Bishops' Schedules: Bishop William H. Bullock Monday, November 15 - Friday, November 19, 2004 Attend United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Meeting, Washington, D.C. Sunday, November 21, 2004 10:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Dedication of New Altar, Congregation of St. Mary's and St. Paul's, Mineral Point Bishop George O. Wirz Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:00 a.m. -- Preside at Communal Penance Service, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison Sunday, November 21, 2004 11:15 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison

Clarification:
On separation of Church, State

		Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Dear Friends,

As I pause to wish the blessing of a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones with whom you will gather over the holiday, I am forced to offer one more post-election reflection. I don't intend to "beat a dead horse," but I'm finding that the horse is holding on for dear life.

Since the election has taken place, I have heard and read statements like the following from many Catholics: "I was taught the separation of Church and State." Many Catholics on the basis of that statement defend the right to vote in a way which rejects fundamental Catholic convictions either directly or indirectly. It seems to me that I cannot let that statement stand: it cannot, itself, serve to justify voting for a pro-choice candidate.

Separation of Church and State

In eighth grade civics in a public school back in Pennsylvania I too was taught the separation of Church and State. What I was taught is this: The separation of Church and State is a constitutional doctrine which restrains the State from two things: forcing people to practice a particular religion or preventing people from practicing a particular religion.

The separation of Church and State contained in the Constitution, I was taught, restrains the State in these two ways - it in no way restrains religious believers or communities but is rather intended to protect their right, their freedom of religion. I was taught this by a teacher who believed rightly in the strict interpretation of the Constitution rather than the approach of adding one's own ideology or preference into the interpretation of the Constitution. Thus I was taught that the separation of Church and State restrains the State, not believers or communities of believers.

"As Catholics, the Second Vatican Council teaches us that there is not an unbreachable wall between Church and State."

Teachings of Second Vatican Council

Secondly, the Catholic Church has taught clearly in the documents of Vatican II what the role of the State or the civil authority is with regard to religion and the free exercise of religion. In the Vatican II Decree on Religious Liberty, no. 6, we read the following: "It is an integral part of the duty of every civil authority to safeguard and promote inviolable human rights. The State is therefore obliged to give effective protection to the religious liberty of all citizens by just laws and other suitable means, and to ensure favorable conditions for fostering religious life. By these means citizens will have the real opportunity to exercise their religious rights and fulfill their duties, and society will itself benefit from the fruits of justice and peace which result from the people's fidelity to God and His holy will."

As Catholics, the Second Vatican Council teaches us that there is not an unbreachable wall between Church and State. As a matter of fact it is the role of the State not merely to tolerate but to favor the free exercise of religion. What I was taught in civics class about the separation of Church and State indicated what the State should not do, i.e., not coerce individuals either to practice a specific religion or not.

What the Catholic Church through Vatican II teaches us additionally is the State should in a positive vein favor the free exercise of religion because as the Council says, "Society will itself benefit from the fruits of justice and peace which result from people's fidelity to God and His holy will."

Clarification must be made

The strict interpretation of the Constitution and the teaching of the Second Vatican Council about the separation of Church and State are absolutely compatible. The Constitution indicates what the State should not do and the Second Vatican Council indicates what the State should do. If people were taught otherwise, and they want to be faithful to the Constitution and be faithful Catholics, I would invite them to reconsider their attitude toward the separation of Church and State.

Incorrect notions of that separation are causing grave confusion among Catholics, and some of the confusions are lived out and promoted by Catholic politicians or office holders who certainly should know better. As I said, it is important that this clarification be made because of the post-election commentary of a large number of Catholics which seems to require the correction. I make this correction out of love for all people of good will who have a right to the truth, and I make it in a humble way passing on not my own opinion, but the strict interpretation of the Constitution and the clear teaching of the Catholic Church.

Time of thanksgiving

With that said, reminding you once again during this Year of the Eucharist that the word "Eucharist" means thanksgiving, I renew my good wishes and prayers for you and yours at the time of this wonderful national holiday. We recall all of the blessings that we have received in our life, the manifest blessings which we enjoy, and the hidden blessings which often hurt or cause pain but make us strong, and most of all the blessing of the Eucharistic presence of Christ, which guarantees our destiny of giving thanks not only on Thanksgiving Day but with the angels and the saints for all eternity before the Lord in Heaven.

Thank you for reading this. God bless each one of you. Happy Thanksgiving! Praised be Jesus Christ!

Bishop's Letter

Dear Friends in Christ:

The annual combined special collection for the Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Communications is scheduled for the weekend of November 20 and 21. Your contributions will help support national and diocesan programs in both of these important areas.

The startling number of children without adequate food, elderly without adequate housing, and people of all ages and backgrounds without adequate health care or jobs calls us to remember the call of Christ to see Him in those in need. The recent economic challenges in our country have deepened the need of so many. Campaign for Human Development dollars provide more than simple short-term assistance. They fund grants and offer seed money to support local programs in creating jobs, improving neighborhoods, training adults with new skills, and encouraging participation in civic dialogue.

With so many voices competing for the attention of all of us, accurate discussion of Catholic social and moral teaching is hard to find. Your support for Catholic Communications allows the message of Christ and His Church to be presented in clear and complete ways, using all media outlets, including television, radio, print, and the Internet. This is especially necessary if we are to reach the young with the invitation to discover the truth of Christ.

Please be generous in your support of these essential works of the Catholic Church in the United States.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison