Archbishop of Denver warns that Conn. bill threatens Catholics everywhere

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Comments: 28

Archbishop Charles Chaput

Denver, Colo., Mar 9, 2009 / 05:53 pm (CNA).- Although the legislation in question was introduced in Connecticut, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver has issued a statement on a bill that would effectively sever the relationship between a bishop and his pastors and parishes. Archbishop Chaput says in his statement, "What Happens in Connecticut Matters Here," that the bill is "bad public policy in every sense."

The Senate Bill 1098 was introduced last Thursday by the chairs of the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut State Legislature: Senator Andrew McDonald of Stamford and Representative Michael Lawlor of East Haven.

Sen. McDonald and Rep. Lawlor are both homosexual activists, who have opposed the local Church’s efforts to defend marriage between a man and a woman.

The bill’s supposed purpose is to increase financial oversight of the Church, following two recent embezzlement cases.

However, the proposed legislation also reorganizes the internal structure of the Church, removing the bishop as the head of the board of the parishes in his diocese and requiring the pastor to report to a board composed of laity instead of the bishop. Under the bill, the bishop is also relegated to being an "ex officio" member of the board, without voting rights.

Addressing the perception that outsiders have of the Church as "a monolith," Archbishop Chaput said that "the opposite is true."

"Her real structure is much closer to a confederation of families. Each diocese or ‘local Church’ is accountable to the Holy See and in relation to one another within the Catholic faith," the archbishop explained.

"Bigoted legislators," Chaput said in reference to Sen. McDonald and Rep. Lawlor, "including some who claim to be nominally or formerly ‘Catholic,’ are thankfully uncommon. Most lawmakers, whatever their convictions, sincerely seek to serve the common good.

"But prejudice against the Catholic Church has a long pedigree in the United States. And rarely has belligerence toward the Church been so perfectly and nakedly captured as in Connecticut’s pending Senate Bill 1098, which, in the words of Hartford’s Archbishop Henry Mansell, ‘directly attacks the Roman Catholic Church and our Faith.’"

"In effect, SB 1098 would give the state of Connecticut the power to forcibly reorganize the internal civil life of the Catholic community. This is bad public policy in every sense: imprudent; unjust; dismissive of First Amendment concerns, and contemptuous of the right of the Catholic Church to be who she is as a public entity," the archbishop criticized.

"If Catholics want Caesar telling them how they’re allowed to live their civil life as a community, this is exactly the kind of legislation to make it happen.

Archbishop Chaput closed his statement by warning that the "legislative coercion directed against the Catholic community in one state has implications for Catholics in every other state. If bigots in one state succeed in coercive laws like SB 1098, bigots in other states will try the same."

Comments: 28

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Niles
San Francisco CA 03/14/2009 12:40 AM EST

Chaput of Denver &
Martino of Scranton
are the "Jerry Fallwell &
Pat Robertson's" of
Holy Mother the Church.
How do you spell
H O M O P H O B I C
B I G O T S ? Worst of all
Chuput claims to be a
Franciscan! Next thing you
know, he'll say his confrere
Maximillam Kolbe was not
murdered at Auschwitz!
Cheap shot, maybe so,
but homophobic diatribes
by a Catholic bishop
are just as EVIL as
holocaust-denying
Pius X Society "bishops" !

Published by: Thomas
Anandale NJ 03/12/2009 05:50 AM EST

Here is the shot fired across the bow of the Catholic Church. For those Bishops and clergy who have chosen the world rather than Christ. For those who have hidden scandel and continue behind a thin veil, for those who voted for B.O. are you surprised by this attack on the Church. Think back to Leo 13th and his vision, which prompted his penning the St Michael's prayer. Its time to return to Holiness to Real Renewal in the Holy Spirit. Its time to turn from sin and death and return to the Lord.

