NCR publisher dismisses bishops’ FOCA concerns

November 25, 2008

In a column that will appear in the November 28 print edition, Joe Feuerherd, publisher of the National Catholic Reporter, dismisses concerns expressed by the US bishops and pro-life organizations that the Freedom of Choice Act could become law during President-elect Barack Obama’s administration. Despite the president-elect’s promise that ‘the first thing I’d do as president’ would be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act, Feuerherd writes that ‘FOCA has as much chance of passage as the 0-10 Detroit Lions have of winning the next Super Bowl.’

Feuerherd's ability as a political prognosticator will be tested in January, when FOCA will undoubtedly be introduced. But his argument misses the point, from the American bishops' perspective. Whether or not the legislation wins approval, there will be Catholic lawmakers sponsoring the bill, and thus putting themselves clearly on the public record in favor of immoral legislation. As teachers, the bishops are required to respond to that scandal whether or not FOCA becomes law.

 

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Further information:

• How a bill doesn't become a law (National Catholic Reporter)
• Barack Obama Promises to Sign FOCA (YouTube)
• Analysis of FOCA (Office of the General Counsel, USCCB)