CNN

Catholic teaching is sanctity of life. All life. Yes that makes us struggle. The Bishops have been pushing for healthcare reform for many years. Keep in mind the Bishops do make any laws, you know, the separation of church and state thing. And who knows maybe it is time to tax churches.

[...] Washington (CNN)– "The US Conference of Catholic Bishops sent a strongly worded letter to members of the US Senate Friday, terming the abortion language in the Senate Democrats' health care bill "completely unacceptable." [...]

Always be sure to consult a Witch Doctor AND a Creation Scientist before seeking the advice of a medical doctor.

The Roman Catholic Bishops themselves are unacceptible to me.
Under the proposed health-care reform, not a single bishop would be required to undergo an abortion, no matter how much some bishops strive to become candidates.

I am quite confident that Reid and his band of Liberal Democrat pirates consider their ideology far above Catholicsm. Their true colors will shine today! America will uprise against Obama and those leading our Country to Socialism by the masses! The clock is ticking! Tick tock tick tock!

This aspect of the health care debate is so heart wrenching. I'm sure the liberal haters will blast the Bishops, but they are acting as a voice for half the country that believes abortion is murder. Elective abortion is the key phrase. Protect those who've been raped and who's life is in danger, but those of us who are pro-life don't want to support murder. If the angry and so called enlightened left is serious about compromise put this in bill and make sure illegals don't receive care their not paying for.

Gentlemen: Where exactly were you when the Bush Administration was dropping bombs on The Already Born? Why the silence when the lives of Arab men, women, children, and pregnant women were ended in the fires of bombing campaigns and Shock and Awe? When American soldiers died in a war of choice? You had over six years to band together and try and stop the carnage of The Already Born, but you put more emphasis on a cluster of unnucleated cells that you do on those who are living and breathing now. At least it seems that way, since your silence on the recent wars is deafening. Do you hear us, Bishops? Does God hear your silence? I will NEVER go back to the church. And I will raise my children and grandchildren as Quakers or any other religion that follows the true dictates of the peace of Christ, even if it ostracizes me from my family.

What ever happened to the" separation of church and state."? The bishops can say what they please but they should stay out of this health care plan because there are many different views both religious and political that come into play here...They may guide their Catholic parishioners any way they like but we of other faiths have a right to live our lives in what ever way we please according to our own religious beliefs..The Catholic Church is not a part of this health plan.

This is yet another reason the Federal Government should re-think, Tax Exemption for various Religious Organizations.

Time and again, the Catholic Churches which have billions of dollars worth of property in America alone and pay ZERO property taxes, are breaking the State and Federal Laws in actively engaging in Politics.

None of those Old Men in robes will ever bear a child, nor be called upon against their will to have a fetus on life support from their very body for 9 full months.

Those old men are utterly offensive in their attempts to remove womens rights. Previously they removed women's right to education, women's right to teach, women's right to vote. Women have since recovered those rights and told those self-titled religious carpet baggers, Hell No!

until the fetus can survive independent of the mother... it's only a human life potential. A potential can not take away the liberty of an independent individual in America. The Catholic Bishops need to look out for the children that are already fully realized individuals. The Catholic Bishops have a pretty pathetic track record when it comes to protecting children who's basic potential has already been reached. However, the next step is their potential to become functional productive happy adults... but all too often those very same Catholic Bishops thought nothing of greatly damaging if not destroying that potential. It's time the Bishops clean up their own back yard before they go knocking on their neighbors door. Check yourselves before you check another,

Please make them pay taxes. There words should fall on deaf ears! They have no power, now be off, before someone drops a house on you,my dark age fellows...

sorry CNN, re: your "headline" for this article...remind me why this is "Obama's Bill" and not the people's bill, as crafted by our democratically elected representatives in the House and Senate?

Freaking sensational garbage – and you fancy yourselves an independent news source: you should all be embarrassed to work there.

It's commendable for the Catholic Bishops to espouse these principles. But what is reality? I've called for an investigation of what happened to me in two Catholic Hospitals for almost 8 years now, to no avail. I've never seen anyone from the Catholic Church. I'm a guy who was raised Catholic with 12 years of Catholic education. Who's running the Catholic Hospitals? The local Bishop? Does he know the difference between a "medical error" and "criminal disregard?" Or is it convenient to hide behind the cloak of silence, again? How does the Catholic Church justify spending $165 million on 2 hospitals "out of pocket" and yet go after the uninsured for unpaid bills? What's happening under the guise of Catholicism?

The church has failed to notice that private insurance companies also fund abortions. When we all pay our fees to insurance companies, we are funding coverage for others. Remember that an insurance company is basically a legalized ponzi scheme. So the catholic church should not be fighting the government health care plan as being the only insurance option to fund abortions. I don' think it is right, but it is the reality of what is happening with the overall health care system.

What happened to separatiion of church and state? Since when can the catholic church control our healthcare? There are other religions in this country...are they all going to get their way on the healthcare bill? I know the catholics would like to convert everyone to the catholic religion, but, that's what the muslims would like...convert to Islam. I'm Lutheran and I think woman have rights. I'm tired of men trying to run the show!!!!!

This is absolutely absurd. If this was really an issue, the bishops would be taking up arms with every insurance company that offers abortion.

They should realize this ultimately has nothing to do with our government making these moral decisions. Its the people who make these decisions, not the government. All of this double speak is overwhelming.

I'm no Constitutional scholar, but I was under the impression that a church had no business telling legislators what they can and can't include in their laws.

It really is time to remove the tax exemptions of the Catholic Church. The leaders of this organization have far overstepped the bounds of separation of church and state, both by their direct intervention in the political process and by their direct lobbying from the pulpit.

It is humbling to comment while pious MEN (mostly) have invested much thought and prayer to this portion of the health care bill. However, founding fathers, Constitution blah, blah, blah, cause me to speak out. Where the he@# have you been Bishops? While we have endured patri/matricide, systematic rape and other atrocities for years. Be honest with yourselves lest ye be judged. YOU HAVE BEEN ALMOST SILENT!! A few among you have been worth your salt, but the majority of you should have been screaming from street corners for years. Or maybe you wait for the Vatican (or lesser special interests) to tell you when to speak as political entities. Silence yourselves again, lest ye be taxed. This church and state nonsense is like some bane to you, but this makes for great political foothold, does it not?

Who cares what the Catholic Bishops want. Talk about endangering the human conscience these so-called men of the cloth should clean their own house of priest pedophiles trolling for young boys before preaching conscience to the rest of us. They can take their sacrilegious beliefs and stick them where the sun don't shine!

Because, despite of the outright suffering of their congregants, the bishops are more worried about how "strong" the anti-abortion language is. This is why I'm glad I'm not a Catholic.

Does the catholic church pay taxes? Can the bishops get pregnant?

This is a perfect example of the need to keep the divide between church and state intact. Organized religion such as the Catholic Church do not seem to accept that you cannot force people into a moral code they do not choose. We have free will and as such we have freedom of choice. There is no one route to salvation and there is no need to force people to abide by the rulings of one established denomination. The Catholic Church is not a credible guidepost into human sexuality, marriage and human relationships. It is operated by men with little or no input from women. Its clergy are celibate which has led to many scandals and aberrations of human law. It opposes birth control which totally ignores human sexuality and the need for human contact. Let the Council of Bishops all unmarried, celibate and older men understand that to continue in this manner leads to the need to tax these institutions. Hypocrisy is not a solution to real human problems.

Excellent, trust the nations leaders see the wisdom of this respoms.

I'm a Catholic, i respect human life, what i don't respect ,is the church sticking their noses in politics. The Catholic church has plenty to answer for, with their pedophile priest scandals, and the way they turned a blind eye to the problem. Clean up your church,.. before passing judgment on a fair piece of legislation. No wonder members are leaving the church in droves.

While I believe in god I do not feel that I have the right to tell others how to live there lives. If the church wants to make public policy and lobby government, then they should give up there tax exempt status.

When bishops have a vagina and have to deal with such a choice as abortion, they should then and only then have a voice!

Should read "Druids against humanity. Back to the Middle Ages".

Somehow it is upside down logic to worry about the unborn rather than those who are living with illness and can not get health care!
Shame Shame

Tell the Bishops to clean up their own churches and stop casting stones. How dare they blast Obama when their priest molest children, rape little boys and nuns, lie and cover up the scandles with badly patched efforts and financial payouts. They can hardly be in a position to cast judgement.

And the Catholic Church enjoys tax exempt status for what reason? It has morphed into a political pressure group. Why am I forced to financially underwrite this illegal activity?

Religion and politics do not mix. We see that in so many parts of the world. Let's not copy those mistakes.

I seriously object to the Catholic Church trying to influence any legislation.

Being raised a Catholic I can't believe the Senators and Congressman paying any attention to what the Bishops have to say. 95% of Catholics don't pay any attention to them,
They only got their jobs because they were good at raising money. All Catholics know this.
They don't live in a real world.
Good Catholics believe in God and Christ and living a good life.
Of couse that isn't good enough for the Bishops....

Thank You Catholic Bishops! I thought I was the only one paying attention. If we could bring the Catholic Bishops into the realm of understanding the concept of US sovreignty, we might be able to get something done about illegal immigration. It says in the Bible to "obey the laws of Man." But, priests have used priest-o-listic license in the past to determine the position of the Holy Church. This is one decision I think they got right on the money! Not one penny for ignoring God's great gift–Life.APTYLJC

This isn't a theocracy. Why do legislators let religious leaders influence policy?

"The bishops proved their power in the House..."

Let's hear it for separation between church and state!

"Separation of Church and State"...If the Catholic Church wants to make laws, give up the tax-exempt status and run your candidate for the House or Senate. Otherwise, shut the heck up!

TAX THE RELIGIONS!!! They have over and over proven themselves to be political machines. They don't deserve the tax breaks currently afforded.

