funds" (or "federal funds"), and when the government uses those funds to write payment checks to abortionists, that is government funding of abortion.
For further information regarding this subject, visit the NRLC webpage on abortion-related issues in the health care legislation at www.nrlc.org/AHC/Index.html
A detailed memorandum examining the bill language and President Obama's history on the issue can be viewed or downloaded here: www.nrlc.org/AHC/HR3200NRLCfactsheet.pdf
Christian Newswire
On August 19, 2009, President Obama himself said that it is "not true" and a "fabrication" to say that his health plan will "mean government funding of abortion." NRLC immediately challenged Obama's statement in a press release, in which NRLC Legislative Director Douglas Johnson said, "President Obama today brazenly misrepresented the abortion- related component of the health care legislation that his congressional allies and staff have crafted. . . . the bill backed by the White House (H.R. 3200) explicitly authorizes the government plan to cover all elective abortions." The NRLC release also observed, "Many of the 'factcheck' articles that have appeared in the news media in recent weeks reflect, at best, unsophisticated understandings of the provisions they purport to be explaining, and also give evidence of a weak understanding of Obama's history on the policy issues involved."
In response to the Obama-NRLC exchange, the independent FactCheck.org, affiliated with the Annenberg Public Policy Center, examined the issue. On August 21, FactCheck.org issued its analysis, written by FactCheck.org Director Brooks Jackson, titled, "Abortion: Which Side is Fabricating?" We quote here briefly from FactCheck.org's conclusions:
". . . it's likely that any new federal insurance plan would cover abortion unless Congress expressly prohibits that. Low- and moderate-income persons who would choose the 'public plan' would qualify for federal subsidies to purchase it. Private plans that cover abortion also could be purchased with the help of federal subsidies. Therefore, we judge that the president goes too far when he calls the statements that government would be funding abortions 'fabrications.' . . . The NRLC's Johnson said 'the bill backed by the White House (H.R. 3200) explicitly authorizes the government plan to cover all elective abortions.' And our analysis shows that Johnson's statement is correct."
NRLC is in general agreement with the FactCheck.org analysis, except we think that FactCheck.org is in error in the way it uses the term "public funds." The House bill backed by the White House contains language (the Capps Amendment) that explicitly allows the federal agency that administers the "public option" to collect an additional amount of premium funds specifically to cover the costs of elective abortions, and no one would be allowed to enroll in the "public option" without paying this abortion surcharge. NRLC asserts that once the government collects these funds, they are "public funds" (or "federal funds"), and when the government uses those funds to write payment checks to abortionists, that is government funding of abortion.
For further information regarding this subject, visit the NRLC webpage on abortion-related issues in the health care legislation at www.nrlc.org/AHC/Index.html
A detailed memorandum examining the bill language and President Obama's history on the issue can be viewed or downloaded here: www.nrlc.org/AHC/HR3200NRLCfactsheet.pdf
Christian Newswire
Friday, August 21, 2009
Committee on Divine Worship Introduces Roman Missal Formation Website
USCCB News Release
09-173
August 21, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON—A new Website from the U.S. Conference of Catholic will educate Catholics about the forthcoming English translation of the new Roman Missal.
The site, www.usccb.org/romanmissal, launched August 21, includes background material on the process of development of liturgical texts, sample texts from the Missal, a glossary of terms and answers to frequently asked questions. Content will be added regularly over the next several moths. The bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship hopes the site will be a central resource for those preparing to implement the new text.
“In the years since Vatican II we have learned a lot about the use of the vernacular in the liturgy and the new texts reflect this new understanding,” said Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, NJ, in a welcome-to-the-site video.
“The new texts are understandable, dignified and accurate,” said Bishop Serratelli, who chairs the Committee on Divine Worship. “They not only strive to make the meaning of the text accessible for the listener, but they also strive to unearth the biblical and theological richness of the Latin text.”
