Public Policy Priorities for 2008
In faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) seeks to engage all Missourians in creating a culture of life and compassion through the enactment of public policies that respect the sanctity and dignity of human life, protect the most vulnerable and promote the common good.
The MCC appeals to the natural law written by God upon the heart of each person. It encompasses the proclamation in the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” It is this natural law that allows people of different faiths and philosophies to work together to uphold the common good.
As the public policy agency of the Missouri Catholic bishops, the MCC considers current issues, through the lens of a two thousand year tradition of Catholic moral teaching. The MCC seeks to apply moral principles to the complex challenges facing the state of Missouri and the United States in the 21st century.
There are many issues that warrant attention, but the MCC considers the following four issues to be priorities for 2008:
Defend the sanctity and dignity of human life, especially threats to human life posed by abortion and unethical life science experiments.
The MCC maintains its unwavering commitment to protect the sanctity of human life throughout all stages of development from inception to natural death. The MCC opposes the promotion and funding of abortion and morally objectionable life science experiments, including human cloning and the destruction of human embryos. Assaults on human dignity such as pornography and human trafficking should be eradicated. In order to build a culture of life, the MCC supports adequate funding for life-affirming programs such as alternatives to abortion and health care for the poor.
Ensure that all Missourians have access to affordable health care.
Access to basic health care is a fundamental human right. Responsibility for health care begins with individuals and families but also involves the larger community. As part of its responsibility to promote the common good, government must ensure that there is access to affordable health care for all. The MCC supports publicly funded health coverage for the working poor, children, the elderly and those with disabilities who cannot otherwise afford health care coverage. Public funding for health care should not include funding for abortion, contraceptives and other unethical practices.
Enact federal comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the dignity of persons regardless of legal status while protecting national sovereignty.
America should also recognize its historic role as a safe harbor for the poor and persecuted. An orderly and just immigration process requires federal oversight and enforcement. The MCC opposes individual states enacting immigration laws that differ from state to state and with federal law. Basic human needs should be addressed regardless of citizenship status. The traditional role of churches in providing pastoral care to immigrants and refugees should be protected from government intrusion and sanctions.
Promote proper stewardship of all of God’s creation.
“Preservation of the environment, promotion of sustainable development and particular attention to climate change are matters of grave concern for the entire human family. No nation or business sector can ignore the ethical implications present in all economic and social development. With increasing clarity scientific research demonstrates that the impact of human actions in any one place or region can have worldwide effects.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Letter on the Occasion of the Seventh Symposium of the Religion, Science and the Environment Movement, Sept. 1, 2007). As stewards of God’s creation, human beings are responsible for the care and sustainability of the earth for both present and future generations. As a scientific consensus emerges regarding the adverse effects of climate change, responsible stewardship is critical. The MCC supports efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions, develop renewable energy and protect natural resources. These efforts require international cooperation as well as national, state and local initiatives.
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