[ed: This message gives us the opportunity to discuss who controls funding for community organizing and how to change that.]
From: GLDP
>>For immediate release
Contact: Kate Pilacky at 1-877-ORG-OHIO
Organize!Ohio Suffers Major Setback as Catholic Campaign Rescinds Grant
Conservative causes were handed a victory as Rev. Robert J.Vitillo, Executive Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development moved to rescind a grant in the amount of $30,000 from the Catholic Campaignfor Human Development (CCHD) to Organize!Ohio, a statewide network of community organizations.
Citing pressure initiated on the archconservative http://www.freerepublic.com website, the Campaign for Human Development reacted to allegations that Organize!Ohio was involved in the activities of the National Abortion Rights Action League(NARAL). The CCHD inquisition was based on speculation that Organize!Ohio or a project of Organize!Ohio was involved in activities which are contrary to the moral teachings of the Catholic Church".
In a July 31, 2001 letter to Organize!Ohio, Fr. Vitillo concedes Organize!Ohio is not directly involved in facilitating or promoting abortion. The letter further states, Organize!Ohio does not have a position on abortion, did not assist NARAL in promoting its own mission, and did not offer any particular services,training, or technical assistance to NARAL.
On two occasions (1999 and 2000), Organize!Ohio received membership dues checks, amounting to donations, totaling $125.00 from NARAL. NARAL is not currently a memberof Organize!Ohio.
Organize!Ohio brings together organizers around the state to share strategies and experiences in helping to empower poor people and their organizations and has selected the issues of Amnesty for Immigrants; the Mount Olive Pickle Boycott in support of Farmworker Organizing; Restoration of Welfare Rights; Affordable Housing; and Universal Access to Health Care as our campaigns.
While it is clear that the activities of Organize!Ohio are within the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church, the funding agreement was unilaterally suspended on the premise that "the MoralGuidelines for CCHD Funding indicate that even when the matter of direct cooperation with morally objectionable activity does not apply, CCHD must avoid funding any projects which have the potential to cause scandal". (Fr.Vitilloletter of July 31,2001.)
However, the Moral Guidelines referenced by Fr.Vitillo do not set forth the circumstances under which potential for scandal might arise but rather incorporates by footnote the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The Directive, in paragraph 71 states:
" "The possibility of scandal must be considered when applying the principles governing cooperation. Cooperation, which in all other respects is morally licit, may need to be refused because of the scandal that might be caused. Scandal can sometimes be avoided by an appropriate explanation of what is in fact being done."(emphasis added)
Rather than suspend funding to an organization that advances a social justice agenda consistent with the principles and values of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, an appropriate explanation, provided by Organize!Ohio could have been accepted by the CCHD rather than giving a victory to the opponents of organizing and social justice whose views are represented on the Free Republic describes itself as an online gathering place or independent, grass-roots conservatism on the web working to roll back decades of governmental largesse and to champion causes which further conservatism in America. Organize!Ohio will assess its future without CCHD fundingsupport at the Annual Gathering of Community Organizers scheduled for the weekend of September 15th in Lancaster, Ohio.
Donations to offset this funding loss may be sent to Organize! Ohio, 1875 North Ridge Rd, Suite A, Lorain, Ohio 44055. For details, call 1-877-ORG-OHIO or >>email:info at organizeohio.org.
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