http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=17437
VATICAN CITY, October 20 (CNA) - In a Vatican press conference today, Cardinal William Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, announced that an Apostolic Constitution has been prepared in response to “many requests” from groups of Anglican clergy and faithful wanting to enter into full communion with the Church.
The Apostolic Constitution, which Cardinal Levada said “provides a reasonable and even necessary response to a world-wide phenomenon,” will be a “single canonical model for the universal Church which is adaptable to various local situations and equitable to former Anglicans in its universal application.”
The new canonical structure will allow former Anglicans to enter into full communion with the Church while “preserving elements of distinctive Anglican spiritual patrimony,” said Cardinal Levada. Addressing the status of married clergy, the cardinal said that married Anglican clergy would be allowed to be ordained as Catholic priests just as takes place in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Similarly, following the same tradition, those priests will not be allowed to be ordained bishops.
These ‘Personal Ordinariates’ will be formed, “as needed, in consultation with local Conferences of Bishops, and their structure will be similar in some ways to that of the Military Ordinariates which have been established in most countries to provide pastoral care for members of the armed forces and their dependents throughout the world,” the cardinal prefect said.
He added: “The provision of this new structure is consistent with the commitment to ecumenical dialogue which continues to be a priority for the Catholic Church, particularly through the efforts of the Pontifical Council for Promotion of Christian Unity.”
One large group of breakaway Anglicans which has been requesting a formal structure to be corporately received into the Catholic Church has been the Traditional Anglican Communion, made up of an estimated 400,000 members worldwide.
Cardinal Levada explained that this initiative “has come from a number of different groups of Anglicans.” He went on to say: “They have declared that they share the common Catholic faith as it is expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and accept the Petrine ministry as something Christ willed for the Church. For them the time has come to express this implicit unity in the visible form of full communion.”
The prefect of the CDF also shared what Pope Benedict's hopes are for the process.
“It is the hope of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, that the Anglican clergy and faithful who desire union with the Catholic Church will find in this canonical structure the opportunity to preserve those Anglican traditions precious to them and consistent with the Catholic faith. Insofar as these traditions express in a distinctive way the faith that is held in common, they are a gift to be shared in the wider Church. The unity of the Church does not require a uniformity that ignores cultural diversity, as the history of Christianity shows. Moreover, the many diverse traditions present in the Catholic Church today are all rooted in the principle articulated by St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians: ‘There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.'”
Archbishop Augustine DiNoia, the former under-secretary at the CDF until recently, who helped draft the new structure, said: “We’ve been praying for unity for 40 years. Prayers are being answered in ways we did not anticipate and the Holy See cannot not respond to this movement of the Holy Spirit for those who wish communion and whose tradition is to be valued.”
He said there has been a “tremendous shift” in the ecumenical movement and “these possibilities weren’t seen as they are now.” He rejected accusations that the new Anglicans be described as dissenters. “Rather they are assenting to the movement of the Holy Spirit to be in union with Peter, with the Catholic Church,” he said.
Technical details still need to be worked out, and these Personal Ordinariates may vary in their final form, Archbishop DiNoia said. Full details of the Apostolic Constitution will be released in a few weeks but today’s press conference went ahead because it had been planned sometime ago.
Cardinal Levada said 20-30 bishops have made requests, but more details will be given at a later date. Members of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity were consulted and although they were invited to attend today’s press conference, no representatives were able to attend.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
NOTE OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH ABOUT PERSONAL ORDINARIATES FOR ANGLICANS ENTERING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH , 20.10.2009
http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/24513.php?index=24513&lang=it
NOTE OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH ABOUT PERSONAL ORDINARIATES FOR ANGLICANS ENTERING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
With the preparation of an Apostolic Constitution, the Catholic Church is responding to the many requests that have been submitted to the Holy See from groups of Anglican clergy and faithful in different parts of the world who wish to enter into full visible communion.
In this Apostolic Constitution the Holy Father has introduced a canonical structure that provides for such corporate reunion by establishing Personal Ordinariates, which will allow former Anglicans to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of the distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical patrimony. Under the terms of the Apostolic Constitution, pastoral oversight and guidance will be provided for groups of former Anglicans through a Personal Ordinariate, whose Ordinary will usually be appointed from among former Anglican clergy.
