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Showing posts with label DC City Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DC City Council. Show all posts
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Victories Over Planned Parenthood
Prelude: Please read the complete post, all the way to the bottom, to learn about several victories against Planned Parenthood this week.
You might recall that the event, "A Time To Stand", was announced for last Friday and Saturday in front of the Planned Parenthood at 16th and L Streets in Washington DC - just a few blocks north of the White House. Its original intent was to protest the DC City Council's complicity with Planned Parenthood's arrogation of the public property in front of it.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
DC Catholic Charities Solves Same-Sex Benefits Quandry - NOT!
Previous postings on this blog detailed the moral quandry in which the DC Catholic Charities found itself when the DC City Council made plain to them that faith-based organizations will not be exempt from the requirement to offer benefits to same-sex partners of employees. At first, the DC Catholic Charities appeared to be taking a principled stance by stating they'd have to cease services in DC. Right on cue, various council members called them meanies for trying to adhere to who they were. The DC Catholic Charities squirmed.
Today's Catholic Standard revealed the less-than-stellar solution at which DC Catholic Charities arrived. They're throwing their own employees under the bus.
As of March 1st, DC Catholic Charities is no longer offering spousal employee benefits. Employees who already had them at that date are permitted to keep them (Gee! Isn't that swell?), but now no one can elect spousal coverage should they entertain silly ideas such as getting married in the future.
According to a Washington Post article, this decision came from Archbishop Wuerl himself. Now why, oh why, does the Catholic Standard make no mention of that teensy detail? He made much talk about "just wage", but at the end of the day, this is still about placating the DC government at the expense of the employees.
In the words of Edward Orzechowski, Catholic Charities president, "The challenge for us was how to comply with the new same-sex marriage law requirements, and continue our partnership with the District of Columbia in serving the poor and vulnerable, and remaining true to the teachings of our faith." Got that? In order to please the powers-that-be and to not be considered "meanies", Catholic Charities is committing gross injustice against its own employees. Since when does that constitute "the teachings of our faith"?
Organizations such as Catholic Charities tout how they're advocates of "social justice". Many of them favor "Obamacare" in the mistaken belief that such will effect universal health coverage. Yet these same Catholic entities, when they wish to kiss up to malevolent politicians, turn around and block that same coverage to their own employees! Go figure!
Years ago, when the New York Catholic hospitals were to be coerced into providing abortions, John Cardinal O'Connor stood them down to a man. He said that he'd close each and every hospital before that happened. The New York bosses knew O'Connor was a man of courage and integrity; they backed down. It would have been far better if Catholic Charities had done the same and maintained its integrity: not only towards the city, but also towards its employees. Like too many Catholic institutions today, they are playing the cowards.
We should bear this in mind at the next Catholc Charities collection in the pews.
Today's Catholic Standard revealed the less-than-stellar solution at which DC Catholic Charities arrived. They're throwing their own employees under the bus.
As of March 1st, DC Catholic Charities is no longer offering spousal employee benefits. Employees who already had them at that date are permitted to keep them (Gee! Isn't that swell?), but now no one can elect spousal coverage should they entertain silly ideas such as getting married in the future.
According to a Washington Post article, this decision came from Archbishop Wuerl himself. Now why, oh why, does the Catholic Standard make no mention of that teensy detail? He made much talk about "just wage", but at the end of the day, this is still about placating the DC government at the expense of the employees.
In the words of Edward Orzechowski, Catholic Charities president, "The challenge for us was how to comply with the new same-sex marriage law requirements, and continue our partnership with the District of Columbia in serving the poor and vulnerable, and remaining true to the teachings of our faith." Got that? In order to please the powers-that-be and to not be considered "meanies", Catholic Charities is committing gross injustice against its own employees. Since when does that constitute "the teachings of our faith"?
Organizations such as Catholic Charities tout how they're advocates of "social justice". Many of them favor "Obamacare" in the mistaken belief that such will effect universal health coverage. Yet these same Catholic entities, when they wish to kiss up to malevolent politicians, turn around and block that same coverage to their own employees! Go figure!
