What Religion Looks Like, Wisconsin Edition

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/4295/what_religion_looks_like%2C_wisconsin_edition/

By Kim Bobo

“Tell me what religion looks like.”

“This is what religion looks like!”

So chanted the 75 religious leaders who marched into Wisconsin’s Capitol in Madison on Tuesday, February 22, in support of the state workers who are opposing Governor Walker’s proposal to strip public sector workers of collective bargaining rights under the guise of balancing the budget. The workers have already agreed to many of the proposed salary and benefit reductions—they’re fighting to retain a voice in decisions through their unions and the collective bargaining process.

The proposals are so draconian and such clear violations of religious teachings in support of workers’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining that Wisconsin religious leaders across faith traditions have issued public statements, sent letters to the Governor and legislators, and are participating in rallies and public events.

The Rt. Rev. Steven A. Miller, Episcopal Bishop of Milwaukee, wrote to Episcopalians:

I believe we can all agree that our baptismal vow to “respect the dignity of every human being” is not served by a majority simply pushing through legislation because they have the votes necessary to do so. As Christians, it is our duty and call to make sure that everyone has a place at the table and every voice has the opportunity to be heard. Respecting the dignity of every human being requires taking the time to have honest and faithful conversation that respects the rights and freedom of all.

Archbishop Jerome Listecki, writing as President of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, wrote:

The church is well aware that difficult economic times call for hard choices and financial responsibility to further the common good. Our own dioceses and parishes have not been immune to the effects of the current economic difficulties. But hard times do not nullify the moral obligation each of us has to respect the legitimate rights of workers.

FULL story at link.

[hedgehog]

1. Any word of which 75 leaders actually showed up? I wrote the bishop

of Madison. He's a Jesuit from Scranton Pa, but he's also a right wing tyrant as far as employees of the Church go.

The Bishop of Milwaukee sounds like a good guy ( i really know nothing about him) but he's not really allowed to enter the diocese of Madison without permission from the Bishop of Madison.

A lot of Catholics are watching these bishops to see what they do.

[RedCloud]

2. You some religions actually care about people?

[GillesDeleuze]

3. tell me what hiding millions in shelter accounts to avoid paying rape victims looks like

the milwaukee diocese