The forthcoming Apostolic Constitution provides a reasonable and even necessary response to a world-wide phenomenon, by offering a single canonical model for the universal Church which is adaptable to various local situations and equitable to former Anglicans in its universal application. It provides for the ordination as Catholic priests of married former Anglican clergy. Historical and ecumenical reasons preclude the ordination of married men as bishops in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The Constitution therefore stipulates that the Ordinary can be either a priest or an unmarried bishop. The seminarians in the Ordinariate are to be prepared alongside other Catholic seminarians, though the Ordinariate may establish a house of formation to address the particular needs of formation in the Anglican patrimony. In this way, the Apostolic Constitution seeks to balance on the one hand the concern to preserve the worthy Anglican liturgical and spiritual patrimony and, on the other hand, the concern that these groups and their clergy will be integrated into the Catholic Church.
Cardinal William Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which has prepared this provision, said: "We have been trying to meet the requests for full communion that have come to us from Anglicans in different parts of the world in recent years in a uniform and equitable way. With this proposal the Church wants to respond to the legitimate aspirations of these Anglican groups for full and visible unity with the Bishop of Rome, successor of St. Peter."
These Personal Ordinariates will be formed, as needed, in consultation with local Conferences of Bishops, and their structure will be similar in some ways to that of the Military Ordinariates which have been established in most countries to provide pastoral care for the members of the armed forces and their dependents throughout the world. "Those Anglicans who have approached the Holy See have made clear their desire for full, visible unity in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. At the same time, they have told us of the importance of their Anglican traditions of spirituality and worship for their faith journey," Cardinal Levada said.
The provision of this new structure is consistent with the commitment to ecumenical dialogue, which continues to be a priority for the Catholic Church, particularly through the efforts of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. "The initiative has come from a number of different groups of Anglicans," Cardinal Levada went on to say: "They have declared that they share the common Catholic faith as it is expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and accept the Petrine ministry as something Christ willed for the Church. For them, the time has come to express this implicit unity in the visible form of full communion."
According to Levada: "It is the hope of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, that the Anglican clergy and faithful who desire union with the Catholic Church will find in this canonical structure the opportunity to preserve those Anglican traditions precious to them and consistent with the Catholic faith. Insofar as these traditions express in a distinctive way the faith that is held in common, they are a gift to be shared in the wider Church. The unity of the Church does not require a uniformity that ignores cultural diversity, as the history of Christianity shows. Moreover, the many diverse traditions present in the Catholic Church today are all rooted in the principle articulated by St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians: ‘There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism’ (4:5). Our communion is therefore strengthened by such legitimate diversity, and so we are happy that these men and women bring with them their particular contributions to our common life of faith."
Background information
Since the sixteenth century, when King Henry VIII declared the Church in England independent of Papal Authority, the Church of England has created its own doctrinal confessions, liturgical books, and pastoral practices, often incorporating ideas from the Reformation on the European continent. The expansion of the British Empire, together with Anglican missionary work, eventually gave rise to a world-wide Anglican Communion.
Throughout the more than 450 years of its history the question of the reunification of Anglicans and Catholics has never been far from mind. In the mid-nineteenth century the Oxford Movement (in England) saw a rekindling of interest in the Catholic aspects of Anglicanism. In the early twentieth century Cardinal Mercier of Belgium entered into well publicized conversations with Anglicans to explore the possibility of union with the Catholic Church under the banner of an Anglicanism "reunited but not absorbed".
At the Second Vatican Council hope for union was further nourished when the Decree on Ecumenism (n. 13), referring to communions separated from the Catholic Church at the time of the Reformation, stated that: "Among those in which Catholic traditions and institutions in part continue to exist, the Anglican Communion occupies a special place."
Since the Council, Anglican-Roman Catholic relations have created a much improved climate of mutual understanding and cooperation. The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) produced a series of doctrinal statements over the years in the hope of creating the basis for full and visible unity. For many in both communions, the ARCIC statements provided a vehicle in which a common expression of faith could be recognized. It is in this framework that this new provision should be seen.
In the years since the Council, some Anglicans have abandoned the tradition of conferring Holy Orders only on men by calling women to the priesthood and the episcopacy. More recently, some segments of the Anglican Communion have departed from the common biblical teaching on human sexuality—already clearly stated in the ARCIC document "Life in Christ"—by the ordination of openly homosexual clergy and the blessing of homosexual partnerships. At the same time, as the Anglican Communion faces these new and difficult challenges, the Catholic Church remains fully committed to continuing ecumenical engagement with the Anglican Communion, particularly through the efforts of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.
In the meantime, many individual Anglicans have entered into full communion with the Catholic Church. Sometimes there have been groups of Anglicans who have entered while preserving some "corporate" structure. Examples of this include, the Anglican diocese of Amritsar in India, and some individual parishes in the United States which maintained an Anglican identity when entering the Catholic Church under a "pastoral provision" adopted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and approved by Pope John Paul II in 1982. In these cases, the Catholic Church has frequently dispensed from the requirement of celibacy to allow those married Anglican clergy who desire to continue ministerial service as Catholic priests to be ordained in the Catholic Church.
In the light of these developments, the Personal Ordinariates established by the Apostolic Constitution can be seen as another step toward the realization the aspiration for full, visible union in the Church of Christ, one of the principal goals of the ecumenical movement.
[01517-02.01]
NOTE OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH ABOUT PERSONAL ORDINARIATES FOR ANGLICANS ENTERING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
With the preparation of an Apostolic Constitution, the Catholic Church is responding to the many requests that have been submitted to the Holy See from groups of Anglican clergy and faithful in different parts of the world who wish to enter into full visible communion.
In this Apostolic Constitution the Holy Father has introduced a canonical structure that provides for such corporate reunion by establishing Personal Ordinariates, which will allow former Anglicans to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of the distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical patrimony. Under the terms of the Apostolic Constitution, pastoral oversight and guidance will be provided for groups of former Anglicans through a Personal Ordinariate, whose Ordinary will usually be appointed from among former Anglican clergy.
The forthcoming Apostolic Constitution provides a reasonable and even necessary response to a world-wide phenomenon, by offering a single canonical model for the universal Church which is adaptable to various local situations and equitable to former Anglicans in its universal application. It provides for the ordination as Catholic priests of married former Anglican clergy. Historical and ecumenical reasons preclude the ordination of married men as bishops in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The Constitution therefore stipulates that the Ordinary can be either a priest or an unmarried bishop. The seminarians in the Ordinariate are to be prepared alongside other Catholic seminarians, though the Ordinariate may establish a house of formation to address the particular needs of formation in the Anglican patrimony. In this way, the Apostolic Constitution seeks to balance on the one hand the concern to preserve the worthy Anglican liturgical and spiritual patrimony and, on the other hand, the concern that these groups and their clergy will be integrated into the Catholic Church.
Cardinal William Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which has prepared this provision, said: "We have been trying to meet the requests for full communion that have come to us from Anglicans in different parts of the world in recent years in a uniform and equitable way. With this proposal the Church wants to respond to the legitimate aspirations of these Anglican groups for full and visible unity with the Bishop of Rome, successor of St. Peter."
These Personal Ordinariates will be formed, as needed, in consultation with local Conferences of Bishops, and their structure will be similar in some ways to that of the Military Ordinariates which have been established in most countries to provide pastoral care for the members of the armed forces and their dependents throughout the world. "Those Anglicans who have approached the Holy See have made clear their desire for full, visible unity in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. At the same time, they have told us of the importance of their Anglican traditions of spirituality and worship for their faith journey," Cardinal Levada said.
The provision of this new structure is consistent with the commitment to ecumenical dialogue, which continues to be a priority for the Catholic Church, particularly through the efforts of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. "The initiative has come from a number of different groups of Anglicans," Cardinal Levada went on to say: "They have declared that they share the common Catholic faith as it is expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and accept the Petrine ministry as something Christ willed for the Church. For them, the time has come to express this implicit unity in the visible form of full communion."
According to Levada: "It is the hope of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, that the Anglican clergy and faithful who desire union with the Catholic Church will find in this canonical structure the opportunity to preserve those Anglican traditions precious to them and consistent with the Catholic faith. Insofar as these traditions express in a distinctive way the faith that is held in common, they are a gift to be shared in the wider Church. The unity of the Church does not require a uniformity that ignores cultural diversity, as the history of Christianity shows. Moreover, the many diverse traditions present in the Catholic Church today are all rooted in the principle articulated by St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians: ‘There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism’ (4:5). Our communion is therefore strengthened by such legitimate diversity, and so we are happy that these men and women bring with them their particular contributions to our common life of faith."
