United States Conference of Catholic Bishops President, Cardinal Francis George has written to incoming President Barack Obama proposing "an agenda for dialogue and action" listing areas of concern and possible cooperation. In January 13 letters to President-elect Obama, Vice-President-elect Joseph Biden and to the new Congress the bishops promised "to make this period of national change a time to advance the common good and defend the life and dignity of all."
Catholic News Service reports that Chicago Cardinal George offered a broad outline of policy priorities that concern the US bishops, ranging from economic recovery that covers all segments of society to protecting the lives of the "most vulnerable and voiceless members of the human family," especially unborn children.
Cardinal George reminded President-elect Obama the bishops approach public policy as pastors and teachers and that the moral principles that guide them have been developed through their experience in caring for people in need.
The cardinal's letter particularly addressed the economic crisis, health care, international affairs and immigration; marriage as the union of a man and a woman; the empowerment of faith based groups as partners in overcoming poverty and threats to human dignity; and the importance of protecting the vulnerable and voiceless, especially the unborn.
Cardinal George restated the Church's long held opposition to efforts to expand abortion or to fund abortion with tax dollars.
"We will oppose legislative and other measures to expand abortion," the letter said. "We will work to retain essential, widely supported policies which show respect for unborn life, protect the conscience rights of health care providers and other Americans, and prevent government funding and promotion of abortion."
"Efforts to force Americans to fund abortions with their tax dollars would pose a serious moral challenge and jeopardise the passage of essential health care reforms," Cardinal George said.
The letter, which outlined "an agenda for dialogue and action," was signed by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. A corresponding letter was sent to Vice-President Joseph Biden and each member of Congress.
The letter listed several areas of concern.
On economic challenges the bishops called for "strong, prudent and effective measures to address the terrible impacts and injustices of the economic crisis" and promised to "advocate a clear priority for poor families and vulnerable workers in the development and implementation of economic recovery measures, including new investments while strengthening the national safety net."
On health care they called for "truly universal health care coverage which protects all human life including pre-natal life" and which includes "a variety of options and ensuring respect for the moral and religious convictions of patients and providers."
On international affairs, the bishops noted a need for "a responsible transition in an Iraq free of religious persecution." They also urged efforts for "an end to violent conflict and a just peace in the Holy Land" and continued US leadership in the fight against HIV-AIDS and other diseases in ways that are both "effectively and morally appropriate." The bishops also promised "to be a voice for the poor and vulnerable in our country and around the world who will be the most adversely affected by any dramatic threats to the environment."
They urged repair of "a broken immigration system which harms both our nation and immigrants." They said such reform "will include a path to earned citizenship with attention to the fact that international trade and development policies influence economic opportunities in the countries from which immigrants come."
They emphasised support for marriage which, they said, is "a faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of a man and a woman and must remain such in law."
On education, the bishops promised to "continue to support initiatives which provide resources for all parents, especially those of modest means, to choose education which best address the needs of their children."
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(Source: CTHN)