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July 2012
| 712-97; Vol 31, No. 6
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MCC Annual Assembly to Focus on Defense of Religious Liberty
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The 2012 Annual Assembly of the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) will take as its theme "Religious Liberty in the Public Square." This year's assembly comes as the Catholic Church seeks to defend religious liberties from government intrusions, most notably the rule issued earlier this year by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which requires even religious organizations to pay for abortion drugs, contraceptives and sterilizations in their health plans.
The keynote speaker will be The Most Reverend William Edward Lori, S.T.D., Archbishop of Baltimore and chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. Archbishop Lori will discuss the role of religious liberty in the public square.
The assembly will include workshops on a variety of issues, including end-of-life concerns, the recent Supreme Court decision concerning the Affordable Care Act, the influence of money in American politics, the teachings of Vatican II in review, and how church-state relations developed in the debates over the First Amendment and then shaped the early history of the American nation.
The MCC Annual Assembly has become a popular event and draws Catholics from all corners of Missouri to the state capitol in Jefferson City. This year's assembly is set for Saturday, Oct. 6. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Capitol Rotunda. The keynote address by Archbishop Lori will take place in the historic chamber of the House of Representatives.
Breakout workshops follow the keynote address and then lunch is provided at no charge. The afternoon workshops lead to a brief closing session. There are also activities for youth, including a mock legislature and scavenger hunt inside the Capitol.
The day ends with a Mass concelebrated by the bishops of Missouri. The day is free; there is no registration fee and each participant is given an information packet to take home with them.
For those who need transportation assistance, don't hesitate to call the MCC at 1-800-456-1679. You can register online. Don't miss out on this inspiring and informative day. The assembly offers a great way to learn how to take your Catholic faith and apply its principles in the public square that is our great American democracy. |
Archbishop Lori to Address Assembly
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The Missouri Catholic Conference will feature Archbishop William E. Lori as its keynote speaker at the 2012 Annual Assembly. Archbishop Lori, of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, will discuss the role of religious liberty in the public square.
In 2005, he was elected Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, where he has the responsibility of overseeing the spiritual welfare of the Order's 1.8 million members and their families.
On Sept. 29, 2011, New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) appointed Archbishop Lori the chair of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty to address growing concerns over the erosion of freedom of religion in America. In March 2012, Archbishop Lori's Committee issued Our First, Most Cherished Liberty, a comprehensive statement of the U.S. bishops on religious liberty.
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Annual Assembly Schedule
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9:30 a.m. Registration
10 a.m. Keynote Address, Archbishop William Lori
11:15 a.m. Morning Workshops
12:15 p.m. Lunch (free)
1:15 p.m. Afternoon Workshops
2:30 p.m. Closing Session
3:15 p.m. Closing Mass, Concelebrated by Missouri Bishops,
St. Peter Church
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Annual Assembly Workshop Line-Up
| The 2012 Annual Assembly of the Missouri Catholic Conference will feature 16 workshops. There are two workshop sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Read the workshop descriptions below to decide which workshops you would like to attend. Include your top four choices on your registration form so the MCC can plan accordingly.
America's Contribution to the Second Vatican Council: The Declaration on Religious Freedom
It has been 50 years since the opening of the Second Vatican Council that produced 16 documents on Catholic teaching. This workshop will explore the development and discussions on religious liberty that led to Dignitatis Humanae. Come learn how this document can help form our consciences regarding religious liberty issues in our own day.
Presenter: Jude Huntz, Chancellor, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Kansas City, Mo.
Artificial Contraception: Truth and Consequences
It's time to cut through the political spin on artificial birth control. Get honest, accurate information on how various methods actually work. This workshop will consider the implications of contraceptives' biological effects from a Catholic perspective so individuals can make informed personal and civic choices.
Presenter: Theresa Prosser, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacy Practice, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Mo.
The Church in the Headlines: Combating Anti-Catholic Bias in the Secular Media
In light of recent attention on the issue of religious liberty and the HHS health care mandate, Catholic communicators now more than ever must be diligent in speaking the truth about what the Church teaches. Learn how the Catholic press plays an important part in sharing the Gospel message and overcoming anti-Catholic bias in popular media. You'll also walk away with ideas that you can use to help Catholic communicators combat anti-Catholic bias in your local community.
Presenter: Jennifer Brinker, Reporter, St. Louis Review, St. Louis, Mo., and Angie Shelton, Community Relations Specialist, Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.
Exercising Your Religious Liberty in the Pro-Life Arena: Use It or Lose It
Are you aware of the current threats to religious liberty-especially on pro-life issues? This workshop will explore the HHS mandate, conscience protection for health care providers and past, present and future legislative/court efforts. Learn how you can exercise your religious liberty-or risk losing it altogether.
Presenter: Samuel H. Lee, Director, Campaign Life Missouri, pro-life lobbyist, Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.
