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<title>North Dakota Catholic Conference</title><link>http://ndcatholic.org/index.html</link><description>News and Updates</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2007</dc:rights><dc:date>2008-01-24T15:39:57-06:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:12:21 -0600</lastBuildDate><item><title>U.S. Bishops Urge Priority For Poor Families In National Response To Economic Stress</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Economic Justice</category><dc:date>2008-01-24T15:39:57-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-433</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-433</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON---U.S.   Catholic bishops urged Congress and the Bush Administration to work together quickly to shape and pass effective economic measures to help our nation and our people respond to growing economic stress.   The bishops also expressed our strong conviction that poor families and their children as well as low wage workers receive priority consideration in developing these plans and carrying them out.


In a letter dated January 23, Bishop William Murphy, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, called on government leaders to find effective ways to protect the poorest families and low wage workers from financial hardship during this economic downturn.


The letter also expressed support for strengthening existing programs such as unemployment compensation, food stamp benefits, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as effective means to assist families and help the economy.


In a time in which a growing number of Americans are facing increasing financial hardship due to a slowing economy, rising unemployment and an inability to meet mortgage obligations and consumer bills, the bishops reminded leaders of the moral obligations we all share to care for the neediest among us.


A good society, Bishop Murphy wrote, is measured by the extent to which those with responsibility attend to the needs of the weaker members, especially those most in need.   Economic polices that help lower-income working families live in decency and with dignity should be a clear and common priority.


He concluded by reminding the nations leaders that the poor working people and their families will be disproportionately hurt by this declining economy.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Urgent Action Alert</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Abortion</category><dc:date>2008-01-18T11:03:52-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-432</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-432</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Urge Senators to Support Vitter Amendment to Restrict Indian Health Service Funding for Abortion 


On Tuesday, January 22, the U.S.   Senate is expected to take up a reauthorization bill for the Indian Health Service....  David Vitter (R-LA) is prepared to offer the Hyde Amendment language as an amendment to this bill.  &nbsp; The amendment would, as is the case of all other federal programs, prohibit the use of Indian Health Service funds to pay for abortions except to save the life of the mother, and in cases of rape or incest.


It is especially important to reach Senator Byron Dorgan.    Senator Dorgan has supported the Hyde Amendment in the past.    However, as sponsor of the Indian Health Service reauthorization bill and chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, he may resist any floor amendments to the bill.    Urge Senator Dorgan to not resist the Vitter Amendment and to support the amendment when it comes to a vote.


Message:  Please support the Vitter Amendment to the Indian Health Services bill, to limit taxpayer funding for abortion.


...The Senate will vote on this as early as Tuesday.    Note:  Monday is a federal holiday.


Who:  Senator Byron Dorgan and Senator Kent Conrad


...Toll Free: 1-800-666-4482


...senator@dorgan.senate.gov


...Toll Free: 1-800-223-4457 


...Grand Forks: Telephone: (701) 775-9601 


Minot: Telephone: (701) 852-0703 


senator@conrad.senate.gov


Click here for more information on the Vitter Amendment.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>North Dakota and Culture of Life: Maps Tell a Story</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Embryonic stem cell research</category><dc:date>2008-01-15T13:04:43-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-431</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-431</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[			


	


The first is from a story at Stateline.org on how states approach embryonic stem cell research.    The second is from the Forum.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>National Migration Week</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Migration</category><dc:date>2008-01-04T09:50:29-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-430</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-430</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[FROM MANY, ONE FAMILY OF GOD,&rsquo; HERALDS NATIONAL MIGRATION WEEK, JANUARY 6-12


&nbsp;


WASHINGTON &ndash; &lsquo;From Many, One Family of God&rsquo; is the theme for this year&rsquo;s National Migration Week, sponsored by Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS), and to be observed January 6-12.   These words are accompanied by an image from the Gospel of Mark of Jesus feeding the crowds with multiplied loaves and the fishes.   The message is one of assurance of the providence of God as well as a reminder that His abundance is meant to be shared with all people.   This year&rsquo;s celebration marks the 27th annual National Migration Week observance.