Published by: aloysius james
washington dc usa 03/11/2009 09:50 PM EST

As I commented earlier, Archbishop Chaput has become the premier spokesman of the paranoid Catholic right. He said all Catholics were "threatened" by the CT bill. We were not. He (and bishop Lori) said the CT bill was part of a militant homosexual agenda to persecute the Church. Again, not true. The bill was introduced by two Catholic legislators as a favor to some Catholics seeking to end further embezzlemnt by priests of parish funds (two sacandalous cases recently in CT). It has now been withdrawn as faultily drafted with respect to the 1st Amendment's freedom of religion clause. The American Church is the wealthiest in the world. It is the third largest of all Catholic churches (after Brazil and Mexico). It has enormous political power at the local, state and federal levels. Yet, somehow many on the Catholic right see the American Church as persecuted and victimized, beseiged and "threatened" (to use Archbishop Chaput's word) by enemies without and within. It is paranoia to the point of looney tunes.

Published by: Rep. Christopher Coutu
Norwich 03/11/2009 12:10 PM EST

As a member of the Judiciary committee I was surprised that this bill was scheduled for public hearing. Senate Bill 1098 was raised about 45 days ago under * Changing Corporate Forms. Then quietly pushed for public hearing on Thursday. This bill stretches the raised concept of "Changing Corporate Forms" and is potentially un-constitutional.

House Republicans feel that the people who are impacted by this bill still deserve a chance to be heard on it. That is why tomorrow at noon in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building they will hold a hearing on the proposal. Sign-up for the hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. You can watch House and Senate Republicans speaking about the bill at a press conference this afternoon

Published by: Lily
SLC, UT USA 03/10/2009 08:59 PM EST

R. Dennis - don't know much about the real meaning of 'separation of church and state', do you? Fr. Joseph is right on. Dan in Santa Fe - you hit the nail on the head, again. Archbishop Chaput is just the shot in the arm we all need right now. I wish he was my Archbishop, too.

Published by: Aloysius James
Washington DC, USA 03/10/2009 05:52 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Yes, indeed, Archbishop Chaput has become the Rush Limbaugh of the American Church as he issues one incendiary statement after another. He's become the leader of the paranoid Catholic right but an embarassment to most mainstream US Catholics.

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 03/10/2009 04:47 PM EST

Under the bill, the bishop is also relegated to being an "ex officio" member of the board, without voting rights.
I can't see how Dr. Porch thinks this would be good, nor how the mistreatment of our Bishops would not do more harm than good.

Published by: Jennifer
Tulsa, OK, USA 03/10/2009 01:21 PM EST

To those that say the American Catholic church has brought this upon itself, my pastor is fiscally conservative and, in fact, he has significantly reduced the debt our parish owes on our parish hall, among other things. Please don't lump the few parishes, who have had financial scandals, with the rest of the reponsible pastors we have in this country.

Published by: R. Dennis Porch, MD
Irvine, Ca 03/10/2009 01:13 PM EST

Rate: Regular

As a Catholic born and raised in Denver, attended Cathedral grammar school and Mullen High School as well as Marquette and Creighton Universities, I must agree with this legislation. The current Archbishop of Denver seems more concerned about maintaining a two tier Catholic system than the real Church established by Christ. This two tier system includes treating the Clergy as a higher humanity than the laity. Must I point out to the good Archbishop that we are all equal members of the "People of God." There is no good reason why the Churches should not have more lay governance. In fact this with all the financial and sexual scandals throughout the ages in our Church, good governance demands the laity have much more a say. Good governance in fact demands that Bishops be selected by a wider group of individuals and work with the permission of the People of God in their own dioceses.

I, therefore support this bill as one that would enforce much better governance in our Church.

Peace and understanding,
R. Dennis Porch, MD

Published by: John: Paul-Francesco
patent freehold/Wisconsin republic 03/10/2009 01:03 PM EST

(My Prayer for myself and the readers hereof: Dear God, the Father Almighty, through the merits of Your Most Holy gift of your Only Begotten Son, send your Holy Spirit to all that receive this - that they may know Your Truth and Your Holy will, and that they find the strength to accomplish it. Holy Spirit guide my words - that I may be an instrument of God, the Author of Truth)

Many CHURCHes and PRIESTs have succum to the "false GLAMOUR" of the CORPORATE world and become "AGENTS" of the CORPORATE STATE. They have obviated the station to which God has appointed and secured for His Holy People. (Peter, if you love me feed My sheep - strenghten not only their Body but their Knowledge/Wisdom, Guide them in the Holy Spirit which I have given you)

