Catholics express hopes for Bush years

While Americans await the President-elect's move to the White House, Catholic officials in the Albany Diocese shared with The Evangelist their hopes for his next four years.

ABORTION

Mrs. Gallagher hopes the Bush administration "will take the initiative in proposing new limitations on abortion funding in federal programs, new restrictions on the use of the abortion pill RU-486, and greater promotion of adoption and sexual abstinence for young people."

The Catholic Conference "looks forward to having a pro-life leader of the United States of America who will stand by principle and lead by example," she added.

At the Albany diocesan Family Life Office, director Meg Bergh told The Evangelist that "when it comes to respecting life, I hope President Bush will promote laws and social policies that protect human life and promote human dignity to the maximum degree."

She would also like to see "programs to promote adoption and assist pregnant women and children."

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

Ms. Bergh also expressed a wish for "a realization that the antidote to violence is not more violence -- hence, [we need] a moratorium on the death penalty."

EDUCATION

She noted that while some may expect her to call school vouchers a top presidential priority, "since education is primarily a state function, I don't believe legislation at the federal level will bring about vouchers. That needs to happen at the state level."

However, "I would hope Bush keeps the concern and interest around parental choice. When federal funds are appropriated for various things -- i.e. the Title programs -- it is my hope that Catholic schools and other schools of choice will be allocated the necessary funds."

James Cultrara, associate director for education for the Catholic Conference, noted that "Mr. Bush's commitment to education reform is clearly evident, as is his support of the fundamental right and responsibility of parents to choose a school best suited for their children."

He echoed Sister Jane's hope for funding, stating that "following [Bush's] leadership, Congress should enact programs that provide the financial assistance parents need to select their children's school, whether public, charter, religious or private."

Special-needs students also need resources, he added: "A parent shouldn't be denied a religious education for their child because special education services are available only in government-run schools."

EUTHANASIA

"Caregiving families should have plenty of respite opportunities," added associate Family Life Office director Mary Moriarty. "This could be funded through Health and Human Services."

GUN CONTROL

HEALTH CARE

In addition, he said, "we pray that [Bush] will work to protect the religious freedom of faith-based health providers to allow them to serve according to their ethical and religious beliefs. We hope Mr. Bush will promote collaborative efforts with the states, and with business, labor, academe and the health professions to address the shortages in the healthcare workforce."

While states and counties take primary responsibility for this problem, Sister Maureen said, "the mandates come from the federal government."

PEACE AND JUSTICE

WELFARE REFORM

"There must be an opportunity to create an infrastructure for people who can't meet the goals of welfare reform," she stated. "They become homeless, and it's a cycle."

"George W. Bush has defined himself as a `compassionate conservative,'" remarked David Hamilton, associate director for human services for the Catholic Conference. "We are hopeful he will support programs to help working families. The Earned Income Tax Credit, for example, has increased the earnings of families moving from welfare to work and was enacted with strong bipartisan support."

Mr. Hamilton is concerned that Bush "has implied that private charities, rather than government, should assist families and individuals in need." However, in New York, "there is a long tradition of Catholic programs partnering with state and local governments, aided by federal financial payments, to provide services to vulnerable individuals."

The associate director hopes to continue that partnership "while ensuring that government remains accountable for establishing eligibility and funding for programs."

OTHER ISSUES

Ms. Moriarty listed several ways the new president can boost family life:

* "Every high-school child should take a course in marriage -- not just sexuality, but the emotional aspects of a life-long commitment.

* "Adult illiteracy should be wiped out. Once adults are educated, their children will have a stronger desire to be educated, as well -- and education is the best way out of poverty.

* "Young couples should have opportunities for enrichment and education, not just for the benefit of their relationship, but to learn parenting skills, as well. There could be family life coordinators as part of county or town government, funded through Health and Human Services."

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