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Posted February 8, 2012 by Charlie Van Dyke in From The Editor
Recently, much has been reported about the conflict between the Roman Catholic church and the government on the question mandatory inclusion of contraception services as part of health insurance. There are exceptions for some churches and organizations. Still, the Roman Catholic church holds the position that this is an assault on religious liberty. A Letter To The Editor in The Arizona Republic expresses a view that we support. Here is the letter.
"I am writing this as a practicing Catholic. I'm distressed that the Catholic bishops, especially our local bishop, have decided to take on this fight with the Obama administration in this manner ("Bishop: Defy feds on birth control," Jan. 28).
A letter from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted casting this law to all parishioners as a blow to our "religious liberty" was included in last week's bulletin. I strongly disagree.
The church can and should help its members to an informed understanding of their faith. However, while bishops may be opposed to contraception, studies have shown that 98 percent of Catholic women have used contraception at some point in their lives.
Clearly, the bishops do not speak for all Catholics! Many have even argued that abortion teaching has been misapplied in specific cases: e.g. when the life of the mother is at stake.
The Department of Health and Human Services is not coercing its will to practice contraception or to have abortions.
This is not an assault on our liberty or our faith. It is the bishops who are coercing their will on the faithful."
-- Jozef de Groot, Scottsdale
We would add that, in our view, the position of the Roman Catholic bishops may appear to be an attempt to force Catholic beliefs on non-Catholics. While certain services may be available through health insurance, Catholics (or anyone covered) remains free not to use those services.
Could it not follow that those who do not believe in drinking alcohol would be correct in asking the country to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages?
We believe that each person has the right to follow their own beliefs under the law without being forced to comply with the religious dogma of others.
"I am writing this as a practicing Catholic. I'm distressed that the Catholic bishops, especially our local bishop, have decided to take on this fight with the Obama administration in this manner ("Bishop: Defy feds on birth control," Jan. 28).
A letter from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted casting this law to all parishioners as a blow to our "religious liberty" was included in last week's bulletin. I strongly disagree.
The church can and should help its members to an informed understanding of their faith. However, while bishops may be opposed to contraception, studies have shown that 98 percent of Catholic women have used contraception at some point in their lives.
Clearly, the bishops do not speak for all Catholics! Many have even argued that abortion teaching has been misapplied in specific cases: e.g. when the life of the mother is at stake.
The Department of Health and Human Services is not coercing its will to practice contraception or to have abortions.
This is not an assault on our liberty or our faith. It is the bishops who are coercing their will on the faithful."
-- Jozef de Groot, Scottsdale
We would add that, in our view, the position of the Roman Catholic bishops may appear to be an attempt to force Catholic beliefs on non-Catholics. While certain services may be available through health insurance, Catholics (or anyone covered) remains free not to use those services.
Could it not follow that those who do not believe in drinking alcohol would be correct in asking the country to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages?
We believe that each person has the right to follow their own beliefs under the law without being forced to comply with the religious dogma of others.
mary vincent wrote at February 8, 2012
0 Votes 
I don't know if abortion is right or wrong but I do know that the daughters of rich people will always be able to attain one and the poor kids will have the babies. I always wondered if anti-abortionists followed up their behaviour by helping poor kids with money, or homes, for their babies. The Catholic Church has always worked with a high level of hypocrisy. Take its no divorce versus its giving annulments to those who can pay for them. Churches have no business being involved in enacting laws, or influencing politicians. Help othes, become involved in good works, and mind your own business
Jack Redwin wrote at February 8, 2012
0 Votes
There are many instances where I think either the government or the church should back off, but abortion is a huge deal. It is taking an innocent life. I am completely against this and don't think people should get help paying for taking a life.
Allen Jones wrote at February 8, 2012
0 Votes
I'm all for government getting off our back but it is taking of a life. I'm shocked that people are getting financial aid for killing of an innocent child.
Susan Devine wrote at February 8, 2012
0 Votes
I personally don't agree with abortion, but I think it is a person's choice. I feel like people are going to do what they want anyway. It just depends on the means by which they will choose to do it.
Samir Khuller wrote at February 8, 2012
0 Votes
Same here, I'm all for freedom of choice despite seeing those videos what goes on makes me...ugh.
Stormie Barella wrote at February 8, 2012
0 Votes
I think everyone had a right to make their own choices and do what they believe to be right. The alcohol reference is a perfect example. Just because we might not believe in something doesn't mean everyone else has to follow suit.
English (US) 