Commentary: Bainbridge: Do 'Good' Causes Always Promote Good?
From Life Matters - The Newsletter of the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Rockford December 2005
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
False 'Promises' of Destructive Embryonic Stem Cell Research Discussed in Senate Hearing
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- This morning, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing titled "The Promise of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research."
Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women for America, said, "The problem with the 'promise' of destructive embryonic stem cell research is that it is simply a dead end street, especially when compared to the successes seen with adult stem cell research. Clinical trials using adult stem cells have proven far more successful and have made significant strides in treating Leukemia, brain tumors, breast cancer, anemia, and especially autoimmune diseases.
"To harvest embryos and destroy life as part of a research process that has little hope of living up to promised success is wrong.
"The Obama administration has already said they are exploring all possible avenues to make sure that they can continue funding this destructive research. President Barack Obama and Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) are determined now more than ever to push for the destruction of innocent human life for the sake of scientific study that, in fact, has very little 'promise.'"
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.
Christian Newswire
Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women for America, said, "The problem with the 'promise' of destructive embryonic stem cell research is that it is simply a dead end street, especially when compared to the successes seen with adult stem cell research. Clinical trials using adult stem cells have proven far more successful and have made significant strides in treating Leukemia, brain tumors, breast cancer, anemia, and especially autoimmune diseases.
"To harvest embryos and destroy life as part of a research process that has little hope of living up to promised success is wrong.
"The Obama administration has already said they are exploring all possible avenues to make sure that they can continue funding this destructive research. President Barack Obama and Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) are determined now more than ever to push for the destruction of innocent human life for the sake of scientific study that, in fact, has very little 'promise.'"
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.
Christian Newswire
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Fr. Pavone's Statement on Kagan Confirmation
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., Aug. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following statement today on the Senate's vote to confirm Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court of the United States.
"The confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice who will not uphold the right to life of the unborn is an opportunity to repeat a simple truth: Any court decision, like Roe vs. Wade and others that affirm it, which say we have a right to do wrong, lack all juridical validity. They are null and void in principle, because they call violence a right. We have no obligation to obey them, and in fact, must resist them by conscientious objection."
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 confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice who will not uphold the right to life of the unborn is an opportunity to repeat a simple truth: Any court decision, like Roe vs. Wade and others that affirm it, which say we have a right to do wrong, lack all juridical validity. They are null and void in principle, because they call violence a right. We have no obligation to obey them, and in fact, must resist them by conscientious objection."
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
Thursday, July 29, 2010
It's Official: ObamaCare Covers Abortion
WASHINGTON, July 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Congressional Research Service (CRS) confirmed in a report released today that abortions can be funded under ObamaCare. Concerned Women for America (CWA) President Wendy Wright stated:
"The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for an amendment to ObamaCare to ban funding abortion. But the final bill stripped that amendment and was passed on a promise from Pres. Obama that he would sign an executive order banning abortion funding. This CRS report proves that was an empty promise.
"Pres. Obama and Secretary Sebelius need to make this right and pass regulations ensuring our tax dollars do not pay for killing innocent children and harming women. Congress should also learn from this fiasco that ObamaCare has nasty surprises in it and repeal the whole thing."
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.
Christian Newswire
"The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for an amendment to ObamaCare to ban funding abortion. But the final bill stripped that amendment and was passed on a promise from Pres. Obama that he would sign an executive order banning abortion funding. This CRS report proves that was an empty promise.
"Pres. Obama and Secretary Sebelius need to make this right and pass regulations ensuring our tax dollars do not pay for killing innocent children and harming women. Congress should also learn from this fiasco that ObamaCare has nasty surprises in it and repeal the whole thing."
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.
Christian Newswire
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
GAO Report on Planned Parenthood Reveals Startling Discrepancy
WASHINGTON, June 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- "American Life League's STOP Planned Parenthood project analyzed a new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office on federal tax money funneled into Planned Parenthood," announced American Life League President Judie Brown.
According to the GAO report, Planned Parenthood Federation of America audits show the organization spent only $657.1 million between 2002 and 2008 from federal government grants and programs when the abortion behemoth's annual reports show it took in $2 billion from government grants and programs during the same time period.
"That leaves $1.3 billion unaccounted for. That's not pocket change," said STOPP national director Rita Diller. "Why the discrepancy? These numbers don't add up and from an organization with a track record like Planned Parenthood's, the American people deserve an explanation."
The report was requested by 31 U.S. senators and representatives. It is the first of its kind since the 2001 figures released by the GAO in 2003. STOPP notes that Planned Parenthood has other sources of government funding - state and local - and that the GAO report for 2001 shows that PPFA expenditures of federal money accounted for 79 percent of its government income. The new report shows PPFA expenditures of federal money comprising an average of only 32 percent of its government income from 2002 through 2008.
"It is simply not believable such a large amount of its funding is from local and state sources," Diller said
Additionally, in just two weeks, Planned Parenthood will complete its 2009-2010 fiscal year. Yet it still has not released its annual report for its 2008-2009 fiscal year.
"So breaking down the situation," Diller said, "At a time when the majority of Americans consider themselves pro-life, Planned Parenthood rakes in over two billion of our tax dollars, inconsistently reports how they spent our tax money and then admits to killing 1,803,302 preborn babies between 2002 and 2008 alone."
"A growing number of Americans are fed up. It's time to defund Planned Parenthood."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Washington Times: Diller: Planned Parenthood's Missing Millions (21 June 2010)
American Life League: GAO Report
Christian Newswire
According to the GAO report, Planned Parenthood Federation of America audits show the organization spent only $657.1 million between 2002 and 2008 from federal government grants and programs when the abortion behemoth's annual reports show it took in $2 billion from government grants and programs during the same time period.
"That leaves $1.3 billion unaccounted for. That's not pocket change," said STOPP national director Rita Diller. "Why the discrepancy? These numbers don't add up and from an organization with a track record like Planned Parenthood's, the American people deserve an explanation."
The report was requested by 31 U.S. senators and representatives. It is the first of its kind since the 2001 figures released by the GAO in 2003. STOPP notes that Planned Parenthood has other sources of government funding - state and local - and that the GAO report for 2001 shows that PPFA expenditures of federal money accounted for 79 percent of its government income. The new report shows PPFA expenditures of federal money comprising an average of only 32 percent of its government income from 2002 through 2008.
"It is simply not believable such a large amount of its funding is from local and state sources," Diller said
Additionally, in just two weeks, Planned Parenthood will complete its 2009-2010 fiscal year. Yet it still has not released its annual report for its 2008-2009 fiscal year.