After more than five years of consultation, study and reflection, the bishops are expected to conclude their review and approval of the final portion of the translated texts at the end of this year. Final approval (recognitio) of the text from the Holy See for the complete translation will be the last step before the publication of the texts for use in the liturgy.
Bishop Serratelli sees this time of waiting as an opportunity to learn and prepare.
“We have a great opportunity during this period not only to learn about the changes, not only to learn about the revised texts, but also to deepen our own understanding of the Liturgy itself,” he said. “We encourage priests, deacons, religious, liturgical ministers, all the faithful to avail themselves of the information that we are making available.”
In May 2002, the Vatican published the Latin text of the Third Edition on the Missale Romanum. Since 2003, the bishops of the English-speaking world have been working to prepare an English translation of the Roman Missal.
For information visit www.usccb.org/romanmissal.
09-173
August 21, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON—A new Website from the U.S. Conference of Catholic will educate Catholics about the forthcoming English translation of the new Roman Missal.
The site, www.usccb.org/romanmissal, launched August 21, includes background material on the process of development of liturgical texts, sample texts from the Missal, a glossary of terms and answers to frequently asked questions. Content will be added regularly over the next several moths. The bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship hopes the site will be a central resource for those preparing to implement the new text.
“In the years since Vatican II we have learned a lot about the use of the vernacular in the liturgy and the new texts reflect this new understanding,” said Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, NJ, in a welcome-to-the-site video.
“The new texts are understandable, dignified and accurate,” said Bishop Serratelli, who chairs the Committee on Divine Worship. “They not only strive to make the meaning of the text accessible for the listener, but they also strive to unearth the biblical and theological richness of the Latin text.”
After more than five years of consultation, study and reflection, the bishops are expected to conclude their review and approval of the final portion of the translated texts at the end of this year. Final approval (recognitio) of the text from the Holy See for the complete translation will be the last step before the publication of the texts for use in the liturgy.
Bishop Serratelli sees this time of waiting as an opportunity to learn and prepare.
“We have a great opportunity during this period not only to learn about the changes, not only to learn about the revised texts, but also to deepen our own understanding of the Liturgy itself,” he said. “We encourage priests, deacons, religious, liturgical ministers, all the faithful to avail themselves of the information that we are making available.”
In May 2002, the Vatican published the Latin text of the Third Edition on the Missale Romanum. Since 2003, the bishops of the English-speaking world have been working to prepare an English translation of the Roman Missal.
For information visit www.usccb.org/romanmissal.
Benedict XVI's Cast Removed
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Vatican doctors removed the cast that set his right wrist after he fell six weeks ago while on vacation in the in the mountains above Aosta.
He broke his wrist July 17, at the beginning of his vacation, with a fall in his room. He was operated on in the hospital of Aosta.
"A control X-ray was taken that showed the consolidation of the fracture," said Patricio Polisca, the Pope's personal doctor, in a statement published today by the Holy See Press Office. "The final result can be described altogether as optimum."
An X-ray and checkup carried out July 25 in Aosta already showed a favorable evolution of the fracture.
He broke his wrist July 17, at the beginning of his vacation, with a fall in his room. He was operated on in the hospital of Aosta.
"A control X-ray was taken that showed the consolidation of the fracture," said Patricio Polisca, the Pope's personal doctor, in a statement published today by the Holy See Press Office. "The final result can be described altogether as optimum."
An X-ray and checkup carried out July 25 in Aosta already showed a favorable evolution of the fracture.
Pro-Life Leader Blasts Planned Parenthood President for Dishonest Attack on US Bishops
FRONT ROYAL, VA, Aug. 21 /Christian Newswire/ -- Father Thomas J. Euteneuer, President of Human Life International (HLI), today blasted Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, for her scathing and error-filled attack on the U.S. Catholic Bishops who have called for abortion to be excluded from all proposed national health care legislation.
