What The Hell Is The Matter With The U.s.c.c.b. ?

[Ed Normile]

Yup, thats what I asked, what the hell is the matter with the U.S.C.C.B., the United States Council of Catholic Bishops, maybe I should have asked "What from hell is wrong with the U.S.C.C.B.?". I am sure those of us who went to mass today heard the lame announcement read from the U.S.C.C.B regarding the Obama-care policy of pro-death and that we as catholics and even catholics orgs such as hospitals and catholic charitable orgs will be required to pay into this policy of death or suffer penalties from the government if we refuse.

Did this fact just suddenly come to their attention, did they miss the fact that Obama promised this in his presidential campaign? This announcement at this juncture is the moral equivalent of spitting on a raging forest fire, I guess it makes them feel like at least they tried no matter how poor or useless the effort really was. The announcement was made at the end of mass while many were scurrying out the door to be first in line for the luncheon buffet, it should have been the homily during the last presidential election each mass.

Did St. John the Baptist wait until after he was beheaded to call Herod out? If the U.S.C.C.B. really wants to help the cause of pro-life they should have a body who studies these candidates and advises catholics during the homily that if they wanted to vote for a candidate that most closely matches the Roman Catholic Church viewpoints on relative issues than "Candidate X" is the one who, you as a catholic faithful, have a moral obligation to vote for. Yeah right, that will happen, as soon as they weigh the possibility of losing some monies in the collection box it will be forgotten.

ed

Edited February 5, 2012 by Ed Normile

[Guest Estase]

I agree. Looks like the bishops thought that they could win Obama over on life issues, which was super-naive of them. They supported Obamacare even though they knew it would close many Catholic hospitals.

[qfnol31]

This post really isn't fair to the work of the USCCB. Here's an article from their website from August 2011 (http://www.usccb.org/news/2011/11-154.cfm):


[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sharply criticized a new HHS “preventive services” mandate requiring private health plans to cover female surgical sterilization and all drugs and devices approved by the FDA as contraceptives, including drugs which can attack a developing unborn child before and after implantation in the mother’s womb.[/left][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]“Although this new rule gives the agency the discretion to authorize a ‘religious’ exemption, it is so narrow as to exclude most Catholic social service agencies and healthcare providers,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities.[/left][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]“For example, under the new rule our institutions would be free to act in accord with Catholic teaching on life and procreation only if they were to stop hiring and serving non-Catholics,” Cardinal DiNardo continued.“Could the federal government possibly intend to pressure Catholic institutions to cease providing health care, education and charitable services to the general public?Health care reform should expand access to basic health care for all, not undermine that goal.”[/left][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]“The Administration’s failure to create a meaningful conscience exemption to the preventive services mandate underscores the need for Congress to approve the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act,” the Cardinal said.That bill (H.R. 1179), introduced by Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Dan Boren (D-OK), would prevent mandates under the new health reform law from undermining rights of conscience.[/left][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]Cardinal DiNardo added: “Catholics are not alone in conscientiously objecting to this mandate.The drugs that Americans would be forced to subsidize under the new rule include Ella, which was approved by the FDA as an ‘emergency contraceptive’ but can act like the abortion drug RU-486. It can abort an established pregnancy weeks after conception. The pro-life majority of Americans – Catholics and others – would be outraged to learn that their premiums must be used for this purpose.”[/left][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]“HHS says the intent of its ‘preventive services’ mandate is to help ‘[font=arial]stop health problems before they start,’ said Cardinal DiNardo. “But p[/font]regnancy is not a disease, and children are not a ‘health problem’ – they are the next generation of Americans.”[/left][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]“It’s now more vital than ever that Congress pass the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act to close the gaps in conscience protection in the new health care reform act, so employers and employees alike will have the freedom to choose health plans in accordance with their deeply held moral and religious beliefs.”[/left][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]In a July 22 letter supporting the bill, Cardinal DiNardo wrote: “Those who sponsor, purchase and issue health plans should not be forced to violate their deeply held moral and religious convictions in order to take part in the health care system or provide for the needs of their families or their employees.To force such an unacceptable choice would be as much a threat to universal access to health care as it is to freedom of conscience.”[/left][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3][left]The full text of Cardinal DiNardo’s letter is available online at [url="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/religious-liberty/upload/respect-for-rights-of-conscience-act-cardinal-dinardo-letter-to-congress-hr1179-07-22-11.pdf"]www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/religious-liberty/upload/respect-for-rights-of-conscience-act-cardinal-dinardo-letter-to-congress-hr1179-07-22-11.pdf[/url]. Cardinal DiNardo also addressed the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations on preentive services for women in a July 19 statement:[url="http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-143.shtml"]www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-143.shtml[/url][/left][/size][/font][/color]

[Maggyie]

They can't publically advise people which candidate to vote for. That's how you lose your tax-exempt status. And yeah, there's more important things than being tax exempt, but being tax exempt enables a lot of the church's ministry. Think what the real estate bill would be on St. Patrick's Cathedral alone. Think about what happens to properties where the owners can't meet their tax obligations. It becomes the property of the state. Bleh.

