Posted on 01/23/2007 11:10:30 AM PST by presidio9
The Catholic Church of England and Wales has dug in for a battle with the government over proposed laws which would force their adoption agencies to consider placing children with gay couples.
Catholic leader Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor wrote to Prime Minister Tony Blair and the cabinet Tuesday, warning that the Church would have to close its adoption agencies if legislation forced them to act against their teachings.
Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop of Westminster, said the Church would have "serious difficulty" with planned regulations outlawing discrimination against homosexuals in the provision of goods and services.
Plans to force Catholic adoption agencies to consider applications from gays would require them to act against Catholic teaching on marriage and family life, he added.
The adoption agencies could close if they lose local authority funding.
Adoption by homosexual couples is legal in Britain and Catholic agencies usually pass on adoption requests from gays to other agencies.
The Sexual Orientation Regulations are expected to come into force in April.
Blair has not yet made his mind up on the points raised by Murphy-O'Connor, his official spokesman said Tuesday.
"This is an issue with sensitivities on all sides and the prime minister recognises that and that is why it is worth having some discussions in government before we come to a decision," the spokesman said.
But Blair's wife Cherie is a Catholic and he is thought to be sympathetic to the Church's position.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly, a Catholic with links to the traditionalist Opus Dei group, has clashed with cabinet colleagues and wants an opt-out for the Church, according to reports at the weekend.
But Lord Charles Falconer, the lord chancellor and Britain's de facto justice minister, said it would be "extremely difficult" to envisage any exemptions.
There are 12 Catholic agencies which deal with either adoption or fostering in England and Wales, which are responsible for 32 percent of voluntary sector adoptions.
A spokesman for the Catholic Church in England and Wales warned that they could all close if they were to lose local authority funding.
It's a nice thought, but I'm worried that in this country, if you take the Catholic Church out of the equation, the net result is MORE abortions.
But, Japan did not own the plaza, Japanese business did. And the Pope is the head of state for Vatican City and his bishops and priests are ambassadors of the church.
Semantics perhaps, but it sure would shake things up a bit.
Like I said - just a thought.
Ah....
They have the option of going without state funding.
The first question that one must ask is does Mrs Blair accept the Church's position or is she a Kennedy/Kerry/Pelosi type of "Catholic"?
I suppose they do.But is there anything in the British Constitution that prevents the government from closing them down even though they receive no government money?
If not,it's not difficult to see the Government trying exactly that.
Not sure, but I have heard rumors that Blair is planning on converting after he leaves office.
I've heard similar suggestions myself.However,there's more than one kind of Catholic...as I suggested above.
Oh well,I don't know nearly enough about British law or British society to debate such an issue with any credibility so I'll just have to wait and see.
Me either. I'm pinging in my go-to guy on questions pertaining to UK politics.
George Bush on this issue had a chance to make history by unbinding the churches of today from government prohibitions that have been placed upon it's mission. Instead he opened door for the Devil to take over the pulpit by offering them federal funds.
Of course anyone with common sense understands the fact faith based programs do not work without the change in ones heart that these programs encourage by Christian ethics and the Gospel message. The program is a sham.
bump
Then let the government make an ass of itself, Maybe that will wake up some Catholics.
I don't know. It may have to do with whether they accept state funds. Unfortunately, they may not be able to continue to operate without them. Who suffers? The children. Thank you, homosexual agenda.
Let's see: A few dozen reports of sexual abuse every year, vs. millions of lives saved by Catholic Church orphanage services. I'm sure the MSM thinks you have your priorities straight on that one, junior.
Are you (or were you) a Catholic?
Are you (or were you) a Catholic?
Hell no! I just find it strange that the church will hide child abusers then take the moral high ground about what is best for children.
I can guarantee you that there sexual deviants among the clergy of whatever religion it is that you follow. The Catholic Church just gets the most press, because they are the largest Church in the US and the world. Your time would be much better served getting your own church to clean up its act, and let us take care of our own problems. Conveniently, Christ instructed you to do exactly that.
Incidentally, child abuse and exploitation is a MUCH bigger problem in the public schools system, and in government run orphanages. If you really compelled to do something about the problem, rather than making the same lame accusations against the Church, I suggest that you start there. You're showing your ignorance when you say that the Church needs to step away and let the government handle the problem. Plus, who do you think will foot the bill when the Church steps away and lets Uncle Sam take care of things?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.