Background information
Since the sixteenth century, when King Henry VIII declared the Church in England independent of Papal Authority, the Church of England has created its own doctrinal confessions, liturgical books, and pastoral practices, often incorporating ideas from the Reformation on the European continent. The expansion of the British Empire, together with Anglican missionary work, eventually gave rise to a world-wide Anglican Communion.
Throughout the more than 450 years of its history the question of the reunification of Anglicans and Catholics has never been far from mind. In the mid-nineteenth century the Oxford Movement (in England) saw a rekindling of interest in the Catholic aspects of Anglicanism. In the early twentieth century Cardinal Mercier of Belgium entered into well publicized conversations with Anglicans to explore the possibility of union with the Catholic Church under the banner of an Anglicanism "reunited but not absorbed".
At the Second Vatican Council hope for union was further nourished when the Decree on Ecumenism (n. 13), referring to communions separated from the Catholic Church at the time of the Reformation, stated that: "Among those in which Catholic traditions and institutions in part continue to exist, the Anglican Communion occupies a special place."
Since the Council, Anglican-Roman Catholic relations have created a much improved climate of mutual understanding and cooperation. The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) produced a series of doctrinal statements over the years in the hope of creating the basis for full and visible unity. For many in both communions, the ARCIC statements provided a vehicle in which a common expression of faith could be recognized. It is in this framework that this new provision should be seen.
In the years since the Council, some Anglicans have abandoned the tradition of conferring Holy Orders only on men by calling women to the priesthood and the episcopacy. More recently, some segments of the Anglican Communion have departed from the common biblical teaching on human sexuality—already clearly stated in the ARCIC document "Life in Christ"—by the ordination of openly homosexual clergy and the blessing of homosexual partnerships. At the same time, as the Anglican Communion faces these new and difficult challenges, the Catholic Church remains fully committed to continuing ecumenical engagement with the Anglican Communion, particularly through the efforts of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.
In the meantime, many individual Anglicans have entered into full communion with the Catholic Church. Sometimes there have been groups of Anglicans who have entered while preserving some "corporate" structure. Examples of this include, the Anglican diocese of Amritsar in India, and some individual parishes in the United States which maintained an Anglican identity when entering the Catholic Church under a "pastoral provision" adopted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and approved by Pope John Paul II in 1982. In these cases, the Catholic Church has frequently dispensed from the requirement of celibacy to allow those married Anglican clergy who desire to continue ministerial service as Catholic priests to be ordained in the Catholic Church.
In the light of these developments, the Personal Ordinariates established by the Apostolic Constitution can be seen as another step toward the realization the aspiration for full, visible union in the Church of Christ, one of the principal goals of the ecumenical movement.
[01517-02.01]
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Bishop Gives 4 Principles for Health Care Reform
Calls for Catholics to Evaluate Proposals Well
FARGO, North Dakota, SEPT. 2, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The bishop of Fargo is outlining four principles for Catholics to take into account when analyzing the moral value of a health care reform proposal.
In a statement released Aug. 29, Bishop Samuel Aquila addressed the current debate in the U.S. legislature over various health care reform proposals.
He affirmed that the Church "ought to always promote wider and more complete access to health care," but clarified that this "does not mean that in practice the Church ought to support each and every plan which is proposed by civil leaders."
Thus, the prelate offered four principles "that should always be used when evaluating the moral value and justice of a given plan to provide health care."
The first, he stated, is that "any provisions for actions which deny the dignity of human life, especially abortion, euthanasia, whether passive or active, and embryonic stem-cell research must be excluded from all health care plans."
As a second principle, the bishop affirmed, "the freedom of consciences must be safeguarded."
He continued, "The moral voice of individual doctors, nurses, health professionals, as well as the general public, deserve reverence and respect."
The statement emphasized a third principle: "Access to health care ought to be available to all people, including the poor, legal immigrants, the handicapped, and especially the elderly and unborn members of society."
Lastly, it continued, "the means of providing access to health care should be governed by the principle of subsidiarity, being reasonably and equitably distributed among members of society."
