Any other organization that would lobby voters so directly would lose their tax exempt status.
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“Render to Ceasar the things of Ceaser and the things of God to God". Luke 20:35
Who knew? Our own Jesus Christ was the first person to propose the separation of Church and State. However that does not stop the Catholic Bishops, led by our own Cardinal George, from trying to influence state affairs through the votes of their parishioners. "It is important to be clear that the political choices faced by citizens have an impact on general peace and prosperity and also the individual's salvation," the bishops said in the document, titled "Faithful Citizenship." "Similarly, the kinds of laws and policies supported by public officials affect their spiritual well-being."
Any other organization that would lobby voters so directly would lose their tax exempt status.
What is wrong with our politicians that allow the Church to openly lobby from the pulpit, one on one, and as an organization—yet allow them to remain a nonprofit organization? Personally with our growing budget deficits I would welcome the Catholic Church to take their gloves off and go all out. Just having them pay property taxes would balance our city budget in Chicago.
"Let him who is without sin cast the first stone" .. John 8:7 I would suggest to Cardinal George and all the bishops that before they pass judgment on their flock, they reflect on their own sins of omission. The Rev. Donald McGuire’s molesting children (right here in Chicago under Cardinal George’s jurisdiction) is the latest in a series of cover ups where priests are doing severe harm to our children. The dioceses of San Diego, Davenport, Tucson, Portland and Spokane are all either bankrupt or in the process of filing for bankruptcy protection to protect themselves from lawsuits regarding this matter.
Perhaps the bishops should spend some time discussing their religious problems and leave the matters of the state to the politicians.
Authors Website: www.carlostmock.com
Authors Bio:Travel website: The Pink Agenda. Several Blogs. Weekly newsletter, available upon request. Publications - Fiction: Borrowing Time: A Latino Sexual Odyssey - Floricanto Press 2003. Poetry: The Refined Savage Poetry Review - Refined Savage Editions; Unfinished Works - AIDS Services Foundation – Orange County December 2005; Fingernails Across the Chalkboard Gwendolyn Brooks Center December 2006
Non-Fiction: "Queer History viewed through the eyes of Literature and my favorite books as I live my Latino Odyssey" Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. May, 2006. Unfinished Works Published by AIDS Services Foundation "HIV From the Puerto Rican Perspective"– Orange County December 2005. Watch for his forthcoming book - "Mosaic Virus"