Years ago, when the New York Catholic hospitals were to be coerced into providing abortions, John Cardinal O'Connor stood them down to a man. He said that he'd close each and every hospital before that happened. The New York bosses knew O'Connor was a man of courage and integrity; they backed down. It would have been far better if Catholic Charities had done the same and maintained its integrity: not only towards the city, but also towards its employees. Like too many Catholic institutions today, they are playing the cowards.
We should bear this in mind at the next Catholc Charities collection in the pews.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
CINOs O'Malley and Kaine Hold Joint Foot-In-Mouth Conference
It's the eve of Thanksgiving and our thoughts are geared towards preparations for tomorrow's feast. However, because Catholic-bashers take no holidays, neither can we.
I read in today's Washington Times that the governors of Maryland and Virginia, both Catholics-in-name-only, O'Malley and Kaine, took umbrage at the Archdiocese of Washington because the latter announced that it would be constrained by the draconian DC city regulations that would compromise the Church's ability to carry on its social services. Snorts O'Malley, "It would be very, very sad for all concerned. I don't understand how they can possibly do this." "They", however, means the Archdiocese.
Dear Governors, let me explain some common sense and your own faith to you. It is the Archdiocese that is having the proverbial screws applied to it. We as the Church serve the poor and perform other works of mercy because we act in obedience to the commands of Jesus Christ. However, we obey ALL of the commands of Our Lord, not just the ones deemed "politically correct" by the liberal Democratic establishment. It is that obedience to the Magisterium that defines who we are and thus what we do. Our service to the poor stems from our obedience to the Magisterium in all things pertaining to faith and morals. We serve on God's terms, not on the the terms of those who would eject God from public life. To put it succinctly, without faith and morals, there are no works of faith. We must serve God rather than the whims of political wonks.
Again, we as a Church will serve as we can without compromising who we are and the God whom we serve. Dear Governors, do you understand English? By the way, are these the same liberals who so often gripe and moan about "separation of church and state"? Yet here are these government officials trying to dictate to the Church what they want us to do? My! That "wall" certainly seems to come and go at the whims of select people, doesn't it now? But we do notice the basic strategy here. The Democrat libs in the DC City Council make it impossible for the Church to carry out her mission in its entirety, then these Dem libs from Maryland and Virginia swoop in for the kill by mocking the Church for being unable to render the services in accord with its identity. In other words, they say to the Church, "You will be and do what we dictate, or else!"
Speaking of government officials, do remember that 2010 elections are around the corner. We can say anything we want, as we are not a 501c3 charity. These two CINOs really do need to receive their pink slips asap. (An after-the-fact correction. Kaine DID receive his during VA's special election. Now O'Malley and many more of these people need to be relieved of their offices.)
We also remind you of a tool we developed last year - Wisdom on Windshields. You see, you might see on a car at your Catholic church a bumper strip or other decal stating support of a pro-abortion politician or candidate. However, you might also be rushing into Mas and/or not see the car owner. No problem! Just deposit a Wisdom on Windshields flyer under the wiper or in the car door (make sure it can't blow away). You can download it here and have it handy on your own computer. Print it out and always carry a supply with you to Church, as you'll never know when an opportunity will arise to educate an ignorant fellow Catholic. Those of you in other areas of the country should feel free to copy the language to your own letterhead, as your politicians may not be impressed with our Maryland address.
I read in today's Washington Times that the governors of Maryland and Virginia, both Catholics-in-name-only, O'Malley and Kaine, took umbrage at the Archdiocese of Washington because the latter announced that it would be constrained by the draconian DC city regulations that would compromise the Church's ability to carry on its social services. Snorts O'Malley, "It would be very, very sad for all concerned. I don't understand how they can possibly do this." "They", however, means the Archdiocese.