"Ms. Richards has done a favor to all pro-lifers and people of good faith in her hate-filled rant against the shepherds of our beloved Church," said Fr. Euteneuer. "First, she has reminded everyone that, despite President Obama's recent statements to the contrary, abortion is absolutely going to be covered in any health care reform legislation that crosses his desk. He and his cronies in Congress are much too beholden to the abortion lobby for any different outcome."
"Second, she again highlights the extreme position of the organization she leads, and their hostility to the Catholic Church. No Catholic Organization should be comfortable finding themselves on the same side of the table as this hateful anti-woman outfit," said Fr. Euteneuer.
"Finally, among her many factual errors Ms. Richards claims that, despite the findings of virtually every study on the subject, expanded access to contraception will somehow reduce the number of abortions," said Fr. Euteneuer. "What does she recommend, force- feeding young women contraception? How much more access can be granted to this environment- destroying, blood-clot causing, biology-altering chemical that, as the Catholic Church predicted, has resulted in more, not less, abortions?"
"God bless our bishops who courageously and repeatedly stand up to such lies, even as they support the ideal of health care availability for all," said Fr. Euteneuer.
Human Life International: Creating effective opposition to the culture of death around the world. Founded in 1981, HLI is the world's largest pro-life organization and has affiliates in 87 countries on six continents.
Christian Newswire
"Ms. Richards has done a favor to all pro-lifers and people of good faith in her hate-filled rant against the shepherds of our beloved Church," said Fr. Euteneuer. "First, she has reminded everyone that, despite President Obama's recent statements to the contrary, abortion is absolutely going to be covered in any health care reform legislation that crosses his desk. He and his cronies in Congress are much too beholden to the abortion lobby for any different outcome."
"Second, she again highlights the extreme position of the organization she leads, and their hostility to the Catholic Church. No Catholic Organization should be comfortable finding themselves on the same side of the table as this hateful anti-woman outfit," said Fr. Euteneuer.
"Finally, among her many factual errors Ms. Richards claims that, despite the findings of virtually every study on the subject, expanded access to contraception will somehow reduce the number of abortions," said Fr. Euteneuer. "What does she recommend, force- feeding young women contraception? How much more access can be granted to this environment- destroying, blood-clot causing, biology-altering chemical that, as the Catholic Church predicted, has resulted in more, not less, abortions?"
"God bless our bishops who courageously and repeatedly stand up to such lies, even as they support the ideal of health care availability for all," said Fr. Euteneuer.
Human Life International: Creating effective opposition to the culture of death around the world. Founded in 1981, HLI is the world's largest pro-life organization and has affiliates in 87 countries on six continents.
Christian Newswire
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Prominent Clergy Group Launches Health Care Prayer Campaign on Facebook
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, has invited tens of thousands of Churches across America this week to build "the largest prayer group in history" by urging them to promote membership in the "Pray to End Abortion" cause on Facebook.
The cause can be accessed at www.ProLifePrayers.org.
Fr. Pavone said that the Facebook cause will enable believers to connect with one another and pray on an ongoing basis for the specific needs of the pro-life movement. The ongoing prayer campaign will provide specific prayers to be said jointly across the nation for specific needs.
Currently, a special prayer is posted regarding our nation's health care reform debate. Calling Jesus the "Divine Physician," the prayer intercedes for elected officials, that they will have "the humility to know that they are servants, not masters," and "the wisdom to realize that every life has equal value."
The prayer concludes, "Let every reform in our public policy be based on the reform of our hearts and minds."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
The cause can be accessed at www.ProLifePrayers.org.
Fr. Pavone said that the Facebook cause will enable believers to connect with one another and pray on an ongoing basis for the specific needs of the pro-life movement. The ongoing prayer campaign will provide specific prayers to be said jointly across the nation for specific needs.
Currently, a special prayer is posted regarding our nation's health care reform debate. Calling Jesus the "Divine Physician," the prayer intercedes for elected officials, that they will have "the humility to know that they are servants, not masters," and "the wisdom to realize that every life has equal value."
