Here we go again

It seems the Illinois version of the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" is back, as we knew it would be.

From the Catholic Conference of Illinois:

The abortion bill we worked so hard to defeat last year has been reintroduced as House Bill 6205. We must mobilize our networks to contact State Representatives and urge the defeat of House Bill 6205.

Like last year, this legislation seeks to: (1) pay for abortions and many other types of reproductive healthcare (including contraceptives) with public funds; (2) make any regulation of abortion beyond the purview of state and local government; and (3) demand that the proponent’s version of comprehensive sex education be taught in every school, grades K thru 12.

The supporters of House Bill 6205 claim this year’s version of the legislation excludes the Health Care Right of Conscience and Parental Notification of Abortion Acts. We have carefully read HB 6205. Their claims are incorrect. In Section 15, the legislation states that notwithstanding any other current law neither the state nor any political subdivision may “interfere” with access to abortion.

Judging by past legislative initiatives and lawsuits, the proponents obviously believe these important laws constitute state “interference” with access to abortion. This legislation is designed to set up legal challenges to both statutes and strip away health care professionals’ right of conscience and parents’ right to know of their daughters’ well being.

Linked below are talking points and a fact sheet on House Bill 6205. Use them to familiarize yourself with the bill and then call your state representative with a message similar to:

"House Bill 6205 seeks to publicly fund abortion, undermine the Health Care Right of Conscience and Parental Notification of Abortion Acts and impose comprehensive sex education on all students, K-12, in this state. It is extreme, unnecessary legislation. Please vote NO."

To find your state representative, go to www.ilga.gov and click on Legislator Lookup in the lower, right-hand portion of the page. You can then search your state representative by district #, home address, or zip code. You can also call our offices at 312-368-1066 or 217-528-9200.

Click here for Talking Points.

Click here for Fact Sheet.

Bishop Lucas on Illinois HB 2354

A few days ago, one of our readers, Jake, suggested we find a new name for Illinois House Bill 2354 other than the Illinois version of the Freedom of Choice Act.

It seems HB 2354 does have a different name: the Reproductive Health and Access Act.

We received this afternoon a letter from His Excellency, Bishop Lucas, asking the faithful to urge their representatives to oppose the bill. He requested that his letter be copied and inserted into the bulletins of his parishes this weekend.

We are working on that here in the office and I thought I would post the text of the letter for you, with my emphases:

Dear Friends in Christ,

I write to you about a serious threat to our freedom to practice our Catholic faith in the state of Illinois.

A bill has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly (HB 2354, the "Reproductive Health and Access Act") that would remove the right to conscientious objection to abortion and related procedures for all health care workers. For thirty years we have been told by the courts and by legislators that abortion is a rare but necessary tragedy and that abortion providers should not face legal punishment. Now some are proposing that abortion is a human right, and worse, that those who would try to qualify it in any way or who will not provide it should be punished under law.

This proposed law will drive Catholic doctors and nurses from health care and will make it impossible for Catholic hospitals to continue to be places where life is always respected, where no one is deliberately killed. In our country, we recognize conscientious objection to war, even though defending one’s country is a noble and moral act. We recognize the conscientious objection of those doctors who will not cooperate in administering the death penalty, even for terrible crimes. Some Illinois legislators want to take away conscientious objection to abortion.

The enemies of human life and religious freedom in Illinois are well funded. Pressure on legislators is great and is increasing. I ask you to contact your Representative this week to express your dismay that the Illinois legislature, elected democratically, would debate a bill that removes freedom of conscientious decision-making for health care workers as a condition of their employment. Surely people of good will can agree that the State should not come between a health care worker and God.