"So breaking down the situation," Diller said, "At a time when the majority of Americans consider themselves pro-life, Planned Parenthood rakes in over two billion of our tax dollars, inconsistently reports how they spent our tax money and then admits to killing 1,803,302 preborn babies between 2002 and 2008 alone."
"A growing number of Americans are fed up. It's time to defund Planned Parenthood."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Washington Times: Diller: Planned Parenthood's Missing Millions (21 June 2010)
American Life League: GAO Report
Christian Newswire
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hey Nancy and Joe I'm praying they close the cafeteria
Nine-Day Prayer Vigil and Demonstration Outside the Vatican Embassy from Friday May 14 until Saturday May 22
Catholics gather to pray that the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Bertoni will stop the scandal of US bishops giving Communion to Catholics politicians who promote child-killing.
Contact: Catherine Veritas, 904-687-9804; www.humbleplea.com
WASHINGTON, May 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Randall Terry:
What: 9-Day Prayer Vigil outside Vatican Embassy
When: Friday May 14 through Saturday May 22, daily from 12-1 pm
Where: Apostolic Nunciature, 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC
Who: Randall Terry, Missy Smith (founder of Wakeup) and local and out-of-state Insurrecta Nex Team Members and other pro-life advocates
Background:
Canon Law 915 explicitly states that those persisting in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.
Pope Benedict, when he was Cardinal Ratzinger, wrote a document titled "Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion." In that document he clearly stated that politicians who promote child-killing by abortion "must" be "denied" Holy Communion. Only a few bishops have followed his direction.
The worst scandal in America is in our nation's Capitol, where prominent child-killers such as Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden receive Holy Communion, while they promote child-killing. This happens under the watch of D.C. Archbishop Wuerl, who is in open defiance of the instruction given by Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict.
Statement of Randall Terry and Missy Smith:
We ask Cardinal Bertone:
"Who has taught the Truth? Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, and the bishops who follow his instruction, or Archbishop Wuerl, and the bishops who follow his example and words? Who is correct? Cardinal Ratzinger or Archbishop Wuerl? Their contradictory positions cannot both be correct.
"How long will this schism and scandal be allowed to continue?
"Should our bishops give the body and blood of Christ to Catholics w hose hands are covered with the blood of babies?
"If our bishops will not deny Holy Communion to Catholics for the crime and public scandal of the murder of babies, for what would they deny it?
"The passage of the health care bill was the most horrific treachery against life since Roe versus Wade. DC Archbishop Wuerl - more than any prelate in America - is responsible for this calamity by his silence. Has he even once publicly rebuked Pelosi's agenda?
"When will the Holy See end this scandal?"
See more at www.humbleplea.com. Click Sanguis Innocens.
Issuers of press releases and not Earned Media™ are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Click here for terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution.
Copyright © 2010 Earned Media™. All Rights Reserved.
Catholics gather to pray that the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Bertoni will stop the scandal of US bishops giving Communion to Catholics politicians who promote child-killing.
Contact: Catherine Veritas, 904-687-9804; www.humbleplea.com
WASHINGTON, May 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Randall Terry:
What: 9-Day Prayer Vigil outside Vatican Embassy
When: Friday May 14 through Saturday May 22, daily from 12-1 pm
Where: Apostolic Nunciature, 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC
Who: Randall Terry, Missy Smith (founder of Wakeup) and local and out-of-state Insurrecta Nex Team Members and other pro-life advocates
Background:
Canon Law 915 explicitly states that those persisting in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.
Pope Benedict, when he was Cardinal Ratzinger, wrote a document titled "Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion." In that document he clearly stated that politicians who promote child-killing by abortion "must" be "denied" Holy Communion. Only a few bishops have followed his direction.
The worst scandal in America is in our nation's Capitol, where prominent child-killers such as Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden receive Holy Communion, while they promote child-killing. This happens under the watch of D.C. Archbishop Wuerl, who is in open defiance of the instruction given by Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict.
Statement of Randall Terry and Missy Smith:
We ask Cardinal Bertone:
"Who has taught the Truth? Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, and the bishops who follow his instruction, or Archbishop Wuerl, and the bishops who follow his example and words? Who is correct? Cardinal Ratzinger or Archbishop Wuerl? Their contradictory positions cannot both be correct.
"How long will this schism and scandal be allowed to continue?
"Should our bishops give the body and blood of Christ to Catholics w hose hands are covered with the blood of babies?
"If our bishops will not deny Holy Communion to Catholics for the crime and public scandal of the murder of babies, for what would they deny it?
"The passage of the health care bill was the most horrific treachery against life since Roe versus Wade. DC Archbishop Wuerl - more than any prelate in America - is responsible for this calamity by his silence. Has he even once publicly rebuked Pelosi's agenda?
"When will the Holy See end this scandal?"
See more at www.humbleplea.com. Click Sanguis Innocens.
Issuers of press releases and not Earned Media™ are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Click here for terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution.
Copyright © 2010 Earned Media™. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, May 10, 2010
National Right to Life Comments on the Nomination of Elena Kagan to U.S. Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, May 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of right-to-life organizations in all 50 states, issued the following statement regarding President Obama's nomination of Elena Kagan to fill the seat on the U.S. Supreme Court that is being vacated by Justice John Paul Stevens. This statement may be attributed to NRLC Legislative Director Douglas Johnson.
On April 21, 2010, President Obama used thinly veiled code language to communicate his clear intent to choose a nominee who would be hostile to legislative attempts to protect unborn humans. The President stated that he wanted someone "who is going to be interpreting our Constitution in a way that takes into account . . . women's rights," and that this was going to be "very important" to him as he viewed our "core Constitution" as protecting the "bodily integrity" of women.
In light of the President's stated intent, senators have an obligation to probe whether Elena Kagan will tolerate limits on abortion, enacted through normal democratic channels, or will seek to impose extreme pro-abortion views by judicial decree. Ms. Kagan herself argued forcefully in 1995, in a lengthy book review published in the University of Chicago Law Review, that such inquiries by senators are a legitimate and necessary part of the confirmation process.
In the most recent Supreme Court ruling dealing with abortion and the rights of unborn children, Gonzales v. Carhart, on April 18, 2007, a five-justice majority upheld the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. Yet on that occasion, four justices in dissent -- including Justice Stevens -- argued for a constitutional doctrine that would have invalidated the ban on partial-birth abortions and also, by implication, condemned virtually any other law or government policy intended to discourage abortion. If the dissenters' position became the position of the majority of the Supreme Court, various types of laws that have been deemed permissible under Roe v. Wade could be invalidated by judicial decree, perhaps including the Hyde Amendment (restricting government funding of abortion) and parental notification laws. It is appropriate and necessary for senators to inquire into whether Ms. Kagan would embrace the extreme, results-oriented doctrines enunciated by the dissenting justices in that case.