Besides which they really shouldn't have to tell people. It should be obvious on its face, if the people are well-formed. It's a much better strategy to focus on converting the sheep in your flock and educating them on what it means to care for the least of these, rather than just giving them instructions how to fill out their ballot.

[qfnol31]

I didn't want to bog that post down with too much information, but the reason the USCCB has come out more strongly against this mandate in the last few weeks to Cardinal-elect Dolan is because he and a number of other religious leaders met privately with the President. They were all confident that religious liberty would be respected by the current administration and that HHS would provide a conscience clause. Unfortunately, just after this meeting, the US bishops and other religious leaders in this country were effectively thrown under the bus.

The bishops have been speaking out against this mandate since last year. It's very easy to come up with a bunch of links to demonstrate their commitment in fighting this mandate.

If you want to see less "lame" announcements, check out the following links. Look particularly at Bishop Zubik's comments (he's the bishop of Pittsburgh, and normally very soft-spoken). These come from http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/index.php?p=25591

[color=#585757][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]
Items in [b]bold[/b] mean the statement was read at all diocesan Masses or included in all parish bulletins on Sunday:[/size][/font][/color]
[list]
[*][url="http://cardinalrogermahonyblogsla.blogspot.com/2012/01/federal-government-mandate-for.html"]Roger Cardinal Mahony[/url] of Los Angeles, CA (Emeritus)
[*]1. [url="http://blog.archny.org/?p=2182"]Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan[/url] of New York City, NY
[*][b]2. [url="http://austindiocese.org/resources/general/4793.pdf"]Bishop Joe Vasquez[/url] of Austin, TX[/b]
[*][b]3. [url="http://stlouisreview.com/article/2012-01-23/pastoral-message"]Archbishop Robert Carlson[/url] of St. Louis, MO[/b]
[*][b]4. [url="http://www.diocesephoenix.org/onenewsstory.php?themonth=201201&story=1291115324"]Bishop Thomas Olmsted[/url] of Phoenix, AZ[/b]
[*]5. [url="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/detroits-archbishop-vigneron-hhs-mandate-tramples-freedom-of-religion-conscience-137831483.html"]Archbishop Allen Vigneron[/url] of Detroit, MI
[*][b]6. [url="http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Nienstedt-Letter-HHS-Mandate-001.jpg"]Archbishop John Nienstedt[/url] of Saint Paul & Minneapolis, MN[/b]
[*][b]7. [url="http://www.thecompassnews.org/news/local/2937-bishop-ricken-calls-on-area-catholics-to-fight-hhs-ruling-on-religious-liberty.html"]Bishop David Ricken[/url] of Green Bay, WI[/b]
[*]8. [url="http://bishopsblog.dioceseofcheyenne.org/?p=1870"]Bishop Paul Etienne[/url] of Cheyenne, WY
[*][b]9. [url="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/the-jesus-mandate-vs-obamas-mandate/2012/01/27/gIQAJ5jpVQ_blog.html"]Bishop William Lori[/url] of Bridgeport, CT[/b]
[*][b]10. [url="http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Scan-32.tiff"]Bishop Thomas Doran[/url] of Rockford, IL[/b]
[*][b]11. [url="http://www.catholicreview.org/article/home/cardinal-designate-o-brien-says-archdiocese-won-t-comply-with-unjust-hhs-law-3"]Cardinal-designate Edwin O’Brien[/url] of Baltimore, MD[/b]
[*][b]12. [url="http://www.dosafl.com/NewsBriefs.asp?ArticleID=960"]Bishop Felipe Estevez[/url] of Saint Augustine, FL[/b]
[*]13. [url="http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/7518"]Bishop James Conley[/url] of Denver, CO
[*][b]14. [url="http://bishopdanielrjenky.blogspot.com/2012/01/blog-post.html"]Bishop Daniel Jenky[/url] of Peoria, IL[/b]
[*]15. [url="http://www.diopitt.org/hhs-delays-rule-contraceptive-coverage"]Bishop David Zubik[/url] of Pittsburgh, PA ([url="http://www.diopitt.org/bridging-gap/hhs-delays-rule-contraceptive-coverage"]Twice![/url])
[*][b]16. [url="http://www.scdioceseschools.org/about.cfm?subpage=1418097"]Bishop Walker Nickless[/url] of Sioux City, IA[/b]