Abortions should be included in any public insurance plan, but they should be taxed at a 100% rate.

bishops when you take the pedophile sex situation your clergy hass seriously u can comment on anything. until then go pay off the victims and keep your hypocritical holes shut

Don't they have enough to do, collecting rent from poor people and harboring criminals?

We can't prevent the only thing that keeps the Catholic Church going...Unending, unwanted pregnancies. The "holy mother church" needs us to keep poverty high and women shooting out little Catholics.

This is from the group that protected child rapists. Now they want to deny millions access to health care. Christ would be so proud. I don't know how anyone can give money to that organization. They certainly shouldn't be tax exempt given the amount of lobbying they are doing.

Want to erase the budget deficit? Then revoke the Catholic church's tax-exempt status.

Church and State? PATHETIC!

"endangers human life and rights of conscience," uhh, and how many American's don't have health insurance? That's an endangerment, not this!

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EXCUSE ME!!!!! The Chatholic Bishops have spoken. This is "Unacceptable....". Fine. Just keep it to yourselves. Do not impose your religious beliefs upon everyone outside your association. The majority of the people should determine how OUR money is spent, NOT a religious organization. Women have the RIGHT, FREEDOM and LIBERTY to CHOOSE!!

What a bunch of dirtbags, putting their little agenda ahead of our healthcare. Screw the living so we can protect the un-conceived!

I totally agree with the Bishops and I'm not Catholic.

When a stranger/acuiantance/friend /partner/spouse gets a woman pregnant regardless (except for rape or incest) then the Federal government should not be in the business of paying the cost of an abortion and all the doctor visits before, after and all medications to be taken before, during and after.

Let's look at the opposite extreme, Elective Surgery or some call Plastic surgery. It is an action related to ones self that requires medical professionals to perform health related activities that result in minor to significant costs. It is currently not covered by any insurance nor should it be. It is an elective choice by an individual.

Well, having heterosexual sex that can lead to pregnancy is an Elective action by two persons be they strangers (parties, prostitution,etc), know each other casually, are close friends, are formal partner or are married. They both chose to engage in that elective activity knowing the potential consequences. Just because your passion, at that time or for several times, leaves you in a vulnerable position mentally, does not mean you do not bear personal responsiblity for that elective act.

Because it was an elective act that led to the pregnancy, it should not be paid for by the government. There are plenty of "free" or low-cost hospitals, clinics, etc, that are protected by law to perform abortions. That is the law of the land.

It is not the law of the land that an elective act leading to an unwanted pregnancy should be paid by the government (except in certain instances).

This is bad politics and pandering to a group that is a small splinter of the democratic party. I am not advocating reversing Rowe vs Wade. Absolutely not. It is a woman's right to choose, but not with my tax dollar.

I can't wait for the day when Catholics, Evangelicals and the religious right understand SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE....

Why do they care? Isn't it up to God?

Who cares what these idiots think? Until they do something about all the bishops that molested children, they should keep their mouth shut.

TO ALL SENATORS/REPRESENTATIVES:

My mother, a devout Catholic, made clear to me that the Pope, cardinals, bishops & priests have NO idea what it takes to be pregnant, give birth, then feed, clothe & educate children... nor do they even know what it takes to earn the money to support a family. She said these are extremely pampered men, taken care of by women in the parishes, and if men could have babies, the Pope would make birth control pills a sacrament to be distributed at Mass. Mother was far more powerful than any bishop & even the Pope!

Pay taxes then whine about it kthx

I agree completely with them. We are all over the idea of having better and fairer health care coverage for many more people but why push for something that could create loopholes for abortions when it is completely unnecessary? I am confused that such wise men and women would consider sinking the whole ship for minor coverage!

Its high time that the church stays out of places its not welcome. Bishops need to tend to their own people, perhaps focusing more attention on not sexually abusing children, and less attention on trying to turn the US into a theocracy.

How about the Catholic church and the other good religious groups start up their own health insurance company, then they can tell their customers what type of insurance they can get from them.

Sorry, Bishops. We should have included something about you people having your way with little boys.

Would that make you happy?

Church – just another lobby group (but who feels they HAVE to be listened to).....

This is what I don't get – if the US Supreme Court via Roe V Wade, upholds a women's right to choose then how did laws come into effect to stop federal funding on abortion , isn't that a way around the court's decision by people who opposed this decision ?

So the Church believes they got a victory by having more firmer language in the Congress version health care bill reagrding abortion funding ?

How about this, if the Catholic church really wants to help people then maybe they can finally stop covering up their pedaphile priests, and lobby the Government instead for gays to marry – at least they would be making more money (sorry " donations") out of this.

And maybe they can let women into the clergy too because it seems very out of place to take abortion policy advice from a men's group.......

Just sayiing......

Ummm seperation of church maybe?

Dear Church,

If you enjoy your tax-exempt status, then STAY OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT. If you want a voice, you can pay like the rest of us.

Love,
The American Public

The 2 biggest threats to peace and harmony in the world... Islam and Catholicism... and not necessarilly in that order.

Church and State.... remember?

Can the Senate bill be amended to eliminate the charitable deduction for contributions to the Catholic Church and to add a 10% tax on that church's income to help pay for the additional billions of dollars required for their requests to cover all imigrants and expand Medicare.

While I can understand their desire to prevent the funding of abortions as a moral imperative, they should understand that, for the rest of their wishes, charity begins at home not in the Federal Government.

The only thing the Catholic Church cares about is having more members. This is why they want poor women to have as many babies as possible because where will they have to run when they are helpless? This is also why they want more and more mexicans to pour across the boarder in order to bolster the dwindling church membership. The catholic church wants more catholics and more power they don't care about fetus', womens rights or poor people. This is also why they tell people in Africa where the aids rates are 10% + that condom use is dangerous and can increase the chances of getting aids. Not to mention the fact the institution protected thousands and thousands of pedofiles allowing them to rape children. Why do we care about this institutions opinion on anything???

When will both the Catholic church and our governing leaders realize that the term "separation of church and state" should mean what it looks like it means? I am so tired of this. This is a country that was founded on personal freedom from the constraints of the parliamentary ideals of what religion needed to be. If we aren't going to live by the ideals that this country was founded on, we need to acknowledge that we've gone back to the way England was in centuries past, and just give up on the idea of America as a free country.

Nothing less than foreign agents of an extreme state, who are threats to American security. All of America's woes today boil down to one force: the Catholic Church and its corrupt legacy. No better than the Al Qaeda; historically, just as destructive and just as insanely obsessed with otherworldly purity. And just as guilty of unremittent hypocrisy; for if Jesus is the judge of souls, a rational reading of his teachings suggest the church leaders of today will all certainly burn in hell for their sins of intolerance, belligerence, and hate; traits which no place in the Kingdom of Heaven. The White Horseman of the apocalypse, indeed.

The Catholic Church believes its ok to have sex with kids but they don't want healthcare. The Catholic Church has no right to get into politics and if they do they should be stripped of being tax exempt.

Gee, since I'm not Catholic (or evangelical for that matter) and don't believe in the same version of God they do, I shouldn't have to be forced to bare children against my will. My God says I can do what I want with my body and I don't have to have to listen to a bunch of old men that don't have sex unless it's with little boys (or in the case of conservatives and republicans, take off for, was it Argentina? -solicit in restrooms, and what was it now that David Vitter did?) The states would make a lot of money off the churches if they lost their tax exemption. Tsk, tsk. Shouldn't expect not to pay to play if they want to write legislation.

Separation of church and state, or we'll be soon, burning people at the stake again.

Anyone heard of seperating church from state? I'm talking to those living below the Mason-Dixon line. Mhnmmm

I commend the Bishops for doing what they can to protect and care for all human beings. Health care reform cannot come at the price of more innocent lives. The Bishops are advocating a health care policy, and want health care for all Americans, but will not support a bill that aims at making abortion even more widespread.

Kudos to the American Catholic bishops and those like them. The first amendment gives them the right to speak as it also gives that right to individuals. Like it or not, abortions for the most part are not performed because there is a medical problem and yet people insist that it is a right, but the same people do not fight for health care for everyone and the banning of insurance policies that really hurt Americans and make CEO's of "health care providers very rich.

Honestly, can you guys stop headlining polite disagreements as a "slam"???

It's a little embarrassing.

If you'd like to work for the New York Post or be sportswriters, by all means, do so. But if you'd like to at least try to be "the most trusted name in news" you really need to actually read the articles you're headlining.

Sorry for "slamming" you.

This is a free country and abortion is legal. I never voted for a bishop to create public policy. Do we have to get the O.K. from Islamic leaders on certain issues? Who do these guys think they are? Why don't they worry about the child molestations taking place daily inside their sacred houses? Give me a break. I think I can get moral advice from a better source. Why don't we allow women and God to sort things out? What happened to having faith in God? Is that just lip service?

That other organization, you know the one the Obama administration claims is "not a real news organization" reported this story starting at 10 AM CST this morning. CNN of course held on to this until Friday...night. You know when plenty of people will see it.

Wonder when they are going to finally report about the emails from Hadley CRU that were hacked and show obvious concerted, coordinated, and consistent manipulation of climate change data from the "scientists" at that institution. Emails also show this manipulation of data extended to universities here in the US that, of course, were taking government funds (which would make this fraud). There is a bevy of evidence in these emails and documents show that the CC "experts" knowingly kept dissenting voices out of the argument and used "tricks" to manipulate data to show that the globe was warming instead of what the data actually showed which was that the earth's temperatures were flat or declining. I'm sure it will be days before we see that if ever.

Why don't the bishops stay out of politics? If they want to be a lobbying arm, then they should have to pay taxes. They should just concentrate on figuring out why people are leaving the church in droves. I don't remember them being this upset while the church was covering up priests molesting little boys.

