by David Pia

Created on: April 09, 2009

Recently, Thursday March, 5, 2009, Connecticut State Senators Andrew McDonald and Michael Lawlor, who chair our state Judiciary Committee, introduced a bill, (#1098) to impede the functions of The Roman Catholic Church. (Public hearing was in Hartford, Wednesday, March 11, 2009).

As outlined in a statement from the Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport; "This bill violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution; it forces radical reorganization of the legal, financial and administrative structure of our parishes"

The Catholic "claim to fame" is our lineage of Popes dating back to our first Pope, St. Peter, who was given his authority direct from Jesus Christ when Christ said; "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). How do these Connecticut state legislators, feel that they are empowered to override what has been handed down as Tradition, withstanding over 2000 years, from Jesus Christ?

I DOUBT that senator McDonald and Representative Lawlor were looking out for the best interest of our parishioners, however, if they are portraying that they were quite simply, thanks, but no thanks!

As is the case with any large organization or corporation, the Catholic Church has had its "bad apples" but has addressed its issues and concerns. We have taken action necessary and been responsive and responsible. The Bishop of my Diocese, Bishop Lori, Diocese of Bridgeport, has been prudent, professional and incisive, leading us with gentle concern for our souls but adamant control over our finances and the moral fiber in which The Church is represented.

Religious of many denominations, especially Catholics, have "turned the other cheek" repeatedly in areas that would never been suggested to many other religions, ethnic groups or cults. Jesus taught us to "turn the other cheek (forgive), not seven times, but seventy times seven times", although it was clear to not be literal in mathematics, this bill is slap number 491 and the straw that broke the camels back.

Simply put, we don't need or want their intrusion into our Church, actually we resent it. They obviously don't share in our beliefs or our faith and have no legal, moral or ethical right to impose their agenda on us. Why not focus their intelligence in areas of current grave concern; the recession/depression, homelessness, hunger. Why don't they call AIG who could use some good help. While The Catholic Church is living within its means AND helping numerous charities (who's public funding is being cut), AIG is losing almost $470,000.00 a MINUTE!

I am proud to be a Roman Catholic, and proud of the leaders of our Church, from the Pope to the Bishops to the Priests in our many parishes. I am proud to be a member of St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church in Trumbull, CT and still in close bond with the Mother Church of Stamford, CT, St. John's Roman Catholic Church.

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