(Since the Gonzales case was decided, dissenting Justice David Souter has been replaced by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Most analysts believe that Sotomayor would be very likely to join the pro-abortion bloc when such issues are revisited in the future.)
There are troubling indications that Ms. Kagan generally favors an activist, results-oriented approach to constitutional law. For example, in her 1995 law journal article, she wrote, "The bottom-line issue in the appointments process must concern the kinds of judicial decisions that will serve the country and, correlatively, the effect the nominee will have on the Court's decisions . . . If that is too results oriented . . . so be it. . ." She also wrote that "it should be no surprise by now that many of the votes a Supreme Court Justice casts have little to do with technical legal ability and much to do with conceptions of value."
Regarding Ms. Kagan's specific views on the Court's past abortion-related rulings, there is little on the public record. But Ms. Kagan may have betrayed a possible personal animus towards the pro-life movement in a 1980 essay lamenting Republican gains in the 1980 election, in which she referred disparagingly to "victories of these anonymous but Moral Majority-backed [candidates] . . . these avengers of 'innocent life' and the B-1 Bomber . . ." Was Ms. Kagan so dismissive of the belief that unborn children are members of the human family that she felt it necessary to put the term "innocent life" in quote marks, or does she have another explanation? Would she be able to set aside any animus she has towards those who fight to protect innocent human life, when reviewing laws duly enacted for that purpose?
The National Right to Life Committee is the nation's largest pro-life group with affiliates in all 50 states and over 3,000 local chapters nationwide. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Christian Newswire
On April 21, 2010, President Obama used thinly veiled code language to communicate his clear intent to choose a nominee who would be hostile to legislative attempts to protect unborn humans. The President stated that he wanted someone "who is going to be interpreting our Constitution in a way that takes into account . . . women's rights," and that this was going to be "very important" to him as he viewed our "core Constitution" as protecting the "bodily integrity" of women.
In light of the President's stated intent, senators have an obligation to probe whether Elena Kagan will tolerate limits on abortion, enacted through normal democratic channels, or will seek to impose extreme pro-abortion views by judicial decree. Ms. Kagan herself argued forcefully in 1995, in a lengthy book review published in the University of Chicago Law Review, that such inquiries by senators are a legitimate and necessary part of the confirmation process.
In the most recent Supreme Court ruling dealing with abortion and the rights of unborn children, Gonzales v. Carhart, on April 18, 2007, a five-justice majority upheld the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. Yet on that occasion, four justices in dissent -- including Justice Stevens -- argued for a constitutional doctrine that would have invalidated the ban on partial-birth abortions and also, by implication, condemned virtually any other law or government policy intended to discourage abortion. If the dissenters' position became the position of the majority of the Supreme Court, various types of laws that have been deemed permissible under Roe v. Wade could be invalidated by judicial decree, perhaps including the Hyde Amendment (restricting government funding of abortion) and parental notification laws. It is appropriate and necessary for senators to inquire into whether Ms. Kagan would embrace the extreme, results-oriented doctrines enunciated by the dissenting justices in that case.
(Since the Gonzales case was decided, dissenting Justice David Souter has been replaced by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Most analysts believe that Sotomayor would be very likely to join the pro-abortion bloc when such issues are revisited in the future.)
There are troubling indications that Ms. Kagan generally favors an activist, results-oriented approach to constitutional law. For example, in her 1995 law journal article, she wrote, "The bottom-line issue in the appointments process must concern the kinds of judicial decisions that will serve the country and, correlatively, the effect the nominee will have on the Court's decisions . . . If that is too results oriented . . . so be it. . ." She also wrote that "it should be no surprise by now that many of the votes a Supreme Court Justice casts have little to do with technical legal ability and much to do with conceptions of value."
Regarding Ms. Kagan's specific views on the Court's past abortion-related rulings, there is little on the public record. But Ms. Kagan may have betrayed a possible personal animus towards the pro-life movement in a 1980 essay lamenting Republican gains in the 1980 election, in which she referred disparagingly to "victories of these anonymous but Moral Majority-backed [candidates] . . . these avengers of 'innocent life' and the B-1 Bomber . . ." Was Ms. Kagan so dismissive of the belief that unborn children are members of the human family that she felt it necessary to put the term "innocent life" in quote marks, or does she have another explanation? Would she be able to set aside any animus she has towards those who fight to protect innocent human life, when reviewing laws duly enacted for that purpose?
The National Right to Life Committee is the nation's largest pro-life group with affiliates in all 50 states and over 3,000 local chapters nationwide. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Christian Newswire
2009 Confirmation Hearing Shows Kagan a Pro-Abortion, Homosexual Activist
A.L.L. Wants Answers: Does The Constitution Apply to Some Human Beings or All Human Beings?
WASHINGTON, May 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- American Life League President Judie Brown issued the following statement on the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to replace Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
"On this Monday morning the 51 percent of Americans who self-identify as 'pro-life' are demanding answers to Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's rabidly pro- abortion and anti-marriage record.
"Kagan's 2009 confirmation hearings reveal her deep adherence to stare decisis when it comes to 'a women's right to terminate her pregnancy,' yet Ms. Kagan has demonstrated her willingness to depart from established law in regards to homosexual issues.
"Kagan swore in the hearings to represent 'with vigor' interests of the United States 'even when they conflict with my own opinions,' yet in August 2009, the Department of Justice under Kagan's watch, filed a reply brief in a California case challenging the Defense of Marriage Act.
"Clearly, Kagan has demonstrated a record of interpreting the law in the light of homosexual, pro- abortion activism.
"What's at stake here is the core constitutional question that passionately divides the country - does our Constitution seek human rights for all human beings or merely some human beings? Kagan's answers to her 2009 confirmation hearings provide clear insight into her future judicial philosophy.
"Will President Obama's nomination of Solicitor General Kagan be another example of his continued disregard for human rights in favor of advancing his favorite pet political agenda - abortion on demand courtesy of the American tax dollar?
"With the nomination of 50-year-old Kagan, will President Obama assure his long-lasting assault on the most fundamental human right of personhood?
"As President Obama races against the election clock, he has worked to undermine many of the American values and principles that make this nation the greatest on Earth.