I hate to break it to the bishops, but this is not a Catholic theocracy. They don't dictate to our government what our laws should be. Besides, there are a great many Catholics in this country who dare to think for themselves and are pro-Choice! If they want to lobby the congress and be involved in politics, let them give up their tax-exempt status.

The Catholic Bishops do not speak for me. Ignore their tantrums. I can't respect their naked politicking on health care. They are doing absolutely NOTHING to help assure decent affordable, accessible health care to all Americans - including illegal immigrants. Shame on them! And the audacity to call themselves Christian!

More proof that abortion is a religious argument. If the senate caves in to the pressure, are they violating the separation of church and state? I think yes.

Who give a crap what the bishops think. They represent a small portion on the US

These bishops are hypocrites!

How dare these MEN decide what is best for women concerning reproduction!

These jerks keep women in third world nations pregnant and their resulting children starving!

Bishops practice birth control themselves! Isn't "celibacy" a form of birth control?

Hypocrites.

They have spent decades enabling the rape of children by priests.

I do not take moral advice from people like that.

Even a spiritual and non-affiliated individual such as myself can grasp the sanctify of life. How come a simple concept which my four year old child was capable of understanding (babies are alive in the belly) and that my eleven year old was abhorred and shocked by (that women choose to murder those babies) is somehow above the heads of grown adults is beyond me. It's merely a testament to the selfish nature and survival mechanisms of individuals who would prefer to never accept responsiblity and guilt for the murders they condone and commit.

I am opposed to any government plan to pay for abortion.

I wish the Bishops would shut up and sit down. They have never actively and aggressively come out against pedophilia or those that have condoned it. Rather they have actively and aggressively fought against the victims and in effect continued to victimize them. I have been disgusted beyond belief by them and pulled my family from "the church" because of that. The whole abortion and birth control rhetoric has just added insult to injury. Almost makes one think that their position is really to just generate more potential victims.

We have to get the church out of the government.

The constitution provides for separation of church and state. It is not enough that these nut-jobs run the lives of the billions stupid enough to believe what they say, they have to try to run the lives of everybody else in the country. If you don't want to have an abortion, don't have one, but don't take away the choice for those who don't believe like you do.

This, coming from the same idiot, morally vapid clowns who traded pedophile priests around different parishes like baseball cards?

Hmmmm..... a letter from an organization that doesn't pay taxes. How about we get back a country that really separates church and state.

these people need to get a life and let people decide for themselves.

Given the incidence of proven carnal sin and history of discrimination against women in the Roman Catholic clergy, including its bishops, their collective task should be more properly addressed to removing the mote from their own eyes. Not my admonition, of course. Some
character,I think it was, who kept upsetting yet another priesthood by distinguishing between true spirituality and hypocritical religiosity.

Maybe someone ought to remind the Catholic Bishops that America is not a Theocracy. They should stay out of attempts at government influence, stay out of political matters and certainly not publicize or try to influence legislation. Unless, of course, they chose to give up their "nonprofit status" and start paying U. S. taxes on all their property!

So why does the CNN home page have the headline on this as saying that the Bishops are slamming the "Obama Bill". President Obama didn't author the Senate Bill. The executive branch of government signs legislation into law, it does not craft legislation. Civics 101....come on people.

The Bishops, in their infinite wisdom, do not grasp the point of abortion rights for women!! None of the Bishops has ever personally experienced a moral issue centered around an unplanned pregnancy, a pregnancy from rape or incestuous abuse, or any combination of the above circumstances. How can they decide what a woman feels who is trying to follow the Church's dictates and hear what the Bishops determine is appropriate behavior? Why is the Catholic Church so biased against women??
This is not the Catholic Church I grew up in, served Mass in, felt accepted in.
I am a disappointed and worried Catholic that my church has missed the whole point, and still lives in the period of the Counter-reformation!
Someone tell the Bishops to look around !!

Just who do these Catholic Bishops think they are, God. They are willing to let thousands died because they don't understand human nature? If they don't want to have an abortion, then they shouldn't have one. No one, absolutely no one ever does something like an abortion lightly. I am against abortion, but I am a male and would not think that I have a right to tell someone to do something that is between them their doctor and God. The Catholic Bishops need to grow up.

This is a country founded on seperation of church and state. Have we reverted back to medival times, when we had to beg favor and do what the Catholic Church says we have to do. So if our goverment doesn't go along with what the Bishops want are they going to excomunicate us?

If those bishops want to play politics get rid of their tax exceptions and tax right off's of their contributors and you pay for your health care system. I love our system in canada we spend less per capita and are higher in healthcare than you people

The Catholic Bishops don't care about improving and reducing the cost of health care in the United States. They are only interested in protecting the dogma of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church lost my vote many years ago.

I guess these bishops don't understand the concept of seperation of church and state.

As a catholic I believe, if the church wants to get involved in politics they should start paying taxes.

And the Roman Catholic Church and its assorted divisions, committees, and affiliates, are still not regarded as political entities? Absolutely amazing.

It's time to tax the RCC like the for-profit, politicking organization that it is.

No more! If churches want to keep the status as non-taxable entities they should not send their opinions to political leaders. Keep it in the pulpit.

Thank God that we have Correct Moral Bishops to speak the truth!

And then they sent a letter to former Congressman Mark Foley stating that they think molesting children is okay too.

Yeah, everything should be consulted with religious wingnuts...........

How in the heck can Bishops approve or disappove of anything relating to reproduction. They can't have sex but are the largest child molestion ring know to man.

I don't like war, but my tax dollars still fund that. The fact is, some people don't have a religious issue with abortion. The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights looks at this as a personal issue of religious freedom – the option should be there and the decision to use it should be left to the woman, her doctors and religious advisors. Unless you'd rather have the back alley hack jobs back.

Legal, safe, and rare.

Separation of church and state. Butt out catholic bishops.

The Catholic Bishops do not speak for me. They seem to think the U.S. of A. is their theocracy. Not so. The Bishops' job is to make sure there are as many members of the Roman Church as can be. Contraception doesn't get their support, either. I don't see why anyone would accept the bishops' dictates. If our Congress listens to these guys, then our (spineless) Congress is letting the few rule the many.

One Additional Note – For Anybody Out There that is Adamantly OPPOSED to a Woman's Right to Choose because they classify abortion as Murder – Try to Remember – In the eyes of the Lord, if abortion truly is Murder, than it is up to God to pass judgement down upon the woman who chooses an abortion and NOT up to you, NOT up to the U.S. Supreme Court, NOT up to the Catholic Church, and Most Certainly – NOT UP TO THE POPE !! He is ONLY A MAN – HE IS NOT GOD !!

LOL, LOL, LOL toooooo funny.

*Was this in between training of altar boys? Like we care what they think. Pah leez.

What right do these "MEN" have to make any judgement call on something as private as a woman's choice. This is the problem with all organized religions... they are run by and benefit the male gender. I am a male but when will people begin to realize that it is organized religion that cause most of the worlds woes. All of the organized religious movements, catholicism, judiasm, islam, taoism, quakerism and on and on are all male dominant. WAKE UP WORLD!

And you think America isn't on the verge of becoming a theocracy on par with Iran? Who the hell cares what the catholic church thinks? They don't think for me, and I didn't vote for them.

Sounds like the Bishops are politicians. If they want to be politicians, that's fine, strip their churches of their tax-free status and they can talk all they want.

When churches start meddling in politics, there tax exempt status needs to be revoked. The ONLY reason churches are not taxed is because they stay out of politics.

keep the church out of politics!!!

I totally accept the Bishops' point of view. Now, since you want to ride on the US political train, you have to pay the fare...in fact, every "christian" that wants to comment on politics and then solicit tax-free money and at the same time tries to influence our political system should have to pay taxes as well. This farce that they are trying portray that they are not political is ridiculous...pay your fair share.

They have a nerve!

Did they think about protecting childrent when their lot went about raping and sexually molesting children, and then covering it up, and relocating priests and bishops... to Rome of all places.

Brood of Vipers!

There is not much that galls me more than religious leaders, any religious leaders, dictating what is acceptable for everyone else. In my view, they should be preaching to their flocks and persuading them of the moral rightness of their message, not playing hardball politics. The bill provides a subsidy for lower income people to buy health insurance, without which they often forgo medical treatment until their own lives are at risk. I can live with the public option policies not covering abortion services, but to tell a citizen of this country that he or she can't use their own funds to cover the miniscule part of the premiums to add that coverage is simply wrong. I find it the height of hypocricy and irony that these so-called conservatives are all hot and bothered about socialized medicine and then want to use the power of the government they despise so much to impose their beliefs on the rest of the country.

What happened to separation of church and state? Does this not violate IRC 403(b)? When is their tax exempt status going to be repealed? When is the IRS going to start to enforce the exsisting rules and regulations? Enough already! Get the church out of the political arena now!

I don't understand why Catholic Bishops are using their own narrow religious doctrine to influence PUBLIC legislation? Many don't even believe in contraception! Is this where we're headed next?

And why do they, in particular, have so much clout in determining the outcome of this bill's passage?

Can't they lose their tax exempt status if they try to influence legislation????

What are the IRS rules on this, not to mention separation of church and state?

Church and State. I think providing health care to all is a choice that we will make. We will also make a individual choices about reproductive rights.

I am comfortable about allowing women the right to make a choice. The church appears to be uncomfortable about women in general.

Roe v. Wade is the law of the land. Separation of Church and State is too! So, butt out, Catholic Church!!

Once and for all, let us end the tax exemption for the good Bishops.

They cannot have it both ways. Either pay your taxes, or stay out of politics from the pulpit.

Their stand is totally IMMORAL. To let 45 million people go without health care in this country is IMMORAL. The concerns about abortion pale in comparison to their lack of concern for those already alive who lack basic health care. A POX on them.