[*][b]17. [url="http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/news.php?id=333"]Bishop Paul Loverde[/url] of Arlington, VA[/b]
[*]18. [url="http://www.livingourfaith.net/ThoughtfortheWeek.htm"]Archbishop Jerome Listecki[/url] of Milwaukee, WI
[*]29. [url="http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/01/26/3691131/vann-and-farrell-obama-administration.html?storylink=addthis#.TyLWgo_RbIk.facebook"]Bishop Kevin Vann[/url] of Fort Worth, TX
[*][b]20. [url="http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/01/26/3691131/vann-and-farrell-obama-administration.html?storylink=addthis#.TyLWgo_RbIk.facebook"]Bishop Kevin Farrell[/url] of Dallas, TX[/b]
[*][b]21. [url="http://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/a-letter-from-archbishop-dennis-m-schnurr-concerning-hhs-edict/5749"]Archbishop Dennis Schnurr[/url] of Cincinnati, OH[/b]
[*]22. [url="http://rcdok.org/news/?news_id=6462016576018701406"]Bishop William Medley[/url] of Owensboro, KY
[*][b]23. [url="http://biltrix.com/2012/01/30/letter-from-archbishop-wilton-gregory-on-the-u-s-hhs-announcement-last-week/"]Archbishop Wilton Gregory[/url] of Atlanta, GA[/b]
[*][b]24. [url="http://www.catholicnh.org/about/news/news-releases/obama-mandate/"]Bishop Peter Libasci[/url] of Manchester, NH[/b]
[*][b]25. [url="http://www.colsdioc.org/Portals/0/Departments/COM/Documents/Bp.%20Campbell%20letter%201.29.12.pdf"]Bishop Frederick Campbell[/url] of Columbus, OH[/b]
[*][b]26. [url="http://www.portlanddiocese.org/newsroom.php?nid=786"]Bishop Richard Malone[/url] of Portland, ME[/b]
[*]27. [url="http://www.dolr.org/bishop/hhsletter_012512.pdf"]Bishop Anthony Taylor[/url] of Little Rock, AR
[*][b]28. [url="http://d8n.me/X?r=cv"]Archbishop Paul Coakley[/url] of Oklahoma City, OK[/b]
[*]29. [url="http://www.dsj.org/about-us/bishops/bishops-statements/us-health-and-human-services-ruling"]Bishop Patrick McGrath[/url] of San Jose, CA
[*]30. [url="http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-bishop-decries-contraception-mandate-in-law-1.1263958?localLinksEnabled=false#axzz1kmB74cHz"]Bishop Joseph Bambera[/url] of Scranton, PA
[*][b]31. [url="http://www.miamiarch.org/ip.asp?op=Article_1212510574188"]Archbishop Thomas Wenski[/url] of Miami, FL[/b][b] (also apostolic administrator of [url="http://www.ptdiocese.org/"]Pensacola-Tallahasee, FL[/url])[/b]
[*]32. [url="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/la-archbishop-calls-on-catholics-to-oppose-hhs-mandate"]Archbishop Jose Gomez[/url] of Los Angelas, CA
[*]33. [url="http://www.archgh.org/blog/main.asp?Tid=597&cat=Cardinal%20DiNardo&id=39"]Daniel Cardinal DiNardo[/url] of Galveston-Houston, TX
[*][b]34. [url="http://www.toledodiocese.org/"]Bishop Leonard Blair[/url] of Toledo, OH[/b]
[*][b]35. [url="http://t.co/ExcotOxb"]Donald Cardinal Wuerl[/url] of Washington, DC[/b]
[*]36. [url="http://www.amarillodiocese.org/index.cfm?load=news&newsarticle=300"]Bishop Patrick Zurek[/url] of Amarillo, TX
[*]37. [url="http://www.diocesefwsb.org/2012/01/national-vocations-awareness-week-takes-place-jan-9-14/"]Bishop Kevin Rhoades[/url] of Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN
[*][b]38. [url="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/817573/Bishop%20Callahan%20Sunday%20Mass%20Letter%20Jan%2029%2C%202012.pdf"]Bishop William Callahan[/url] of La Crosse, WI[/b]
[*]39. [url="http://www.rcan.org/images/2011hhs.pdf"]Archbishop John Myers[/url] of Newark, NJ
[*]40. [url="http://dioceseofgaylord.org/inside/_170/index.phtml?artid=617"]Bishop Bernard Hebda[/url] of Gaylord, MI
[*][b]41. [url="http://www.dioceseoftrenton.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=1129"]Bishop David O’Connell[/url] of Trenton, NJ[/b]
[*][b]42. [url="http://dioceseoflincoln.org/Documents/PDFs/BishopLetter_Jan29_2012.pdf"]Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz[/url] of Lincoln, NE[/b]
[*][b]43. [url="http://www.diocesecc.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=388"]Bishop Michael Mulvey[/url] of Corpus Christi, TX[/b]
[*][b]44. [url="http://www.milarch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=dwJXKgOUJiIaG&b=6536793&ct=11609097&notoc=1"]Archbishop Timothy Broglio[/url] of Military Services, USA[/b]
