Attend your Political Caucus and Learn about the Issues

Tuesday, Feb. 7, is political caucus night in Minnesota. I want to encourage you to attend the caucus of the political party of your choice.

There are several issues that are important to the Catholic community, as identified by Catholic Charities Office of Social Justice, among them: bonding for affordable housing, support for the implementation of the exchange required under the affordable health care act, protection of the right to vote, support for job creation, reduction of greenhouse gases and a balanced fiscal policy. I would add to this, protection of life, from conception to natural death. The Catholic Church is opposed to abortion and therefore should not be required to provide such services under the medical benefit plans it administers.

You may or may not agree with these policy preferences. I would only ask that you become informed and act accordingly. There are liberal and conservative approaches to each; the approach is less important than the common goal or outcome.

One other comment, we should resist using amendments to the constitutions for what are public policy initiatives. The state constitution is intended to protect rights, not restrict them, whether it is the right to vote or some other right. Amendments should be of that nature.

I have not touched on the proposed amendment to the constitution to restrict marriage to one man and one woman. The Minnesota Catholic Conference is mounting a well-financed campaign in support of that amendment. This is a divisive issue among Catholics and the public as a whole. I encourage you to study the issue and determine if this is consistent with Catholic social teachings and protects marriage.