The prayer concludes, "Let every reform in our public policy be based on the reform of our hearts and minds."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tulsa Bishop Explains Why He "Faces East"
Expresses Desire to Recover "Authentic" Worship
TULSA, Oklahoma, AUG. 19, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The bishop of Tulsa explains his decision to celebrate Mass at the diocesan cathedral "ad orientem" -- facing east -- as an effort to recapture a "more authentic" Catholic worship.
Bishop Edward Slattery affirmed this in an article featured in the September edition of the Eastern Oklahoma Catholic, titled "Ad Orientem: Revival of Ancient Rite Brings Multiple Advantages, Some Misperceptions."
In a discussion about liturgy, the prelate said, it is necessary to grasp this "essential" truth: "At Mass, Christ joins us to himself as he offers himself in sacrifice to the Father for the world's redemption."
He reminded his readers that "all of the faithful offer the Eucharistic Sacrifice as members of Christ's body" through baptism.
The priest has a unique role in this offering, the bishop affirmed, to stand "in the person of Christ, the historic Head of the Mystical Body, so that, at Mass, it is the whole body of Christ -- Head and members together that make the offering."
Bishop Slattery explained that "from ancient times, the position of the priest and the people reflected this understanding of the Mass."
As well, he added, "everyone -- celebrant and congregation -- faced the same direction, since they were united with Christ in offering to the Father Christ's unique, unrepeatable and acceptable sacrifice."
The prelate continued: "When we study the most ancient liturgical practices of the Church, we find that the priest and the people faced in the same direction, usually toward the east, in the expectation that when Christ returns, he will return 'from the east.'
"At Mass, the Church keeps vigil, waiting for that return. This single position is called 'ad orientem,' which simply means 'toward the east.'"
This traditional posture lasted for nearly 18 centuries in the Church, he noted, as something that was handed on from the time of the Apostles.
Journey together
The bishop observed that this single eastward position "reveals the nature of the Mass" as an act of worship shared by the priest and the congregation.
However, he said, this "shared orientation was lost" as the priest and people became accustomed to facing opposite directions.
Bishop Slattery explained, "This innovation was introduced after the Vatican Council, partly to help the people understand the liturgical action of the Mass by allowing them to see what was going on, and partly as an accommodation to contemporary culture where people who exercise authority are expected to face directly the people they serve, like a teacher sitting behind her desk."
Unfortunately, he added, this change had some "unforeseen and largely negative effects."
Not only was it a "serious rupture with the Church’s ancient tradition," the prelate asserted, but it also "can give the appearance that the priest and the people were engaged in a conversation about God, rather than the worship of God."
He stated that it also "places an inordinate importance on the personality of the celebrant by placing him on a kind of liturgical stage."
The bishop noted Benedict XVI's appeal to "draw upon the ancient liturgical practice of the Church to recover a more authentic Catholic worship."
He continued, "For that reason, I have restored the venerable 'ad orientem' position when I celebrate Mass at the cathedral."
This gesture, he stated, is not one of rudeness or hostility toward the faithful, nor an attempt to "turn back the clock."
Rather, Bishop Slattery affirmed, it represents the fact that "we journey together to God."
As well, he continued, it is an attempt to respond to the Pope's invitation to "discover what underlies this ancient tradition and made it viable for so many centuries, namely, the Church's understanding that the worship of the Mass is primarily and essentially the worship which Christ offers to his Father."
TULSA, Oklahoma, AUG. 19, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The bishop of Tulsa explains his decision to celebrate Mass at the diocesan cathedral "ad orientem" -- facing east -- as an effort to recapture a "more authentic" Catholic worship.
Bishop Edward Slattery affirmed this in an article featured in the September edition of the Eastern Oklahoma Catholic, titled "Ad Orientem: Revival of Ancient Rite Brings Multiple Advantages, Some Misperceptions."