If the Catholic Church insists on acting like a political body, they should lose their tax-exempt status. I would like to see the House initiate hearings into the Church's meddling in legislation.

who cares what the religious right think, they have no business saying a thing! This country is founded on the belief of church and state! Keep your kookoo beliefs out of my womb! I am sick to death of these fruit cakes and their imaginary crap!

This is why we have separation of church and State. I could care less what they say or are told to think.

Im sorry why are we listening to Bishops?????

Let the bishops serve their own congregations, and stay OUT of the rest of our lives! They are nothing to most of us, and I am sick and tired of their attempts to control the lives of people who are not members of their faith. They have been wrong for centuries, and haven't learned history's lessons. It's time for them to SHUT UP!

I say the hell with these Catholic bishops. As an ex-Catholic, product of Catholic schooling, i urge the Senate to pass the health care bill and not put any restrictions on reproductive rights. How dare these male bishops think they can tell 51% of the American public......women.......that they are mere second class citizens. Women and their families need health care reform. These bishops need to mind their own 'affairs'. They have enough to deal with, considering the millions of dollars in pedophiia cases they are faced with at the moment.

oh thats right, there is a separation between church and state so clam it up bishops

Don't you get it?....women should have a right to their own bodies, BUT a baby with a separate heart beat, different DNA, a separate nervous system is not just an organ in the body.....if the baby is capable of surviving in a NICU then that is what should happen rather than abortion. You shouldn't ask tax payers with a strong religious aversion to abortion to have their tax dollars spend on this atrocity. Just take abortion off the table completely and then we can debate healthcare. It is a fair compromise.

While the Bishops have a right to their opinion, the fact is...their opinion doesn't matter. The Catholic Church is a relic of a bygone era.

Hollier than thou? Practice what you teach and the World can be a better place for all. The Churches have failed all the people because they pick and choose their battles to be politically correct. But you don't here them when they see the ugly hatred in America, they turn their backs and say nothing because it is "politically incorrect". They voice their opinions about an unborn life but fail to open their mouths as they watch the hate. Protect the unborn but also reach out to those born in hatred. Amen.

Does the health care bill force people to have an abortion? The answer is no – so why are these bozzos in pointy hats (have you ever looked at their life syle – high) forcing their theories down our thoats. Get back to your rectory and pray for all the priest sinners in your church. From a former catholic.

Once again, and I don't know how many times this has to be mentioned before it sinks in, there is a SEPARATION between CHURCH and STATE. Thus, church theology should have no bearing whatsoever on state or federal legislation. If you can't handle that division, you shouldn't run for political office.

I have to say, I do not mean any disrespect with what I am about to write here, but in all due respect, the Catholic Church takes their so-called stand being adamantly opposed to a woman's right to choose; yet, they seem to forget they too (i.e. – the Catholic Church) have somewhat of a tarnished reputation with all these reports that have come out in the open re: Catholic priests molesting innocent children. What a bunch of malarkey !! The Catholic priesthood, bishops, popes, saints, etc. should keep their nose out of "We the People's" business. Healthcare Reform Legislation is NECESSARY, and yes WITH A PUBLIC OPTION !! As for the abortion issue – that should not be up to the Church and that should not be up to anybody but the woman !! It's the woman's body, it's the woman's decision, it's the woman's right to choose !! Either she is for it or against it !! NO MAN should have a say in this matter !! NO MAN has the right to mandate what a woman can and cannot do with her body !!

If churches want to continue pushing there politcal agendas then it is time to remove there tax exempt status. The country sure could use all the money they have.

No disrespect to the Bishops, Separation of Church and State protects the American public from you, your narrow minded viewpoints, discrimination towards anyone who is not Catholic and your suggested - or threatening - political influence. Reserve your options for the pulpit, not my President!

The constitution of the United States clearly draws a line between church and state. Although the Catholic BIshops have a right to their opinion they do not have the right to make policy for the United States or to try to make or change policy.. We saw this in Maine where they opposed Same Sex Marriage and raised money through collections at mass. The money was given to groups fighting against Article 1 which were not run by Maine citizen.

Americans have religious freedom. No one group has the right to speak for the rest of us. It is very disconcerting to hear religious leaders deciding what policy in the USA will be. Those of us who are not part of that religion are not supposed to have beliefs or rights.

Our tradition allows us to have freedom of religion and I would hope that religious groups would not only accept that but moderate their tone when pushing their agenda.

Fundamentalist Catholic bishops trying to shape our health care policy according to their religious beliefs is exactly the same behavior as fundamentalist Islamic clerics trying to shape the political and social cultures where they live. Both have abandoned their spiritual calling. As a follower of Jesus Christ I celebrate life, but the true life of which he taught, is the spiritual kingdom. It is all well and good to assert one's personal beliefs, and to suggest a better way, but when religious leaders, acting as religious leaders rather than political individuals, enter the political debate, they have become liars and manipulators, and they know it. Jesus said "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God, that which is Gods."

Hey bishops, spend less time on the abortion thing and more time on the whole "public option" thing because, you know, it's for the life of LIVING human beings. But that's not of importance for some reason, I guess.

Dear Catholic Bishops,

As a result of your decision to, once again, stick your noses into the secular affairs of the United States government, we find that, in order to properly enforce The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, your tax-exempt status is hereby revoked. We hereby thank you in advance for your upcoming contributions to the coffers of local, state, and federal governments.

There you have it–two birds with one stone.

Yours truly,

The People of the United States of America

Bishops and other clergy have no right to attempt to impose their own beliefs on people who are not members of their belief systems. The Catholic Church's political actions are despicable and divisive. If the Catholic Church wants to help eliminate abortions, there are good methods, such as teaching birth control, "safe sex" and other health practices to children before they reach puberty. The US is a land to be governed by and for ALL the people, not just those who believe in any particular religion. Each of us has rights that stop when they interfere with those of other people. The Bishops appear to have failed to learn that simple basic truth.

So now that the Church is lobbying, how much in tax revenues would we receive if they had to pay tax, like every other lobbying firm does?

It really irks me that my tax dollars go to support their ability to sway political opinion, because, if they don't pay taxes, my taxes go up as a result.

Where is it written that my tax dollars should support any religious organization that has the right to lobby politicians?

This needs to stop. Please fax your representative now.

The bishops rock!!!

I am tired of these "churched" people getting involved in politics. Why don't they mind their own like the child molesting priests and various self righteous parasitic creeps who lurk in their ranks. I think it is time to pull all religious group's non profit status who choose to get involved in politics because they are blurring the line between Church and State and no good is coming of it.

The Catholic bishops are being consistent with their beliefs, and deserve respect for that. However, the principle of compromise in law and ethics established by the earlier Hyde amendment is being bent severely out of shape by this attempt to advance the anti-abortion agenda, so (unfortunately) the bishops are sincere – and WRONG.

Please remember the separation of church and the government . Catholic Bishops, select organized religious groups, Ideological action groups do not represent all American. Just because they have their beliefs and think they are right and therefore elected offical must have bills written according to their wishes.

The Catholic church seems to want to be control of all aspects of the govermment in this country. This is not the Vatican and you are men who in your beliefs make your judgement and threaten withholding communion and who get the be a member of the Church. I think that is God call not your.

The elected representative in the Congress have a responsibility for he greater good on the nation and all the citizens in it.

As individuals and citizens of the US, bishops are entitled to their personal opinions on any matter.

But as a church or an organization representing a church, they should keep out of politics...the last time we mixed church and state, people got burned at the stake.

The Catholic Church's tax exempt status should be revoked immediately if they want to drive government policy. They should pay their fair share if they insist on pushing their political weight.

Does anyone understand the concept of the seperation of church and state anymore.

My humble opinion is simply this, Churches the government does not tax you and lets you preach whatever you choose to preach that is within the boundries of the common law and good of the people.

Churches need to stay out of politics as a standard not when it is something that they will benefit them.

I dispise abortion, but I have no right to force my beliefs onto others. In fact that is what judgement day is all about. The only reason the church is getting involved in this discussion is to increase their powerbase and nothing more.

If you want to stop abortion how about changing some of the rules on unwed mothers like not making them feel that they have no other choice but abortion in the face of the church's low opinion of them.

This coming from an organization that allowed the abuse of children to go on and hid the abusers for years.

I am a Roman Catholic and I have seen and felt the physical abuse at the hands of tyrant nuns in my childhood. Lucky for me I never was put in a position of sexual abuse but I know friends that were.

Bishops, you have a right as a US citizen to state your opinion as do I. Do not use that right to state Church doctrine as fact for us all!!!

The Catholic Church needs to stay out of politics. This is why there was a reformation in Europe hundreds of years ago – because people were tired of the Catholic Church trying to control everything. The Catholic Church needs has enough to do making sure their priests keep their hands off of little boys.

And I slam and condem the bishops for paying off, looking the other way, making people sign forms to remain silent for priests who have raped children, raped women, those who have married...

Hypocrite Bishops: fight the death penalty instead of abortion.

The Catholic Church's tax exempt status should be revoked immediately!

Whatever happened to the separation of church and state. I am alarmed beyond measure that religious leaders can have such direct influence and access into our political system. And I have no doubt that Congress will sacrifice women's rights over their own bodies if that's what it takes to get healthcare reform passed.

The Catholic church can not control their own people. They have been trying for years to tell people what to do and how to do it.
This is another reason I left the catholic church.

Excuse me, but is everyone in the United States Catholic? Why are Catholic bishops and the pope trying to make health care decisions for ME?

It seems that all of a sudden these enablers have a right to dictate public policy. For years they allowed their priests to molest children with impunity. Now they have the gall to claim that their concern is for the unborn. Could it be that their real concern is that abortion eliminates future targets for their sexually deviant behavior. The hypocrisy is certainly consistent with most religious zealots.