Unfortunately we have had to live with the fact that our laws no longer protect unborn human life. We cannot live with the prospect that our laws will no longer protect conscience. In 1844, Abraham Lincoln broke with his own party, the often anti-Catholic Whigs, and proposed: "Resolved, that the guarantee of the rights of conscience, as found in our Constitution, is most sacred and inviolable, and one that belongs no less to the Catholic, than to the Protestant; and that all attempts to abridge or interfere with these rights, either of Catholic or Protestant, directly or indirectly, have our decided disapprobation, and shall ever have our most effective opposition." Illinois HB 2354 betrays the legacy of Lincoln in his home State.
Catholics and all people of good will should work to ensure its defeat. I also ask you to thank those legislators who are courageously opposing HB 2354 and to pray for those who are supporting it. To contact your legislator, please go to www.ilga.gov, or call 312-368-1066.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend George J. Lucas

Thank you, Bishop Lucas!

ACTION ALERT: HB 2354 Out of Committee

There is unfortunate news in Illinois: yesterday morning the Illinois version of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), House Bill 2354, passed the Illinois House Human Services Committee and is now headed to the floor of the General Assembly.

If you are an Illinois, please contact your representative to oppose HB 2354. If you do not know your State Representative, you may find him or her at http://www.ilga.gov/ at the bottom right under "Legislator Lookup."

This bill would:

• make abortion a fundamental right;
• expand public funding for abortion through Medicaid and possibly state health insurance programs;
• undermine the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act; and
• mandate comprehensive sex education for all children in public schools.

Illinois Petition Against FOCA

From Students for Life of Illinois:

SPRINGFIELD, IL --- House Bill 2354, also known as the Reproductive Justice and Access Act (RJAA) has been dubbed the Illinois version of FOCA. The bill is set to be heard on March 4th.

In response, Students for Life of Illinois has initiated a petition to lawmakers in Springfield to show them that Illinois does not support what HB 2354 proposes. The petition will be presented to legislators in Springfield on March 4th.

"Planned Parenthood is leading a Lobby Day on March 10th in support of HB 2354. We must have a strong showing both in Springfield and for those who cannot make it to Springfield. That is why we initiated this petition. We want every pro-life voice to be heard," said John-Paul Deddens, director of Students for Life of Illinois. "We will get to Springfield first, but it is imperative that we arrive with as much support as possible."

The petition is posted on the SFLI website at http://www.prolifeillinois.com/. Hard copies can be requested to circulate in your local community this weekend.

That same day is also Catholics at the Capitol day; I will be bringing five of our high school students with me that and one of our teachers.

Senator Durbin responds

When I return from Hawaii last week, I found a letter from Senator Richard Durbin, dated 11 February 2009, in response to my letter regarding the Freedom of Choice Act.

His letter reads as follows, with my emphases and comments, a la Fr. Z.:

Dear Mr. Zehnle [my printed signature read "The Rev. Daren J. Zehnle," and my written signature read "Fr. Daren J. Zehnle;" apparently someone wasn't paying attention. It might be noted that Senator Durbin is a Catholic.]:

Thank you for contacting me about the Freedom of Choice Act . I appreciate hearing from you.

The Freedom of Choice Act was introduced in the 110th Congress [Notice the positive spin he gives it.]. It would have prohibited governments from denying or interfering with any woman's right to bear a child, to terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability, or to terminate a pregancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect the life or health of the woman [That's one way to put it.] The measure would also have prohibited governments from discriminating against the exercise of these rights in the provision of benefits, facilities, services or information [To say nothing of the good of the child].

I understand your concern about the conscience rights of providers and others who might be affected by the Freedom of Choice Act [With all due respect, Senator, it does not seem you do.]. I will keep your views in mind in case the Freedom of Choice Act is reintroduced in the 111th Congress [I think he means when.].

I believe we can respect the rights established under Roe v. Wade and still work to reduce the number of aborations in America [Really? Would you care to elaborate on how that might be possible?]. Abortion should be safe and legal [It is rarely, if ever, "safe"], consistent with Roe v. Wade. It is a decision best left to a woman, her family, her doctor, and her conscience. Late-term abortions, including so-called partial birth abortions, should be strictly limited to cases where the life of the mother is in danger or she faces a medically certified risk of grievous physical injury [Apparently the death of a child is not a "grevious physical injury".].

