Cardinal calls for conscience protection

Sponsored by the New York State Catholic Conference -- the public policy arm of the state's bishops -- the forum gathers more than 1,000 Catholics from across New York at the State Capitol each year to lobby lawmakers on issues of concern.

"I'm delighted to have so many of our bishops here today, as well as so many of our dedicated Catholic laity," Cardinal Egan noted, adding that, as Americans, Catholics have "an obligation to be engaged in the political process. One of our roles is to be a voice for the voiceless," from the unborn to the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Critical issue

Several proposals under debate in the State Legislature are seen as threatening religious freedom and Catholic health care, requiring Catholic institutions to provide procedures like abortions and sterilizations, and mandating that religious insurers cover morally objectionable practices like contraception and in vitro fertilization.

Cardinal Egan noted that government interference in the exercise of religious beliefs is "un-American and contrary to the spirit of tolerance and diversity" touted in the U.S.

"It is simply wrong for the state to demand religious organizations abandon their consciences and their principles" by covering procedures that are against their moral beliefs, he stated.

Objections

She countered claims that the Church is being discriminatory by withholding contraception coverage from those who desire it. Rather, "it is the Church that is discriminated against," she stated. "We are not prohibiting individuals from following their consciences."

Catholic lobbyists at the forum were calling on Gov. George Pataki to both improve women's health and defend religious freedom, she said, adding: "We believe both can be accomplished."

'Grave mistake'

"We're here today to help legislators understand that it would be a grave mistake to impose [contraceptive coverage] upon Catholic institutions -- or upon Jewish institutions, or upon Evangelical institutions," Cardinal Egan told reporters. "It's an important issue because it would be insisting all of our institutions would be forced to participate in what we consider a wrong activity on the part of an employee."

Whether the employees are Catholic is irrelevant, the Cardinal said, noting that "anyone that wants to become employed in a Catholic institution knows very well where we stand. The people that are employed by Catholic institutions know the Church would not want to be forced to participate with them in activities the Church considers wrong."

Asked what he considers the conscience clause's chances in the Legislature, the Cardinal replied, "I'm hopeful. That's what I want, and that's what I think the citizens want."

(03-15-01) [[In-content Ad]]