Dear Governors, let me explain some common sense and your own faith to you. It is the Archdiocese that is having the proverbial screws applied to it. We as the Church serve the poor and perform other works of mercy because we act in obedience to the commands of Jesus Christ. However, we obey ALL of the commands of Our Lord, not just the ones deemed "politically correct" by the liberal Democratic establishment. It is that obedience to the Magisterium that defines who we are and thus what we do. Our service to the poor stems from our obedience to the Magisterium in all things pertaining to faith and morals. We serve on God's terms, not on the the terms of those who would eject God from public life. To put it succinctly, without faith and morals, there are no works of faith. We must serve God rather than the whims of political wonks.
Again, we as a Church will serve as we can without compromising who we are and the God whom we serve. Dear Governors, do you understand English? By the way, are these the same liberals who so often gripe and moan about "separation of church and state"? Yet here are these government officials trying to dictate to the Church what they want us to do? My! That "wall" certainly seems to come and go at the whims of select people, doesn't it now? But we do notice the basic strategy here. The Democrat libs in the DC City Council make it impossible for the Church to carry out her mission in its entirety, then these Dem libs from Maryland and Virginia swoop in for the kill by mocking the Church for being unable to render the services in accord with its identity. In other words, they say to the Church, "You will be and do what we dictate, or else!"
Speaking of government officials, do remember that 2010 elections are around the corner. We can say anything we want, as we are not a 501c3 charity. These two CINOs really do need to receive their pink slips asap. (An after-the-fact correction. Kaine DID receive his during VA's special election. Now O'Malley and many more of these people need to be relieved of their offices.)
We also remind you of a tool we developed last year - Wisdom on Windshields. You see, you might see on a car at your Catholic church a bumper strip or other decal stating support of a pro-abortion politician or candidate. However, you might also be rushing into Mas and/or not see the car owner. No problem! Just deposit a Wisdom on Windshields flyer under the wiper or in the car door (make sure it can't blow away). You can download it here and have it handy on your own computer. Print it out and always carry a supply with you to Church, as you'll never know when an opportunity will arise to educate an ignorant fellow Catholic. Those of you in other areas of the country should feel free to copy the language to your own letterhead, as your politicians may not be impressed with our Maryland address.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Update on the Archdiocese of Washington - DC Council Controversy
Last week I congratulated the Archdiocese of Washington for holding firm against the tyranny of the DC City Council in trying to ramrod gay lifestyle acceptance upon those who serve the DC area. I received the following email today from the Archdiocese that gave an update on this standoff. I now quote it.
(begin email)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Recent news reports have mistakenly claimed that the Archdiocese of Washington and its social services arm, Catholic Charities, are threatening to cease providing social services in the District of Columbia if the proposed bill to legalize same sex marriage is passed.
Catholic Charities is not threatening to end its services if a same sex marriage bill passes. Catholic Charities is vowing to continue its services even if a same sex marriage bill passes. However, the bill, as it now reads, will diminish the resources we have to do so. Why is that so? Because without a meaningful religious exemption in the bill, Catholic Charities and other similar religious providers will become ineligible for contracts, grants and licenses to continue those services.
What we have said to the Council is this: While we are opposed to redefining marriage in the District of Columbia, if the Council moves forward to do so, we respectfully request that religious individuals and organizations be afforded protection from restrictions on their deeply held religious beliefs and that the Council preserve the ability of Catholic Charities and other providers to continue to serve the growing and unmet needs of the poor and most vulnerable residents of the District of Columbia.
Additional information, including testimony, press releases and other material, is available at www.marriagemattersdc.org.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout
Auxiliary Bishop of Washington
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
(end quote)
So it seems that the Archdiocese will continue to provide services to the best of its abilities, given that it cannot expect any financial aid or even legal permissions to do so. That's fine. As long as the Archdiocese holds firm and stays true to the One True Faith, I'm sure that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will bless the various ministries. We as a Church don't need funny money with all sorts of immoral strings attached!
