05-13-2011, 03:42 PM
OK, Basic FAQ:
Catholic schools and Universities employe lay persons who are not required to be of the Catholic faith, and are not subject to religious doctrine. They may be subject to a higher religious based moral standard, but that's on a contractual basis within the limits of the law. (My father was a professor at a Catholic University. One of his best friends and colleagues at the school was Jewish. And divorced twice. )
Catholics are *supposed* to adhere to the official Church Catechism. A huge majority of American Catholics do not adhere to all elements. Birth control is one biggie.
A letter from the Pope does NOT mean "This is the infallible word of God". The Pope only uses the concept on "Infallibility" very, very rarely. The last recognized one was in 1950.
Any church may 'recommend' to their flock that certain actions by a government is contrary to religious doctrine. Within the nebulous limits set by the IRS, without fear of loss of tax exempt status. The key is usually the definition of actions with regard to a "Candidate". Churches may therefore discuss issues without referring to a specific candidate.
So this is a letter by professors who happen to teach at a University where a specific politician will be speaking, and they are objecting to certain of his policies in writing. And exercising their freedom of speech.
Hurrah ! Freedom of Speech !
:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:
Catholic schools and Universities employe lay persons who are not required to be of the Catholic faith, and are not subject to religious doctrine. They may be subject to a higher religious based moral standard, but that's on a contractual basis within the limits of the law. (My father was a professor at a Catholic University. One of his best friends and colleagues at the school was Jewish. And divorced twice. )
Catholics are *supposed* to adhere to the official Church Catechism. A huge majority of American Catholics do not adhere to all elements. Birth control is one biggie.
A letter from the Pope does NOT mean "This is the infallible word of God". The Pope only uses the concept on "Infallibility" very, very rarely. The last recognized one was in 1950.
Any church may 'recommend' to their flock that certain actions by a government is contrary to religious doctrine. Within the nebulous limits set by the IRS, without fear of loss of tax exempt status. The key is usually the definition of actions with regard to a "Candidate". Churches may therefore discuss issues without referring to a specific candidate.
So this is a letter by professors who happen to teach at a University where a specific politician will be speaking, and they are objecting to certain of his policies in writing. And exercising their freedom of speech.
Hurrah ! Freedom of Speech !
:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: