Catholic bishops instruct voters
flywallyfly
Posts: 1,453
I wish I had an organization to tell me how I should vote.
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071114/ap_on_re_us/catholic_bishops
By RACHEL ZOLL, AP Religion Writer
Roman Catholics voting in the 2008 elections must heed church teaching when deciding which candidates and policies to support, U.S. bishops said Wednesday.
And while the church recognizes the importance of a wide range of issues — from war to immigration to poverty — fighting abortion should be a priority, the bishops said.
"The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life is always wrong and is not just one issue among many," the bishops said.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops overwhelmingly adopted the statement, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," as they ended the public sessions of their fall meeting.
The document does not recommend specific laws or candidates, and it emphasizes that "principled debate" is needed to decide which policies best promote the common good.
But "that does not make (moral issues) optional concerns or permit Catholics to dismiss or ignore church teaching," the bishops said.
American bishops have been releasing similar recommendations for Catholics before every presidential election since 1976. However, in recent years, some independent Catholics groups have been distributing their own voter booklets.
Among them are Priests for Life and California-based Catholic Answers, which distributed material on five "nonnegotiable" issues: abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning and same-sex marriage. Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, which formed last year, issued a guide emphasizing church teachings on war, poverty and social justice.
But the bishops urged Catholics to only use voter resources approved by the church.
The document makes clear the broad concerns in Catholic teaching that make it difficult for parishioners to feel fully comfortable with either the Democrats or Republicans.
The bishops say helping the poor should be a top priority in government, providing health care, taking in refugees and protecting the rights of workers, and the bishops highlight the need for environmental protection.
However, they also oppose same-sex marriage, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research, in addition to their staunch anti-abortion position.
The prelates say torture is "always wrong" and they express "serious moral concerns" about "preventive use of military force." But at the last minute Wednesday, they added a sentence acknowledging "the continuing threat of fanatical extremism and global terror."
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071114/ap_on_re_us/catholic_bishops
By RACHEL ZOLL, AP Religion Writer
Roman Catholics voting in the 2008 elections must heed church teaching when deciding which candidates and policies to support, U.S. bishops said Wednesday.
And while the church recognizes the importance of a wide range of issues — from war to immigration to poverty — fighting abortion should be a priority, the bishops said.
"The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life is always wrong and is not just one issue among many," the bishops said.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops overwhelmingly adopted the statement, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," as they ended the public sessions of their fall meeting.
The document does not recommend specific laws or candidates, and it emphasizes that "principled debate" is needed to decide which policies best promote the common good.
But "that does not make (moral issues) optional concerns or permit Catholics to dismiss or ignore church teaching," the bishops said.
American bishops have been releasing similar recommendations for Catholics before every presidential election since 1976. However, in recent years, some independent Catholics groups have been distributing their own voter booklets.
Among them are Priests for Life and California-based Catholic Answers, which distributed material on five "nonnegotiable" issues: abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning and same-sex marriage. Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, which formed last year, issued a guide emphasizing church teachings on war, poverty and social justice.
But the bishops urged Catholics to only use voter resources approved by the church.
The document makes clear the broad concerns in Catholic teaching that make it difficult for parishioners to feel fully comfortable with either the Democrats or Republicans.
The bishops say helping the poor should be a top priority in government, providing health care, taking in refugees and protecting the rights of workers, and the bishops highlight the need for environmental protection.
However, they also oppose same-sex marriage, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research, in addition to their staunch anti-abortion position.
The prelates say torture is "always wrong" and they express "serious moral concerns" about "preventive use of military force." But at the last minute Wednesday, they added a sentence acknowledging "the continuing threat of fanatical extremism and global terror."
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Comments
Nothing. If we yank the Tax-Exempt status from this large business organization.
Hail, Hail!!!
"The document does not recommend specific laws or candidates", I wonder if all tax exempt groups can say as much regarding their literature?
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
later:
"But the bishops urged Catholics to only use voter resources approved by the church."
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
they don't tell you who to vote for. they just hand out official voter guides telling you who you cannot vote for and you're not allowed to look at any other guides becos they haven't been officially approved by the church.