Upon the foundation of these four principles, Bishop Aquila noted, a "fruitful discussion about health care reform" can be built.
He urged Catholics to "become engaged in promoting genuine health care reform" and to work for the "well-being and flourishing of all human life."
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Full text: http://www.fargodiocese.org/
FARGO, North Dakota, SEPT. 2, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The bishop of Fargo is outlining four principles for Catholics to take into account when analyzing the moral value of a health care reform proposal.
In a statement released Aug. 29, Bishop Samuel Aquila addressed the current debate in the U.S. legislature over various health care reform proposals.
He affirmed that the Church "ought to always promote wider and more complete access to health care," but clarified that this "does not mean that in practice the Church ought to support each and every plan which is proposed by civil leaders."
Thus, the prelate offered four principles "that should always be used when evaluating the moral value and justice of a given plan to provide health care."
The first, he stated, is that "any provisions for actions which deny the dignity of human life, especially abortion, euthanasia, whether passive or active, and embryonic stem-cell research must be excluded from all health care plans."
As a second principle, the bishop affirmed, "the freedom of consciences must be safeguarded."
He continued, "The moral voice of individual doctors, nurses, health professionals, as well as the general public, deserve reverence and respect."
The statement emphasized a third principle: "Access to health care ought to be available to all people, including the poor, legal immigrants, the handicapped, and especially the elderly and unborn members of society."
Lastly, it continued, "the means of providing access to health care should be governed by the principle of subsidiarity, being reasonably and equitably distributed among members of society."
Upon the foundation of these four principles, Bishop Aquila noted, a "fruitful discussion about health care reform" can be built.
He urged Catholics to "become engaged in promoting genuine health care reform" and to work for the "well-being and flourishing of all human life."
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Full text: http://www.fargodiocese.org/
Monday, August 31, 2009
10 Episcopal Nuns to Join Catholic Church
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.
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 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
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
It's amazing this was ever debated...freakin' California!
School district keeps parental permission rules for students seeking services like abortion
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16625
SACRAMENTO, CALIF., July 22 (CNA) - Another California school district has voted to preserve a policy requiring students to have parental permission to leave campus for any reason. Changes to the policy would have allowed students to leave campus for any reason, including “confidential medical services” such as abortion.
The Fairfield-Suisun Board of Education on July 16 voted 5-2 to keep the policy, the California Catholic Daily says. It is the second time in four years the board has rejected a more permissive policy, which has been sought by Fairfield-Suisun Superintendent Jacki Cottingim.
Proponents of the change include the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. They maintain that the 1986 state Education Code requires the policy change, while their opponents say state law leaves the choice to local districts.
Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute, said in a statement that the board members understood that the law is clear about “confidential release.”
“They understand that local school boards are given the choice to include parents or exclude parents,” commented England, who testified in favor of the policy.
The Fairfield-Suisun School District covers Solano County, midway between Sacramento and San Francisco. It operates 31 schools for 23,000 students.
The Modesto City School Board has voted to remove the requirements for parental permission, while the Vista Board of Education in northern San Diego County requires parental consent for students who leave campus for “confidential medical services.”
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16625
SACRAMENTO, CALIF., July 22 (CNA) - Another California school district has voted to preserve a policy requiring students to have parental permission to leave campus for any reason. Changes to the policy would have allowed students to leave campus for any reason, including “confidential medical services” such as abortion.
The Fairfield-Suisun Board of Education on July 16 voted 5-2 to keep the policy, the California Catholic Daily says. It is the second time in four years the board has rejected a more permissive policy, which has been sought by Fairfield-Suisun Superintendent Jacki Cottingim.
Proponents of the change include the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. They maintain that the 1986 state Education Code requires the policy change, while their opponents say state law leaves the choice to local districts.
Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute, said in a statement that the board members understood that the law is clear about “confidential release.”
“They understand that local school boards are given the choice to include parents or exclude parents,” commented England, who testified in favor of the policy.
The Fairfield-Suisun School District covers Solano County, midway between Sacramento and San Francisco. It operates 31 schools for 23,000 students.
The Modesto City School Board has voted to remove the requirements for parental permission, while the Vista Board of Education in northern San Diego County requires parental consent for students who leave campus for “confidential medical services.”
