Denver, Colo., Jun 21, 2010 / 16:04 pm
After CNA published a report on remarks Cardinal Francis George made about the disagreement between the Catholic Health Association and the U.S. bishops, Ms. Helen Osman, the Secretary of Communications for the bishops' conference denied the accuracy of the article. Nevertheless, the news agency stands by its report and maintains that it was corroborated by several bishops.
On June 16, CNA reported that Cardinal Francis George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), spoke about the fallout from the debate over the passage of the health care overhaul at an executive session of the bishops' spring assembly in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Cardinal George recounted the events that took place prior to President Obama's signing of the health care reform bill and then wrapped up his remarks by criticizing the Catholic Health Association (CHA) and its president and CEO Sr. Carol Keehan for creating a dangerous precedent of a parallel magisterium to the bishops.
Reiterating the bishops' opposition to the health care overhaul for failing to protect the unborn, offer access to immigrants and protect consciences sufficiently, the Chicago cardinal said that “Sr. Carol is mistaken in thinking that this is pro-life legislation.”