[*][b]45. [url="http://www.pilotcatholicnews.com/upload/HHS_RULING.pdf"]Sean Cardinal O’Malley[/url] of Boston, MA[/b]
[*][b]46. [url="http://www.madisoncatholicherald.org/bishopsletters/2889-bp-letter.html"]Bishop Robert Morlino[/url] of Madison, WI[/b]
[*][b]47. [url="http://dioceseofcleveland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1814%3Abishop-to-parishes-religious-freedom-threatened-time-to-act&catid=109%3Anews-of-the-diocese&Itemid=81"]Bishop Richard Lennon[/url] of Cleveland, OH[/b]
[*][b]48. [url="http://www.arch-no.org/news/archbishop+aymond+reacts+to+hhs+mandate"]Archbishop Gregory Aymond[/url] of New Orleans, LA[/b]
[*][b]49. [url="http://www.dioceseofmarquette.org/upcarticle.asp?upcID=2558"]Bishop Alexander Sample[/url] of Marquette, MI[/b]
[*][color=#000000]50. [url="http://www.dioceseofraleigh.org/docs/news/HHSDecisionLetter1-30-12.pdf"]Bishop Michael Burbidge[/url] of Raleigh, NC[/color]
[*]51. [url="http://www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org/Documents/Bishop%20Hurley%20statements/Bishop_Hurley_HHS_2012-01-23.pdf"]Bishop Walter Hurley[/url] of Grand Rapids, MI
[*][b]52. [url="http://ct.dio.org/bishops-column/text/41-new-hhs-ruling-violates-our-first-amendment-rights.html"]Bishop Thomas Paprocki[/url] of Springfield, IL[/b]
[*][b]53. [url="http://thedialog.org/?p=3042"]Bishop Francis Malooly[/url] of Wilmington, DE[/b]
[*][b]54. [url="http://news.charlottediocese.net/component/content/article/50-roknewspager-viewpoints/1361-bishop-peter-j-jugis-we-must-stand-up-and-protect-religious-freedom"]Bishop Peter Jugis[/url] of Charlotte, NC[/b]
[*][b]55. [url="http://www.richmonddiocese.org/2012/1/headlines/us-department-health-and-human-services-announcement"]Bishop Francis DiLorenzo[/url] of Richmond, VA[/b]
[*][b]56. [url="http://www.catholicanchor.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Letter-from-Archbishop-Roger-Schwietz.pdf"]Archbishop Roger Schwietz[/url] of Anchorage, AK[/b]
[*][b]57. [url="http://www.fargodiocese.org/Bishop/TheFederalAssaultOnReligiousFreedom.pdf"]Bishop Samuel Aquila[/url] of Fargo, ND[/b]
[*]58. [url="http://www.diocesetucson.org/Jan12memo.html#Jan2312"]Bishop Gerald Kicanas[/url] of Tuscon, AZ
[*]59. [url="http://clarionherald.org/clarion/index.php/news/latest-news/155-breaking-news/545-louisiana-bishops-vigorously-oppose-new-dhhs-mandates-on-insurance-coverage-for-contraception-sterilization"]Bishop Robert Muench[/url] of Baton Rouge, LA
[*]60. [url="http://clarionherald.org/clarion/index.php/news/latest-news/155-breaking-news/545-louisiana-bishops-vigorously-oppose-new-dhhs-mandates-on-insurance-coverage-for-contraception-sterilization"]Bishop Sam Jacobs[/url] of Houma-Thibodaux, LA
[*]61. [url="http://clarionherald.org/clarion/index.php/news/latest-news/155-breaking-news/545-louisiana-bishops-vigorously-oppose-new-dhhs-mandates-on-insurance-coverage-for-contraception-sterilization"]Bishop Michael Jarrell[/url] of Lafayette, LA
[*]62. [url="http://clarionherald.org/clarion/index.php/news/latest-news/155-breaking-news/545-louisiana-bishops-vigorously-oppose-new-dhhs-mandates-on-insurance-coverage-for-contraception-sterilization"]Bishop Ronald Herzog[/url] of Alexandria, LA
[*]63. [url="http://clarionherald.org/clarion/index.php/news/latest-news/155-breaking-news/545-louisiana-bishops-vigorously-oppose-new-dhhs-mandates-on-insurance-coverage-for-contraception-sterilization"]Bishop Glen Provost[/url] of Lake Charles, LA
[*]64. [url="http://clarionherald.org/clarion/index.php/news/latest-news/155-breaking-news/545-louisiana-bishops-vigorously-oppose-new-dhhs-mandates-on-insurance-coverage-for-contraception-sterilization"]Bishop Michael Duca[/url] of Shreveport, LA
[*]65. [url="http://dg-web.dcgary.org/youth/bishophealth/bishophealth.htm"]Bishop Dale Melczek[/url] of Gary, IN
[*]66. [url="http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/catholicdioceseofwichita.org/office-of-the-bishop/documents/doc_view/2298-letter-from-bishop-jackels-regarding-recent-hhs-ruling"]Bishop Michael Jackels[/url] of Wichita, KS
[*][b]67. [url="http://www.catholicdos.org/File/Pat_Wildenberg/Bishop_letter_to_be_read_at_Masses_1-26-2012.pdf"]Bishop Peter Christensen[/url] of Superior, WI[/b]