Bishop John C.   Wester of Salt Lake City, new chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, said that this year&rsquo;s theme &ldquo;reminds us that though we come from many cultures and places, we are all part of one human family and members of the one Body of Christ.   Sadly, rather than embracing newcomers to our land whose circumstances have compelled them to seek new lives among us, we too often respond in fear and harbor attitudes of resentment and suspicion.&rdquo;


&ldquo;The miracle of the loaves and fishes is God's promise not only to the disciples but to us as well.   If we fail to minister to the needs of these newcomers, we fail our Lord himself,&rdquo; Bishop Wester said.   &ldquo;National Migration Week 2008 is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the family of God&hellip;When we set aside our concerns and share our resources, God&rsquo;s blessings extend to all of us.&rdquo;


After failure by the U.S.   Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform last summer, the Catholic Bishops have vowed to continue raising their &ldquo;prophetic voice calling the faithful and all people of goodwill to reach out in love and understanding to our migrant brothers and sisters.   We must learn of the realities that cause them to leave all that is precious behind for an uncertain future, learn the truth about the many contributions they make and gifts they bring to our society, and work to reform our immigration laws that cause family disintegration and strife within communities,&rdquo; the bishops say.


The Migration and Refugee Services of the USCCB has made several materials available to facilitate the observance of National Migration Week 2008.   These materials include a prayer for migrants and refugees, bulletin inserts explaining the meaning and purpose of the celebration, a bilingual poster and a calendar for reflection for each day during the week of observance.   Each day is devoted to one particular topic and contains a Scripture passage and suggestions for action.


Information and materials for National Migration Week 2008 can be found at www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw.shtml.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>St. John Chrysostom on Helping Without Judging </title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Editorials</category><dc:date>2007-12-22T10:51:50-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-429</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-429</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[December' editorial now posted.


	Many people feel that we should not help those who have brought their problems on themselves through laziness, drug or alcohol use, self-centeredness, illegal entry into the country, or other undesirable behaviors.     Providing assistance in those cases, it is thought, only encourages more bad behavior.


	The Church's teachers, however, have long cautioned against judging a person's worthiness as a condition for providing assistance.   Read more . . .
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Update on N.J. Death Penalty Ban -- It&#x27;s Official</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Death Penalty</category><dc:date>2007-12-17T13:39:56-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-428</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-428</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This morning, New Jersey Governor Jon S.   Corzine signed into law a repeal of the state's death penalty.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Farm Bill Payment Limits Fail</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Rural Life</category><dc:date>2007-12-13T18:32:54-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-427</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-427</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Earlier today, the United States Senate voted down the Dorgan-Grassley farm program payment limitations amendment by a vote of 56 in favor to 43 opposed.    It needed 60 votes to pass.  


Please express your thanks to Senator Byron Dorgan for proposing the amendment and your disappointment to Senator Kent Conrad for opposing this reasonable attempt to target farm bill payments.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Abolition Movement Heating Up?</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Death Penalty</category><dc:date>2007-12-13T18:30:44-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-426</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-426</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We just got word from the New Jersey Catholic Conference that this afternoon, the New Jersey General Assembly voted 44 &ndash; 36 to abolish the death penalty.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>THE LATEST UPDATE ON THE FARM BILL; CALL YOUR SENATORS NOW&#xa;</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Rural Life</category><dc:date>2007-12-12T13:20:04-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-425</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-425</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Ask them to support amendments that target supports to those who need it most: family farms, vulnerable producers, and low-income food deficient families


The full Senate is discussing and voting on The Food and Energy Security Act (HR 2419), the version of the Farm Bill approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee in November.   We urgently need your help in supporting (1) reforms in commodity supports to help smaller and moderate-scale farmers and (2) critical funding for Food Stamps and emergency food assistance.