"Despite his best efforts to assail human rights through nominations so blatantly anti-life, anti- marriage and anti-personhood - the voice of the American people - of the 51 percent of Americans who self-identify as "pro-life" will have the last say."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
Christian Newswire
WASHINGTON, May 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- American Life League President Judie Brown issued the following statement on the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to replace Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
"On this Monday morning the 51 percent of Americans who self-identify as 'pro-life' are demanding answers to Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's rabidly pro- abortion and anti-marriage record.
"Kagan's 2009 confirmation hearings reveal her deep adherence to stare decisis when it comes to 'a women's right to terminate her pregnancy,' yet Ms. Kagan has demonstrated her willingness to depart from established law in regards to homosexual issues.
"Kagan swore in the hearings to represent 'with vigor' interests of the United States 'even when they conflict with my own opinions,' yet in August 2009, the Department of Justice under Kagan's watch, filed a reply brief in a California case challenging the Defense of Marriage Act.
"Clearly, Kagan has demonstrated a record of interpreting the law in the light of homosexual, pro- abortion activism.
"What's at stake here is the core constitutional question that passionately divides the country - does our Constitution seek human rights for all human beings or merely some human beings? Kagan's answers to her 2009 confirmation hearings provide clear insight into her future judicial philosophy.
"Will President Obama's nomination of Solicitor General Kagan be another example of his continued disregard for human rights in favor of advancing his favorite pet political agenda - abortion on demand courtesy of the American tax dollar?
"With the nomination of 50-year-old Kagan, will President Obama assure his long-lasting assault on the most fundamental human right of personhood?
"As President Obama races against the election clock, he has worked to undermine many of the American values and principles that make this nation the greatest on Earth.
"Despite his best efforts to assail human rights through nominations so blatantly anti-life, anti- marriage and anti-personhood - the voice of the American people - of the 51 percent of Americans who self-identify as "pro-life" will have the last say."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
Christian Newswire
Pro-Life Group Demands Senate Uncover Elena Kagan's Views on Abortion
Dannenfelser: "When evidence of personal preference appears in any Supreme Court nominee's judgment, it should give all women pause."
WASHINGTON, May 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, in response to President Obama's nomination of Elena Kagan to the United States Supreme Court, Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List, offered the following statement:
"Elena Kagan has no judicial record from which to determine her position on Roe v. Wade, but she has publicly criticized the 1991 Supreme Court ruling to allow the Department of Health and Human Services to restrict funding from groups that performed or promoted abortion, and has also criticized crisis pregnancy centers. Additionally, President Obama has said he prefers a Supreme Court nominee who would take a special interest in 'women's rights'--a barely masked euphemism for abortion rights. Through the judicial confirmation process the American people must know where Elena Kagan stands on the abortion issue, and it is the responsibility of the U.S. Senate to find out.
"Ms. Kagan's publicly demonstrated prejudices do not lend themselves well to blind justice. Susan B. Anthony and her early feminist compatriots fought for a human rights standard sustained only through blind justice--and they knew that one group is never served by undermining the rights of another. Women will never be served by ignoring the rights of unborn children. When evidence of personal preference appears in any Supreme Court nominee's judgment, it should give all women pause."
Previously, Elena Kagan publicly criticized a 1991 Supreme Court ruling in Rust v. Sullivan that upheld the right of the Department of Health and Human Services that restricted Title X funding from groups that performed or promoted abortion. Additionally, she has expressed her belief that pregnancy centers should be barred from guiding teens in decisions about their pregnancy.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 280,000 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.
Christian Newswire
WASHINGTON, May 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, in response to President Obama's nomination of Elena Kagan to the United States Supreme Court, Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List, offered the following statement:
"Elena Kagan has no judicial record from which to determine her position on Roe v. Wade, but she has publicly criticized the 1991 Supreme Court ruling to allow the Department of Health and Human Services to restrict funding from groups that performed or promoted abortion, and has also criticized crisis pregnancy centers. Additionally, President Obama has said he prefers a Supreme Court nominee who would take a special interest in 'women's rights'--a barely masked euphemism for abortion rights. Through the judicial confirmation process the American people must know where Elena Kagan stands on the abortion issue, and it is the responsibility of the U.S. Senate to find out.
"Ms. Kagan's publicly demonstrated prejudices do not lend themselves well to blind justice. Susan B. Anthony and her early feminist compatriots fought for a human rights standard sustained only through blind justice--and they knew that one group is never served by undermining the rights of another. Women will never be served by ignoring the rights of unborn children. When evidence of personal preference appears in any Supreme Court nominee's judgment, it should give all women pause."
Previously, Elena Kagan publicly criticized a 1991 Supreme Court ruling in Rust v. Sullivan that upheld the right of the Department of Health and Human Services that restricted Title X funding from groups that performed or promoted abortion. Additionally, she has expressed her belief that pregnancy centers should be barred from guiding teens in decisions about their pregnancy.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 280,000 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.
Christian Newswire
Fr. Pavone on Kagan Nomination
WASHINGTON, May 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following statement in response to the President's anticipated announcement today of his choice for a Supreme Court nominee:
"Supreme Court Justices are not supposed to shape public policy, and their nomination and confirmation should be based on their qualifications, not their views on specific issues.
"But there are certain issues so central to the very nature and purpose of government that one's position on those issues is tantamount to a qualification for the job. The very purpose of government is the protection of human rights, starting with life. No court can legitimize an act of violence, such as abortion, or take away human rights. Anyone who fails to affirm that does not belong in any public office, much less the US Supreme Court."
Priests for Life has begun a Facebook page for people who hold the same view; see www.priestsforlife.org/facebook for details.
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
"Supreme Court Justices are not supposed to shape public policy, and their nomination and confirmation should be based on their qualifications, not their views on specific issues.
"But there are certain issues so central to the very nature and purpose of government that one's position on those issues is tantamount to a qualification for the job. The very purpose of government is the protection of human rights, starting with life. No court can legitimize an act of violence, such as abortion, or take away human rights. Anyone who fails to affirm that does not belong in any public office, much less the US Supreme Court."
Priests for Life has begun a Facebook page for people who hold the same view; see www.priestsforlife.org/facebook for details.
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, April 21, 2010
A Bishop that has a pair
Bishop Brandt Blocks Expansion Efforts of Nuns who Supported Health Bill
The Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, Pennsylvania opposed the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by supporting the Health Care Reform Bill. Now Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt of Greensburg has withdrawn his diocese’s support for their community by prohibiting the use of any diocesan media or parishes in their recruitment efforts.
“He has the right to disapprove a request from a religious community that wants to host a recruitment event when that community has taken a public stance in opposition to the Church’s teaching on human life,” said diocesan spokesman Jerry Zufelt.
“Furthermore an environment of dissent and public opposition to the positions of the U.S. Catholic bishops does not provide an appropriate seedbed for vocations.”