Christ (un-registered for the cencus) said unto Pilot "you have no power over me that has not been granted you from above" and Pilot feared. Pilot was a PROCURATER of ROMAN property. Those that were registered under the ROMAN CENCUS in the enrollment where considered ROMAN PROPERTY. Christ said "My Kingdom is not of this (ROMAN/EQUITY) WORLD" (i.e. you- Pilot-have no JURISDICTION)

Now, parish CHURCHes beg for INCORPORATION in the world of EQUITY JURISDICTION to take advantage of "NON-PROFIT STATUS" and Demand the Faithful - submitt to CIVIL MARRAGE -but - as they do - they surrender thier God granted right to exist as "in single service of God the Father Almighty" through service of His flock, for

Published by: Diane Gaudin
Dickinson, Texas USA 03/10/2009 12:11 PM EST

I am not surprised by this bill. The evil one goes directly against God when he attacks the church. I was telling my husband yesterday, that it almost seems as if hell has been unleashed on the earth. We seem to be getting attacked more and more often. I am going to pray about this and forward this info on to everyone I know. God bless us and help us all.

Published by: father joseph
Texas 03/10/2009 11:53 AM EST

Archbishop Chaput has become the true leader of the Catholic Church in the United States.

It would be nice if all the Bishops and Cardinals in the country were as passionate as he demonstrates.

Published by: Tory
Avon, CT USA 03/10/2009 11:43 AM EST

Here's an idea. VOTF can go and start its own church with female priests, married priests, and less power for the clergy. The 1st Amendment gives you that right. But don't take your 1st Amendment right and trample upon mine!

Oh tomorrow is going to be something.

Published by: Robert Lockwood
Lafayette, CA 03/10/2009 10:14 AM EST

Our Lady of Fatima told us that we would expierence this type of situation. How long will it be before our bishops rise up and provide a unified resistance?

Published by: Myles Keogh
Fort Riley Kansas 03/10/2009 10:04 AM EST

This is outrageous and so unconstitutional but typical of these militant homosexuals and their methods. More attacks and persecution are coming. Homosexuals want to suppress anyone individual or group that stands up to them.

Published by: Bill Sr.
Jacksonville FL 03/10/2009 07:40 AM EST

If this doesn't awaken Christians of all faiths nothing will.
We could title SB 1098
"The Audacity of Bigots" bill.
Times are changing and we are running out of time to do something about it.
How long will it take for all Christians to realize they are surrounded and the enemy is slowly closing ranks against them in a calculated attempt to destroy their influence in society?
Need we be reminded that Christ, our lord and savior, indeed said the Holy Spirit which he sent us at Pentecost would defend his church from the gates of hell. However, he made no such promise regarding the governments we set up for ourselves. Though it was the fond wish of our founding fathers that this their nation “under God”, with liberty and justice for all, which shed its own blood in honor that pledge, would not perish but rather become the shining city on the hill, today it is being torn asunder by evil forces within.
Their great HOPE of securing the blessing of liberty to our posterity is being challenged by a CHANGE in direction of our society through the unbridled power of a government filled with the preverbal “wolves in sheep’s clothing”.
Thank God for Archbishop Chaput and his great leadership and willingness to speak in the name of Holy Mother Church for all Christians.

Published by: Raindrop
CT 03/10/2009 06:05 AM EST

I agree with the Archbishop.

I think it's the failure of our Catholic brethren in choosing the right candidates and political platform due to our lukewarm faith.

We never truly defend our rights as Catholics in any forum.

We are either coward or we like the freedom of secular life offered by liberal society or both. I am one of the sinners in this respect.

It's about time to make a stand. I will make my Catholic faith known to every American.

I am thinking of breaking away from any Democratic Party. The last one I voted (Obama) was a miserable one.

Published by: Kevin
Ohio 03/10/2009 12:56 AM EST

Separation of church and state is only good when Republicans are in office - Democrats now want to run the church. All for the good of society you see. Hypocrites, liars, thieves - I wonder who their inspiration is?

Published by: John Corcoran
Flagstaff/AZ/USA 03/09/2009 11:23 PM EST

Archbishop Chaput should be made the next Cardinal Archbishop of Los Angeles. The secular press would give him coverage, even if it was only to attack him. It would also get the truth to more "catholics" than Catholic media reachs.