...[Note: &nbsp;This toll-free number will connect you to the Capitol switchboard, where you will ask to be connected to your senator&rsquo;s office in order to leave your message.]


MESSAGE: As the farm bill is debated in the Senate, ask your senators to


1) &nbsp;Support the Dorgan-Grassley Amendment to cap commodity payments at $250,000 per household.


...3) &nbsp;Support amendments by Feingold-Menendez and Brown-Sununu that puts additional funding into nutrition, conservation, and rural development programs.


...Your senators have a critical voice in deciding whether our farm bill will be changed in ways that benefit poor and hungry people here at home and around the world, make programs fairer for U.S. farm and rural families and enable poor farmers in poor countries to earn their way out of poverty. 

...The Senate now has its chance to make agricultural programs fairer to all our farmers and livestock producers, and to strengthen the nutrition programs (especially the Food Stamp Program). 

...* Dorgan-Grassley Amendment: Would establish a hard cap for commodity payments at $250,000 per household, helping ensure payments are targeted where they are needed. ...  The money saved from capping payments to the largest producers and landowners would be redirected into nutrition and conservation programs.


* Livestock Title for fair competition: The Senate is amending the Livestock Title with significant reforms that are supported by sustainable agriculture and fair market advocates. 

...* Feingold-Menendez Amendment: Would reduce the amount of direct payments to very large farm operations and re-direct funding to conservation, rural development, and nutrition programs for the needs of many.


* Brown-Sununu Amendment: Would reduce the amount of funds going into crop insurance programs and re-direct funds to nutrition and conservation programs.


...Current commodity programs concentrate payments at the upper end of the income scale for farmers who grow program crops, like cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans and rice. 

...A fair and balanced farm bill for the U.S. also requires consideration of its impact on poor farmers overseas.   Please ensure that our farm support programs do not make it more difficult for poor farm families in low-income countries to earn their way out of poverty.


...New investments made in the Food Stamp Program of the Senate bill are not secure and will be taken away in five years. 

...Ask your senators to prioritize the needs of vulnerable rural communities as they vote on the 2007 farm bill.


Make the primary focus of U.S. food aid programs the feeding of hungry people by the most effective and efficient means available and building long-term food security.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Human Family: A Community of Peace</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Catholic Social Teaching</category><dc:date>2007-12-11T16:03:57-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-424</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-424</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Each year, the Pope releases a World Day of Peace Message.    The Vatican has released Pope Benedict's message for 2008, entitled The Human Family: A Community of Peace.    The message teaches about the importance of family, the environment, the moral law, and the need for disarmament as they relate to the establishment of peace.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Faithful Citizenship Bulletin Insert</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Catholic Social Teaching</category><dc:date>2007-12-10T14:52:19-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-423</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-423</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship bulletin insert is now available from USCCB.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Augustine - Patron of State Catholic Conferences?</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Catholic Social Teaching</category><dc:date>2007-12-04T12:30:22-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-422</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-422</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[November's column here.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Resources on Immigration</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Migration</category><dc:date>2007-11-28T11:54:11-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-421</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-421</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Maryland Catholic Conference has just published a set of very useful resources on immigration.    With the Maryland Conference's permission, we make them available here.


...	In the past 30 years, the number of international migrants has more than doubled, to an estimated 191 million worldwide.  These include economic migrants compelled to move to provide for their families, refugees and internally displaced persons fleeing persecution, and victims of human trafficking.   The vast majority are economic migrants who have few options to remain in their countries of origin.  

...	Most immigrants to the United States are motivated to come for economic reasons: To secure stable jobs and a just wage to provide for their families.   It is reasonable, in turn, to ask what impact immigrants, including those who are undocumented, have on the economy, public benefits, and native-born workers. ...  Research shows that immigrants &ndash; documented and undocumented alike &ndash; work hard, pay taxes and help grow the economy. 