The Sisters of St. Joseph had signed a letter written by NETWORK, a Catholic “social justice” lobbying group, which urged members of Congress “to cast a life affirming ‘yes’ vote” to the Senate Health Care Reform Bill. The USCCB as well as countless pro-life organizations had opposed the bill as seriously flawed and as opening the floodgates to federal funding of abortion.
Afterwards, the Sisters of St. Joseph requested promotional support from Greensburg parishes for a vocations awareness program called “Explore,” which was meant to show teenage girls what it was like to be a sister. They were refused because of their signing of the letter.
Msgr. Lawrence T. Persico, the Greensburg diocese’s vicar general, wrote a letter on April 8 to diocesan priests stating that no diocesan office, the diocesan newspaper, or any parish or event would “would promote a vocation awareness program of any religious community that has taken a stance against the United States bishops by being a signatory of the Network document.”
Sister Mary Pellegrino, moderator of the leadership team of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden, claimed that “based on our prayerful discernment and careful research” there would be no public funding of abortion caused by the bill.
“It would not violate the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Church,” she said. Her community has requested that the diocese reverse its decision.
This article is courtesy of LifeSiteNews.com.
The Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, Pennsylvania opposed the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by supporting the Health Care Reform Bill. Now Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt of Greensburg has withdrawn his diocese’s support for their community by prohibiting the use of any diocesan media or parishes in their recruitment efforts.
“He has the right to disapprove a request from a religious community that wants to host a recruitment event when that community has taken a public stance in opposition to the Church’s teaching on human life,” said diocesan spokesman Jerry Zufelt.
“Furthermore an environment of dissent and public opposition to the positions of the U.S. Catholic bishops does not provide an appropriate seedbed for vocations.”
The Sisters of St. Joseph had signed a letter written by NETWORK, a Catholic “social justice” lobbying group, which urged members of Congress “to cast a life affirming ‘yes’ vote” to the Senate Health Care Reform Bill. The USCCB as well as countless pro-life organizations had opposed the bill as seriously flawed and as opening the floodgates to federal funding of abortion.
Afterwards, the Sisters of St. Joseph requested promotional support from Greensburg parishes for a vocations awareness program called “Explore,” which was meant to show teenage girls what it was like to be a sister. They were refused because of their signing of the letter.
Msgr. Lawrence T. Persico, the Greensburg diocese’s vicar general, wrote a letter on April 8 to diocesan priests stating that no diocesan office, the diocesan newspaper, or any parish or event would “would promote a vocation awareness program of any religious community that has taken a stance against the United States bishops by being a signatory of the Network document.”
Sister Mary Pellegrino, moderator of the leadership team of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden, claimed that “based on our prayerful discernment and careful research” there would be no public funding of abortion caused by the bill.
“It would not violate the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Church,” she said. Her community has requested that the diocese reverse its decision.
This article is courtesy of LifeSiteNews.com.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Stupak, 'Pro-Life' Allies Targeted in New Ad and Phone Call Campaign
$150,000 Campaign Also Praises True Pro-Life Democrats
WASHINGTON, April 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today the Susan B. Anthony List will launch a $150,000 radio advertisement and automated phone call campaign in the districts of Reps. Steve Driehaus (OH-1), Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-3), Brad Ellsworth (IN-9) , Alan Mollohan (WV-1), and Bart Stupak (MI-1) to inform voters that their 'Yes' vote on healthcare reform forces taxpayers to pay for abortion:
"Leading up to the fateful vote on healthcare reform, the Susan B. Anthony List was working tirelessly to build up grassroots support and encouragement for self- labeled 'pro-life' Democrats, including Rep. Stupak," said Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony List. "Since these Democrats instead traded their legislative power to prevent taxpayer funding of abortion for an Executive Order that did nothing to protect the status quo and address the fundamental taxpayer abortion funding problem in the bill, we have had to change course. Now, with severe disappointment, we go back to their districts to tell voters that their representative ushered in the greatest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade. We will make sure that their constituents understand the enormous gravity of this pro-abortion vote."
In addition, SBA List will launch a phone campaign with a message praising the true pro-life Democrats. Reps. Gene Taylor (MS-4) and Dan Lipinski (IL-3) held their resolve and stood behind their principles.
The ad running in Rep. Stupak's district includes the following narration. Ads in other districts contain similar wording:
"It was the ultimate betrayal.
"Congressman Bark Stupak told us he was pro-life. Stupak promised us he would protect the unborn. That he would stand firm...and lead the coalition to keep abortion funding out of the health care bill.
"But Bart Stupak betrayed us...and voted to spend federal dollars -- our dollars -- on abortions. He should be ashamed.
"...Tell Bart Stupak we will not forget."
Members of Congress and advocacy groups on both sides admit that President Obama's Executive Order is meaningless. On March 2, 2010, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, co-chair of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, told FOX News that "an executive order cannot change the law." The United States Conference of Catholic has said that "only a change in the law enacted by Congress, not an executive order, can begin to address this very serious problem in the legislation."
This latest grassroots campaign comes on the heels of last year's nearly $2 million effort to keep abortion out of healthcare which included targeted television and radio ads, 1.3 million automated calls, 60,000 patch-through constituent calls, 1.2 million letters and petitions to Congress and two media tours in pro-life Democratic districts.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 280,000 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.
Christian Newswire
WASHINGTON, April 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today the Susan B. Anthony List will launch a $150,000 radio advertisement and automated phone call campaign in the districts of Reps. Steve Driehaus (OH-1), Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-3), Brad Ellsworth (IN-9) , Alan Mollohan (WV-1), and Bart Stupak (MI-1) to inform voters that their 'Yes' vote on healthcare reform forces taxpayers to pay for abortion:
"Leading up to the fateful vote on healthcare reform, the Susan B. Anthony List was working tirelessly to build up grassroots support and encouragement for self- labeled 'pro-life' Democrats, including Rep. Stupak," said Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony List. "Since these Democrats instead traded their legislative power to prevent taxpayer funding of abortion for an Executive Order that did nothing to protect the status quo and address the fundamental taxpayer abortion funding problem in the bill, we have had to change course. Now, with severe disappointment, we go back to their districts to tell voters that their representative ushered in the greatest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade. We will make sure that their constituents understand the enormous gravity of this pro-abortion vote."
In addition, SBA List will launch a phone campaign with a message praising the true pro-life Democrats. Reps. Gene Taylor (MS-4) and Dan Lipinski (IL-3) held their resolve and stood behind their principles.
The ad running in Rep. Stupak's district includes the following narration. Ads in other districts contain similar wording:
"It was the ultimate betrayal.