In a discussion about liturgy, the prelate said, it is necessary to grasp this "essential" truth: "At Mass, Christ joins us to himself as he offers himself in sacrifice to the Father for the world's redemption."
He reminded his readers that "all of the faithful offer the Eucharistic Sacrifice as members of Christ's body" through baptism.
The priest has a unique role in this offering, the bishop affirmed, to stand "in the person of Christ, the historic Head of the Mystical Body, so that, at Mass, it is the whole body of Christ -- Head and members together that make the offering."
Bishop Slattery explained that "from ancient times, the position of the priest and the people reflected this understanding of the Mass."
As well, he added, "everyone -- celebrant and congregation -- faced the same direction, since they were united with Christ in offering to the Father Christ's unique, unrepeatable and acceptable sacrifice."
The prelate continued: "When we study the most ancient liturgical practices of the Church, we find that the priest and the people faced in the same direction, usually toward the east, in the expectation that when Christ returns, he will return 'from the east.'
"At Mass, the Church keeps vigil, waiting for that return. This single position is called 'ad orientem,' which simply means 'toward the east.'"
This traditional posture lasted for nearly 18 centuries in the Church, he noted, as something that was handed on from the time of the Apostles.
Journey together
The bishop observed that this single eastward position "reveals the nature of the Mass" as an act of worship shared by the priest and the congregation.
However, he said, this "shared orientation was lost" as the priest and people became accustomed to facing opposite directions.
Bishop Slattery explained, "This innovation was introduced after the Vatican Council, partly to help the people understand the liturgical action of the Mass by allowing them to see what was going on, and partly as an accommodation to contemporary culture where people who exercise authority are expected to face directly the people they serve, like a teacher sitting behind her desk."
Unfortunately, he added, this change had some "unforeseen and largely negative effects."
Not only was it a "serious rupture with the Church’s ancient tradition," the prelate asserted, but it also "can give the appearance that the priest and the people were engaged in a conversation about God, rather than the worship of God."
He stated that it also "places an inordinate importance on the personality of the celebrant by placing him on a kind of liturgical stage."
The bishop noted Benedict XVI's appeal to "draw upon the ancient liturgical practice of the Church to recover a more authentic Catholic worship."
He continued, "For that reason, I have restored the venerable 'ad orientem' position when I celebrate Mass at the cathedral."
This gesture, he stated, is not one of rudeness or hostility toward the faithful, nor an attempt to "turn back the clock."
Rather, Bishop Slattery affirmed, it represents the fact that "we journey together to God."
As well, he continued, it is an attempt to respond to the Pope's invitation to "discover what underlies this ancient tradition and made it viable for so many centuries, namely, the Church's understanding that the worship of the Mass is primarily and essentially the worship which Christ offers to his Father."
Obama Says 'Government Funding of Abortion' is 'Fabrication,' But the White House-Backed House Bill Explicitly Authorizes It
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a conference call with supporters this afternoon, President Obama said that it is a "fabrication" to say that the legislation backed by the White House would result in "government funding of abortions," and that this is "untrue." The following comment may be attributed to Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the national federation of state and local right-to-life organizations:
Emboldened by the recently demonstrated superficiality of some organs of the news media, President Obama today brazenly misrepresented the abortion-related component of the health care legislation that his congressional allies and staff have crafted. As amended by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on July 30 (the Capps- Waxman Amendment), the bill backed by the White House (H.R. 3200) explicitly authorizes the government plan to cover all elective abortions. Obama apparently seeks to hide behind a technical distinction between tax funds and government- collected premiums. But these are merely two types of public funds, collected and spent by government agencies. The Obama-backed legislation makes it explicitly clear that no citizen would be allowed to enroll in the government plan unless he or she is willing to give the federal agency an extra amount calculated to cover the cost of all elective abortions -- this would not be optional. The abortionists would bill the federal government and would be paid by the federal government. These are public funds, and this is government funding of abortion.