I'm sold... Pass this bill! Please!

Unmarried, celibate men should not be dictating policy on something that is physically impossible for them. Let them fix their own problems first. Plus – separation of church and state - remember that?

I think the catholic church should stay the heck out of politics. Medieval Europe and Taliban controlled Afghanistan were proof enough for the rest of human history that religion is the worst possible source of civic governance. This is nothing less than an assault on the secular principles this country was founded on.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops is lobbying to imprint their beliefs on the pending health care legislation?
Where exactly is that line that separates church and state?
Is it that ephemeral? It conveniently shifts depending on the particular issue or interests it supports or threatens?
Was not one of the founding principles of our country religious freedom?
Remind me why it is that churches are tax exempt?
If religious organizations chose to become politically active, should they not lose their protected tax exempt status?

They don't want the abortion provisions, but they want amnesty for child molestation and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Of course the bishops don't have to worry about abortion since thier usual partners are underaged boys.

Yeah, lets listen to these idiots. If they had their way, possession of a condom would be cause for life imprisonment (at least they are against the death penalty)

Lets make this simple...If you don't like abortion Don't get one

Oh for the love of...

Separation of Church and State was clearly outlined at this nation's founding, and the words inscribed on the interior walls of the Jefferson Memorial reiterate the fact. The church needs to stay out of politics.

Of course the right wing is perfectly glad of the influence (unless of course, a Catholic actually runs for President).

The bishops need to keep their opinions out of the healthcare debate. If and when they have cleaned up their affairs, their rapes of young children, their lack of compensation for the lives that they have destroyed and still destroy....then and only then they may have a right to try to give an opinion. Only an opinion. Catholics need not apply for political office if they are going to try to dictate their beliefs on the entire population of the United States. What happened to the separation of church and state....Lets start making them pay taxes....take away their non tax status.....then we would have more funds to pay for health care for the needy.

Screw the bishops. Wake up America, when will you learn that church and state are separate? The catholic bishops will turn us into another saudi arabia!

Can we stop listening to a group of people that allowed child molestors to bounce from one church to another, the catholic church has no moral ground, and hasnt for a few hundred years.

I have one question. Where were these catholic bishops when the catholic priests were molesting young boys?
I have been told the catholic church was responsible for the many unwed mother homes where the residents went to hide, then give up the newborn for adoption. Those not adopted were placed in foster care or group homes.

Well in case these revolting, disgusting, child molesting, sick old men don't know it, the American government is not run from the Vatican.

The bishops have a right as citizens to voice opinions, when they voice those same opinions as church officials perhaps it's time to reconsider the tax status of the RC Church – maybe toss in the Southern Baptists and a few thousand independent Baptis and Penetecostal churches. The resukting revenue might pay for the health bill in its entirety.

Bishops shouldn't be writting any bill. They want this to be an an abortion bill.

The Catholic church should mind their business/or lose their
tax exempt status! They can agree to disagree, but to bring
pressure on people responsible for the health care bill is not
acceptable!