Facing the End of Life with Dignity
As we age, we must make more decisions regarding our health care. But who will decide for us when we can no longer decide for ourselves? Join us for a discussion of a Catholic approach to planning for our future medical needs, including a look at the Missouri Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Presenters: Marc Kramer, Estate Planning Attorney, St. Louis, Mo., and Greg Vranicar, Associate Director, Office of Stewardship and Development, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Kansas City, Mo.
Health Care: What Now?
To the surprise of many, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now that ACA is the law of the land, what next? What are the rights and responsibilities of states? Of individuals? What options exist for improving health care? This workshop will explore possible next steps in the health care saga.
Presenter: Brian Colby, Director of Policy and Outreach, Missouri Health Advocacy Alliance, Kansas City, Mo.
Immigration: A Gospel Perspective
This presentation explores our Catholic teachings on immigration vis-à-vis our gospel values. More specifically, the workshop will look at the language (facts), sentiments and values surrounding the issue of immigration in order to bring our faith into the mix. Together, we will share some best-practices that will help us respond to the issue of immigration from a faith-based perspective.
Presenter: F. Javier Orozco, OFS, Ph.D., Director of Hispanic Ministry, Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.
Jerusalem Farm: A Unique Service Retreat Experience
Are you looking for a different type of service retreat experience? The presenters will share their experiences starting a "farm" in Kansas City, Mo. Jerusalem Farm combines service retreat experiences, sustainable living and home repair opportunities in the urban core. This workshop will focus on ways people can radically live the Gospels and Catholic social teaching.
Presenters: Jordan and Jessie Schiele, Directors, Jerusalem Farm, Kansas City, Mo.
Juvenile Injustice
As a parent, it is frightening to have a juvenile child in an adult prison. In this workshop, you will hear the compelling story of my son Jonathon and how his prison experience led to the formation of an organization to reform juvenile justice. Come learn about national trends, legislative efforts in Missouri and how you can be part of this reform movement.
Presenter: Tracy McClard, Founder & Family Organizer, FORJ-MO, Jackson, Mo.
Liberty or License? A Catholic Perspective on What Freedom Means
Americans rightly cherish their freedoms, especially the right to practice their faith and follow the dictates of their conscience. But does this mean a person can invoke a right of conscience in all circumstances? Come learn what the Catholic Church teaches on religious liberty and rights of conscience in relation to our responsibilities both to ourselves and to others.
Presenter: Eddie Greim, Attorney, Member of the MCC Public Policy Committee, Kansas City, Mo.
Missouri Tobacco Tax: Offering a Brighter Future for Missouri
Missouri has the 39th lowest life expectancy in the country, due in part to smoking. Too many Missourians smoke, yet the state does not fund programs to help them quit. Show-Me A Brighter Future has proposed a statewide petition initiative that will help address Missouri's health, smoking and school funding problems through a 73-cent tax increase on tobacco products. This workshop will explore how the tax increase will benefit Missouri in meaningful ways.
Presenter: Misty Snodgrass, Legislative/Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society, Jefferson City, Mo.
Money in American Politics: History, Recent Developments and Prospects for Reform
This workshop will examine the growing influence of private campaign contributions on American politics and policy making, legislative efforts to regulate that influence, recent Supreme Court decisions regarding campaign finance and prospects for future reforms. We will explore the intersection of money and politics and discuss whether campaign contributions are just a form of political speech or a conduit for legalized bribery that corrupts the political process and democracy itself.
Presenter: John Langton, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Political Science, Westminster College, Fulton, Mo.
Partners in Care: Meeting Needs Together
Military deployments impact soldiers, airmen and their families in profound ways. This cycle of separation and reunion tests the strongest families, prompting a need to seek out support and resources in the local community, as local guardsmen are dispersed across the state. Partners in Care utilizes faith-based organizations to provide congregational support to military families in the community. This workshop provides insights on how your congregation can be part of this experience.
Presenter: Col. Gary Gilmore, State Chaplain, Missouri National Guard, Jefferson City, Mo.
Religious Liberty-An American Story
Religious liberty is our most cherished freedom, one protected by the First Amendment. How did Jefferson, Adams, Madison and others view the role of religion in public life? This workshop will consider the historical backdrop to the development of the First Amendment, how its meaning has been understood over time and how this has affected the ministry of the Catholic Church in America.
Presenter: James Hitchcock, Ph.D., Department of History, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.
School Choice: Where We Are and What We Can Do
Parents have a fundamental right to choose the education best suited to the needs of their children, including public, private and religious schools. This presentation will examine the national landscape of school choice, explain the differences between vouchers and tax credits, and explore the dynamics in Missouri that are blocking vouchers and tax credits. Learn concrete actions that can be taken in your community to help make school choice a reality in Missouri.
Presenter: John T. James, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Coordinator of Catholic Education Programs, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.
Vocations: No Time Like the Present
Given the culture we live in, one may think it impossible to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Actually, the opposite is true. As the culture of death becomes so strident, the Gospel of Life becomes more and more of an attractive alternative, and the priesthood and religious life, all the more radical, authentic way of life. This workshop will explore why there is no time like the present to promote vocations.