Will President Obama Continue the Acknowledged 'Tradition' of Keeping Federal Tax Dollars Away from Abortion?
WASHINGTON, July 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today the president of the Susan B. Anthony List urged President Obama to clarify his position on abortion coverage and health care reform at tonight's presidential press conference.
"This morning President Obama acknowledged the longstanding 'tradition' of excluding abortion coverage from government-funded health care programs," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "When we find long-standing traditions like limiting taxpayer funds for abortion, we know political common ground has been achieved. This is exactly the type of policy the President has sought to achieve, one that stands the test of time, agreed to by both Democratic and Republican administrations alike. Yet both the House and Senate versions of health care reform legislation seek to undo this commonsense policy. Without language to explicitly exclude an abortion mandate, the legislation will result in Americans footing the bill for abortion on- demand in the largest expansion of government- backed abortion since Roe v. Wade."
In an interview with CBS' Katie Couric this morning, President Obama said, "What I think is important, at this stage, is not trying to micromanage what benefits are covered. [. . .] As you know, I'm pro choice. But I think we also have a tradition of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of government funded health care."
"Just yesterday Representative Lynn Woolsey objected to an amendment to exclude abortion coverage, arguing that abortions are no more controversial than tonsillectomies," said Dannenfelser "Does President Obama agree with Ms. Woolsey that an abortion is no worse than having your tonsils removed? Does the President feel that Americans should be forced to finance the deaths of unborn children and the subsequent pain experienced by their mothers? Does he wish to undo a 32 year-old common ground policy that respects the wishes of American taxpayers?"
See video of Rep. Lynn Woolsey's (D-CA) comments comparing abortion to a tonsillectomy here.
"Families are at the very heart of the health care issue," said Dannenfelser. "And with pregnancy there are always two patients, mother and baby. We must establish a health care system that respects, protects and cherishes both. Americans deserve direct answers about where the President stands, and tonight he will have the opportunity to clarify his position with regard to the common ground policies supported by the growing majority of pro-life Americans."
Susan B. Anthony List activists have also sent over 340,000 letters urging Congress to keep taxpayer funds from supporting abortion on-demand in 2009.
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.
Christian Newswire
"This morning President Obama acknowledged the longstanding 'tradition' of excluding abortion coverage from government-funded health care programs," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "When we find long-standing traditions like limiting taxpayer funds for abortion, we know political common ground has been achieved. This is exactly the type of policy the President has sought to achieve, one that stands the test of time, agreed to by both Democratic and Republican administrations alike. Yet both the House and Senate versions of health care reform legislation seek to undo this commonsense policy. Without language to explicitly exclude an abortion mandate, the legislation will result in Americans footing the bill for abortion on- demand in the largest expansion of government- backed abortion since Roe v. Wade."
In an interview with CBS' Katie Couric this morning, President Obama said, "What I think is important, at this stage, is not trying to micromanage what benefits are covered. [. . .] As you know, I'm pro choice. But I think we also have a tradition of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of government funded health care."
"Just yesterday Representative Lynn Woolsey objected to an amendment to exclude abortion coverage, arguing that abortions are no more controversial than tonsillectomies," said Dannenfelser "Does President Obama agree with Ms. Woolsey that an abortion is no worse than having your tonsils removed? Does the President feel that Americans should be forced to finance the deaths of unborn children and the subsequent pain experienced by their mothers? Does he wish to undo a 32 year-old common ground policy that respects the wishes of American taxpayers?"
See video of Rep. Lynn Woolsey's (D-CA) comments comparing abortion to a tonsillectomy here.
"Families are at the very heart of the health care issue," said Dannenfelser. "And with pregnancy there are always two patients, mother and baby. We must establish a health care system that respects, protects and cherishes both. Americans deserve direct answers about where the President stands, and tonight he will have the opportunity to clarify his position with regard to the common ground policies supported by the growing majority of pro-life Americans."
Susan B. Anthony List activists have also sent over 340,000 letters urging Congress to keep taxpayer funds from supporting abortion on-demand in 2009.
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.
Christian Newswire
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Pope fractures wrist in fall
Posted on July 17, 2009 by Cindy Wooden (Catholic News Service)
VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI fell overnight, fracturing his right wrist. The pope was in the Salesian-owned chalet in the northern Italian Alps where he is vacationing.