[*][b]68. [url="http://www.orlandodiocese.org/en/component/k2/item/9027-religious-freedom-at-risk"]Bishop John Noonan[/url] of Orlando, FL[/b]
[*][b]69. [url="http://www.diosav.org/news-HHS-2012"]Bishop Gregory Hartmayer[/url] of Savannah, GA[/b]
[*]70. [url="http://www.diocese-sacramento.org/PDFs/SotoHealthCoverageAnnouncementEnglish.pdf"]Bishop Jaime Soto[/url] of Sacramento, CA
[*][b]71. [url="http://catholicphilly.com/2012/01/news/nation-world/catholic-voters-urged-to-press-us-government-to-rescind-hhs-mandate/"]Archbishop Charles Chaput[/url] of Philadelphia, PA[/b]
[*][b]72. [url="http://www.catholicidaho.org/en/Documents/HHS%20Mandate%20Bishop%27s%20Letter%201-27-2012.pdf"]Bishop Michael Driscoll[/url] of Boise, ID[/b]
[*][b]73. [url="http://syracusediocese.org/assets/Uploads/pdfs/HHS-Ruling-letter2012.PDF"]Bishop Robert Cunningham[/url] of Syracuse, NY[/b]
[*][b]74. [url="http://bismarckdiocese.com/"]Bishop David Kagan[/url] of Bismarck, ND[/b]
[*]75. [url="http://www.micatholicconference.org/assets/files/updates/20120126-BradleyLetter.pdf"]Bishop Paul Bradley[/url] of Kalamazoo, MI
[*][b]76. [url="http://www.stelizabethslubbock.com/pdf/Bulletin_01-29-12-1.pdf"]Bishop Placido Rodriguez[/url] of Lubbock, TX[/b]
[*]77. [url="http://www.archdpdx.org/letter-on-HHS-conscience-by-Archbishop.pdf"]Archbishop John Vlazny[/url] of Portland, OR
[*][b]78. [url="http://www.hbgdiocese.org/Admin/Uploads/Bishop/Bishop%20McFadden/Documents/Letters/Letter%20to%20Parishes%20on%20HHS%20decision%20January%202012%20(2).pdf"]Bishop Joseph McFadden[/url] of Harrisburg, PA[/b]
[*]79. [url="http://www.licatholic.org/bishops-column/faith-new-works-6"]Bishop William Murphy[/url] of Rockville Center, NY
[*]80. [url="http://www.diocs.org/Home.aspx"]Bishop Michael Sheridan[/url] of Colorado Springs, CO
[*]81. [url="http://www.diospringfield.org/about/index.html"]Bishop Timothy McDonnell[/url] of Springfield, MA
[*][b]82. [url="http://nativitycatholicchurch.org/userfiles/files/LetterFromTheBishop.pdf"]Bishop Robert Lynch[/url] of St. Petersburg, FL[/b]
[*]83. [url="http://www.archdioceseofhartford.org/"]Archbishop Henry Mansell[/url] of Hartford, CT
[*]84. [url="http://www.archdiocesesantafe.org/ABSheehan/ABSMessages/12.01.30.HHSContraception.pdf"]Archbishop Michael Sheehan[/url] of Santa Fe, NM
[*]85. [url="http://www.rapidcitydiocese.org/Home/Documents/HSS%20Ruling%20Letter.pdf"]Bishop Robert Gruss[/url] of Rapid City, SD
[*][b]86. [url="http://www.diocesepb.org/acrobat_files/2012/BishopBarbaritoltr_HHS_Jan2012.pdf"]Bishop Gerald Barbarito[/url] of Palm Beach, FL[/b]
[*]87. [url="http://www.norwichdiocese.org/news/?select=508"]Bishop Michael Cote[/url] of Norwich, CT
[*]88. [url="http://blessedjpiiparish.org/BishopKmiec.aspx"]Bishop Edward Kmiec[/url] of Buffalo, NY
[*]89. [url="http://www.archkck.org/document.doc?id=1130"]Archbishop Joseph Naumann[/url] of Kansas City, KS
[*][b]90. [url="http://www.archlou.org/letter-to-the-faithful-regarding-religious-liberty-and-hhs-regulations/"]Archbishop Joseph Kurtz[/url] of Louisville, KY[/b]
[*]91. [url="http://www.covingtondiocese.org/"]Bishop Roger Foys[/url] of Covington, KY
[*]92. [url="http://www.dnu.org/documents/HHSRuling.pdf"]Bishop John LeVoir[/url] of New Ulm, MN
[*]93. [url="http://sbdiocese.blogspot.com/2012/02/hhs-decision-stifles-religious-freedom.html"]Bishop Gerald Barnes[/url] of San Bernadino, CA
[*]94. [url="http://northcountrycatholic.org/Articles/2012/2_1HHS.html"]Bishop Terry LaValley[/url] of Ogdensburg, NY
[*]95. [url="http://www.vermontcatholic.org/files/537/Pastoral%20Healthcare%202012.pdf"]Bishop Salvatore Matano[/url] of Burlington, VT
[*][b]96. [url="http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Progress/ProgressThree.aspx"]Archbishop Peter Sartain[/url] of Seattle, WA[/b]
[*][b]97. [url="http://www.davenportdiocese.org/comm/commlib/HHS%20Mandate%20Bp%20Ltr%200112%20.pdf"]Bishop Martin Amos[/url] of Davenport, IA[/b]
[*][b]98. [url="http://www.archomaha.org/admin-services/archbishop.html"]Archbishop George Lucas[/url] of Omaha, NE[/b]
[*][b][b]99. [url="http://www.dioceseofjuneau.org/core/files/dioceseofjuneau/uploads/files/DioceseofJuneau/Bishop/BpBurnsHHSLetter-read-at-all-%20parishes.pdf"]Bishop Edward Burns[/url] of Juneau, AK[/b][/b]
