Bishops too involved in US Politics?

[WatchingMedia]

On June 2 - 4, a Committee of Canadian, Mexican and US Bishops will be meeting to discuss Migration. Many of the US Bishops attending have taken a position against the Arizona law at one time or another over the past several weeks.

I think many will agree that the primary responsibility of US Bishops is to save Amercian souls. The primary responsbility of Canadian Bishops is to save Canadian souls. The primary resonsiblity of Mexican Bishops is to save Mexican souls. (Much like the Apostles taught in different areas and were given the gift of language.)

As far as has been proven there is no genocide, religious persecution, starvation, or other grave situations to cause significant numbers of refugees.
There will be no significant splitting up of families since there are 11 million Illegal immigrants in the US and each has a right to his/her day in Court - at US expense -since they are entitled to an Attorney if they can not afford one.

In the US, over 80% of all baptized Catholics do not attend Sunday Mass on a regular basis.

So the 7 questions that need to be answered are:

1. Have the US Bishops done their primary job well enough to allow them to spend valuable time getting involved in government politics under “Social Justice”?
2. Looking at their very active “Social Justice” political program on the USCCB web site, which gives almost no reference to the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition”, how do you feel about many of your Bishops getting so involved in politics?
3. By the Bishops sending so many communications to government officials which are not grave issues, some under the guise of the “poor” and even lending themselves toward socialism, how does this effect your rights to choose how you wish to vote ?
4. Do you trust the current President and current Congress to make good immigration changes on behalf of the USA ?
5. Are the Bishops hurting their credibility and driving some away from the Faith by being so involved in politics including “climate change”?
6. Do the Bishops understand the financial ramifications, employment ramifications, and all other aspects of politics to make a well informed, intelligent decision, or will they merely be ingnored by those in Washington - or be “used” to support one side or the other?
7. What impact will this have on our Church in the US ?
8. Are US Bishops leading us into Socialism?

See USCCB web site before answering.
usccb.org/
then click on “Social Justice Issues”, and start reading. You will be surprised, including their post card campaign.

I hate to say this, but when you look at all the Social Justice and Political issues on the web site - including a statement that they need to “shape” society, I would pull their tax exempt status. They have become a socialist PAC, that does not look like the Catechism teachings.

Here are some facts before you answer.
American unemployment currently at 9.9%
dol.gov/
Mexico unemployment rate at 6%. indexmundi.com/mexico/unemployment_rate.html
States borrowing millions and billions from Feds for unemployment of Americans.
economicpolicyjournal.com/2010/05/32-states-have-borrowed-from-treasury.html
economicpolicyjournal.com/2010/05/32-states-have-borrowed-from-treasury.html

Due to US Government over-spending that will effect most American families (taxypayers) for many years to come,the USA in no longer a weathly Country, and should not be considered as such.

U.S. posts 19th straight monthly budget deficit
WASHINGTON
" The United States posted an $82.69 billion deficit in April, nearly four times the $20.91 billion shortfall registered in April 2009 and the largest on record for that month, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday.

It was more than twice the $40-billion deficit that Wall Street economists surveyed by Reuters had forecast and was striking since April marks the filing deadline for individual income taxes that are the main source of government revenue.
Department officials said that in prior years, there was a surplus during April in 43 out of the past 56 years.
The government has now posted 19 consecutive monthly budget deficits, the longest string of shortfalls on record.

For the first seven months of fiscal 2010, which ends September 30, the cumulative budget deficit totals $799.68 billion, down slightly from $802.3 billion in the comparable period of fiscal 2009.
Outlays during April rose to $327.96 billion from $218.75 billion in March and were up from $287.11 billion in April 2009. It was a record level of outlays for an April.
Department officials noted there were five Fridays in April this year, which helped account for higher outlays since most tax refunds are issued on that day.
But for the first seven months of the fiscal year, outlays fell to $1.99 trillion from $2.06 trillion in the comparable period of fiscal 2009, partly because of repayments by banks of bailout funds they received during the financial crisis.
Receipts in April – mostly from income taxes – were $245.27 billion, up from $153.36 billion in March but lower than the $266.21 billion taken in during April 2009.
Receipts from individuals, who faced an April 15 filing deadline for paying 2009 taxes, fell to $107.31 billion from $137.67 billion in April 2009.
The U.S. full-year deficit this year is projected at $1.5 trillion on top of a $1.4 trillion shortfall last year.
White House budget director Peter Orszag told Reuters Insider in an interview on Wednesday that the United States must tackle its deficits quickly to avoid the kind of debt crisis that hit Greece."

---

 

[MarkThompson]

If I wanted a string of bland political talking points that long, I’d watch Robert Gibbs’ next presser. Thanks, but no thanks.

 

[CMatt25]

No significant splitting up of families? Maybe not unless parents of American born citizens are deported.

Have the bishops done their job enough to get involved in other issues such as abortion, gay rights, stem cells? Why do you only question the bishops getting involved in issues Christ spoke about the most? Such as the poor.

Well apparently from what I am told on CAF my right to vote is affected because I am only allowed to vote for more conservative candidates.