Papal spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said, “after a fall in his room overnight, the Holy Father suffered a slight fracture of his right wrist.”
“Nevertheless, in the morning the Holy Father celebrated Mass and had breakfast, then was accompanied to the hospital in Aosta where the slight fracture was discovered and his wrist was immobilized.”
Earlier, Father Lombardi told reporters that the 82-year-old pope was advised by his doctor to go to the hospital for tests.
When asked if the pope lost consciousness, Father Lombardi told CNS, “Absolutely not.” And, he said, the pope walked to the car and into the hospital on his own two feet.
As of 11 a.m. Rome time, the pope was still in the emergency room and Father Lombardi expected him to return to the chalet in Les Combes in the early afternoon.
The spokesman said he had not yet spoken to the pope’s doctor Patrizio Polisca, who accompanied the pope to Les Combes, so he does not know if the pope’s wrist is in a cast or is simply wrapped and splinted.
The pope is scheduled to recite the Angelus Sunday with visitors gathered outside the chalet. Father Lombardi said it was too early to know if that plan would change.
http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/pope-goes-to-emergency-room-after-fall/
VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI fell overnight, fracturing his right wrist. The pope was in the Salesian-owned chalet in the northern Italian Alps where he is vacationing.
Papal spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said, “after a fall in his room overnight, the Holy Father suffered a slight fracture of his right wrist.”
“Nevertheless, in the morning the Holy Father celebrated Mass and had breakfast, then was accompanied to the hospital in Aosta where the slight fracture was discovered and his wrist was immobilized.”
Earlier, Father Lombardi told reporters that the 82-year-old pope was advised by his doctor to go to the hospital for tests.
When asked if the pope lost consciousness, Father Lombardi told CNS, “Absolutely not.” And, he said, the pope walked to the car and into the hospital on his own two feet.
As of 11 a.m. Rome time, the pope was still in the emergency room and Father Lombardi expected him to return to the chalet in Les Combes in the early afternoon.
The spokesman said he had not yet spoken to the pope’s doctor Patrizio Polisca, who accompanied the pope to Les Combes, so he does not know if the pope’s wrist is in a cast or is simply wrapped and splinted.
The pope is scheduled to recite the Angelus Sunday with visitors gathered outside the chalet. Father Lombardi said it was too early to know if that plan would change.
http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/pope-goes-to-emergency-room-after-fall/
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Benedict XVI Offers Commentary on Encyclical
Affirms "Truth" and "Love" at Heart of Social Doctrine
VATICAN CITY, JULY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI gave a personal commentary on his third encyclical today, dedicating the general audience to a consideration of "Caritas in Veritate."
The Pope's first social encyclical was released Tuesday after a June 29 signing.
The document, the Holy Father said in his discourse in Paul VI Hall, "addresses social themes vital to the well-being of humanity and reminds us that authentic renewal of both individuals and society requires living by Christ’s truth in love."
Truth in love, he explained, is the "heart of the Church's social teaching."
The Bishop of Rome noted that the inspiration for the encyclical is "a passage from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, in which the apostle speaks of acting according to truth in charity: 'Rather living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ.'"
Acknowledging that he did not pretend to offer technical solutions to social problems, the Pontiff stated that the encyclical "focuses on the principles indispensable for human development."
"Most important among these is human life itself," he declared, "the center of all true progress. Additionally, [the encyclical] speaks of the right to religious freedom as a part of human development, it warns against unbounded hope in technology alone, and it underlines the need for upright men and women -- attentive to the common good -- in both politics and the business world."
Feeding the poor
Benedict XVI gave particular attention to the "scandal" of world hunger, noting how "Caritas in Veritate" calls for "decisive action to promote food security and agricultural development, as well as respect for the environment and for the rule of law."
"Dear friends," he continued, "humanity is a single family where every development program -- if it is to be integral -- must consider the spiritual growth of human persons and the driving force of charity in truth."
"Let us pray for all those who serve in politics and the management of economies, and in particular let us pray for the heads of state gathering in Italy for the G-8 summit," the Holy Father concluded. "May their decisions promote true development especially for the world’s poor."
The Group of Eight is meeting in Italy through Friday.
VATICAN CITY, JULY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI gave a personal commentary on his third encyclical today, dedicating the general audience to a consideration of "Caritas in Veritate."