[*][b][b]100. [url="https://docs.google.com/a/cascwinona.org/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=Y2FzY3dpbm9uYS5vcmd8YnVsbGV0aW58Z3g6NTQyMWJlMDE2OTU2MWU0ZQ"]Bishop John Quinn[/url] on Winona, MN[/b][/b]
[*][b][b]101. [url="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=1353108036e17e02&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D63ea6aad9e%26view%3Datt%26th%3D1353108036e17e02%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbRm40WwWksu1hzbx-UVdlGGWnPlfw&pli=1"]Bishop Joseph Cistone[/url] of Saginaw, MI[/b][/b]
[*][b][b][b]102. [url="http://www.diojeffcity.org/Home%20Page/Bishop%20Article.html"]Bishop John Gaydos[/url] of Jefferson City, MO[/b][/b][/b]
[*][b][b]103. [url="http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/"]Bishop Daniel Conlon[/url] of Joliet, IL[/b][/b]
[*][b][b]104. [url="http://www.themiscellany.org/index.php/news/3804-speak-out-against-mandated-coverage-of-sterilzation-and-contraceptives-bishop-says"]Bishop Robert Guglielmone[/url] of Charleston, SC[/b][/b]
[*][b]105. [url="http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103469569620-65/HHS+Mandate+Bulletin+Insert+-+Update.pdf"]Bishop Frank Dewane[/url] of Venice, FL[/b]
[*]106. [url="http://www.dmdiocese.org/bishop-pates-statements.cfm"]Bishop Richard Pates[/url] of Des Moines, IA
[*][b]107. [url="http://www.worcesterdiocese.org/bishop/HHSLetter/tabid/1295/Default.aspx"]Bishop Robert McManus[/url] of Worcester, MA[/b]
[*]108. [url="http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ToPriestsHHSlettertofaithfulENGLISH012712.pdf"]Bishop James Tamayo[/url] of Laredo, TX
[*][b]109. [url="http://www.parma.org/"]Bishop John Kudrick[/url], Eparchy of Parma, OH[/b]
[*]110. [url="http://www.cathedral-church.org/hhs-ruling.pdf"]Bishop John Barres[/url] of Allentown, PA
[*]111. [url="http://www.cdlex.org/index.cfm"]Bishop Ronald Gainer[/url] of Lexington, KY (better link needed)
[*]112. [url="http://www.dioceseofgreensburg.org/Pages/HHSstatement.aspx"]Bishop Lawrence Brandt[/url] of Greensburg, PA
[*]113. [url="http://www.yakimadiocese.org/123-archbishop-dolan-article-contraception-mandate"]Bishop Joseph Tyson[/url] of Yakima, WA
[*]114. [url="http://saintanneslo.com/wordpress/bulletins/2012/01-29-12.pdf"]Bishop Gerald Dino[/url], Eparchy of Phoenix, AZ
[*][b]115. [url="http://doy.org/files/Scroller/BishopLetter.pdf"]Bishop George Murry[/url] of Youngstown, OH[/b]
[*][b]116. [url="http://www.stsophiaukrainian.cc/resources/wewillnotcomply/"]Bishop Richard Seminack[/url], Eparchy of Chicago, IL[/b]
[*][b]117. [url="http://www.dioceseoflansing.org/"]Bishop Earl Boyea[/url] of Lansing, MI[/b]
[*][b]118. [url="http://rcbo.org/component/content/article/3/530-bishop-brown-speaks-out-on-hhs-mandate.html"]Bishop Tod Brown[/url] of Orange, CA[/b]
[*][b]119. [url="http://www.dioscg.org/"]Bishop James Johnston[/url] of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO[/b]
[*][b]120. [url="http://www.dioceseofgallup.org/index.php"]Bishop James Wall[/url] of Gallup, NM (better link needed)[/b]
[*]121. [url="http://www.patersondiocese.org/page.cfm?Web_ID=4487"]Bishop Arthur Serratelli[/url] of Paterson, NJ
[*]122. [url="http://www.dor.org/tasks/sites/home/assets/File/Bishop%20Clark%20letter.pdf"]Bishop Matthew Clark[/url] of Rochester, NY
[*]123. [url="http://www.dioceseofpueblo.org/images/stories/bishop/healthcare.pdf"]Bishop Fernando Isern[/url] of Pueblo, CO
[*][b]124. [url="http://dioknox.org/home/bishops-vow-to-fight-hhs-edict/"]Bishop Richard Stika[/url] of Knoxville, TN[/b]
[*]125. [url="http://www.dwc.org/component/content/article/189-latest-news/1119-bishop-bransfield-releases-statement-on-conscience-protection-in-health-care-and-religious-liberty.html"]Bishop Michael Bransfield[/url] of Wheeling-Charleston, WV
[*]126. [url="http://www.arch.pvt.k12.ia.us/Administration/archmessages/HHS-HealthMandateLetter.pdf"]Archbishop Jerome Hanus[/url] of Dubuque, IA
[*]127. [url="http://www.diocese-sdiego.org/"]Bishop Robert Brom[/url] of San Diego, CA (forthcoming, I am told)
[*]128. [url="http://dioceseofnashville.com/index.htm"]Bishop David Choby[/url] of Nashville, TN (forthcoming, I am told)