...Resources for Priests and Others


	The Basics of Church Teaching on Migration:  All persons have the right to have their basic human needs met; Sovereign nations have the right to control their borders; Families have the right to remain united and the right to live with one&rsquo;s family cannot be denied by law.    Also:  Scripture references; the Pontiffs on immigration; and The Church&rsquo;s Public Policy Positions on Immigration; Read more . . . 


The Legal Immigration Process


	The legal immigration process in the United States is complicated, lengthy, costly, and not available to many who would like to be part of it.   For these reasons, and because the process does not provide the United States with the number of workers its economy demands, the U.S. immigration system is widely regarded as &ldquo;broken.&rdquo; 

...The History of Immigration


	History always provides us with important perspective as we seek to understand current public policy debates.   This is especially true for immigration.   While it may be tempting to judge the actions of undocumented immigrants today against the actions of our immigrant ancestors, the legal landscape has changed so dramatically over time that it is difficult to make direct and accurate comparisons.  

...Statement from Maryland Catholic Bishops (English)  


Statement from Maryland Catholic Bishops (Spanish)
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Prayer of Thanksgiving</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>News and Updates</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-21T09:37:41-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-420</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-420</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR GOD'S BLESSINGS


(from NCRLC&rsquo;s Spirituality Corner at www.ncrlc.com/Spirituality-Corner.html)


LORD, I am grateful that I am a farmer.   I am glad to live close to the earth that You have made.   I am happy to spend so much of my time in the open air, under the bright sun, the symbol of Your own justice and light.   I am grateful for the rain and for the freshness that it brings--the rain, a symbol of Your rich and undying blessings.


I am happy to cooperate with You in Your work of continuous creation, by growing the food that is needed to sustain life.   By Your almighty power You make grow seeds I plant.   You fill the earth with minerals, You send the rain and the sun, the wind and the snow--and the dry, hard seeds I plant are raised to soft, green life.   You have given us great wisdom and cleverness to build machines that make the labor of the farmer much less burdensome.


Dear Lord, I am in Your almighty hands.   I depend upon You for everything.   If I sow the seed and cultivate the young plants, and You do not see fit to give me a good harvest, I will be satisfied.   You are the Lord and master and creator of all things.   You know what is good for me and what would do me harm.   I trust You, absolutely and without question.


I thank You again for calling me to a farmer's life.   I beg of You never to let me forget its great advantages of closeness to You, absolute trust and confidence in You, and the fullness and richness of my life, close to the earth that You have made and have so marvelously blessed.


Lord, I am grateful that I am a farmer.   Amen.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Major News on Stem Cell Research</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Embryonic stem cell research</category><dc:date>2007-11-20T16:18:51-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-419</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-419</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Just about every news outlet is covering the news that scientists have successfully developed a way to produce embryonic-like stem cells without destroying human embryos.    Here is a statement on the development by Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the Committee for Pro-Life Activities at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:


&ldquo;Studies published this week in the journals Cell and Science offer new hope for advancing stem cell research and therapies while fully respecting the dignity of human life.


&ldquo;Scientists in Japan and Wisconsin used four genes to &lsquo;reprogram&rsquo; ordinary adult human cells, creating &lsquo;induced pluripotent stem cells&rsquo; (iPS cells).  &nbsp; James Thomson, head of the Wisconsin team and the founder of human embryonic stem cell research, says these cells &lsquo;meet the defining criteria&rsquo; for pluripotent human embryonic stem cells, &lsquo;with the significant exception that the iPS cells are not derived from embryos.&rsquo;


&ldquo;Thus the goal sought for years through failed attempts at human cloning &ndash; the production of &lsquo;pluripotent&rsquo; stem cells that are an exact genetic match to a patient &ndash; has been brought within reach by an ethical procedure.   This technology avoids the many ethical landmines associated with embryonic stem cell research: it does not clone or destroy human embryos, does not harm or exploit women for their eggs, and does not blur the line between human beings and other species through desperate efforts to make human embryos using animal eggs.  &nbsp; Ian Wilmut, head of the team that cloned &lsquo;Dolly&rsquo; the sheep, now says he is abandoning efforts at human &lsquo;therapeutic cloning&rsquo; to pursue this adult cell reprogramming avenue instead, because it is technically superior as well as &lsquo;easier to accept socially.&rsquo;