We should encourage abstinence among our youth [how does legal abortion possibly do this?] and support family planning to avoid unintended pregancies that may lead to abortion [How many married couples seek an abortion? This is a serious question; I don't know this answer, but I can't imagine the number would be high.]. If a woman is confronted with an unintended pregnancy [there is a very easy way to avoid this], we should work to ensure that motherhood and adoption are realistic options [I fail to see how this is consistent with what he has said above]. I support programs that provide assistance to pregnant women to help them face the costs of continuing a pregnancy. In addition, we should support pregnant women by working to address underlying concerns such as affordable health care [the FOCA would, unless I am quite mistaken, make abortions part of this affordable health care, which contradicts what the Senator says], wages, child care, and education that may make it harder for a couple to welcome a child. I also favor tax breaks to help families afford adoptions, and I have cosponsored legislation, subsequently enacted into law, that extended and increased the tax credit for adoption expenses [is this somehow supposed to make up for your support of abortion?].

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me. Please feel free to stay in touch.

You can be sure I will stay in touch with Senator Durbin.

Representative Shimkus responds

Before I left for Hawaii I received a response from Congressman John Shimkus regarding the Freedom of Choice Act, dated January 28, 2009.

Mr. Shimkus wrote:

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for contacting me regarding my position on the fundamental right to life for all.

My response, albeit brief, is straight to the point. I support the fundamental right to life. My votes have always reflected that position and always will.

I appreciate the time you have taken to share your opinions with me. I would encourage you to stay up to date on this and other issues of interest by signing up for my weekly electronic newsletter. You may do so by visiting my website at www.house.gov/shimkus.

I did sign up for his e-newsletter; you can subscribe to it in the sidebar in the righthand side of the screen.

I also have a lengthier response from Senator Richard Durbin which will require a good fisking. As I have that in the house, it will have to wait.

Homily - 25 January 2009 - The Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

I am finally posting last weekendn's homily.

The Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

As we continue to observe this Year of Saint Paul, it is a special joy for us to celebrate today the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. Today’s Feast is a reminder to each of us of the central and necessary place of conversion in our lives.

It was on the road to Damascus that the Lord Jesus illuminated Paul “and from that moment all his energy was placed at the exclusive service of Jesus Christ and his Gospel. His existence would become that of an Apostle who wants to ‘become all things to all people’ (I Corinthians 9:22) without reserve.”[1]

The average reader, perhaps, might be tempted to pause too long on certain details, such as the light from the sky, the fall to the ground, the voice that called, the new state of blindness, the curing when something like scales fall from his eyes and the fasting. However, all these details point to the heart of the event: The Risen Christ appeared as a splendid light and addressed Saul, transforming his thinking and his very life. The splendor of the Risen One left him blind; presenting also externally what the interior reality was, his blindness in regard to the truth, to the light, which is Christ. And then, his definitive “yes” to Christ in baptism reopens his eyes, and makes him truly see.[2]

In the first centuries of the Church, the Sacrament of Baptism was often called the “Illumination,” “because this sacrament gives light, makes one truly see.”[3] This is what happened to Saint Paul, and this is what happens to each of us, as well. The eyes of faith are opened and Christ, the Light of the World, shines not only upon us, but within us, as well (cf. John 8:12). This is why the Savior says to us, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

How well does our light shine? If someone were to observe the course of our day, would they recognize us a follower of Jesus Christ, as a member of what Saint Paul called the “Way” (Acts 22:4)? Would they find us adhering to the path laid out by Christ, or would they find us picking and choosing our own way?

This Way that we follow is more than a set of regulations and rules; it is – in the end – a relationship with Jesus Christ. This Way is a way of living, of thinking, of loving. This Way both comes from Christ and leads to him. We see, then, that

What counts is to place Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, so that our identity is marked essentially by the encounter, by communion with Christ and with his Word. In his light every other value is recovered and purified from possible dross.[4]

If we do not stick to this Way – if we do not live lives centered on Christ and guided by his teachings – we cannot claim to follow the Lord.