this article quotes bishops as saying, "...federal policy that endangers human life and rights of conscience,"
~~~
where oh where was the outrage of these bishops as george bush's war on terror was slaughtering innocent lives in afghanistan and iraq?

If you're opposed to abortion don't have one, and abortion is cheaper on the healthcare system and tax dollars then health care and foster care of unwanted babies. We have enough people on the planet as it is, kids born today are going to have a horrible future of over population and an all out world war over food and water.

EXCUSE ME!!!!! The Chatholic Bishops have spoken. This is "Unacceptable....". Fine. Just keep it to yourselves. Do not impose your religious beliefs upon everyone outside your association. The majority of the people should determine how OUR money is spent, NOT a religious organization. Women have the RIGHT, FREEDOM and LIBERTY to CHOOSE!!

There are things that should be kept away from the "federal level" and the federal government cannot get into that level. We are the united states, not the people's republic of America!

The bishops should stop being so hypocritical in view of the sex abuse scandals in the church. The worst of that isn`t the fact that some priests did abuse, but the church covered it up, and just moved the offending priests from one parish to another, allowing the abuse to continue. The cover-up was all the way from the pope through all the church leaders.

These wackos would rather see people not get proper health care and possibly die rather than accept language that does not fit their strict dogma. Who do they think they are? This religious right wing Christian Taliban wants to tell everyone what they should do with their bodies. Maybe they should spend more time and effort looking within their own church and deal with the well-documented problems that exist there. It's like the middle ages with these nuts.

Where is the separation of church and state!!
These bishops (small b) should have no say to the
decisions our congressman make no more that the
right winged believers. Lets get moving and provide
a health care bill, not concentrate on specific issues
PEOPLE ARE DYING

This Bishops should go to hell, where was this religious zealots when bush/cheney lied us into an illegal war in Iraq.
Pres. Obama would succeed in getting Health care reform pass for the millions of America to save lives.

Instead of the Bishops focusing on the abortion language of the bill. They should focus on educating their member on contraception and avoiding getting pregnant in the first case. This is one area where the Catholic religion is always trying to have its cake and eat it to. They don't want women to have abortions and they don't want young people taught sex education to avoid unwanted pregnancies. It is unrealistic and frankly extremely annoying.

What part of no don't the liberal baby killers understand? What part of illegal aliens having our rights don't you understand? What part of congress being stupid don't you understand? We need to revolt against these idiots!!!!!!

A religion where its' priests molested countless children wants use morality as an argument for public policy?!

The Catholic Church, of which I was once an ardent member, has no business involving itself in U.S. politics, especially at the federal level. Historically, the Catholic Church has interfered in and trampled on the rights of Jews and Muslims alike. And while I was a kid in Catholic school, the nuns still badmouthed Protestants, fundamentalist Christians, Jews and Muslims.
The Catholic Church has no busines threatening Congressman Kennedy. It's kind of hypocritical, considering how "lenient" they are with their own pedophile priests. They have tried to cover up those assaults on innocent children and now they are spending millions, most of which is collected from parishioners, to settle suits against those priests, bishops and even higher hierarchy.
In Ireland, where priests were once considered infallible, they preyed upon the children, knowing full that those Catholic families would never speak ill of priests even though they knew what was going on. Imagine what those missionaries serving Third World countries can get away with.
I will not vote, and will ask friends to act similarly, against any member of Congress who supports the Catholic stance in this matter. And to the Catholic church, I say, "Butt out." Preach to me about birth control when you grow a uterus.

So where were these "Christian" folks when Bush launched an illegal, immoral war based on deceit that has now killed 4,700 US troops and over 1 MILLION Iraqis? More and more it seems that "human life is sacred" to them only when embryonic...once out of the womb you are SOL and fair game.

What part of separation of church and state do they not understand? A legislator should not have control over my body!

Why should we humor religious fruitcakes who can't tell the difference between human life and a human being? Keep their religion out of our health care.

Like all RC priests, bishops are forbidden to marry and promise to not have sex. They are only concerned about making sure women have babies. They are not concerned about how to care for the children after they are born. In fact they are more likely to rape a child than to take care of one. Think about that.

I thought the Bishops gave their blessing to the bill a week ago.

The topic of this article is misleading here is a part of what the bishops said and I quote "we strongly urge the Senate to incorporate essential changes to the Senate’s health care reform bill to ensure that needed health care reform legislation truly protects the life, dignity, consciences and health of all" so, the topic "Bishops slam 'unacceptable' health care bill" is not only misleading but also an outright lie! is the author of the article a GOP sympathizer?

Catholic Bishops take "Orders" from the POPE. Also. the Catholic Church doesn't pay City, State nor Federal Taxes. They live on Charity, Donations, etc. And there is a definition "0f Seperation between Church and State" ! Plus the Bishops never have doned a Military Uniform ! Where's the Bief?

It would be nice to hear the Bishops clammor so loudly about the millions of people (including children and babies) who are deprived of adequate health care in this country. Strange, they didn't seem to care about that all these years.

This group do not have a vote or pay taxes,therefore they should not be lobbying and pedeling their influence.They should not have a voice.
We need to ban all lobbying.

Catholic Bishops needs to worry more about their Parish, and mostly about some of their Priest's behavior rather than the health care bill. If I ever need hospital care, I would be in better hands with the hospital staff than a Priest and his prayers where till now I don't know to whom they send them to.

We shall not allow some government bureaucrat to decide what health coverage we can get! No! That's a job for private industry bureaucrats and church leaders exclusively!

The Lord in his might will place every member responsible for this voting on their knees...hear his word...HE is the giver of life! The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open unto their cry. Psalm 34:15

There will be no rest for those who fail the unborn and the poor!

Forty million unborn children murdered since roe v wade..the genocide must stop..listen to the bishops folks..not the likes of patches kennedy

Diegest all of this , and it means one thing. You Die on Goverment Terms. So don't get sick , yet it's Ok if you starve to death . Obama's wish will be full filled . In doing so , next year , they will award him a prize once again.

So can the Catholic Church sound off on the corporate greed and lies that kill 45000 American Citizens each year? It would be really great if they would speak up on this importaint issue too.

Private insurance companies are already using people's money to cover others' abortion. How come ONLY the government ever gets criticized for all the abuses already perpetrated by the private industry? 'Death panels' for instance already exist at health insurance corporations, denying coverage to people who're too old. Why do you think we have the Medicare otherwise? It is because the private industry already sentenced all old people to death, and hence the government had to step in to save them! (a point even republicans make, that's why they favor increased funding for Medicare... they want to keep old voters alive until election day) EVERY SINGLE criticism people make against government run health care are actually abuses already perpetrated by the private industry. It is very hypocritical to criticize one, but not the other!

Why are half of Americans second class citizens?
Why should they be able to tell women what they can do with their own bodies?

If they are this determined to use their religous office to influience politics mabey they should give up their tax exempt status.

So now Catholic Bishops are taking the same position as extreme rignt wing evangelicals. They would rather see people die on the steps of a hospital without insurance than to support a health care bill that would cover an additional 30 million people because they dont like the abortion language? Again the church has its priorities all screwed up! Since when does the Pope dictate social and political policy in the United States? The wingnuts are taking us all down a very dangerous path.

Maybe you should keep your religion off of other peoples body. You have no room to say anything regarding morality being as though you harbored pedophiles that molested young boys

We are supposed to have separation of church and state!!

Tell the Catholic bishops to stop worrying about a couple of cells in some other woman's body and start doing something to care for the millions of living children that need help.

Do you think that the bishops just need more children for the pedifile priests?

Are these the same Bishops that had no conscience when their priests were abusing young boys? This false morality seems to stop once an unborn is born. This also applies to those wife cheating GOP'ers on C Street.

"It has always been around it will always have a niche, but they'll make it a privilege not a right, accessible only to the rich ... the situation would surely change if they were to find themselves in it".

-Digable Planets, La Femme Fetal

They should stay out of politics, they would rather see millions suffer because of their holier than thout belief which is only supported by a small manoriy of the country. They are a tax exempt organzation, They should have been more involved in protecting the many people who were abuse by their priest they would not todate countinue to spend millions of donations tax exempt donations to the thousands of victims.

I guess they are slamming the language like they were suppose to do the priests who were molesting boys.

This administration has already said that they do not want the Health Care Reform legislation to change the status quo on abortion (or euthanasia).

What happened in the House bill via Stupak's amendment amounts to a land grab by conservatives to prevent thousands of women each year from receiving medical services that are currently completely legal and protected by law.

There is a certain irony that many of the same groups that said that the government might use Health Care reform as an excuse to limit, or interfere with, access to the care that individuals choose, are now advocating that we do just that–by limiting this specific, legally protected procedure from being covered. Nearly all health plans that will be offered public or private would have to drop coverage for the procedure under the Stupak language.

churchs should not be in politics make them pay taxes they are not elected what is this iran

Dear Bishops,

Abortion is a right in this country. If you want to continue to make it a political issue, enjoy your tax bill next year!

Thanks,
A fed up American

I wonder what ever happened to the separation of church and state.

Soon they'll demand a reinstatement of the crusades and the Knights of Templar along with it.

Last I checked abortions are legal. It better to do the job now than having the government paying to take care of an unwanted life. The adoption process is too difficult. No the bill is not perfect but come on with a compromise. I just spent seven days in the hospital and the bill is 78k thank God for a cadillac plan I will not complain I don't mind paying the 6 dollars extra in taxes to help someone else are we that greedy in America. I remember the real 9/12/01 We were a country who cared.

And just why is the Catholic church sticking it's face into this argument? Are they afraid it will cut into it's profits?

I think they have their chalices full, what with all the pedophile priests and all...

Jesus is weeping, and God is pissed!

it would be nice if these bishops cared about the living as much as they do about the unborn

Maybe Congress should go to the Catholic Churches and tell them how to run their religion in their churches. I wish all these religions would stay on their side of the aisle and take care of the worshipping and let the government take care of the governing.

I thought that the Catholic Church's tax exempt status (as well as the tax exempt status of all other religions and denominations) was contingent on them being apolitical. It appears to me that they have crossed the line, and should have their tax exempt status pulled. Maybe if the Catholic Church was taxed on its income, we could pay for our wars, the national debt and healthcare.

Are not the foundations of our country based upon the "separation of Church and State"? Did not the "pilgrams" leave the Old World for new freedoms? Our Constitution makes no mention of any religious group being in charge of our country.

I have a few questions. Does the Catholic Church today really understand what the Reformation was all about?

This bunch of terrorists (those who would destroy the constitution of the United States) ought to have their tax exempt status removed as they have no business lobbying for legislation in a secular government that IS PROHIBITED by tax code. The constitution prohibits legislators from respecting a particular religion. JUST SAY NO!!!!!

Say goodbye to the separation of church and state.

As a non catholic I am glad that we don't really have seperation of church and state so that the bishops can force there beliefs on everyone else. I do not believe in abortion as in my wife will never have one. But I am pro choice as in I believe people should have personal freedom to make their own choices.

Health care and insurance reform that is designed to help people, especially the poorest people, should be a high priority of any church including the Catholic Church. In an effort to turn good public policy into "church" policy is not what government is all about. If the Bishops want to live in a theocracy where they can make public policy to fit their religion, let them from their own government... and leave the rest of us who do not want to be subjugated to religious doctrine alone.

This infusion of Bishops and other religious devotees who want to control government policy do not respresent the best interests of a pluralistic and multi cultural society. America is not solely a Christian country. The government leaders need to stand up these zealots and pass laws that are in the best interests of all its citizens.. not just the religious ones.

Honestly, why do we give a rat's arse what Bishops think regarding anything? Aren't they the guys that will refuse to give care to the needy in DC if they ok same sex marriage? And when did they get a say in our government? And why are they still tax exempt, if they do get a say? And aren't these the same guys that hid their pedophiles behind their skirts for years, knowing full well they were sexually molesting children? I was raised a Catholic and I don't recognize this hateful organization anymore. I was taught love thy neighbor as thyself, and do unto others, etc. We need to get them out of our government, or there's going to be hell to pay.