In 2007 Obama explicitly pledged to Planned Parenthood that the public plan will cover abortions (see the video clip here). Some journalists have reported that Obama "backed off" of this commitment in an interview with Katie Couric of CBS News, broadcast July 21, but Obama actually carefully avoided stating his intentions -- instead, he simply made an artful observation that "we also have a tradition of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of government funded health care."
It is true that there is such a tradition -- which Obama has always opposed, and which the Obama-backed bill would shatter.
On August 13, NRLC released a detailed memo explaining the provisions of the pending bills that would affect abortion policy, with citations to primary sources. Many of the "factcheck" articles that have appeared in the news media in recent weeks reflect, at best, unsophisticated understandings of the provisions they purport to be explaining, and also give evidence of a weak understanding of Obama's history on the policy issues involved. The memo is downloadable in
PDF format here: www.nrlc.org/AHC/HR3200NRLCfactsheet.pdf
Christian Newswire
Emboldened by the recently demonstrated superficiality of some organs of the news media, President Obama today brazenly misrepresented the abortion-related component of the health care legislation that his congressional allies and staff have crafted. As amended by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on July 30 (the Capps- Waxman Amendment), the bill backed by the White House (H.R. 3200) explicitly authorizes the government plan to cover all elective abortions. Obama apparently seeks to hide behind a technical distinction between tax funds and government- collected premiums. But these are merely two types of public funds, collected and spent by government agencies. The Obama-backed legislation makes it explicitly clear that no citizen would be allowed to enroll in the government plan unless he or she is willing to give the federal agency an extra amount calculated to cover the cost of all elective abortions -- this would not be optional. The abortionists would bill the federal government and would be paid by the federal government. These are public funds, and this is government funding of abortion.
In 2007 Obama explicitly pledged to Planned Parenthood that the public plan will cover abortions (see the video clip here). Some journalists have reported that Obama "backed off" of this commitment in an interview with Katie Couric of CBS News, broadcast July 21, but Obama actually carefully avoided stating his intentions -- instead, he simply made an artful observation that "we also have a tradition of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of government funded health care."
It is true that there is such a tradition -- which Obama has always opposed, and which the Obama-backed bill would shatter.
On August 13, NRLC released a detailed memo explaining the provisions of the pending bills that would affect abortion policy, with citations to primary sources. Many of the "factcheck" articles that have appeared in the news media in recent weeks reflect, at best, unsophisticated understandings of the provisions they purport to be explaining, and also give evidence of a weak understanding of Obama's history on the policy issues involved. The memo is downloadable in
PDF format here: www.nrlc.org/AHC/HR3200NRLCfactsheet.pdf
Christian Newswire
Susan B. Anthony List on President Obama's Health Care Conference Call
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser released the following statement in response to President Obama's remarks on his health care reform conference call with faith leaders today:
"Public support for abortion is on decline, and the President knows that openly advancing an abortion mandate in health care reform is unpopular with the American people. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Obama's statements conflict with the proposed legislation. Americans demand an explicit exclusion of abortion coverage, not more obfuscation and confusion from the President and his allies."
To date this year, Susan B. Anthony List activists have sent nearly 200,000 letters urging Congress to exclude abortion coverage from health care. Tonight, the Susan B. Anthony List is hosting "Keeping the Faith for the Unborn," a national teletownhall that will educate and mobilize over 350,000 pro-life households in key states to advocate for life-affirming health care reform that honors both mother and child.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 162,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
www.sba-list.org
Christian Newswire
"Public support for abortion is on decline, and the President knows that openly advancing an abortion mandate in health care reform is unpopular with the American people. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Obama's statements conflict with the proposed legislation. Americans demand an explicit exclusion of abortion coverage, not more obfuscation and confusion from the President and his allies."