Saint Paul knew that this Way is not always easy, but he also knew the life and the freedom that comes from a deep devotion to Christ. For this reason he endured countless hardships and sufferings for the sake of Christ and of his Gospel. Paul never shied away from speaking the truth, regardless of what it would cost him. He knew that what was most important was to always ask, as he did on the road to Damascus, “What shall I do, sir” (Acts 22:10)? This question, we, too, must ask each day. The question that guides our life should never be, “What do I want?” but “What does the Lord want?”

We know that this past week our nation experienced an historic day with the inauguration of President Obama. But we also know that there are things to regret about this historic day, for we now have as our President most anti-life politician our nation has known.

On Friday, just one day after the March for Life protesting the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade that legalized abortion - President Obama signed an executive order lifting a ban on federal funding of groups overseas who promote and perform abortions. Clearly, this is a large step backwards from what is civilized and noble.

President Obama is already preparing to sign an executive order that will lift federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, despite the fact that such research – despite all the hype – has not yielded one single medical advance. Adult stem cell research, on the other hand, has yielded at least eighty-three medical advances.

And most importantly and tragic, President Obama is intent on signing the so-called Freedom of Choice Act the moment it comes to his desk. As you know, the Freedom of Choice Act, if passed, will require doctors and hospitals to perform abortions, even if doing so violates their conscience; etc.

Some two thousand years ago, no one thought that Julius Caesar would actually cross the Rubicon river with his troops, enter the city of Rome and declare himself Emperor. But he did. A few decades ago, no one thought a man by the name of Adolf Hitler would actually launch an extermination of the Jews. But he did. A few years ago, no one thought the day would come when this nation would inject a saline solution into a womb to burn a baby’s skin until it died. But it did. No one thought the day would come when various instruments would be used to sever an infant’s limbs in the womb. But it did. No one thought the day would come when a child’s brain would be removed with a small vacuum. But it did. All of this came to pass, and if we do not act now and decisively, it is about to get much worse.

We can no longer sit idly by. The time has come for us to make our voices heard, to adhere to the Way laid out by Christ. In the words of Justin Cardinal Rigali, the time has come for us to continue and increase our “respectful and impassioned protest” in defense of the unborn and of all human life.

Saint James reminds us that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). And Saint John reminds us, “If anyone says “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (I John 4:20).
Let us all follow the words of Saint Paul: “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1). Let each of us proclaim the Gospel of Life and hold those in public service accountable to the Truth.

[1] Pope Benedict XVI, Wednesday Audience Address, 25 October 2006.
[2] Pope Benedict XVI, Wednesday Audience Address, 3 September 2008.
[3] Pope Benedict XVI, Wednesday Audience Address, 3 September 2008.
[4] Pope Benedict XVI, Wednesday Audience Address, 25 October 2006.

Let's flood a few mailboxes

This past weekend we participated in the postcard campaign sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urging our Senators and Representatives to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act.

I took the postcards to the high school yesterday where I recruited the help of a few students to first label the postcards and then separate them. It was a lengthy and tedious process, but we know that it was also a worthy one.

I'm not really sure how many postcards were filled out, but I do know that not a few people only filled out one card instead of three. We'll try to contact them and ask them to come in to fill out the ones they didn't already.

We didn't have school today so I finished up labeling and separating the cards on my own.

I wanted to find something to use for perspective and a can of Dr Pepper did just the trick. The big stack on the left will go to Senator Roland Burris, the big stack in the middle to Senator Richard Durbin, and the big stack on the right to Representative John Shimkus. The four small stacks on the right will be sent to the Senators and Representatives from Kansas (we must have had a few visitors) and the two single cards will go to other Illinois Representatives. The stack at the front of the table are cards that need to be completed because three cards weren't filled out by everyone. Those will take a bit of work.

It took quite a few pens to fill out so many cards, which were borrowed from local banks and businesses. When I say "borrowed," I mean it. One of our parishioners kindly went to the banks and businesses asking for pens; she also told them we would return the pens.

I don't expect we will have school tomorrow, so on Thursday I'll have some of the high school students help separate the pens.

Won't that be exciting?

