Tulsa's Bishop Slattery sees 'prophetic' (non-governmental) role for Catholic Charities

January 13, 2012

Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa, Oklahoma, speaks about his decision to decline government funding for the local office of Catholic Charities, in a discussion with the National Catholic Register

“Here in Tulsa, we are not ‘privatizing’ Catholic Charities; we are simply carrying on the way we have been,” says Bishop Slattery. The diocese--located in a region where Catholics are a distinct minority, but religious beliefs are strong--has been able to solicit enough donations to support the work of Catholic Charities, and now wants to avoid the complications that can arise from government involvement.

Carefully avoiding criticism of other dioceses where Catholic Charities offices have been force to cut back services because of conflicts with government regulations, the Tulsa bishop instead emphasizes the importance of “a prophetic vision of Church services.” For example, as health-care institutions edge toward acceptance of euthanasia, the Register reports, “he is exploring plans for opening a hospice on the Catholic Charities campus, bringing the needs of the dying and the Church’s understanding of a holy death and eternal life to the forefront.”

 

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Further information:

• Is Bishop Slattery Privatizing Catholic Charities? (National Catholic Register)
• Tulsa Catholic Charities declines government funds (CWN, 1/5)