USCCB LAUNCHES CIVILITY EFFORT
As campaigning by presidential candidates takes place across Iowa, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is launching a year-long initiative that invites Catholics to model civility, love for neighbor and respectful dialogue. “Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate” will ask Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on others to do the same.
The initiative is built on the recognition that every person — even those with whom we disagree — is a beloved child of God who possesses inherent dignity. For more information, go to www.CivilizeIt.org.
CONTACT OUR SENATORS NOW IN SUPPORT OF DACA
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments Nov. 12 on the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. A decision is expected to be announced by the Supreme Court next spring. DACA recipients are young adults who were born in other countries and are not citizens. They were brought to the U.S. as minors by their parents. More than 800,000 young people have benefited from the DACA program. It provides authorization to work and some protection from deportation.
In the meantime, we are encouraging Congress to provide DACA recipients with a path to citizenship through the “Dream Act.” The House passed its version of the Dream Act, H.R. 6, last summer and we are now urging Senators Ernst and Grassley to support the Senate’s version, S. 874.
The bill would help ensure that recipients are able to live their lives free of the anxiety that they could be deported at any time to a country they do not know.
Please send a message to Senators Ernst and Grassley and request that they support S.874, the Dream Act of 2019.
SUPPORT THE GLOBAL FRAGILITY ACT
The U.S. Catholic Church’s worldwide development agency, Catholic Relief Services, is supporting the Global Fragility Act. The Global Fragility Act implements a strategy to prevent violent conflict by coordinating activities in priority countries and regions around the world. Fragility, conflict, and violence are multi-dimensional and therefore require a comprehensive solution. You can contact our Senators now in support of the bill at https://www.confrontglobalpoverty.org/act/action-center/.
BILL CALLS FOR DIGNIFIED TREATMENT OF HUMAN REMAINS
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Chairman of the USCCB Committee for Pro-Life Activities, has sent a letter to Members of Congress supporting S. 2590 and HR 4934, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act. Archbishop Naumann cited the recent discovery of careless retention of fetal remains in the state of Illinois by a recently deceased abortion doctor, as well as other instances of shameful and disrespectful disposal of bodies discarded in toilets or cardboard medical waste boxes. To send a message to your members of Congress in support, go to https://votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/69248/Respond.
NCD RELEASES STUDY ON DANGERS OF ASSISTED SUICIDE LAWS
The National Council on Disability (NCD) released a federal study, “The Danger of Assisted Suicide Laws,” revealing that assisted suicide laws are rife with dangers to people with disabilities. The NCD is an independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities.
Among its policy recommendations is this: “States should not legalize any form of assisted suicide or active euthanasia.” For more information on the study go to https://ncd.gov/newsroom/2019/federal-study-assisted-suicide-laws.
AND FINALLY,
The Iowa Catholic Conference board met last month and is putting the final touches on its 2020 legislative agenda. We’ll let you know when it’s available.
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