California lawmakers rap San Francisco archdiocesan policies for high-school teachers
February 18, 2015
Eight California legislators have issued a public appeal to San Francisco’s Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, asking him to revoke a requirement for Catholic high-school teachers to show respect for Church teachings.
In a letter to the archbishop, the lawmakers argue that the policies Archbishop Cordileone has established for Catholic schools “conflict with settled areas of law and foment a discriminatory environment in the communities we serve."
The archbishop’s plan to guard the Catholic identity of parochial schools has stirred significant public opposition. A new handbook for Catholic schools says that teachers may not engage in, or give public support to, abortion, same-sex marriage, contraception, and in vitro fertilization.
Protesting those requirements, the eight lawmakers say that the archdiocesan policy strips employees of their civil rights. “Among these rights are the freedom to choose who to love and marry, how to plan a family, and what causes or beliefs to support through freedom of speech and association.”
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Further information:
- Lawmakers urge S.F. archbishop to withdraw teacher morality clauses (Los Angeles Times)
- Archbishop Cordileone launches effort to promote Catholic identity in San Francisco archdiocesan high schools (CWN, 1/29)
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Posted by: Frodo1945 -
Feb. 19, 2015 1:07 PM ET USA
The archdiocesan policy does not preclude a teacher from leaving and finding another job! Next.
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Posted by: seewig -
Feb. 19, 2015 2:34 AM ET USA
to 1jn416: It is not the people that are crazy. Its the politician, "their" media, and "their" unions. All in the same boat. Indeed, it boggles one's mind. How did it get there? Perhaps by the Church leaders to timid to speak out on time. Perhaps, also the behavior of some clergy, and some of their friends who are still sitting under stealth. No comments were ever made in the parishes on sexual morality. I don't envy AB Cordileone, and I pray for him, and the work he has to do.
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Posted by: Chestertonian -
Feb. 19, 2015 12:59 AM ET USA
How hypocritical that the same folks who will yell about "separation of church and state" if a church official comments on a moral issue relating to public policy, yet will show not the slightest compunction about state interference in setting policies for church schools. It seems "tolerance" is a one-way street. I pray the Abp will stand firm. Give them an inch, they'll take away the 1st Amendment entirely.
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Posted by: JimKcda -
Feb. 18, 2015 6:40 PM ET USA
Would these same lawmakers approve of hiring an arsonist in the Fire Dept or a felon into the police dept? Where is the inconsistency in hiring an employee to represent the employers view in any legal situation? Next thing will be to require the Church to ordain non-Catholics into the priesthood. Or women?!
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Posted by: 1Jn416 -
Feb. 18, 2015 2:15 PM ET USA
It boggles the mind. These legislators object to a Catholic archdiocese requiring employees to behave in a manner consistent with Catholic belief? Doing so violates their civil rights? We live in a crazy country and time to be sure!