To date this year, Susan B. Anthony List activists have sent nearly 200,000 letters urging Congress to exclude abortion coverage from health care. Tonight, the Susan B. Anthony List is hosting "Keeping the Faith for the Unborn," a national teletownhall that will educate and mobilize over 350,000 pro-life households in key states to advocate for life-affirming health care reform that honors both mother and child.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 162,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
www.sba-list.org
Christian Newswire
Catholic Answers Joins Rapidly Growing Catholic Publishing Consortium
Publisher becomes the fifth company to join consortium this year
NECEDAH, Wisc., Aug. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic Word announced today they have taken over the distribution of titles for apologetics powerhouse Catholic Answers. This brings the number of publishers the fast growing publishing consortium has added this year to five.
Catholic Answers is the world's foremost Catholic apologetics apostolate and is dedicated to serving Christ by bringing the fullness of Catholic truth to the world. Their publishing imprint has several powerhouse authors such as Tim Staples, Jason Evert, and Mark Shea.
They have also just released the latter author's remarkable three-volume Mary, Mother of the Son, which has earned praise from Catholic luminaries such as Dr. Scott Hahn and Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, who describes the work as being "a joy to Catholics and a revelation to Protestants."
"Catholic Answers has impressed me for over 15 years," says Catholic Word President Carolyn Klika. "More than ever, people are looking for answers, meaning, and direction. As the Ethiopian told Philip in the book of Acts, 'How can I [understand Scripture] unless I have someone to guide me?' Catholic Answers has guided Catholics and seekers through their speakers, radio programs, books and CDs. I believe there are many more Catholics in the Church today because of this apostolate's tireless work."
"We are proud to welcome this company as a valued new publisher member of Catholic Word."
Catholic Word is a consortium of 18 Catholic publishers and music producers who ship together to make resellers' purchasing experience more streamlined, efficient, and thus profitable.
Founded as a family business in 1997, its stated mission is to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic books, faith formation programs, and other resources. A few of their other best-selling authors include Scripture expert Jeff Cavins, Fr. Donald Calloway, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Fr. John Bartunek, and Dr. Christine Mugridge. The company's toll free number is 800-932-3826.
W5180 Jefferson St
Necedah, WI 54646
608-565-2022
www.catholicword.com
Christian Newswire
NECEDAH, Wisc., Aug. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic Word announced today they have taken over the distribution of titles for apologetics powerhouse Catholic Answers. This brings the number of publishers the fast growing publishing consortium has added this year to five.
Catholic Answers is the world's foremost Catholic apologetics apostolate and is dedicated to serving Christ by bringing the fullness of Catholic truth to the world. Their publishing imprint has several powerhouse authors such as Tim Staples, Jason Evert, and Mark Shea.
They have also just released the latter author's remarkable three-volume Mary, Mother of the Son, which has earned praise from Catholic luminaries such as Dr. Scott Hahn and Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, who describes the work as being "a joy to Catholics and a revelation to Protestants."
"Catholic Answers has impressed me for over 15 years," says Catholic Word President Carolyn Klika. "More than ever, people are looking for answers, meaning, and direction. As the Ethiopian told Philip in the book of Acts, 'How can I [understand Scripture] unless I have someone to guide me?' Catholic Answers has guided Catholics and seekers through their speakers, radio programs, books and CDs. I believe there are many more Catholics in the Church today because of this apostolate's tireless work."
"We are proud to welcome this company as a valued new publisher member of Catholic Word."
Catholic Word is a consortium of 18 Catholic publishers and music producers who ship together to make resellers' purchasing experience more streamlined, efficient, and thus profitable.
Founded as a family business in 1997, its stated mission is to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic books, faith formation programs, and other resources. A few of their other best-selling authors include Scripture expert Jeff Cavins, Fr. Donald Calloway, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Fr. John Bartunek, and Dr. Christine Mugridge. The company's toll free number is 800-932-3826.
W5180 Jefferson St
Necedah, WI 54646
608-565-2022
www.catholicword.com
Christian Newswire
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