Published by: Theresa
Groton, CT 03/09/2009 10:30 PM EST

Thank you Archbishop Chaput! The fact that this bill was even considered, never mind written, and is now pending should alarm all Catholics in all fifty states.
Your wisdom is greatly appreciated, as are your prayers. The rate of moral decline since the election of both state and national offices indicates that the RCC is clearly under attack.
When will the USCCB take clear action to address the scandal of the faithful of the many so called Catholics who take stands so contrary to Catholic teaching? I have faith that with voices such as your own, this may happen, and I pray will happen soon.
Evil itself has revealed itself within our country, our Bishops need to be swift and strong in addressing those who demonstrate alliance with this evil.
Many rosaries, hours of Adoration, prayers of all the faithful are needed at this difficult time. Our Lady's message of Lourdes and Fatima, Penance, Sacrifice, prayers, first Friday and Saturday devotions should be spoken of from every pulpit.
May God have Mercy on the USA.

Published by: Jim S.
Mission Viejo, CA 03/09/2009 09:22 PM EST

Great job Archbishop Chaput!! He is becoming a great American mouthpiece for the Catholic Church, at last a Bishop who "stands' for our Faith, vocally!
They might think it but he states it!!!

Published by: Sean
Sydney Australia 03/09/2009 08:27 PM EST

The legislation sounds very similar to how the Church is forced to operate in China. It seems that the USA and Communist China have increasingly common agenda.

Published by: Tory
Avon, CT USA 03/09/2009 07:58 PM EST

Don't worry Archbishop Chaput. We're mobilized here in Ct, and this will not happen. Over our dead bodies! We have been preparing for Wednesday's un-American, anti-Catholic debacle, and we will storm the Capitol. We also know there will be more battles to come. We are ready for the fight. Please pray for us!!!

Published by: Dan in Calgary
Calgary Alberta Canada 03/09/2009 07:34 PM EST

While I too am concerned with the motives of this legislation, my money says that the American Catholic Church has only itself to blame for providing legislators with the excuse to impose external financial oversight.

If American Catholic dioceses carry on with their finances and financial reporting like most of the dioceses in Canada that I have been a part of, as a professional accountant I must say that these processes in Catholic organisations are typically anything but transparent, and far from being above reproach for lack of discipline, clarity and candor.

Had they been more disciplined and compliant with public standards of financial reporting, our Bishops would not have created this opening for American legislators.

I wonder whether the Canadian clergy will take timely warning from this development and self-impose better discipline and transparency upon their finances, before inviting Canadian state intervention?

Dan in Calgary

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 03/09/2009 07:18 PM EST

Very much expected from the radical arm of the gay community. Seem we are destined to mimmic the Church in China where only the underground Church is loyal and recognized by the Vatican. Again I call on all the genuinely mistaken Catholics who supported Obama before taking office to join with us in opposing this Administration and those in the Democratic party working with them. There is no common ground when the State controls The Church.

Published by: Sam
Woodbury,CT.,USA 03/09/2009 07:17 PM EST

I wish we had Arch.Chaput here in CT. So much is happening to take down the Catholic Church and to intimidate Catholics. Those who do this must beware because they are fighting against the Church founded by Christ Himself and remember what God caused to happen to Pharoah and the Egyptians when they persecuted His chosen people. Whatever we do against another will come back against us a thousand times over. So...I say again, beware!! As for abortion...again, beware! Those who deny life to others, especially to the baby in the womb, should wonder why they themselves have the right to life. If life is taken from one innocent baby...could it not happen to another. As Mother Teresa said: "If you kill the baby in the womb of its mother, what will you not do." and she also said that a nation that kills its young cannot survive. We have to pray for faith and the strength and courage to stand strong with and for Christ and His Church...and those who stand against Christ and His Church...beware!!!! Sam

Published by: John
England 03/09/2009 06:59 PM EST

Is this even legal? I thought the government could have no part in the internal goings-on of the Church. How can government tell the Church what to do?! Very bad sign...

Published by: Fergus9184
Littleton CO 03/09/2009 06:28 PM EST

Keep up the good work !!!

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