P
PoliSciProf
Guest
A true story: CROP Walk is a Protestant eucumenical group that has has been sponsoring community walks to raise money for U.S. and world disaster relief. Three bishops ago, Catholics routinely walked in the local CROP (Communities Reaching Out to People) Walk either as individuals or as parish groups. Two Bishops ago, the bishop publicly urged Catholics NOT to participate because a small amount of the money went to purchase condoms especially in the third world where AIDS is a major concern. CROP Walk is a pretty big deal in the community where I live with many big corporate sponsors and much, much media coverage. Turnout is Huge. Needless to say, there was much letter writing and editorializing in all of the local media about the Bishop’s urging Catholic withdrawal. Current bishop has backed off and now Catholics are back as participants in this annual affair. Who is correct: Bishops one and three or Bishop two? What are the limits to participation with other churches in social justice issues? I note that I have worked with Protestants on abortion issues. I also note that during the second bishop’s time, parishes sold script which could be used in lieu of cash (the parishes got the rebate when script was used) in many grocery markets, all of whom displayed and sold condoms. Was Bishop two imprudent in making this a major issue? Your comments please.