Some Roman Catholic Bishops Assail Health Plan

While it appears that some Roman Catholic Bishops are now in opposition to the President's proposed health care reforms, The New York Times features Bishop Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., as far more representative of the majority of Catholic leaders.  

Bishop Murphy stated that "we strongly oppose inclusion of abortion as part of a national health care benefit." But he emphasized the Church's priority of coverage for the poor, calling health care "not a privilege but a right."

It is interesting to note that, in the current political environment, the Catholic Church's insistence that health care is not a privilege but a right, places the Church well to the left of the G.O.P., not to mention to the left of our own Senator Feinstein, who cannot bring herself to make a similar statement. 

The article should remind those of us with close ties to the Catholic community to reinforce the fact that the majority of Catholic leaders support the President's health care reform package. 

I'll be in touch with contacts at the non-denominational organization PICO tomorrow to learn how they're dealing with this news.