As a non catholic I am glad that the we don't really have seperation of church and state so that the bishops can force there beliefs on everyone else. I do not believe in abortion as in my wife will never have one. But I am pro choice as in I believe people should have personal freedom to make their own choices.

Catholic Priest have a lot of nerve. Are the against abortion because it reduces the number of babies they can eventually sodomize?

Unless these bishops pay taxes, they need to shut up. I'm sick to death of all the religious groups that think they have the right to interfer in our government. Pay taxes or shut up!

What's unacceptable is the Catholic Church getting tax exempt status while acting as just another Right Wing Lobbying group. Their tax exempt status is long over due to be stripped. It's bad enough they were / are a nest of pedophiles. JFYI, I'm a former catholic....alter boy no less.

Perhaps the Bishops should give up their tax exemptions prior to entering the political process?

I think, in exchange for their tax-exempt status, all religious groups should keep their nose out of politics and tax policy.

This is just another example of a class that is taking advantage of extraordinary entitlements.

I actually don't want my money used to offset the tax liability of churches, but doesn't look like I have anything to say about it, does it?

This totally amazes me. The catholics are so pro-life, yet they let their priest molest little boys for years and years and they knew about it and covered it up and moved them to different parrishes where it happen again. Where is all the life, dignity, health and conscience for all the sexual abuse victims from the Catholic Bishops???? What hypocrites they are to now stick their nose into the Healthcare legislation and push their agenda. Clean up your own house first!!!

speration of church and state. Religion should stay out of politics. If you have religious belifes fine, follow them but don't impose them on everyone else. I don't tell you how to worship dont' tell me what i should do about my health care plan.

Until they start to pay taxes and we change our constitution ending separation of church and state then they have no right to involve themselves in the political process concerning abortions or any other issues concerning the government.

I hate religious catholic zealots! They don't want us getting married, adopt kids, and now they're telling us we can't have health insurance?

We must put the bible thumping lunatics in their place. Time to complain to the IRS!

These Bishops should not get involvrd in politics and try to stay in their own arena. Lets read/hear them explain the Millions and millions of dollars paid to cover the misdeeds of wayward Priests for their invovlement in mostly sexual deviation with young men. Take care of their own flock and stay out of politics. Then they would not have to ask thie Parishoners for more and more money for the needy and less for white elephant religious buildings with fewer attendees. Practice what you Preach

If the Church should lose its tax free status for its political propagandering .

As a member of the Catholic Church I am demanding the church to butt out of this issue! Separation of state and church is what this country was founded on and we MUST respect that. OKAY!!!!!

We need to keep Church and state separate

I am sorry but who cares what the Catholic Bishops think? Last time I checked this was America. Here we take pride in the fact that church and state don't mix. As the way it should be . But apparently some people seem to forget that.

Good work to the bishops! I'm all for some kind of fix to the health care system, given that the current system is basically a colossal mess and is being brought down under the weight of the unconscionable greed and predatory practices of the insurance companies.

Nevertheless, there are many people who do not wish to see their tax dollars used to fund elective infanticide. I have no objection to helping pay for the treatment of fellow humans, but I have a conscientious objection to paying for infant euthanasia, whatever cloak of fine words it may hide beneath.

So, again, three cheers for the bishops!

How ironic – Catholics preaching about protecting conscience and morals. Whose morals are they trying to protect? The morals of the priests who sexually abuse young children? The morals of a church that, for the most part, denied knowledge of abuse or even that a problem existed by shipping priests from parish to parish? Whose conscience are they trying to protect? Their own, maybe? Is this a means to alleviate their guilt?

Religion and "christian" values have no place in public policy. If religions keep putting pressure on our lawmakers to affect public policy, then those religious organizations should lose all tax exemption status, as they've become nothing more than a political action committee.

Apparently, the Roman Catholic Church still thinks it has the right to rule the world and to tell secular leaders what to do.

Did Jesus ever teach His disciples that they were supposed to intimidate, control, and manipulate the leaders of secular, civil governments?

Whatever happened to "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God that which is God's"?

Catholic Bishops should mind their own business. I agree that any abortion language should not be in the bill...however, the Catholics are the last people we need to hear on morality. Hello–clean up your own closet, get the pediphiles out before you start telling other people what to do.

This is the Catholic Church that is supposed to care about the poor and sick. What a joke! They should be ashamed of their hyprocrisy!

Dear Catholic Church: Keep your nose out of politics or we may have to revoke your tax exempt status. Oh, and remember separation of church and state?

guess what pro-lifers... abortion is legal and it always will be. sleep well. ; )

Ya know what, the hell with the health care reform. Compromise, give in, give up, that should be the motto of the Democratic party. In the last election I thought we voted in a "strong" congress that would finally undo all that the republicans had done for the past 14 years but no. I for one have had enough, I for one do not support the Pelosi and Ried agenda which is what? I don't know? They seem to be like little kids who's parents have gone away for the first time and they haven't a clue as to what to do. What a shame, I had such high hopes for this nation and now can only hope that when the right wingers, tea baggers and the catholic bigots take over they don't finally complete the process of destroying the only nation on Earth that "claims" to be free.

I was born a Catholic & as soon as I reached the age of reason, I left the church.

The Patriarchy feels it has control over everything in a person's life. Well sirs, until you agree to raise all the unwanted, hungry, distressed children in this country & in the world,

Why don't we strip all churches of their Tax exempt status that venture into politics of any sort. Especially those that tell their flock how to vote. What ever happened to separation of Church and State. The Catholic church could ill afford to be taxed for all the land they own in the US. All Churches need to stop trying to influence our government.

Being born and raised a Catholic this is the final straw, main reason I will be looking for another religion to support. These folks are all for supporting a President who sends men/women to wars (2), my question then how can you be pro-life and be pro-war, aren't you killing people? Just remember two days of these wars would pay for health care. Iraqis in their constitution get health care – yet we don't have health care in our wonderful country. So ahead Catholic Bishops be against health care, you are so distant from hard working men/women already but this should really seal the deal.

My disabled brother had to have all his teeth pulled when he was 49 ( he's on welfare): The Government paid for it, but refused to pay for dentures-
so Miles suffered from gastric upset and bleeding ulcers, until, 6 months later, he was hospitalized for an unrelated condition, a leaking heart valve. During this time, the heart doctor assigned to Miles developed a spine and informed the Dept. of "human" services ( DHS) that he had consulted with other doctors and they would go to the media: Only THEN was my brother fitted for a set of dentures, less than a week after he was discharged. Cost? $400. Less than a third of what it cost to treat the gastric disorder my brother had suffered due to not having dentures.
That's what a public option looks like: Its based on the same minimal care Medicaid and Medicare provides: As you may have gathered from this true story, healthcare costs will skyrocket because of inadequate coverage and flawed judgement.

What the !@#%#@! Who do these guys think they are? what about the separation of church and state? If they want to propose policy, they can give up their tax exempt status!

The question one must ask is how much money are the Bishops getting from the insurance industry?

Religion is the root of most evil.

The Catholic Church wants kids born, no contraception, but then turns their back on childrens welfare, and lets the children die in misery, 25,000 children die every day.

The Catholic Church wants the poor to give tithe, then hoards the church's trillions of dollars in real estate investing, doing little to aid the poor.

The Catholic church turns a blind eye as hundreds of their priests molest children.

These Catholic Bishops are fecal boli.

With this amount of political clout, isn't the US Conference of Bishops effectively functioning as a political PAC and therefore eligible to be taxed?

Amazing. Why should child molesters have a say about health care? Also, what happened to the separation of church and state? Somewhere, I remember reading that the founding fathers made this a part of our constitution. Or is this one of those convenient oversights by the right wing nut jobs?

Separation of church and state? Bah, humbug. Rights to privacy in health care decisions? No way. Last time I looked, the right to birth control decisions, including terminating a pregnancy, were still legal rights women had some control over. Why should a bunch of celibate men have a say in anything pertaining to women and their reproductive needs and choices?

Please remember the separation of church and state.
Women should not be made to suffer by the actions of religious leaders
who seemingly overlook that separation.
That's why laws exist to protect us as citizens.
Let us remember this every day.
Thank you for this opportunity to give my opinion.

Why oh why dont ppl understand that no one is forcing others to have abortions just b/c it's an available option?? What about the rape victims? What about the ones who, along WITH their babies, will DIE if they are forced to give birth? What about the ones who aremarried, are both on birth control but STILL end up pregnant somehow (rare, but it happens)? Does no one understand that not providing for them isn't stopping ANYTHING? Women who want them WILL get them, even at the detriment of their own lives. It happened before the 1960's, and before AMA and others started losing money to competitors giving cheaper abortions and decided to pay off ppl to write books condemning abortions as an immoral act, it was even common worldwide until the early 20th century. No one EVER teaches that until you stumble upon it in college, but its so very true. Ppl walk around saying how horrible abortions are, but they dont realize the act of condemning them is only about 90 YRS. OLD. All that will be accomplished by putting a blockade up against it is to increase the deaths of women across the country. Stop making ppl adhere to YOUR version of what ppl should do behind closed doors.

I cannot wait to see comments coming in from Anti Catholics and who say they are "practicing Catholics" about this letter to the Senate. The Catholic Church IS NOT AGAINST THE HEALTH CARE BILL IF IT DOES WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO DO. iT IS NOT INTERFERRING IN THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. It is simply putting forth issues that goes against the morals of the Church. Liberals do not bring up the priests abuse situation either. That is an inhouse problem that the Church recognizes that it di wrong. Leave it alone. For the "practising Catholics" if you support abortion, then you are not Catholic. You may think you are but you are going against the teachings of the Church and are outside the Church and are not part of it. You cannot defy the moral teachings of the Church. If you do, find another religion as you cannot acept somethings and reject others. For the anti Catholic Liberals out there take your shot. Your word mean absolutley nothing. Good Luck. Cannot wait to seethe comments on this one.....,

Why does the headline call this an "Obama Bill?" The language of the letter refers to the "Senate Bill". Gee, altering facts to conflate negative opinion with Obama, is this CNN or Fox? And you wonder why you're slipping into third place?

Thank goodness for people who dedicate their lives to spiritual growth. Odd how we applaud those who place all their focus on the flesh and very little on the spirit but look unapprovingly at those who seek to develop the spirit and control the flesh. Yet while we do this as a society, we still love and admire those who live the spritiual life far above those those who are imprisoned by the flesh. Shakespeare said it best when he spoke of those who protest ...thank goodness for the Bishops. I applaud your concern and love for us all.

What part of Separation of Church and State does the US Congress not understand?

I, for one, am incredibly sick of ANY religion dictating what my government decides.

I am not religious and I resent anyone who is trying to shove this theocratic crap down my throat. If you're a believer, great, go with "God". But nothing can change the fact that religion, no matter what form, has NO place in our politics.

I guess this is the bishops' prerogative, but it gets me thinking. Who can I write to in order to let the Catholic church know what I think is "completely unacceptable" about their policies and behavior? The church condemns birth control and abortion, urges (married) couples to procreate abundantly, and yet shows zero interest in ensuring that these babies are provided with adequate health care (or food for that matter) once they are born. Ah, but that's just the start of it. This would surely be a long letter. What's that address again?

I need to just answer one question. Who writes and votes on bills for the public, that agree with them, congress.

Who wants to tell the country what to do, because it inflates their ego..the preachers and the bishops and the priests. Haven't any of them read the constitution. which tell us we must separate church and state.

I think they were correct to take the tax free status away from the HOUSE ON C STREET. If you are political you don't deserve tax free status. I think more people in this country should fill out the form that the IRS to complain about churches etc who claim tax free status and then raise money, preach to the congregation to vote for certain candidates, AND WANT TO WRITE THE BILLS THEY WAY THEY WANT. Take away the tax free status and then their church can electioneer all they want.

I'm a Catholic but I don't want Bishops deciding my health care issues. They should stay out of this and uphold the separation of church and state. It's none of their business.

The Bishops need to stay out of it unless they want to give up their tax exempt status.

