Colorado ex-governor rips CCHD critics
May 01, 2012
Bill Ritter, a Catholic who served as governor of Colorado from 2007 to 2011, has blasted critics of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the US bishops’ controversial anti-poverty program.
“A growing number of organizations that live out the Gospel values of Jesus by serving immigrants, the poor and the homeless have seen their funding cut off if they have any connection, however distant, to groups that support equality for the gay community,” writes Ritter. “Conservative activists who put politics and narrow ideology before the common good are directing this mind-boggling right turn.”
“For decades, Catholic conservatives have targeted the campaign, but in recent years an organized group of activists has ramped up the pressure on Church leaders,” Ritter added. “It's good to see that some Catholic bishops are standing their ground.”
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Posted by: unum -
May. 02, 2012 7:34 AM ET USA
What is it about the Church funding organizations that oppose Church teaching the Ritter can't understand? A house divided against itself can not stand!
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Posted by: jeremiahjj -
May. 01, 2012 6:45 PM ET USA
Bill Ritter's short tenure in the governor's office speaks for itself. He was a liberal governor who filled state offices with thousands of new workers during a time of declining revenues. He knew he could not get re-elected and left public service to accept what appeared to be a sweetheart deal in academia. He has no standing whatsoever to criticize anyone or any group for trying to cut spending.
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Posted by: AgnesDay -
May. 01, 2012 6:35 PM ET USA
I have advised friends that while we are obliged to give to the support of the Church, we are not obligated to give anything to any structure that violates our sense of prudence. I have given gifts in such a way that certain leaders have no ability to control the expenditure. Too bad, but it's the fallen world we live in.
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Posted by: -
May. 01, 2012 5:09 PM ET USA
Ritter is a proud of the fact that the Church is powerful. Spoken like a politician. I do not know how much the CCHD has available to spend but I imagine there are competing interests. It seems right that it should distinguish between Catholic interests and others and favor Catholic institutions. I know a lot of schools in this area who could use the money to keep their doors open. I am not suggesting this exclusively but as an example. Is not CCHD the organization that supported ACORN?
