Denver archbishop warns legislation endangers Catholic Charities

[buffalo]

Denver archbishop warns legislation endangers Catholic Charities

Denver, Jan 23, 2008 / 10:40 am (CNA).- A proposed Colorado law restricting religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws could threaten the Catholic character of charitable organizations that receive government funds. The Colorado Catholic Conference has heard from numerous sources pointing to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as being connected to the legislation.
The bill is so restrictive that it would forbid preferring Catholics for appointment to key leadership positions in Catholic non-profit organizations. The local archbishop has even advised the public that he will have to end Catholic Charities’ involvement with government programs if the bill passes.
The summary of Colorado legislature’s House Bill 1080(HB 1080) says that the bill “limits the applicability of the exception from compliance with employment nondiscrimination laws for religious corporations, associations, educational institutions, or societies when employing persons to provide services that are funded with government funds.”

 

[johnnykins]

Denver archbishop warns legislation endangers Catholic Charities

Denver, Jan 23, 2008 / 10:40 am (CNA).- A proposed Colorado law restricting religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws could threaten the Catholic character of charitable organizations that receive government funds. The Colorado Catholic Conference has heard from numerous sources pointing to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as being connected to the legislation.
The bill is so restrictive that it would forbid preferring Catholics for appointment to key leadership positions in Catholic non-profit organizations. The local archbishop has even advised the public that he will have to end Catholic Charities’ involvement with government programs if the bill passes.
The summary of Colorado legislature’s House Bill 1080(HB 1080) says that the bill “limits the applicability of the exception from compliance with employment nondiscrimination laws for religious corporations, associations, educational institutions, or societies when employing persons to provide services that are funded with government funds.”

On general principles I think the Church has made an error in accepting government money in the first place - Catholic Charities, education, etc… When the Church does so it lets the government have a say on how it operates. It’s a prudential judgment by the Church to accept such monies - more money to do more things and serve more people in need. But, it cedes to the government the ability to set rules and regulations, etc., that the Church must abide by. I simply believe the Church will be better off - and society better off - if the Church does not accept government money at all. Others will clearly disagree.