The United States Of America was founded on the principles of equality for all men (women) and the separation of church and state. The position of the catholic bishops on abortion rights is purely an ethical one based on the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church and the whims of their current supreme leader. In this country they do not have (nor should they have) the right to force their interpretation of religious dogma on other who do not share their belief system. Let us not forget that the original founders of this country came here seeking freedom from the tyranny of the Roman Catholic Church.

Good for these men of God...

God does not approve of abortion. We need to focus on prevention and adoption adn less on abortion.

Eighteen days after conception, that thing has a HEARTBEAT.

When you are in the hospital, are you measured by limbs and legs and eyeballs, or heartbeat? Heartbeat is LIFE and that baby has the right to live.

In South America, a nurse performed abortions illegally. One of her patients, died and she was jailed. Luckily, God spoke to her and told her how wrong it was.

She became a Christian and never did another abortion again.

Amen!

Remember when Obama gave his Obamacare speech and promised us no money would go for abortions? He lied! Remember when Obama gave his Obamacare speech and promised us no money would go for Illegal Aliens? He lied! Remember when Obama gave his Obamacare speech and promised us he would only cut 500 billion in waste from Medicare that Medicare would actually be made stronger? He lied! Remember when Obama gave the state of the Union speech and no money would be spent any illegal aliens, and a Congressman shockinly shouted "YOU LIE". The Congressman was right! If the Senate and House pass anything like these bills they've created we will be buried in trillion upon trillions in spending and debt, and buried alive to our eyeballs with taxes trying to keep up with it. We have 10.2% UNEMPLOYMENT and a Mountain of Debt. Lets let people with pre-existing conditions get insurance, Lets prevent insurance companies from setting lifetime limits or cancelling a policy when somebody get sick, let's save money by banning silly wasteful lawsuits, and let let people choose insurance across state lines...nationwide. Let's do that and stop. That's what we want and all we can afford!

If churches want to be lobbyists, they need to start paying taxes.

Don't Catholic bishops have better things to do with their time...like covering up abuses within the church?

Yawn.

Separation of church and state.

They're a set of constituents like any other. Nothing special.

Dear Catholic Bishops,

I wrote this little document, The Constitution, and it mentions something pretty important: Separation of Church and State. If you haven't read The Constitution, you may wanna go over it pretty quick and start acting like the majority of citizens who follow the laws of the land. If you don't understand what it means, then just shut up. No one wants to hear anything from people who don't understand what they're talking about.

Now, if you want to deal with the language, I can always point you in the direction of the IRS . . .

Sincerely,
T.J.

Are they so concerned about some abortions, because it won't leave enough kids for their priesthood to bugger?
I guess freedom is meaningless to these hypocrites. Talking about morals...

Well it looks like it is time to declare the catholic church a political party and end their tax free status. i as a 71 year old democrat do not believe in abortion either. but i believe in a womans rights to do what she wants to with her body. it is between her and god. we need health care reform. it seems that our elected senators think that they work for the for profit insurance companys instead of the people that elected them.

wow! glad i voted for the catholic bishops in the last election! go "democracy"!

no more tax exempt status for them!!!!

Whatever happened to separation of Church and State?

There are some of us who are NOT Catholic, and who do not wish to have the Catholics beliefs and ideals forced upon everyone.

The era of the Catholic Bishops influencing their followers is "over"!
Most modern day Catholics make a distinction between what a traditional church says and what they practice in their bedrooms.

I'm curious how many "Bishops" are willing to take one the 20+ years of raising a child of the desparately poor and troubled .

Talk about separation of church and state!!!!!!
Why dont Catholics worry about feeding the needy and helping the poor? ISNT THAT WHAT JESUS DID?

The bishops call it "unacceptable federal policy that endangers human life and rights of conscience." From that one might think this is entirely unique legislation that allows abortion, that "endangers human life" in an unprecedented way. What this new law would do is allow federal money to be spent for abortions. A bit of language twisting to me.

How do you say Separation of Church and State? Maybe it is time to lose the tax exempt status?

These are the same people who for decades protected child molesting, pedophile priests and then stalled any investigations by the authorities. These hypocritial bastards should not even have a say in the health care process!!!!!

"The new Senate bill is an enormous disappointment, creating new and completely unacceptable federal policy that endangers human life and rights of conscience"

'course they have no problem with your children being killed in failed and unlawful wars....

Why do men care if woman have abortions anyway? They abandon their infant children and rape their own daughters – sometimes abortion is the best choice.

Too bad...you people also admit to insisting the Healthcare Bill include FREE coverage to ILLEGAL immigrants when America can't even cover our own citizens. That's just not going to fly whether you're D or R...nobody wants that.

I do NOT want my tax dollars paying for the murder of babies.

I for one am sick tired fed up and completely disgusted with religious institutions thinking they can influence political agendas and operate in the bowels of politics in this country, while continuing to enjoy tax EXEMPTION status.

These actions are clearly examples of lobbying the government, and as such, religious institutions that threaten to shut down missions they operate for a City's 68,000 homeless women and children population unless that City's legislative body passes rules that support their religious beliefs should be lose their tax EXEMPTION status.

This so called Right Wing Christian Conservative movement in this country is so intolerable, I fail to see the difference between it and radical Islam.

Question for you people who are supposed to be devout believers in God and His Omnipotence...

...Since when does or has God ever NEEDED you to fight or enforce His so called laws for mankind? It kind of takes away from the Almighty Omnipotent Divinity of God don't you think for you to act as is God needs you to fight His battles against what you perceive to be evil unjustice. Think about that people.

I am so sick of these religions trying to tell me how I have to think and live my life. You are entitled to your beliefs but do not try to push them on me.
Every church that gets involved in politics should have their tax
exemptions taken Away.
People, we cannot let the radical religious right take control of our country. Fight back!!

Sorry but the catholic Church has no credibility at this point any more...

How about the Church staying out of the governments business? I have never seen the lines of separation of church and state more violated.

Most people of the cloth, of all religions, are good people. The rotten ones are the most vocal. Here we have the most rotten of the rotten, on a crusade to kill 45000 americans per year. And in their spare time, they are the same ones who spend "EXTRA" time with your son.

I think the "health care reform" the senate passed is a disgrace. Of course they excluded themselves from it which they are in violation of statute 14.
Statute 14 means unjust enrichments or in laymans terms "double dipping. We still get to pay for their high price health benefits and pensions while they keep taking away from the American people which by the way are their employers. What's even worse is that illegal immigrants have better benefits than we do. Now the government is considering giving them funding for college. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH deport the illegals they are stealing from the benefits that we worked so hard for and return the money stole from us.

As far as the health reform it's unacceptable I suggest our government get with the program !!!!! Stop representing yourselves and get back to representing the American people who again are your employers and write a health care reform that actually makes sense !!!

I wish such smart, caring religious leaders would learn that no matter what they believe, it's not appropriate to force those beliefs onto others through the use of law. It's not their job to convert govern or legislate.

Honestly,

Do the Bishops really feel that their opinion is relevant any more? I really hope that the senate does nothing to appease them, there should be no amendment to the bill based on religious views, that would clearly violate the separation of church and state. Not all Americans share their pro-life view, and not all Americans should be forced to abide by it. Heck, not all Catholics even feel this way, so I don't see why these Bishops feel they speak for their churches or for America as a whole. I am hoping the senate sends a clear message and doesn't cave in to their demands.

-Nate

Funny.... I'm a 71 year old woman who has been around long enough to have actually watched the John Kennedy elections. It was SO FEARED that Kennedy's Catholicism would somehow find its way into the White House if he were elected. John Kennedy had almost to take an oath that his religious beliefs would not affect his leadership.What has happened since?....

The Catholic Church now wields its power and threatens to destroy a bill which would actually save lives of Americans. The threat is that of guilt being cast against any Catholic Senator or House Rep daring to vote for legislation that does not incorporate language APPROVED BY THE CHURCH????????

The bill has safeguards to avoid tax money from funding abortions, which, by the way are legally sanctioned. Birth control pills are also condemned by Church doctrine, so how much power does the Church really want in intrusion into personal choice and state issues. – too much!

Whatever happend to separation of Church and State???? Shameful. And... BTW, I am a Catholic and answer to my own conscience!

Who the heck cares what a bunch of old pedophiles has to say about it?

Since when is the United States a Catholic country, and since when do Cardinals and Bishops, whole ultimate loyalty is to their boss who is the head of a foreign state, have the right to comment on US government policy. Spain, a heavily Catholic country, has free abortion paid for by the Spanish government.

It would seem to me that the Catholic Curch would rather teach the word through politics and law, rather than through the church.

If decision about abortion is a private decision why should it be financed by public fund?

The U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops is a dangerous group of old white men and young conservative brainwashed men, who attack women on every front, including nuns. They are power hungry, greedy and licivous, doing whatever it takes to build their empire.

Why are we allowing the Catholics Bishops to complain about anything related to goverment or more specific abortion. If they want to get involve as a group, they should pay taxes to the state. In addition why they were not that strong when all the child abuses were going on in the church. Is it double standards? Is it okay to get involved and support child abuse, but it is not okay to allow a rape victim (as an example) to have an abortion. Somebody should let the bishops understand that to complain about about legal issues, they should firsat clean their own house.

Where was their outrage when fellow bishops circumvented the law and are now free to continue to hurt unsuspecting children? Where were these God fearing men/women when the conservative base was spreading lies about health care or when the conservative were and still are supporting and promoting hate between the races? Honestly, who wants to listen to hypocrites attempting to perpetuate righteousness? Does God support hypocrisy? Does God support those who preach hate? Does God support those who push their own agenda in His name? I think they are setting themselves up for a public ridicule. It always happens when people make claims to be righteous and are not. God does care about laws; He cares about the hearts of mankind. Stick to preaching and teaching the Word of God. Did He not say, "When I have been lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people toward me." Abortion will not be conquered in the courts nor in legislation. It comes with a changed mindset through a changed heart. Why pick and choose a sin, just speak out against all sins. Especially hypocrisy.

Separation of church and state?????

The church can start making suggestions to any legislation they want when they start paying taxes.

The Roman Catholic Church is an offense to God and the United States of America. So are all fundamentalists of all stripes.

Religion in Govt,- Iran, the Taliban and the USA GOP. Same disasterous results in each and every case. Lets use our minds and not superstition. Let us base legislation on what is in the best intrest of Americans. Not someone's religous dogma.

It's a good thing that in the United States of America we have the Separation of Church and State... The Catholic church has promoted unprotected sex worldwide which is one of the main causes for the overpopulation, mass starvation and misery. Organized religion is the root of all evil in this world.

Ha. This is great. It is important to adhere to the old Catholic Bishop Rule here: Listen to what a Catholic Bishop says, and then do the opposite.

Obviously, if they want to involve themselves into politics (hey, we all know that churches are really political entities anyway), then they should lose all their tax free status fringes...I don't want my taxes in any way going to help support, directly or indirectly, any religious group I don't believe in.

One thing to say: Separation of Church and State.

These guys need to start paying taxes. They are getting way too political. The Senate bill clearly prohibits tax money from funding abortion. What the bishops want is to prohibit any insurance coverage of abortion. That is interferring with contractual arrangements and should be vigorously opposed by all conservatives.

Since when did a religious section of the country get to make policy? I thought they were all about the separation of church and state? While I would never get an abortion, don;t know anyone who has had one, and find them sad, it is the law of the land, and when the legislative body caves to this special interest group (I can hardly wait for an SP tweet on this) they are not serving all their constituents.

I'm so tired of the religious freaks. I thought we were done with this from the Bush/Cheney disaster! When will people realize that the bible is a made up book.

Looks like almost everyone is unhappy with Obama's Health Reform Bill. Get a clube, Mr. President.

Since the church has failed to teach morality it thinks the government should legislate it. The legislature has no business doing the church's job.

Twillion of life been destroyed each and every day ,only a few hundred every week if people know what I mean.Enough said.

AH SHUT UP.... how many people has the catholic church killed over the last 2,000 years???