March 8, 2009 9:21 PM
Connecticut bill attacks church independence
My friends, I predict that this is just the beginning of the anti-church legislation which we will be seeing over the weeks, months and years ahead. And it is very clear to me that the anti-church movement will focus first on the Catholic Church, which regardless of the wishy-washiness of some members, has stood steadfast and firm on the issues of abortion and gay marriage.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Alert: New Connecticut Bill Attacks Church Independence
Connecticut lawmakers moved this week to directly attack the self-governing rights of the Catholic Church.
The Diocese of Bridgeport is calling on Catholics across the state to mobilize and "fight the irrational, unlawful, and bigoted Proposed Bill #1098/2009":This past Thursday, March 5, the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut State Legislature, which is chaired by Sen. Andrew McDonald of Stamford and Rep. Michael Lawlor of East Haven, introduced a bill that directly attacks the Roman Catholic Church and our Faith.
This bill violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It forces a radical reorganization of the legal, financial, and administrative structure of our parishes. This is contrary to the
Apostolic nature of the Catholic Church because it disconnects parishes from their Pastors and their Bishop. Parishes would be run by boards from which Pastors and the Bishop would be effectively excluded.This bill, moreover, is a thinly-veiled attempt to silence the Catholic Church on the important issues of the day, such as same-sex marriage.
The State has no right to interfere in the internal affairs and structure of the Catholic Church. This bill is directed only at the Catholic Church but could someday be forced on other denominations. The State has no business controlling religion.
(source: Bridgeport Diocese)
For more in-depth analysis and action points, please visit The American Papist
Like so much of what is now taking place, the emphasis is on moving quickly to pass legislation before there is time for citizens to analyze and to form a resistance. It was just announced On Thursday, March 5 and the public hearing is March 11. The church in Connecticut is mobilizing to attend this meeting.
While this is a Connecticut conflict, it is one we all need to watch carefully as any attack on the church is an attack on us all.
Since being called back to the Catholic Church a year ago, I have been campaigning for evangelicals to re-examine their prejudice and to work together to resist the governmental onslaught that we are about to see. I want to remind you all that in the culture wars, we are allies and that matters most than quibbling over theology.
In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.Then they came for me --
and by that time no one was left to speak up.There have been several versions of this quote from German anti-Nazi activist Pastor Martin Niemoller, but this is the one most often cited.
Posted in Catholicism, Church Issues, Obama Nation | Permalink
Comments
A wonderful quote, and one that comes to my mind when the gays or whoever attack a church or church goers. If the Christians don't pull together in spite of their theological differences, I fear there may come a day when we will say:
"First they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Catholic.
Then they came for the Mormons, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Mormon.
Then they came for the Jehovah's Witnesses, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Jehovah's Witness.
Then they came for the Pentecostals, I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Pentecostal.
When they came for me, there was nobody left to speak up."
Posted by: Ceecee | March 9, 2009 12:31 AM
Forgive me for asking, but I am not a Catholic. Could you please spell this out a bit more? I am concerned based on what I've read, but could you tell us what the current structure is now and exactly what changes would be made? Thanks.
[note from Barbara: follow the links embedded in my post to get more in-depth analysis from those who live in Connecticut. ]
Posted by: Thia | March 9, 2009 2:07 PM
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/TOB/S/2009SB-01098-R00-SB.htm
The above is a link to the actual proposed legislation on the Connecticut General Assembly's website.
Posted by: Mich | March 9, 2009 3:16 PM
Our parish had a big spread regarding FOCA this past weekend, and I have seen some other surges to action on that regard. However, what seems to be on the table is the stem cell research financing. As expected, it will be a go. However, Obama is allowing the Dickey Wicker amendment's fate decided by Congress. Is this an issue that should be petitioned or is it "safe" from change? Am a bit surprised that there was not more of a ruckus about the stem cell policy changes from the Church.
Posted by: Cath Young | March 9, 2009 9:43 PM
