News
NC's Catholic Bishops Unveil New Public Policy Initiative
The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, and the Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte, today announced the creation of Catholic Voice NC, a statewide initiative that will give Catholics in North Carolina the opportunity to communicate with their state legislators on issues of importance.
At a news conference at the State Legislative Building in Raleigh, the Bishops outlined the focus of Catholic Voice NC and unveiled a new joint website, www.CatholicVoiceNC.org, which will provide information to subscribers on legislative matters of interest to Catholics in light of Catholic teaching. Subscribers will receive “alerts” notifying them of pending legislation and a have access to a system allowing them the capability to voice their support or objection to the legislation by email, telephone or regular mail.
Bishop Burbidge noted that legislative issues can be introduced and moved along rapidly in the general assembly. He said the technology used on the website will allow the Bishops to quickly communicate issues of importance to Catholics. In turn, subscribers will also be able to react quickly in contacting their state lawmakers on a given issue.
In his remarks at the news conference, Bishop Burbidge cited the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ “long-standing record of being a moral voice in our country on issues of importance and concern to Catholics and all people of goodwill.”
“Our primary concern will always be the sacredness of all human life and the dignity of each and every person: the unborn, the underprivileged and the often forgotten … individuals who do not have very many advocates or lobbyists,” Bishop Burbidge said.
“Catholic Voice North Carolina will not endorse candidates or political parties,” Bishop Jugis said in his statement. “We will call Catholics to action on legislative matters that touch upon Holy Scripture and/or the teaching of the Catholic Church.”
Currently the web site contains four initial topics; Respect Life, Immigration, Stem Cell Research and End of Life Issues. Additional topics will be added as issues and legislation arise.
The first issue posted to www.CatholicVoiceNC.org is the “Choose Life” license plate currently being held up for discussion in the House Finance Committee. On Monday, Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Jugis sent a letter to Committee Chair Representative Paul Luebke asking him to allow H 932, Choose Life Special Registration Plate, to be placed before his Committee for discussion and a vote. The www.CatholicVoiceNC.org website provides updated information on H 932 and the letter from the Bishops.
In his statement, Bishop Burbidge noted that the coming celebration of Independence Day, when “each of us, in our way, will give thanks for the many blessings we have in our country, including freedom of religion and the right to political participation.” Bishop Burbidge noted because of that right, coupled with our role as teachers of the faith regarding moral values that shape our lives, “We share the right to add our voice to the public discussion of issues,” especially when decisions are being made for the “common good.”
Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Jugis invite Catholics to visit www.CatholicVoiceNC.org, explore the site and to register, if they choose.
“The Catholic Church has a long tradition of serving the community at large through education, social services and health care,” Bishop Jugis said. “Catholic Voice NC will continue this tradition by fostering a productive dialog with our elected officials.”
Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Jugis also announced that candidates for the Office of Governor and state legislative offices will be sent a candidate questionnaire in the next week asking their position on a variety of issues facing the state. A similar questionnaire will be sent to the U.S. Senate candidates and candidates seeking U.S. House seats. The results of the candidates’ survey will be posted on www.CatholicVoiceNC.org website in early October.