Posted on 09/24/2004 10:25:01 AM PDT by jrherreid
On Tuesday August 31, Catholic Answers ran a full-page ad in USA Today in several major markets advising Catholics how to vote, in light of Church teaching, on five key, non-negotiable issues. The ad contained the text of the "Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics," created and produced by Catholic Answers.
Although entirely legal (the Voter's Guide does not promote or advocate any party or candidate), the ad and the Voter's Guide have been considered controversial, especially to some Catholics opposed to the Magisterial teaching of the Catholic Church.
On September 20, 2004, Francis Kissling, President of Catholics for a Free Choice (CFFC), filed a "complaint" with the IRS, claiming that Voter's Guide produced by Catholic Answers violates tax rules governing non-profit charitable organizations.
In a statement, Catholic Answers' founder and president Karl Keating said:
"In a brazen attempt to silence anyone who opposes legalized child-killing in America, the nation's leading pro-abortion Catholic-Frances Kissling of Catholics For a Free Choice-has launched a full-scale attack on Catholic Answers for publishing the Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics. ...
In fact, our Voter's Guide does not violate any tax rules. We had it thoroughly checked out by legal experts, and we're well within the law. In the Voter's Guide, we don't mention any candidates, any specific election, or any party, and we don't endorse or oppose anyone. We merely state the principles that real Catholics are obligated to abide by when voting."
On Thursday, September 23, IgnatiusInsight.com interviewed Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers Director of Apologetics and Evangelization, about the controversy, the attacks by Catholics for a Free Choice, and the Voter's Guide.
(Excerpt) Read more at ignatiusinsight.com ...
Ping!
I used to work for Catholic Answers in San Diego.
Karl Keating is the best! If anyone tries to cut
him or CA down, they will be knocked down for sure!
I read "This Rock" magazine. Great, funny, and informative.
God Bless Catholic Answers!
bump
The whole issue of "legality" is laughable. Of course it's legal. Political speech is protected by the First Amendment. Now, as to whether it's permissible under the requirements of maintaining 501(c)3 status in the eyes of the IRS, that's a different matter.
With all due respect, people of faith should say and do whatever needs to be said and done even if that means endorsing a political party or candidate. Taxes? Render to Caesar!
That is, of course, assuming said people have faith that God is able and willing to provide for all their needs.
Ahh, the things we do in yielding to the almighty Dollar...
Well done James Akin!
Good to hear!
Just curious, is he the same Karl Keating that worked on "The Incredible Bread Machine?"
I've read a lot of his other stuff but always wondered about that.
Shameless ping.
Does anyone have the Catholic ping list?
Hey! Haven't seen you in these parts in a long while!
Thanks for the ping...I'll take a look.
I have a question that perhaps some of our consrevative Catholic Freepers can answer: Why are the "Catholics for Free Choice still Catholics at all? In other words, why haven't they been excommunicated?
Not only are CFFC's members openly in rebellion against church teaching - but they are actively undermining church teaching and authority through their advocacy, which is even more egregious, as I understand it.
He said that's the name that is actually on his birth certificate, and he reverted to it out of respect for his father.
Think we should donate and show support for this fine organization.
These people have been on the frontlines and doing the Lord's work. God bless them.
Sorry! I didn't know the Jimmy was so essential.
I don't guess it's a big deal. I just thought it was interesting, so I pointed it out.
Yes, he did write it. He used to be an attorney.
They sure do. In fact, when I worked for them,
we received as many calls from non-Catholics
asking questions as we did Catholics.
Great people doing great work.
I can personally vouch for them.
I have yet to see a debate that Karl loses.
He knows how to debate.
We fight people like this daily at catholicsagainstkerry.com
Help us win.
He is very essential! He has been with
Catholic Answers for a long time. If you
have a chance to read a book call "Surprised By Truth",
you will like reading about him.
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