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
If they made me a voting booth checklist it would be so much easier. For local races such as city council seats they could just have a list of Catholic/non-Catholic candidates. What a dreamworld that would be !!
I kinda think that the people who join environmental groups are pretty much like minded, don't you think? Unless you believe that Baby Harp Seal hunters are PETA members. In other words... they probably already have their minds set regarding issues on the environment.
I don't think the same holds true for Churches... is everyone in your church in agreement with everything you believe in? Maybe when it comes to church doctrine... but, does your church tell you how to vote? And... would you, or do you obey them?
Hail, Hail!!!
true..and most churches think you should practice what you preach in all of yr life, including voting.
they screwed up a long time ago be not opposing some stuff that became law.
trying not to repeat the same mistake
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
Because Churches are authoritarian.
And your church doesn't tell you how to vote... but this article is about the Catholic Bishops instructing its congregation how to vote. Yes, Catholics have the right to vote as they choose... but, the direction coming from the Bishops of the Catholic Church would be line the Director of Operations at Greenpeace directing it's members how to vote. Being Catholic and being a member of Greenpeace do not equate.
The Catholic Church is a large, organized business operation with its corporate office in Vatican City and the Pope as it's CEO.
Hail, Hail!!!
I guess it would equate if the concerts were held every Sunday.
Hail, Hail!!!
from the standpoint of a philosophical vacuum, there's no difference. but from a standpoint of human conduct, there is.
people choose as adults to join groups like peta and often select based on shared beliefs. these groups also have less leverage. if you don't vote that way, they don't know nor do they have any sanctions. and if the stances are sufficiently unconscionable, it's easy to let membership lapse and find another group.
now you can say the same applies to churches, but you'd be lying to say it's that simple. you are brought into a church as a child and indoctrinated from day one. they also have leverage becos while the bishop may not know what you vote, they will tell you god does. and if you disobey, you risk damnation. when the core of your spirituality is invested in a group, that's a lot of leverage and it puts believers in something of a bind when they feel maybe the authority is being a bit harsh and maybe even outright wrong in interpreting god's word. it's not as simple as leaving either, when the church is the only one you've ever known and all your friends and family are part of it and pressuring you to stay.
making people choose between their religion and their vote is a lot different from making them choose between a charitable action group they support and their conscionable vote. they weild a lot more power and influence over the individual than the average issue-based non-profit and thus if they want to get involved in politics, they should be penalized for coercive voting practices. in the same way it is illegal to pay people to vote and vote a certain way, it should be illegal to bludgeon someone into voting a certain way, or at least it should not be tacitly condoned by giving tax breaks to those who do it.
the concert promoters don't tell you your soul is at risk if you pick the wrong way.
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
The article didn't say anything about going to Hell if you vote the wrong way. It just said which issues the church feels is important. Either way it is still using your position to promote the cause you believe in.
I think that the people who are members of Greenpeace agree on one issue... the environment. There are probably Christian/Catholics and aetheists and Buddhists and whatevers in Greenpeace whom differ on many other issues... but, all agree on one thing... the environment.
The Church believes in their one thing, too. That they are right in their beliefs and that their morals are the ones to live by. They may differ on social issues, such as the environment and healthcare.. but, they all agree on one thing... their morals are right. The Church dictates your morals... maybe not eveyone follows them... but, they are the ones that tell you what good moral behaviour is... right?
Hail, Hail!!!
The difference is that the concert promoters and the acts that preform at the concert pay taxes, the church doesn't.
I would say that if any tax exempt organization, Greenpeace or the Roman Catholic Church, uses their podium to sway voters in a certain direction their tax exempt status should be revoked.
Wasn't Vote for Change put on by a non-profit political group? I didn't think those groups paid taxes.
It may have been. Well if it was and the bands where pushing a message to vote a certain way then the proceeds should be taxed and the non-profit should loose it's tax exemption.
I may be wrong but I was under the impression that even non-profit organizations, like Vote for Change, still had to pay taxes. That only charitable organizations, ie Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, Salvation Army, where tax exempt.
