Bishop Robert Morlino Affirms Paul Ryan's Effort to Apply Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Online ^ | 8/17/12 | Keith A Fournier

[tcg]

I attended the Norfolk, Virginia Rally where Mitt Romney introduced Paul Ryan as his running mate... I suggested that some would quickly attempt to spin the positions of this good man as inconsistent with Catholic Social teaching.

...By Monday the effort had begun. Hecklers at the Iowa State Fair demanded that Paul Ryan "stop the war on the poor". The same phrase hecklers used on April 26, 2012 when the Congressman gave an address at Georgetown University. At Georgetown he said "there are some Catholics who for a long time have thought they had a monopoly of sorts. not exactly on heaven, but on the social teaching of our Church.Simply put, I do not believe that the preferential option for the poor means a preferential option for big government." For many on the left, those were fighting words.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Congressman Paul Ryan exchanged letters wherein the Congressman explained the rationale behind his economic proposals within the framework of a sincere effort to apply the principles found within Catholic Social Thought... I suggested that the exchange of letters signaled the liberation of Catholic Social Thought from some who seek to use it as a proof text for their own political agendas.

... The liberation has begun. This man not only knows Catholic Social Doctrine, he actively seeks to integrate the principles it offers into his own public service and the policy proposals he offers.

Groups such as "Catholics United" are leading an effort to disparage the Vice Presidential candidate by claiming that, as a Catholic, he does not support the social doctrine of his own Church. This assessment is not only inaccurate; it constitutes calumny, which the Catechism of the Catholic Church condemns. (CCC#2477)...

[tcg]

"Where intrinsic evils are not involved, specific policy choices and political strategies are the province of Catholic lay mission...Vice Presidential Candidate Ryan is aware of Catholic Social Teaching and is very careful to fashion and form his conclusions in accord with the principles mentioned above. Of that I have no doubt. A Catholic conscience can never take exception to the prohibition of actions which are intrinsically evil. Nor may a conscience well-formed by reason or the Catholic faith ever choose to vote for someone who clearly, consistently, persistently promotes that which is intrinsically evil. However, a conscience well-formed according to reason or the Catholic faith, must also make choices where intrinsic evil is not involved. How best to care for the poor is probably the finest current example of this..." Bishop Morlino

[sitetest]

As I posted yesterday on a similar thread, here is the money quote:

“Thus, it is not up to me or any bishop or priest to approve of Congressman Ryan’s specific budget prescription to address the best means we spoke of. Where intrinsic evils are not involved, specific policy choices and political strategies are the province of Catholic lay mission. But, as I’ve said, Vice Presidential Candidate Ryan is aware of Catholic Social Teaching and is very careful to fashion and form his conclusions in accord with the principles mentioned above. Of that I have no doubt. (I mention this matter in obedience to Church Law regarding one’s right to a good reputation.)”

[Rumplemeyer]

BUMP

[Armando Guerra]

As a Catholic I have taken issue with the misguided belief of many in the church (bishops, priests and nuns) who believe that since we are called to charity and liberal government engages are charity we are called to support liberal government programs. The problem with that thinking is that government is NOT engaged in charity and is actually antithetical to charity. True charity is personal in nature. It involves giving as an act of benevolence and caring. Government takes by force and redistributes wealth not out of benevolence but so as to maintain its power and control. “Bread and circuses” just enough to keep the masses quelled and maintain authority. What is worse is that so many see government as engaging in charity that paying taxes is their form of charity. Paying of taxes displaces the personal acts of true charity. When God asks “when did you give me something to eat when I was hungry; give me something to drink when I was thirsty; clothe me when I was naked; or, visit me when I was sick?” how many will answer “every April 15.”

[Armando Guerra]

As a Catholic I have taken issue with the misguided belief of many in the church (bishops, priests and nuns) who believe that since we are called to charity and liberal government engages in charity we are called to support liberal government programs. The problem with that thinking is that government is NOT engaged in charity and is actually antithetical to charity. True charity is personal in nature. It involves giving as an act of benevolence and caring. Government takes by force and redistributes wealth not out of benevolence but so as to maintain its power and control. “Bread and circuses” just enough to keep the masses quelled and maintain authority. What is worse is that so many see government as engaging in charity that paying taxes is their form of charity. Paying of taxes displaces the personal acts of true charity. When God asks “when did you give me something to eat when I was hungry; give me something to drink when I was thirsty; clothe me when I was naked; or, visit me when I was sick?” how many will answer “every April 15.”

[Armando Guerra]

Sorry for the double post, my computer is acting up.

[Wright Wing]

Couldn’t have said it better in one hundred years. Spot on and may be quoted to lib “friends”.