&ldquo;I am grateful today for scientists who took up the challenge of finding morally acceptable ways to pursue stem cell research, and for government leaders who have encouraged and funded such avenues.  &nbsp; This advance reminds us once again that medical progress and respect for human life are not in conflict; they can and should support and enrich one another for the good of all.&rdquo;]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Vatican Official: U.S. Support for Catholic Schools a &#x22;Disaster&#x22;</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Education</category><dc:date>2007-11-20T10:59:01-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-418</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-418</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Vatican correspondent John Allen reports that Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, describes the U.S. government's lack of support for Catholic schools a "disaster" and a disrespect for "full democracy."    If the lack of support by the United States, as a whole, is a disaster, what would he think if North Dakota -- which ranks near or at the bottom of the 50 states when it comes to providing assistance to nonpublic schools and parents?  


John Allen's column can be found here.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Political Responsibility</category><dc:date>2007-11-14T15:20:12-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-417</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-417</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Approved this morning by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops -- Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Bishops of the United States]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bishops Approve Faithful Citizenship Document</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>Catholic Social Teaching</category><dc:date>2007-11-14T11:27:31-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-416</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-416</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[BALTIMORE-The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) today overwhelmingly approved a statement called Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States.  &nbsp; The statement urges Catholics to be involved in public life and to use the values of their faith to shape their political choice.  &nbsp; It was approved at the bishops&rsquo; general meeting in Baltimore, November 12-15.


&ldquo;In this statement, we bishops do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote,&rdquo; the bishops explain.   &ldquo;Our purpose is to help Catholics form their consciences in accordance with God&rsquo;s truth.   We recognize that the responsibility to make choices in political life rests with each individual in light of a properly formed conscience, and that participation goes well beyond casting a vote in a particular election.&rdquo;


The church&rsquo;s role in helping Catholics to form their consciences is a central theme of the document.   &ldquo;With this foundation,&rdquo; the bishops explain, &ldquo;Catholics are better able to evaluate policy positions, party platforms, and candidates&rsquo; promises and action in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church in order to help build a better world.&rdquo;


...&ldquo;The obligation to teach about moral values that should shape our lives, including our public lives, is central to [our] mission,&rdquo; they state.   &ldquo;Our nation&rsquo;s tradition of pluralism is enhanced, not threatened, when religious groups and people of faith bring their convictions and concerns into public life.&rdquo;


Respect for the dignity of every human being is a foundation for Catholic teaching about &ldquo;faithful citizenship.&rdquo;   The statement explains the necessity of opposing actions that are intrinsically wrong, such as abortion and euthanasia, because these actions involve directly and


...It also affirms the obligation to promote the common good by combating such threats to human life and dignity as hunger, poverty, racism, unjust immigration policies, and unjust war. 

...The bishops warn of two temptations for Catholics in public life.   &ldquo;The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity.   The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life&hellip;is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. ...  A second temptation involves &ldquo;dismissing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity.   Racism and other unjust discrimination, torture, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or lack health care, or unjust immigration policies are all serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act.&rdquo;


The bishops call Catholics to a different kind of political engagement shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and the vulnerable.&rdquo;   They add, &ldquo;Participation in political life in light of fundamental moral principles is an essential duty for every Catholic and all people of good will.&rdquo;
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo comments on USCCB Statement on Iraq</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>International Issues</category><dc:date>2007-11-14T10:07:45-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-415</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-415</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop William S.   Skylstad, Bishop of Spokane, issued a statement released Nov. 13 which calls for a responsible transition in Iraq.  &nbsp; During their general meeting in Baltimore Nov. 12, the bishops of the United States gave their affirmation to his letter, entitled A Call for Bipartisan Cooperation on Responsible Transition in Iraq.