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg
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( o.O)
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you're not catholic are you? this isn't "these political issues are important to us." the catholic church has very specific stances on what is moral in the political arena and violating those morals is a sin.
right. people need to remember that the Catholic Church still to this day will tell people that if they use birth control or get a divorce they are violating those morals and they WILL go to hell for doing it. so why would it be a stretch for people to believe that if they don't vote according to what the Church says that they're a sinner with a one-way ticket to hell?
angels share laughter
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I'm surprised they didn't list "age of legal consent for boys to be 8" under the requirements for an approved candidate.
(always happy to help!)
maybe because there is not a concept of separation of rock and roll and politics....
"Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
Ahh...much Better lol
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg
(\__/)
( o.O)
(")_(")
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-11-14-bishops-meeting_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
BALTIMORE — The nation's Catholic bishops Wednesday approved a statement on the nature of "faithful citizenship" that hammers home the "intrinsic evil" of abortion and reminds Catholic voters that their choices in the 2008 elections "also may affect" their salvation.
Politicians and public officials also are cautioned that their "spiritual well being" is affected by their actions.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrapped up its fall meeting here by nearly unanimously approving a long version of the statement and a shorter, more conversational version to be inserted in parish bulletins.
Both stress life issues such as abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, artificial contraception and racism are "evils" that can never be supported.
USA TODAY ON POLITICS: Excerpts of the bishops meeting
Yet there's also room for a prudential voter, seeing no candidate in line with Catholic teachings, to weigh other critical moral issues such as poverty, peace, or social justice.
It is "a summary of Catholic teachings; It is not a voter guide," said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, in presenting the results of seven committees input.
It is intended to offer "theological, not ideological" framework on "what it means to be a Catholic and an American, a believer and a voter."
The language sternly reminds Catholic voters, "if they fail to form their consciences they can make erroneous judgments."
The statement says voters can go astray because of "ignorance of Christ and his Gospel, bad example given by others, enslavement to one's passions, assertion of the mistaken notion of autonomy of conscience, rejection of the Church's authority and her teaching."
"Nothing new here except the process," said an expert on church politics, the Rev. Thomas Reese, of the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Although the bishops have issued a statement on "faithful citizenship" before every presidential election year since 1976, this is the first time it was presented to the full body of bishops for approval.
Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, S.D., tried but narrowly failed in proposing an amendment that said salvation would be in danger if a voter made "wrong" choices.
He told the bishops in Wednesday's discussion, "if we do not warn our people that choosing intrinsic evils will have an impact on their salvation, then we will truly fail as teachers,"
But DiMarzio questioned, "Are we ready to give the impression that one vote could endanger a person's eternal salvation?" He reiterated that the statement and bulletin insert are "trying to form consciences, not trying to judge them."
The bishops ultimately agreed to softer language: "It is important to be clear that the political choices faced by citizens have an impact on general peace and prosperity and also may affect individual salvation." Still, the statement acknowledges, "in today's environment, Catholics may feel politically disenfranchised, sensing that no party and few candidates fully share our comprehensive commitment to human life and dignity."
None of the five Catholics currently running for president follow Catholic pro-life teachings. Although this document does not address whether they should receive communion, they are reminded, "the kinds of laws and polcitis supported by public officials affect their spiritual well-being." The bishops also say, "Catholics are not single issue voters" and steer people to also examine candidates' stances on human rights such as food, shelter, health care, education and meaningful work, support for traditional marriage, care for the environment and efforts toward peace.
"The use of the death penalty, hunger, lack of health care or housing, human trafficking, the war in Iraq, and unjust immigration policies are some of the serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act," the statement said.
"As bishops, we vigorously repeat our call for a renewed politics that focuses on moral principles, the defense of life, the needs of the weak, and the pursuit of the common good. This thinking of political participation reflects the social teaching of our Church and the best traditions of our nation."
nothing like hanging salvation over the heads of the faithful. to me it sounds like they are trying to manipulate the catholic faithful into voting for a particular type of candidate or they are going to hell.
"Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."