I trust the current POTUS and Congress on immigration more so than I might others. But they didn’t go far enough on healthcare so I don’t trust them blindly.

Yes indeed the bishops are driving people away but more so on other issues.

Uh no the bishops are not leading us into socialism.

Were you as worried about spending all that money on 2 wars? One of which was waged against a country which had nothing to with attacking us.

Peace.

 

[WatchingMedia]

You have not used the USCCB web site to support your statements.

1. It is loaded with politics under “Social Justice Issues” (only a few of which are legitimate).
2. It gives directions to Priests, and Educators - to tell us what to do.
3. When are they going to get back to the tough issues of bringing souls back to the Church?
4. They quote themselves rather than the Catechism of the Catholic Church most of the time to prove they are correct !

 

[CMatt25]

You have not used the USCCB web site to support your statements.

1. It is loaded with politics under “Social Justice Issues” (only a few of which are legitimate).
2. It gives directions to Priests, and Educators - to tell us what to do.
3. When are they going to get back to the tough issues of bringing souls back to the Church?
4. They quote themselves rather than the Catechism of the Catholic Church most of the time to prove they are correct !

I don’t need the bishops site to tell me the direction of the CC. I sadly see it with my own eyes. I’ve had a priest telling us to vote Republican because of one issue. I had another priest saying his answer to the poor is to get a job. That’s a nice thing to say when we were in the midst of the worst economic times since the Great Depression. Speaking of driving away, needless to say I haven’t been back there. I’m running out of places to attend Mass without having to hear the politically conservative agenda. I’ve had abortion chains at the CC around the corner. But no chain for the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the sick. No chain against war.

Who needs the bishops site to tell us the direction of the CC is politically conservative? Which in my view is polar opposite of the direction Christ spoke. Though actually not in the conservative direction politically but already there. I even have CAF for that! Peace.

 

[Royael]

Somebody needs to get involved, we have too many issues that threaten our way of life happening in this country.

There must be a voice that cries in the wilderness.

 

[WatchingMedia]

The Bishops site under “social justice issues” in many (but not all) issues is far to the left,
and the same are not supported by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, first printed in the US in March 2000.

No Priest when doing his priestly duty should tell anyone “how” to vote, or link the USCCB to any site that tells people to send post cards, etc.
(That is clearly PAC under the law.)

Bishops, Priests and those teaching catechesis should be right down the middle and in accord with our Catechism.
Nothing else is acceptable.

 

[JReducation]

It works both ways. If the laity does not want the bishops or the popes to call the government to task on social issues that have moral repurcussions, then the laity should take on that task instead of tryign to write a job description of the bishops and popes.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[CMatt25]

The Bishops site under “social justice issues” in many (but not all) issues is far to the left,
and the same are not supported by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, first printed in the US in March 2000.

No Priest when doing his priestly duty should tell anyone “how” to vote, or link the USCCB to any site that tells people to send post cards, etc.
(That is clearly PAC under the law.)

Bishops, Priests and those teaching catechesis should be right down the middle and in accord with our Catechism.
Nothing else is acceptable.

Oh well give it a few more yrs when some of the younger ones gain more numbers. Then maybe you’ll see the bishops going in the direction you want. It’s already sadly happening on the local level with priests. I first and foremost am interested if the social justice issues you are concerned about are supported by Christ. Not as much on whether they’re supported or not by catechism. I’m pretty sure Christ wants the emphasis on the poor, the climate change to his enviroment you alluded to. The sick, homeless, hungry. Peace issues. Those things He spoke about for blessed righteousness. And of course love and compassion. Not hatred and prejudice. But that’s me. God bless. Peace.

 

[diggerdomer]

I think many will agree that the primary responsibility of US Bishops is to save Amercian souls. The primary responsbility of Canadian Bishops is to save Canadian souls. The primary resonsiblity of Mexican Bishops is to save Mexican souls. (Much like the Apostles taught in different areas and were given the gift of language.)

I’d recommend considering what the Catholic Church teaches regarding what the primary responsibility of Bishops is. See Vatican II documents (especially but not limited to Lumen Gentium and Christus Dominus) and the Catechism.

 

[WatchingMedia]

Bishops, Priests, Nuns, Catholic Theologians must adhere to the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition” - just like the rest of us.

They can not take any writings of the Pope out of context, and the Bishops have no authority without agreement of the Pope.
Paragraph 883 CCC, 2nd Edition.

Jesus did not mix individual responsibilties with that of governmental responsibilities. The Bishops should not either.

Bishops should only be involved in political issues that are proven to have grave moral consequences.
In their area of responsibility - strengthening the Church in the United States –
• catechesis of cradle Catholics and all others in accord with the Church Catechism and Canon law;
• opposing taxpayer funded abortion and euthanasia;
• supporting conscience clauses for those in the medical profession, and for charitable organizations (freedom of Religion);
• opposing gay marriage (sodomy);
Global warming and Social Justice WITHIN the United States are merely secondary smoke screens that detract from the real work of the Church that needs to be done

 

[LookAWayDixieLd]

1. I do not recall any part of Christ teachings that said one group of people should steal or forcibly take someone else’s property and hand it over to another group. That is what, has been and is going on for the last 45yrs.
2. The Social Justice that accelerated in the 1960’s and 70’s has had a devastating effect on the poor. It is by and large a failure. That is why LBJ and Carter were one term failures.

