Diocese of Covington - Messenger at 402 E. 21st Street, Covington, KY 41015 US - Diocese launches campaign to oppose FOCA

In their November meeting the Catholic bishops in the United States noted the historic nature of the 2008 election and stated they look forward to working with President-elect Barack Obama and the new administration. But they also noted that during the last Congress the most radical and extreme abortion legislation was introduced — the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).

According to a United States Conference of Catholic Bishops fact sheet FOCA will:

1. Invalidate laws to protect a woman from unsafe abortion clinics and to ensure that she is informed about abortion;

2. Require taxpayers to pay for abortions;

3. Require states to allow “partial-birth” and other late-term abortions;

4. Require states to allow abortions by non-physicians;

5. Bar laws protecting a right of conscientious objection to abortion;

6. Deny parents an opportunity to be involved in their minor daughter’s abortion decision.

The U.S. bishops, including Bishop Roger Foys of the Diocese of Covington, want Catholics to send a clear message to Congress in opposition to FOCA and any other legislation that would weaken federal or state laws designed to protect and defend life.

“Whenever there is a change of administration it is good to let the new administration — no matter who they are — know where we stand and to plead our cause before them. So the changing of the guard here in our country is a good time, I think, to make the administration aware of what we believe is the horror that is abortion,” said Bishop Foys.

To achieve this goal Bishop Foys has asked the diocesan Pro-Life Commission to join in a postcard campaign spearheaded by the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, an organization that works closely with the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Karen Riegler, director for the diocesan Pro-Life Commission, said Bishop Foys is asking the people of the diocese to send a postcard to their representatives and senators expressing their opposition to FOCA.

“The need is to send a message immediately to Congress that any tinkering with legislation already in place will alienate millions of Catholics — that’s why the bishops wanted to do this campaign,” said Mrs. Riegler.

In addition to FOCA, other legislation of concern to Catholics which the new administration and Congress may consider changing include the Hyde Amendment barring the use of federal funds to pay for abortions; the so-called “Mexico City policy” prohibiting government organizations and organizations receiving federal funds from performing or promoting abortion services in other countries; and the ban on embryonic stem cell research.

Mrs. Riegler outlined the four components to the local initiative.

First, a pre-printed postcard expressing opposition to FOCA will be inserted into the Jan. 23 edition of the Messenger. Messenger readers will be asked to complete the postcard and mail it to political leaders.

Second, postcards will be inserted into parish bulletins, and pastors will be asked to direct parishioners to send the postcards.

A new website, www.fightfocanky.com, is being created. Here people will have an opportunity to add their name to a letter that will be sent to the diocesan Pro-Life Office. These letters will be bundled and mailed to legislators.

Also at the website, people can add their e-mail address for the “Plugged-in for Life” e-mail alerts. New and existing registrants are being asked to send forward alerts to everyone in their e-mail address book.

“The campaign couldn't come at a better time. We've got to be careful that we don't become hopeless in the face of (the outcomes of the national election). It’s a challenge and it will bring out the best in us,” Mrs. Riegler said. “As Mother Therese said, ‘God doesn't ask us to be successful — he asks us to be faithful.’ I think as long as we are faithful our efforts will be rewarded somewhere along the way.”

(Back)