Denver, Colo., Oct 4, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Colorado’s three Catholic bishops have released a joint statement in support of state Referendums, C&D. The measures would return nearly 5 years worth of surplus revenue to the state government rather than to taxpayers--an act which, they say, would have profound effects for Colorado’s poorest residents.
Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver, and Bishops, Michael Sheridan and Arthur Tafoya of the Dioceses of Colorado Springs and Pueblo, respectively, are all urging Catholic faithful to vote in support of the referenda next month.
“Churches”, the bishops wrote, “can't build a just society alone. Neither can synagogues or volunteers or charities. We need government to do its rightful job, not cut or hobble its services. We need government to serve the common good with laws that defend the weak, and with the money, personnel and other resources to ensure a life of basic dignity for all our people.”
They recalled that economic circumstances over the last three years had caused the Colorado General Assembly to trim nearly $1 billion dollars from the state budget, most of which “especially impacted the most vulnerable families in Colorado.”