"Congressman Bark Stupak told us he was pro-life. Stupak promised us he would protect the unborn. That he would stand firm...and lead the coalition to keep abortion funding out of the health care bill.
"But Bart Stupak betrayed us...and voted to spend federal dollars -- our dollars -- on abortions. He should be ashamed.
"...Tell Bart Stupak we will not forget."
Members of Congress and advocacy groups on both sides admit that President Obama's Executive Order is meaningless. On March 2, 2010, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, co-chair of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, told FOX News that "an executive order cannot change the law." The United States Conference of Catholic has said that "only a change in the law enacted by Congress, not an executive order, can begin to address this very serious problem in the legislation."
This latest grassroots campaign comes on the heels of last year's nearly $2 million effort to keep abortion out of healthcare which included targeted television and radio ads, 1.3 million automated calls, 60,000 patch-through constituent calls, 1.2 million letters and petitions to Congress and two media tours in pro-life Democratic districts.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 280,000 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.
Christian Newswire
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Court Victory for Pro-Life Free Speech at Ivy League Brown University
Court Victory for Pro-Life Free Speech at Ivy League Brown University: Thomas More Society Wins Dismissal of Charges Against Pro-Life Advocate Who Challenged Rep. Patrick Kennedy's Pro-Abortion Views
PROVIDENCE, RI, March 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Attorneys from the Chicago- based Thomas More Society, on the eve of the trial, won a victory in Providence municipal court this week when the city prosecutor decided to dismiss criminal charges against Christopher Young. Young, a Catholic pro-lifer who is also a Democratic mayoral candidate, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after confronting Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) about his abortion views at an advertised "open forum" on health care at Brown University last November.
Thomas More Society attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the charge of disorderly conduct, arguing that Young did not act in a disorderly fashion when he pressed tough questions to Rep. Kennedy and tossed a pro-life video on the desk in front of the Congressman, who quickly took and looked at the video. The video, Maafa 21, is a recently-released documentary on the history of the abortion industry and its targeting of African- Americans.
"This represents a victory for free speech, even when the view expressed gets an inhospitable reception. In this case, it was Young's view that even a supposedly 'unwanted' infant is clothed with an inviolable dignity and endowed with an inalienable right to life," said Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society.
Brejcha continued, "Congressman Kennedy had opened the forum by arguing that all of us are 'children of God' who carry a 'divine spark.' Young was entirely within his rights under the First Amendment when he called Kennedy to task for supporting the mass demise of so many millions of unborn human beings -- all of whom are no less bearers of a 'divine spark' and 'children of God.'"
Brejcha concluded, "The Congressman's stubborn insistence that he remains a faithful Catholic, while advocating both for abortion on demand and the suppression of conscience rights, is nothing less than living a lie. Brown's actions also belied its claim to be a place where ideas may be freely discussed -- even the idea that human dignity is universally shared. We urge Brown to heed the message of Salman Rushdie, who lectured at Brown on the eve of Young's last scheduled court date, urging that all speakers be given the right to speak, even those whose views some find 'detestable.'"
For more information or to speak with an attorney from the Thomas More Society, contact Tom Ciesielka at 312- 422-1333 or tc@tcpr.net.
About the Thomas More Society
Founded in 1997, the Thomas More Society is a not-for- profit, public interest law firm based in Chicago and dedicated to fighting for the rights and dignity of all human beings, from conception until natural death. The Society vigorously defends clients in state and federal courtrooms around the country, addressing vital issues across the pro-life spectrum, including pregnancy discrimination, end-of-life health care, the right of conscientious objection for medical workers, freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, and peaceable nonviolent protest.
As a public interest law firm, the Thomas More Society is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, supported solely by private donations. Visit http://www.thomasmoresociety.org/ for more information.
Christian Newswire
PROVIDENCE, RI, March 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Attorneys from the Chicago- based Thomas More Society, on the eve of the trial, won a victory in Providence municipal court this week when the city prosecutor decided to dismiss criminal charges against Christopher Young. Young, a Catholic pro-lifer who is also a Democratic mayoral candidate, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after confronting Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) about his abortion views at an advertised "open forum" on health care at Brown University last November.
Thomas More Society attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the charge of disorderly conduct, arguing that Young did not act in a disorderly fashion when he pressed tough questions to Rep. Kennedy and tossed a pro-life video on the desk in front of the Congressman, who quickly took and looked at the video. The video, Maafa 21, is a recently-released documentary on the history of the abortion industry and its targeting of African- Americans.
"This represents a victory for free speech, even when the view expressed gets an inhospitable reception. In this case, it was Young's view that even a supposedly 'unwanted' infant is clothed with an inviolable dignity and endowed with an inalienable right to life," said Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society.
Brejcha continued, "Congressman Kennedy had opened the forum by arguing that all of us are 'children of God' who carry a 'divine spark.' Young was entirely within his rights under the First Amendment when he called Kennedy to task for supporting the mass demise of so many millions of unborn human beings -- all of whom are no less bearers of a 'divine spark' and 'children of God.'"
Brejcha concluded, "The Congressman's stubborn insistence that he remains a faithful Catholic, while advocating both for abortion on demand and the suppression of conscience rights, is nothing less than living a lie. Brown's actions also belied its claim to be a place where ideas may be freely discussed -- even the idea that human dignity is universally shared. We urge Brown to heed the message of Salman Rushdie, who lectured at Brown on the eve of Young's last scheduled court date, urging that all speakers be given the right to speak, even those whose views some find 'detestable.'"
For more information or to speak with an attorney from the Thomas More Society, contact Tom Ciesielka at 312- 422-1333 or tc@tcpr.net.
About the Thomas More Society
Founded in 1997, the Thomas More Society is a not-for- profit, public interest law firm based in Chicago and dedicated to fighting for the rights and dignity of all human beings, from conception until natural death. The Society vigorously defends clients in state and federal courtrooms around the country, addressing vital issues across the pro-life spectrum, including pregnancy discrimination, end-of-life health care, the right of conscientious objection for medical workers, freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, and peaceable nonviolent protest.
As a public interest law firm, the Thomas More Society is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, supported solely by private donations. Visit http://www.thomasmoresociety.org/ for more information.
Christian Newswire
Latest A.L.L. Report Reveals Catholic Campaign for Human Development's Pro-Abortion Connections
WASHINGTON, March 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- American Life League's latest video report, "The CCHD's Pro-Abortion Friends" details the scandalous relationship between the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and groups advocating for abortion and same-sex marriage.
