But Not for Abortions, Clarify Catholic Leaders
WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPT. 9, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Catholic leaders are urging the U.S. Senate to support funding for urgent humanitarian and development activities for the world's poorest countries, but not for abortion services.The request was made in a letter signed by Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, chairman of the U.S. bishops' conference international policy committee, and Ken Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services.
The Sept. 5 letter was sent to senators as they consider the state/foreign operations appropriations bill for 2008.
Of particular concern, the letter explained, is providing adequate funding for the Millennium Challenge Account/Corporation (MCA), which helps vulnerable countries to make key reforms.
The letter cited that reforms "include improved governance, anti-corruption measures, expanded rights for underrepresented groups such as women and rural landholders, and commitments to social investments in health and sanitation."
"Unless sufficient funds are provided for the MCA, important reforms may lose momentum in bringing meaningful development to some of our poorest brothers and sisters," wrote Bishop Wenski and Hackett.
Abstinence education
Funding was also urged for abstinence programs to address HIV and AIDS.
"We strongly urge the Senate to reinstate designated funding for prevention of sexually transmitted HIV through abstinence and fidelity education in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)," the letter explained.
The statement continued: "PEPFAR included a 7% allocation (one-third of HIV and AIDS prevention funds) for abstinence-before-marriage programs.
"The bill abandons this commitment, even though there is a global shortage of funding available for this critical and effective method for preventing sexually transmitted HIV."
The letter adds, "We also urge you to strike language in the Senate committee-passed bill contained in Sec. 622 that would rescind the Mexico City Policy." That policy prevents U.S. money from going to groups that "perform and promote abortion as family planning."
The letter also requested the restoration "of the Kemp-Kasten Amendment in existing law, which prohibits support for organizations that support or help manage programs using coerced abortion and sterilization; the committee-passed bill would undermine this provision of law."
"The persistence of abject hunger, poverty, and disease in God's world is a significant moral challenge," Bishop Wenski and Hackett concluded. "Reliable programs that have proven results in combating or reducing poverty and disease deserve the full support of the U.S. Congress."
ZE07090904 - 2007-09-09