The USCCB: Engaged and Proactive
In recent years, our national conference of Catholic bishops has garnered a lackluster record for immediately acknowledging and engaging pressing political and economic issues. The typical scenario goes something like this:
- a potentially ugly issue rears its head;
- the American media grabs hold and puts a very positive yet modernist twist on said issue;
- a few of the most outspoken bishops call for other bishops and lay Catholics to carefully consider the situation and make good choices based on a properly-formed moral conscience;
- and the USCCB makes a statement that is ambiguous and ineffective because they have not the desire to seem "unpastoral."
Yet, in the wake of the most recent presidential election and the potential scandal (in the Catholic sense, not the political) that accompanies it, our beloved pastors are making efforts to properly form Catholics' consciences much earlier in the process. Indeed, they are making clear where they will direct their efforts to lead Catholics into holiness. Bravo, Your Excellencies!
Here are a few news reports that prove the point made above:
- US Bishops Approve Blessing for Children in the Womb (recognizing them, theologically, as a valuable human person)
- US Bishops Issue Brief Statement on Economic Crisis
- US Bishops Cut Off Funding to ACORN
- US Bishops to Emphasize Protection of Unborn...
Pray with me that this engaged and proactive conference will continue to work to properly form the consciences of American Catholics; and to exert prudent influence in America's public life.
God bless!