[*]129. [url="http://www.elpasodiocese.org/documents/letterToParishes012512.pdf"]Bishop Armando Ochoa[/url] of Fresno, CA (also apostolic administrator of [url="http://www.elpasodiocese.org/documents/letterToParishes012512.pdf"]El Paso, TX[/url])
[*]130. [url="http://www.eparchyofpassaic.com/"]Archbishop-elect William Skurla[/url], Eparchy of Pittsburgh (better link needed)
[*]131. [url="http://www.sfcatholic.org/Bishop/documents/HHS%20Statement_Feb%202012.pdf"]Bishop Paul Swain[/url] of Sioux Falls, SD
[*]132. [url="http://www.camdendiocese.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2149:bishop-galantes-letter-on-healthcare-mandate&catid=33:press-releases-a-latest-news&Itemid=1203"]Bishop Joseph Galante[/url] of Camden, NJ
[*]133. [url="http://www.fallriverdiocese.org/ltr%20on%20HHS%20ruling.pdf"]Bishop George Coleman[/url] of Fall River, MA
[*][b]134. [url="http://freepdfhosting.com/d7caf7b7fb.pdf"]Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller[/url] of San Antonio, TX[/b]
[*][i][url="http://home.catholicweb.com/diosteub/files/HHS_ruling_2012__2_.pdf"]Monsignor Kurt Kemo[/url] (apostolic administrator) of Steubenville, OH[/i]
[*][i][url="http://salinadiocese.org/"]Father Barry Brinkman[/url] (apostolic administrator) of Salina, KS[/i]
[*]135. [url="http://www.cdom.org/wtc/stories/wtcstory3.htm"]Bishop Terry Steib[/url] of Memphis, TN
[*][i][url="http://www.dioceseofbaker.org/PRO_LIFE_PDF_FILES/HHSLetterBpSkylstad01292012.English.pdf"]Bishop William Skystad[/url] (apostolic administrator) of Baker, OR[/i]
[*]136. [url="http://www.diocese-kcsj.org/_docs/Conscience-Protection-01-31-2012.pdf"]Bishop Robert Finn[/url] of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, MO
[*]137. [url="http://www.stocktondiocese.org/Our-Bishop/Bishop-s-Statements/Health-and-Human-Services-Statement-02-2012"]Bishop Stephen Blaire[/url] of Stockton, CA
[*]138. [url="http://www.diocesehelena.org/"]Bishop George Thomas[/url] of Helena, MT (forthcoming)
[*]139. [url="http://www.diobelle.org/"]Bishop Edward Braxton[/url] of Belleville, IL (forthcoming)
[*]140. [url="http://www.thecatholicmoment.org/columns/2012/bishops%20column%20020512.html"]Bishop Timothy Doherty[/url] of Lafayette, IN
[*][b]141. [url="http://www.dioceseofgfb.org/userfiles/file/ParishionerLtr%20HHS%20Rule.pdf"]Bishop Michael Warfel[/url] of Great Falls-Billings, MT[/b]
[*][b]142. [url="http://www.txcatholic.org/index.php/news/1416-tcc-speaks-our-against-hhs-rule-calls-for-action"]Bishop Michael Pfeifer[/url] of San Angelo, TX[/b]
[*][url="http://www.archny.org/news-events/news-press-releases/index.cfm?i=23259"]Edward Cardinal Egan[/url] of New York City, NY (Emeritus)
[*]143. [url="http://www.gidiocese.org/home.aspx"]Bishop William Dendinger[/url] of Grand Island, NE (forthcoming)
[*]144. [url="http://www.thericatholic.com/news/detail.html?sub_id=4723"]Bishop Thomas Tobin[/url] of Providence, RI
[*]145. [url="http://dioceseofbmt.org/"]Bishop Curtis Guillory[/url] of Beaumont, TX (forthcoming)
[*]146. [url="http://www.cdob.org/frontpage-news-items/397-urgent-action-alert"]Bishop Daniel Flores[/url] of Brownsville, TX
[*]147. [url="http://dioceseoftulsa.org/article.asp?nID=4429"]Bishop Edward Slattery[/url] of Tulsa, OK
[*]148. [url="http://www.dioceseaj.org/node/507"]Bishop Mark Bartchak[/url] of Altoona-Johnstown, PA
[*]149. [url="http://www.utahcatholicdiocese.org/index.jsp"]Bishop John Wester[/url] of Salt Lake City, ID
[*]150. [url="https://dioceseofreno.org/userpages/index.aspx"]Bishop Joseph Pepe[/url] of Los Vegas, NV
[*]151. [url="https://dioceseofreno.org/userpages/index.aspx"]Bishop Randolph Cavo[/url] of Reno, NV
[*][i][url="http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/HHS-Response_1.pdf"]Bishop Alvaro Corrada[/url] (apostolic administrator) of Tyler, TX[/i]
[*]152. [url="http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/HHS-Rule-Response-from-Bishop-DiMarzio-20100202.pdf"]Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio[/url] of Brooklyn, NY
[*]153. [url="http://www.themessageonline.org/local/2012/02-03/mandate.html"]Bishop Charles Thompson[/url] of Evansville, IN
[*]
[/list]