&nbsp;


Bishop Samuel Aquila of the Diocese of Fargo commented on the statement via an e-mail to the diocesan offices in Fargo today.  &nbsp; He addressed the phrase &ldquo;responsible transition&rdquo; and called for continued prayer.


&nbsp;


&ldquo;&lsquo;Responsible&rsquo; means political leaders must put aside their partisan views and vote-seeking agendas and work in cooperation with each other to determine how to incrementally lessen the U.S. presence in Iraq while providing for the support and safety of the people of Iraq.  &nbsp; Definite strategies must be developed that ensure a shift from an environment of war to an existence in peace,&rdquo; Bishop Aquila wrote.


&nbsp;


&ldquo;&lsquo;Transition&rsquo; means a gradual, well-planned movement which focuses on the care and dignity of each human person who is involved in the war in Iraq,&rdquo; he continued.  &nbsp; &ldquo;Responsible transition can be accomplished only if our politicians put others before themselves &ndash; put peace, life and the common good before their own political popularity or party agenda.  &nbsp; They must ask those most close to the conflict &ndash; the Iraqis, the refugees, the military personnel &ndash; what they see as needs, rather than sitting behind desks, determining strategies that look good on paper but fail when implemented.


&nbsp;


&ldquo;A pull-out from Iraq based on the schedules of politicians is not the answer nor is remaining in Iraq based on the interests of the U.S. alone.  &nbsp; Responsible transition, based upon the dignity, safety and needs of the human persons whose lives are most closely affected by this war, is the only answer.


&nbsp;


Bishop Aquila concluded with a call for continued prayer.  &nbsp; &ldquo;I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Fargo continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, for our service men and women, and for wisdom for all leaders and politicians involved in resolving the present conflict.&rdquo;]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>BISHOPS CALL FOR BIPARTISAN COOPERATION AND RESPONSIBLE TRANSITION IN IRAQ&#xa0;</title><dc:creator>ndcatholic@btinet.net</dc:creator><category>International Issues</category><dc:date>2007-11-14T10:02:52-06:00</dc:date><link>http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-414</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://ndcatholic.org/news/index.html#unique-entry-id-414</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON-The United States and its leaders must work together in a bipartisan fashion to bring about a responsible transition in Iraq that ends the war at the earliest opportunity and minimizes the loss of lives, American and Iraqi.  &nbsp; This was the major thrust of a statement by Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, &nbsp;that was affirmed by the full body of bishops at their general meeting on November 12 in Baltimore.  &nbsp;


&ldquo;As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops gathers in Baltimore, our thoughts and prayers are with our military personnel in Iraq, their families, and all the suffering people of Iraq,&rdquo; Bishop Skylstad said.


The statement decried &ldquo;the political stalemate in Iraq that blocks national reconciliation&rdquo; and &ldquo;finds a parallel&rdquo; in &ldquo;the political and partisan stalemate in Washington.&rdquo;  &nbsp; Bishop Skylstad continued, &ldquo;Our country needs a new direction to reduce the war&rsquo;s deadly toll and to bring our people together to deal with the conflict&rsquo;s moral and human dimensions.  &nbsp; Our nation needs a new bipartisan approach to Iraq policy based on honest and civil dialogue.&rdquo;


The statement noted that our nation faces important challenges and decisions about the terrible dilemmas in Iraq.  &nbsp; &ldquo;Our nation must focus more on the ethics of exit than on the ethics of intervention.   &nbsp;The morally and politically demanding but carefully limited goal of responsible transition should aim to reduce further loss of life and address the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, the refugee crisis in the region, the need to help rebuild the country and human rights, especially religious freedom.&rdquo;


Read the full statement.


Questions and Answers on the War in Iraq]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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