Though American Life League and the Reform CCHD Now coalition have documented and profiled at least 15 organizations actively promoting abortion and same-sex marriage, and another 31 who are members of the Center for Community Change, the CCHD has yet to address the facts.
Among the unanswered charges detailed in the video:
* CCHD grantee San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP) was defended by the CCHD and the Archdiocese of San Francisco, even though a January report proved that SFOP helped create and pass abortion-funding health care legislation.
* Two CCHD executives served as board members (at separate times) for the Center for Community Change from 1996-2008. The Center for Community Change has a record of pro-abortion and pro-same sex advocacy going back to at least 2004.
* While the CCHD continued to adamantly deny the charges, the USCCB-sponsored "Social Justice Ministry Gathering" featured several individuals who advocate for abortion and same-sex marriage.
"Catholics will be horrified to learn that donations meant to fulfill Christ's call to support our impoverished brothers and sisters are instead supporting groups that agitate for abortion and same-sex marriage," said Michael Hichborn, host of the ALL Report. "We are asking bishops around the country to follow the lead of seven of their brothers and suspend collections for the CCHD until a full investigation and overhaul of the organization is conducted."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
American Life League: ALL Report: The CCHD's Pro- Abortion Friends (05 March 2010)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTaW60MNb_g
Reform CCHD Now: http://reformcchdnow.com/
Christian Newswire
Though American Life League and the Reform CCHD Now coalition have documented and profiled at least 15 organizations actively promoting abortion and same-sex marriage, and another 31 who are members of the Center for Community Change, the CCHD has yet to address the facts.
Among the unanswered charges detailed in the video:
* CCHD grantee San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP) was defended by the CCHD and the Archdiocese of San Francisco, even though a January report proved that SFOP helped create and pass abortion-funding health care legislation.
* Two CCHD executives served as board members (at separate times) for the Center for Community Change from 1996-2008. The Center for Community Change has a record of pro-abortion and pro-same sex advocacy going back to at least 2004.
* While the CCHD continued to adamantly deny the charges, the USCCB-sponsored "Social Justice Ministry Gathering" featured several individuals who advocate for abortion and same-sex marriage.
"Catholics will be horrified to learn that donations meant to fulfill Christ's call to support our impoverished brothers and sisters are instead supporting groups that agitate for abortion and same-sex marriage," said Michael Hichborn, host of the ALL Report. "We are asking bishops around the country to follow the lead of seven of their brothers and suspend collections for the CCHD until a full investigation and overhaul of the organization is conducted."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
American Life League: ALL Report: The CCHD's Pro- Abortion Friends (05 March 2010)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTaW60MNb_g
Reform CCHD Now: http://reformcchdnow.com/
Christian Newswire
Monday, February 22, 2010
President Creates Need to Reject Health Care Bill, Says Fr. Pavone
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following statement today in response to the release of President Obama's version of health care reform legislation.
"The American people have already made their concerns about health care reform known," said Fr. Pavone. "The President's refusal to listen now makes it necessary to reject the bill in its entirety rather than to seek to reform it any further."
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 American people have already made their concerns about health care reform known," said Fr. Pavone. "The President's refusal to listen now makes it necessary to reject the bill in its entirety rather than to seek to reform it any further."
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
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Catholic Coalition Petitions Bishops Conference to End Pro-Abortion Grants
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- American Life League, Human Life International, Catholic Advocate, Bellarmine Veritas Ministry and Real Catholic TV, members of the Reform CCHD Now coalition, launched a petition drive Thursday asking the bishops to suspend United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) grants.
The effort comes after repeated calls over the past three months for explanations from the USCCB in response to the discovery of CCHD money spent to support organizations promoting abortion and same- sex marriage.
American Catholics will be asked to sign the following at http://www.reformcchdnow.com/:
"To ensure no more Catholic dollars are spent to support organizations advocating abortion or same- sex marriage, I respectfully request the bishops suspend all national CCHD grants until the grants process has been reformed."
"Transparency and responsible stewardship of the money donated by hard-working American Catholics to further the mission of the Church should be a top priority for those in positions of authority at the Bishops' Conference," said Catholic Advocate Vice President Matt Smith.
A copy of the petition will be presented to the following:
• Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development
• Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, Mississippi and Chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee on the CCHD
• Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas, Texas and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on National Collections
• Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Texas and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities
• Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky and Chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage
CCHD donations are traditionally collected the weekend before Thanksgiving each year as one of the thirteen funds of the USCCB's National Collections program. Donations average between $7 - 9 million annually.
Below is a summary of what has transpired since information on CCHD grant recipients first surfaced in August 2009 by the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry.
* In October 2009, Human Life International, American Life League and the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry formed the Reform CCHD Now coalition. Twenty-one organizations are now members of the coalition.
* On Oct. 2 Bishop Morin announced that CCHD grantee groups Young Workers United and the Chinese Progressive Association had been defunded in response to the reports.
* In November 2009 the Reform CCHD Now coalition revealed the CCHD was supporting 31 organizations which are members of a radically pro-abortion, pro same sex marriage organization.
* Also in November 2009 another detailed report was issued by American Life League and Bellarmine Veritas Ministry implicating MIV partners, CA Partnership partners, SFOP, Preble Street, Voces De La Frontera, and many others.
* By Nov. 25, 2009 LifeSiteNews reported that five bishops had decided to discontinue the CCHD collection.
* On Monday, Feb. 1 American Life League and the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry released further information on CCHD ties to the pro-abortion, same sex marriage Center for Community Change. Two top USCCB executives involved with the CCHD have served on the board of the CCC.
* On Tuesday, February 2, 2010, RealCatholicTV.com released video evidence that within hours of the initial story breaking, the USCCB and Center for Community Change each removed any reference to the other organization from their respective websites.
* On Tuesday, Feb. 2 Catholic Advocate called upon the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to suspend its grants pending "a complete review of its awards process."
The USCCB has yet to adequately respond to any of the charges since Bishop Morin's Oct. 2 memorandum, but has instead attempted to reframe the reports as a personal attack against USCCB employees.
"We remain hopeful these issues will be addressed, potentially leading to a renewal of the CCHD, and making it an organization that is a source of unity rather than division in the Church," said Human Life International's Stephen Phelan.
Phelan added, "we respectfully ask the Episcopal leadership of the USCCB to consider the petition in good faith."
The Reform CCHD Now coalition is a group of 21 Catholic organizations concerned that funds provided to the National Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) in special annual collections continued to support organizations that advocate for abortion and same-sex marriage. For more information on the Reform CCHD Now Coalition please see http://www.reformcchdnow.com/ and contact Stephen Phelan at 540-622-5270 (sphelan@hli.org) or Katie Walker at 540-659-4942 (kwalker@all.org).