(begin email)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Recent news reports have mistakenly claimed that the Archdiocese of Washington and its social services arm, Catholic Charities, are threatening to cease providing social services in the District of Columbia if the proposed bill to legalize same sex marriage is passed.
Catholic Charities is not threatening to end its services if a same sex marriage bill passes. Catholic Charities is vowing to continue its services even if a same sex marriage bill passes. However, the bill, as it now reads, will diminish the resources we have to do so. Why is that so? Because without a meaningful religious exemption in the bill, Catholic Charities and other similar religious providers will become ineligible for contracts, grants and licenses to continue those services.
What we have said to the Council is this: While we are opposed to redefining marriage in the District of Columbia, if the Council moves forward to do so, we respectfully request that religious individuals and organizations be afforded protection from restrictions on their deeply held religious beliefs and that the Council preserve the ability of Catholic Charities and other providers to continue to serve the growing and unmet needs of the poor and most vulnerable residents of the District of Columbia.
Additional information, including testimony, press releases and other material, is available at www.marriagemattersdc.org.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout
Auxiliary Bishop of Washington
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
(end quote)
So it seems that the Archdiocese will continue to provide services to the best of its abilities, given that it cannot expect any financial aid or even legal permissions to do so. That's fine. As long as the Archdiocese holds firm and stays true to the One True Faith, I'm sure that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will bless the various ministries. We as a Church don't need funny money with all sorts of immoral strings attached!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Archdiocese of Washington Stands up to DC Council Bullying
The Archdiocese of Washington has made clear to the DC Council that it will have to cease its social programs that it operates in DC if it is forced to extend employee benefits to same-sex couples. Susan Gibbs, spokesperson for the Archdiocese explained, "If the city requires this, we can't do it. The city is saying in order to provide social services, you need to be secular. For us, that's really a problem."
Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) referred to the church as "somewhat childish." She went on, "Are they really going to harm people because they have a philosophical disagreement with us on one issue? I hope, in the silver light of day, when this passes, they will not really act on this threat."
Of course, the DC Council has things precisely ass-backwards. They fail, or refuse, to admit that the Catholic Church engages in social services out of obedience to Our Lord's Commands. Those commands are not "philosophical issues". They bind on all of us - including Ms. Cheh, but that's another discussion. Our Lord has taught, and continues to teach that homosexual behavior is intrinsically sinful and can never be condoned nor facilitated.
Let's face it. Those advocating mortally sinful behaviors, be it baby-murder, sodomy or whatever, will never be content to let Christians practice their own faith. Why? The answer is very simple. The sight of Christians practicing sound faith and morals stings the consciences of those who don't. That is why there is such a frenzied attempt to coerce us into facilitating mortal sin. They think that by so doing, that they can assuage their own seared consciences and justify their own corrupt behaviors. That will never happen.
We salute the stance of the Archdiocese of Washington in this matter. We hope and pray that they stand firm.
Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) referred to the church as "somewhat childish." She went on, "Are they really going to harm people because they have a philosophical disagreement with us on one issue? I hope, in the silver light of day, when this passes, they will not really act on this threat."
Of course, the DC Council has things precisely ass-backwards. They fail, or refuse, to admit that the Catholic Church engages in social services out of obedience to Our Lord's Commands. Those commands are not "philosophical issues". They bind on all of us - including Ms. Cheh, but that's another discussion. Our Lord has taught, and continues to teach that homosexual behavior is intrinsically sinful and can never be condoned nor facilitated.
Let's face it. Those advocating mortally sinful behaviors, be it baby-murder, sodomy or whatever, will never be content to let Christians practice their own faith. Why? The answer is very simple. The sight of Christians practicing sound faith and morals stings the consciences of those who don't. That is why there is such a frenzied attempt to coerce us into facilitating mortal sin. They think that by so doing, that they can assuage their own seared consciences and justify their own corrupt behaviors. That will never happen.
We salute the stance of the Archdiocese of Washington in this matter. We hope and pray that they stand firm.
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