Presenter: Most Reverend Edward Rice, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.
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Annual Assembly Youth Schedule
(Sixth grade and up)
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10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Religious Liberty: An Awakening for Youth
Religious liberty isn't only an adult concern, it is a freedom that affects people of all ages. This hands-on workshop will explore ways to better understand religious liberty and the role young Christians can play in exercising this fundamental American freedom.
Presenter: Kristen Bexten, Director of Campus Ministry and Faith Formation, Father Tolton Catholic High School, Columbia, Mo.
11 a.m. - Noon
Legislative Scavenger Hunt
The State Capitol contains a wealth of history about Missouri and the legislative process. What a perfect place for a scavenger hunt! Don't miss this opportunity to have fun while learning about our state government. Prizes will be awarded.
12:15 p.m. Lunch (free)
1:15 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Mock Legislature
Join other youth from around Missouri in debating controversial bills that have been discussed in the Missouri General Assembly. Youth are asked to follow all rules and procedures that Missouri Representatives and Senators follow day-to-day in the Missouri General Assembly. |
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MCC Responds to Gov. Nixon's Veto of SB 749
- Religious Liberty Bill
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On Thursday, July 12, Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed legislation that seeks to protect the religious liberties
 | Gov. Nixon held a press conference to announce his veto of SB 749.
Photo courtesy of Jay Nies/Catholic Missourian |
of all Missouri citizens. SB 749 asserts a basic principle-the right of people to follow their consciences as informed by their moral and religious beliefs.
SB 749 upholds religious liberty in a very practical way. Under this bill, no one can be forced to pay for surgical abortions, abortion-inducing drugs, contraceptives or sterilizations when this violates their moral or religious beliefs. The governor's contention that SB 749 adds nothing new to state law to protect religious liberty is simply false.
- SB 749 allows workers to exclude and not pay for elective (surgical) abortions when the company plan includes this coverage. (Section 376.1199.6(5));
- SB 749 requires health insurance carriers to write policies that exclude contraceptives when the employer has moral or religious objections. (Section 376.1199.4(1));
- SB 749 ensures that consumers know in advance whether a proposed health plan will cover abortion or contraceptives. (Section 376.1199.6).
Current Missouri law does none of these things. In fact, during committee hearings on SB 749, citizens testified that they were not aware (but found out later) that their health plan covered items such as contraceptives and abortions. SB 749 will put an end to this practice so people can ensure that their health plans correspond to their most deeply held religious and moral beliefs.
In his message, the governor suggests that SB 749 will allow insurance companies to deny workers coverage for contraceptives. This is simply not true. Only insurance carriers in Missouri that operate according to an established set of religious beliefs or moral convictions (in reality, very few) have a right under SB 749 and current law to opt out of providing such coverage. All other carriers must offer contraceptive coverage pursuant to existing Missouri law.
SB 749 upholds the conscience rights and religious liberties of all Missouri citizens. Our state laws should not force anyone to pay for surgical abortions or other morally objectionable items. The MCC urges all people of faith and conscience to contact their state legislators and urge enactment of SB 749, the governor's veto notwithstanding. The MCC has a predrafted message on its website for people to email their legislators. You do not need to know who your legislators are to use this message. After you use this message and hear from your legislators, please fill out this form on the website telling us what they said.
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A Clever Concoction - The SB 749 Veto Message
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Let's give credit where credit is due. The veto message on SB 749 is very clever. It puts all the blame on insurance companies. These companies will now deny women insurance coverage for contraceptives, the message claims.
Let's recognize this argument for what it is: a clever concoction without any basis in the real world of the insurance industry. No for-profit insurance company is going to deny people coverage for contraceptives; it is now a standard part of insurance policies and has been for years. SB 749 simply ensures that people who have moral or religious objections don't have to pay for contraceptives in their health plans.
What is a concoction? It is an invention, a good story, a political spin that its inventors hope people will buy. Sorry, we are not buying it.
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What Now?
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The Missouri Catholic Conference is fully committed to supporting legislators in their effort to override the veto and enact SB 749 into state law. The veto session begins Sept. 12. Between now and then, our challenge will be to secure a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers - 109 in the Missouri House and 23 in the Missouri Senate. SB 749 passed in the Senate with 28 votes, while the bill passed with 105 votes in the House.
An override is therefore doable, but it will not be easy. There were some supporters of SB 749 absent in the House who could make up the difference and gain us the 109 votes. Hopefully, there will be no slippage of the votes in the Senate. However, veto sessions are not always well attended, especially by legislators who will not be back in January because of term limits or being defeated in the August primary.
We can do it, but we need your help. Email your legislators through our online message asking them to override the veto, and then report back to us what they said by filling out this form or emailing us at mocatholic@mocatholic.org. Look for more from the MCC in future publications about how you can help. If you are currently not receiving our weekly update by email, go to MOCatholic.org to sign up or call us at 573-635-7239 or 1-800-456-1679.
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