Quinn, Catholic Bishops to Discuss Abortion, Other Issues

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 18, 2011 2:35PM

Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois' Catholic bishops have been at odds in recent weeks over Quinn's presenting an award to an rape victims rights advocate last night: an award sponsored by an abortion rights political action committee that supported Quinn during his gubernatorial campaign.

Quinn announced last night that he had accepted an offer from Chicago Archbishop Francis George to sit down with the bishops next month to discuss abortion rights; the Bears; the NBA lockout; the Cubs hiring of Dale Sveum and why the Michelin Guide ignored Next.

Okay, not the rest, but abortion rights is on the agenda. The bishops sent Quinn the letter Wednesday to discuss a number of issues, including "your personal approval of laws permitting the killing of unborn children." Not the finest example of diplomacy by the Catholic hierarchy.

The letter also addressed the issue of the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Law, which they said “has been used to drive Catholic Charities in our dioceses from caring for foster children and from sponsoring adoptions." Earlier this week Catholic Charities dropped a lawsuit against the State to allow them to continue to provide foster care and adoption services, except to unmarried or same-sex couples.

The letter continued:

"We would like to discuss with you, both as fellow citizens and as pastors of your Church, how you and we should position ourselves publicly on this issue so you may be true to your responsibility as Governor as we may remain true to ours as bishops."

How about starting by recognizing the separation of Church and State?

Quinn, for his part, said he's ready to "meet and have a robust dialogue" with the bishops but that he would "follow his conscience" when it comes to making decisions as governor. “I think the essence of my faith is service," he said.

Quinn and the bishops, led by George, will meet at the governor's Chicago office Dec. 16.