FOCA Postcard Campaign

In case you were not able to sign one of the postcards for the Freedom of Choice Act Postcard Campaign sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, you may write to your Senators and Representative with the following text, taken from the postcard:

Dear Senator/Representative N.,

At this time of serious national challenges, Americans should unite to serve the good of all, born and unborn. The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), the most radical and divisive pro-abortion bill ever introduced in Congress, would creat a "fundamental right" to abortion that government could not limit but would have to support. FOCA would overturn many existing widely-supported policies, including laws protecting parental involvement and conscience rights and those preventing partial-birth abortion and taxpayer funding of abortion.

Please oppose FOCA or any similar measure, and retain laws against federal funding and promotion of abortion. As your constituent, I would appreciate a written response telling me how you would vote on this matters.

Respectfully,

N.

Bishop Lucas on FOCA

In his weekly column in the Catholic Times, "Grace & Mercy," the Most Rev. George J. Lucas addresses next weekend's postcard campaign to urge Congress to oppose the so-called Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).

Shimkus on FOCA

Congressman John Shimkus represents my district in the House of Representatives. I just contacted his office in Washington, D.C. to ask how he intends to vote on the so-called Freedom of Choice Act.

The lady with whom I spoke told me she could not answer the question because she had not spoken with him about the FOCA.

She then kindly took down my name and address and promised to contact me in the near future. She even asked if I wanted to leave the Congressman a message. I asked him to oppose the legislation.

Durbin on FOCA

Just a moment ago I spoke with a representative in Senator Richard J. Durbin's office in Washington, D.C. I called to request how Senator Durbin intended to vote on the so-called Freedom of Choice Act.

The lady I spoke with was kind enough, but entirely unable to help me. She seemingly had not heard of the bill and suggested I look on Senator Durbin's web site. I did, I told her, and strangely found nothing. A search for "abortion" turned up virtually nothing.

All she could suggest was that I keep checking his web site. That I shall certainly do, and I shall also send the Senator from Illinois a personal letter urging him to oppose the legislation.

My fellow Illinoisans, won't you please join me in contacting Senator Durbin's office requesting his stance on the Freedom of Choice Act? You can call his office in Washington at (202) 224-2152 or his office in Springfield at (217) 492-4062. I have called both offices; the Springfield office simply said that the office in Washington handles all legislative issues.

Please, act soon.

Choose life that you may live

"Freedom of Choice" Act

If you aren't familiar yet with the mis-named Freedom of Choice Act that President-elect Obama has promised to sign into law, please familiarize yourself with it (the American Papist probably has the best coverage I've seen on it).

Then, if you're as appalled at it as I am, please sign the Fight FOCA Petition.

Blind followers

It will come as no surprise to anyone that I am no support of Senator Obama.

I find it curious to ask those who support him why they do so. Inevitably, they tout the "hope and change" he will bring if elected. But when pressed as to what hope he brings or what changes he will bring - Illinois certainly hasn't seen any - his supporters are left without an answer.

The closest answer given me thus far is that he will end the war of Iraq. It's possible, perhaps, though highly unlikely. He may well withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq, but the hostility, violence and bloodshed will remain. Who can say if it will decrease or increase. We simply do not - and cannot - know the future.

Even if violence in Iraq would decrease, the number of deaths throughout the entire duration of the war comes nowhere near the number of unborn babies killed in the U.S. alone each year (this is the most common argument I hear in support of Senator Obama; morals aside, taken logically, it simply doesn't add up).

What we do know is what Senator Obama has promised to do if elected: sign the so-called Freedom of Choice Act. No good will come of this.

The other day I received a request for help from one of our former exchange students from Germany. She is conducted a poll of sorts for one of her classes. She asked how people from Illinois would be voting in the election given that Senator Obama represents Illinois.

I offered my take on things for her, largely as I outlined it above, though without reference to the war in Iraq.

I found her reply most intriguing, and distressing:

It is a big issue here also, most Europeans though favor Obama, but I think it is the same problem - many of us do not know what he is going to change and what he stands for.

It is said ad nauseam that we now have the most educated society the world has ever seen. If this is indeed the case, how is it that so many people - both here and abroad - can support a man with religious fervor without knowing for what he stands?