The Pope's first social encyclical was released Tuesday after a June 29 signing.
The document, the Holy Father said in his discourse in Paul VI Hall, "addresses social themes vital to the well-being of humanity and reminds us that authentic renewal of both individuals and society requires living by Christ’s truth in love."
Truth in love, he explained, is the "heart of the Church's social teaching."
The Bishop of Rome noted that the inspiration for the encyclical is "a passage from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, in which the apostle speaks of acting according to truth in charity: 'Rather living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ.'"
Acknowledging that he did not pretend to offer technical solutions to social problems, the Pontiff stated that the encyclical "focuses on the principles indispensable for human development."
"Most important among these is human life itself," he declared, "the center of all true progress. Additionally, [the encyclical] speaks of the right to religious freedom as a part of human development, it warns against unbounded hope in technology alone, and it underlines the need for upright men and women -- attentive to the common good -- in both politics and the business world."
Feeding the poor
Benedict XVI gave particular attention to the "scandal" of world hunger, noting how "Caritas in Veritate" calls for "decisive action to promote food security and agricultural development, as well as respect for the environment and for the rule of law."
"Dear friends," he continued, "humanity is a single family where every development program -- if it is to be integral -- must consider the spiritual growth of human persons and the driving force of charity in truth."
"Let us pray for all those who serve in politics and the management of economies, and in particular let us pray for the heads of state gathering in Italy for the G-8 summit," the Holy Father concluded. "May their decisions promote true development especially for the world’s poor."
The Group of Eight is meeting in Italy through Friday.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Obama Complains that Fears over Abortion Agenda "Not Based on Anything I've Said or Done"
By Kathleen Gilbert
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 6, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a meeting with several members of the Catholic media Thursday, President Obama insisted that pro-life Catholics' fears over the new administration's abortion agenda was "not based on anything I've said or done." The president also said he embraces the so-called "seamless garment" moral theory of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago, which he said he feels has been "buried under the abortion debate" in recent decades.
The president called for the brief round-table meeting with Catholic media to discuss his upcoming meeting with Pope Benedict XVI July 10, but addressed the rift between his stance on abortion and the Catholic Church's moral teaching in response to questions.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Catholic News Service, the National Catholic Reporter, National Catholic Register, America magazine, Commonweal magazine, Catholic Digest, Vatican Radio, and a Washington Post religion writer.
According to the Catholic Digest report, one member asked for more information on President Obama's stance on conscience protection for doctors objecting to abortion.
President Obama said that the expectation of heavily pro-abortion policy from his administration "is not based on anything I've said or done, but is rather just a perception somehow that we have some hard-line agenda that we're seeking to push."
Obama, who in February began repealing a Bush regulation strengthening doctors' conscience rights, said he favors a "robust" conscience clause. However, he did not elaborate on what aspect of the Bush regulation he considered flawed and did not give a compelling reason for why his administration is repealing the regulation.
Read more: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jul/09070608.html
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 6, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a meeting with several members of the Catholic media Thursday, President Obama insisted that pro-life Catholics' fears over the new administration's abortion agenda was "not based on anything I've said or done." The president also said he embraces the so-called "seamless garment" moral theory of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago, which he said he feels has been "buried under the abortion debate" in recent decades.
The president called for the brief round-table meeting with Catholic media to discuss his upcoming meeting with Pope Benedict XVI July 10, but addressed the rift between his stance on abortion and the Catholic Church's moral teaching in response to questions.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Catholic News Service, the National Catholic Reporter, National Catholic Register, America magazine, Commonweal magazine, Catholic Digest, Vatican Radio, and a Washington Post religion writer.
According to the Catholic Digest report, one member asked for more information on President Obama's stance on conscience protection for doctors objecting to abortion.
President Obama said that the expectation of heavily pro-abortion policy from his administration "is not based on anything I've said or done, but is rather just a perception somehow that we have some hard-line agenda that we're seeking to push."
Obama, who in February began repealing a Bush regulation strengthening doctors' conscience rights, said he favors a "robust" conscience clause. However, he did not elaborate on what aspect of the Bush regulation he considered flawed and did not give a compelling reason for why his administration is repealing the regulation.
Read more: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jul/09070608.html
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