Christian Newswire
The effort comes after repeated calls over the past three months for explanations from the USCCB in response to the discovery of CCHD money spent to support organizations promoting abortion and same- sex marriage.
American Catholics will be asked to sign the following at http://www.reformcchdnow.com/:
"To ensure no more Catholic dollars are spent to support organizations advocating abortion or same- sex marriage, I respectfully request the bishops suspend all national CCHD grants until the grants process has been reformed."
"Transparency and responsible stewardship of the money donated by hard-working American Catholics to further the mission of the Church should be a top priority for those in positions of authority at the Bishops' Conference," said Catholic Advocate Vice President Matt Smith.
A copy of the petition will be presented to the following:
• Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development
• Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, Mississippi and Chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee on the CCHD
• Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas, Texas and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on National Collections
• Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Texas and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities
• Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky and Chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage
CCHD donations are traditionally collected the weekend before Thanksgiving each year as one of the thirteen funds of the USCCB's National Collections program. Donations average between $7 - 9 million annually.
Below is a summary of what has transpired since information on CCHD grant recipients first surfaced in August 2009 by the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry.
* In October 2009, Human Life International, American Life League and the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry formed the Reform CCHD Now coalition. Twenty-one organizations are now members of the coalition.
* On Oct. 2 Bishop Morin announced that CCHD grantee groups Young Workers United and the Chinese Progressive Association had been defunded in response to the reports.
* In November 2009 the Reform CCHD Now coalition revealed the CCHD was supporting 31 organizations which are members of a radically pro-abortion, pro same sex marriage organization.
* Also in November 2009 another detailed report was issued by American Life League and Bellarmine Veritas Ministry implicating MIV partners, CA Partnership partners, SFOP, Preble Street, Voces De La Frontera, and many others.
* By Nov. 25, 2009 LifeSiteNews reported that five bishops had decided to discontinue the CCHD collection.
* On Monday, Feb. 1 American Life League and the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry released further information on CCHD ties to the pro-abortion, same sex marriage Center for Community Change. Two top USCCB executives involved with the CCHD have served on the board of the CCC.
* On Tuesday, February 2, 2010, RealCatholicTV.com released video evidence that within hours of the initial story breaking, the USCCB and Center for Community Change each removed any reference to the other organization from their respective websites.
* On Tuesday, Feb. 2 Catholic Advocate called upon the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to suspend its grants pending "a complete review of its awards process."
The USCCB has yet to adequately respond to any of the charges since Bishop Morin's Oct. 2 memorandum, but has instead attempted to reframe the reports as a personal attack against USCCB employees.
"We remain hopeful these issues will be addressed, potentially leading to a renewal of the CCHD, and making it an organization that is a source of unity rather than division in the Church," said Human Life International's Stephen Phelan.
Phelan added, "we respectfully ask the Episcopal leadership of the USCCB to consider the petition in good faith."
The Reform CCHD Now coalition is a group of 21 Catholic organizations concerned that funds provided to the National Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) in special annual collections continued to support organizations that advocate for abortion and same-sex marriage. For more information on the Reform CCHD Now Coalition please see http://www.reformcchdnow.com/ and contact Stephen Phelan at 540-622-5270 (sphelan@hli.org) or Katie Walker at 540-659-4942 (kwalker@all.org).
Christian Newswire
Friday, February 05, 2010
Omission in Planned Parenthood's Tebow Response Speaks Volumes -- Dr. Alveda King
ATLANTA, Feb. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commented today on Planned Parenthood's response to the Tim Tebow Super Bowl ad.
"Planned Parenthood's response to the Tebow family's Super Bowl ad continues that organization's history of deception," said Dr. King. "It features two African Americans, Planned Parenthood's preferred target for abortion, talking about 'respecting' women's choices without ever mentioning the 'A' word. Spare me. If abortion is supposed to be a choice that everyone respects, why can't Planned Parenthood even allow the word to be spoken?"
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
"Planned Parenthood's response to the Tebow family's Super Bowl ad continues that organization's history of deception," said Dr. King. "It features two African Americans, Planned Parenthood's preferred target for abortion, talking about 'respecting' women's choices without ever mentioning the 'A' word. Spare me. If abortion is supposed to be a choice that everyone respects, why can't Planned Parenthood even allow the word to be spoken?"
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
Friday, January 29, 2010
Fr. Pavone Condemns Violence of Scott Roeder and the Abortion Industry
STATEN ISLAND, Ny., Jan. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following statement today on the conviction of Scott Roeder in the murder of abortion doctor George Tiller.
"Violence is antithetical to the pro-life movement," said Fr. Pavone, "which is why Priests for Life is part of the vast chorus of pro-life groups condemning the killing of George Tiller. On the other hand, violence is the practice of the abortion industry, which kills real people in the womb every day. Moreover, abortion advocates have done numerous acts of violence against pro-life people, and I receive death threats several times a month. It would be nice to hear abortion advocacy groups condemn these things once in a while."
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
"Violence is antithetical to the pro-life movement," said Fr. Pavone, "which is why Priests for Life is part of the vast chorus of pro-life groups condemning the killing of George Tiller. On the other hand, violence is the practice of the abortion industry, which kills real people in the womb every day. Moreover, abortion advocates have done numerous acts of violence against pro-life people, and I receive death threats several times a month. It would be nice to hear abortion advocacy groups condemn these things once in a while."
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
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Fr. Frank Pavone Comments on Attempts to Block Tebow Ad
STATEN ISLAND, Ny., Jan. 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, commented today on the efforts of pro-abortion groups to keep CBS from broadcasting a Focus on the Family ad featuring quarterback Tim Tebow and his mother during the Super Bowl.
"Why should it bother people who call themselves pro- choice if women watch Pam Tebow and her son Tim on Super Bowl Sunday and freely decide to choose life? Would fewer abortions be a bad thing?" asks Fr. Pavone. "As for the argument that the ad should not be shown because it is divisive, since when do we broadcast only things on which the American people all agree? In that case, the Super Bowl itself could not be broadcast."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit http://www.priestsforlife.org/.
Christian Newswire
"Why should it bother people who call themselves pro- choice if women watch Pam Tebow and her son Tim on Super Bowl Sunday and freely decide to choose life? Would fewer abortions be a bad thing?" asks Fr. Pavone. "As for the argument that the ad should not be shown because it is divisive, since when do we broadcast only things on which the American people all agree? In that case, the Super Bowl itself could not be broadcast."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit http://www.priestsforlife.org/.
Christian Newswire
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)