[Winchester]

[quote name='Maggie' timestamp='1328475021' post='2381625']
They can't publically advise people which candidate to vote for. That's how you lose your tax-exempt status. And yeah, there's more important things than being tax exempt, but being tax exempt enables a lot of the church's ministry. Think what the real estate bill would be on St. Patrick's Cathedral alone. Think about what happens to properties where the owners can't meet their tax obligations. It becomes the property of the state. Bleh.

Besides which they really shouldn't have to tell people. It should be obvious on its face, if the people are well-formed. It's a much better strategy to focus on converting the sheep in your flock and educating them on what it means to care for the least of these, rather than just giving them instructions how to fill out their ballot.
[/quote]
All I got out of that was that they were scared. They are princes of the Church. Molon labe.

[catholicinsd]

What Ed does not realize is that he is subject to the Mighty Power of the Most Excellent Bishops. How dare he blaspheme.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Righteous Anger' timestamp='1328478234' post='2381676']
What Ed does not realize is that he is subject to the Mighty Power of the Most Excellent Bishops. How dare he blaspheme.
[/quote]
The USCCB has no authority beyond that of any individual bishop in his own diocese.

[eagle_eye222001]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' timestamp='1328478348' post='2381679']
The USCCB has no authority beyond that of any individual bishop in his own diocese.
[/quote]

Which is what makes it so weak. Although funny enough, liberals love quoting USCCB documents like they are Catholic mandates......cite a papal encyclical and they'll ask what's that? True story.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='eagle_eye222001' timestamp='1328481084' post='2381769']
Which is what makes it so weak. Although funny enough, liberals love quoting USCCB documents like they are Catholic mandates......cite a papal encyclical and they'll ask what's that? True story.
[/quote]
And don't even think about citing an encyclical or motu proprio from any time before 1969.

[Papist]

I don't get the purpose of this thread. Can some explain?

[Winchester]

Your face

[Norseman82]

[quote name='qfnol31' timestamp='1328475307' post='2381630']
[list]
[*][b]116. [url="http://www.stsophiaukrainian.cc/resources/wewillnotcomply/"]Bishop Richard Seminack[/url], Eparchy of Chicago, IL[/b]
[*]
[/list]
[/quote]

I clicked on the link for Bishop Seminack, and what caught my eye was the tab for "Pierogies"...

Edited February 6, 2012 by Norseman82

[qfnol31]

[quote name='Norseman82' timestamp='1328494731' post='2381894']


I clicked on the link for Bishop Seminack, and what caught my eye was the tab for "Pierogies"...
[/quote] Pierogi, perogi, pierogy, perogy, pierógi, pyrogy, pyrohy, pirohi, varenyky, vareniki, вареники…whatever you call them, we have ‘em!-Sauerkraut--Potato with Sauerkraut--Potato with Farmer’s coagulated milk--Potato with Cheddar coagulated milk--Potato with Onion--Potato with Jalapeño-

[Papist]

[quote name='Winchester' timestamp='1328491531' post='2381860']
Your face
[/quote]

You mean this thread is about this?

[img]http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-06/vbsaDstJubqDAEbDGEwbufIefHfBoChADGnBjdJvghhzEnDrsiyihGsoekEj/my_face.JPG.scaled500.jpg[/img]