 

[h1478971]

They shuld stick to saving the souls of their respective diocese and not worry about immigration.

 

[SisterSnowflake]

:I’m pretty sure Christ wants the emphasis on the poor, the climate change to his enviroment you alluded to. The sick, homeless, hungry. Peace issues. Those things He spoke about for blessed righteousness. And of course love and compassion. Not hatred and prejudice. But that’s me. God bless. Peace.

With all due respect, when I read the Gospels, I see that Christ came for ALL people, not just the poor. Of course, He loved the poor, but He loved everyone…children, tax collectors, sinners, etc.

There seems to be a great danger today in reducing the Gospel & Christ Himself to a social work program & a great social worker; we are sadly mistaken if we allow ourselves to be taken down that road.

OF COURSE, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, etc., but do not make the mistake of thinking that Christ’s mission was to create an earthly utopia.

God bless.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

.

Why do you only question the bishops getting involved in issues Christ spoke about the most? Such as the poor.
.

Uh no the bishops are not leading us into socialism.

Were you as worried about spending all that money on 2 wars? One of which was waged against a country which had nothing to with attacking us.

Peace.

The poor? Can you define what you mean by that very broad term?

A country doesn’t have to ‘attack us’ to be a threat or to lead to far greater evils.

 

[CMatt25]

Jesus did not mix individual responsibilties with that of governmental responsibilities.

Matt 22:21 “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” Individuals have obviously failed. I even have a priest who said his answer to the poor is to get a job in a recession. So if “Caesar” needs to take on some responsibility then follow Christ and render what He told you to. Peace.

 

[CMatt25]

1. I do not recall any part of Christ teachings that said one group of people should steal or forcibly take someone else’s property and hand it over to another group. That is what, has been and is going on for the last 45yrs.
2. The Social Justice that accelerated in the 1960’s and 70’s has had a devastating effect on the poor. It is by and large a failure. That is why LBJ and Carter were one term failures.

Matt 22:21 “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” Individuals have obviously failed. I even have a priest who said his answer to the poor is to get a job in a recession. If the poor had been left to themselves for the past 45 yrs they’d be more devasted. So if “Caesar” needs to take on some responsibility then follow Christ and render what He told you to. Peace.

 

[Brendan]

Matt 22:21 “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” Individuals have obviously failed. I even have a priest who said his answer to the poor is to get a job in a recession. So if “Caesar” needs to take on some responsibility then follow Christ and render what He told you to. Peace.

But to who did Christ tell “Feed my Lambs” (John 21:15)

Was it to Peter or to Ceasear?

So is the work of feeding the lambs God’s work or the work of Ceasar? And if we give to Caesar what really belongs to God, is that doing what Christ asked us to do in Matthew?

Perhaps you misunderstood your priest. The Church DOES require that all who CAN work, do so.

We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

2 Thess 3

I had to this myself when I was laid off. I am an engineer, but I spend time doing yardwork and painting fences via ads I put up in grocery stores, until the economy improved. All moral work is good work, and many forget that.

 

[CMatt25]

With all due respect, when I read the Gospels, I see that Christ came for ALL people, not just the poor. Of course, He loved the poor, but He loved everyone…children, tax collectors, sinners, etc.

There seems to be a great danger today in reducing the Gospel & Christ Himself to a social work program & a great social worker; we are sadly mistaken if we allow ourselves to be taken down that road.

OF COURSE, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, etc., but do not make the mistake of thinking that Christ’s mission was to create an earthly utopia.

God bless.

There is no mistake or danger when you follow Christ’s path to righteousness. He spells it out very clearly for us in Matt 25:35-45.

The word poor is mentioned 23 times in the Gospels alone of the Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition. The word abortion I’m still searching for. Peace.

 

[CMatt25]

But to who did Christ tell “Feed my Lambs” (John 21:15)

Was it to Peter or to Ceasear?

So is the work of feeding the lambs God’s work or the work of Ceasar? And if we give to Caesar what really belongs to God, is that doing what Christ asked us to do in Matthew?

Perhaps you misunderstood your priest. The Church DOES require that all who CAN work, do so.

2 Thess 3

I had to this myself when I was laid off. I am an engineer, but I spend time doing yardwork and painting fences via ads I put up in grocery stores, until the economy improved. All moral work is good work, and many forget that.

And if “Peter” or we as individuals don’t do enough? Have you become perfect and sold all of your posessions to give even more to the poor? I know I am not perfect. But maybe you are. Matt 19:21 “Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me.”
Or if “Peter” has his priorties mixed up?

And no I did not misunderstand my priest. Why is it CAF Caholics always jump to the conclusion that someone doesn’t understand? He was clear and I haven’t been back there since.

Good for you. I’ve been known to mow a yard or two myself in my time. Thank God we were physically able to do so and there were enough yards not already being mowed. Peace and God bless you.