Legislation

It seemed like a quiet afternoon at Birthright Counseling on South Brentwood Boulevard, with the exception of the ringing phones. Karen Rossfeld and two other volunteers were poised at their desks, armed with information and a book of open appointment times, ready for the women who call seeking help.

Rossfeld, who started volunteering at Birthright almost a year ago, took a call from a woman seeking a free pregnancy test. She offered her an appointment for the next day, but the woman pressed, asking if she could come in yet that day.

Defending religious liberty, protecting human life at all stages of development and ensuring economic justice for all are among the policy priorities adopted by the Missouri Catholic Conference for 2013.

Each year the public policy agency for the Catholic bishops of Missouri adopts priorities. According the Mike Hoey, MCC executive director, issues surrounding religious freedom remain of paramount concern.

Missouri is one of nine states that have formed caucuses to preserve religious freedom.

Outgoing state Rep. Mike McGhee, R-Odessa, is organizing Missouri's caucus. Other states forming caucuses include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

A series of complaints about conduct in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in St. Louis has led the leader of a local pro-life organization to meet with St. Louis Police to establish some helpful guidelines.

Brian Westbrook, executive director of the Coalition for Life St. Louis, said that in the past few months, police have responded to a number of calls from Planned Parenthood employees complaining about several issues, ranging from peace disturbance to false advertising and littering.

** You may download a PDF of our print edition here **

As the Nov. 6 election approaches, Americans are weighing their choices and considering their options in preparation for casting their ballots.

But for Catholic Americans, it requires more than just a quick study of economic issues or party affiliations. As Catholics, we have an obligation to form our consciences in accordance with the teachings of the Church and vote accordingly.

How do we do that?

File Attachment: 

Faithful Citizenship Living Our Faith

DANVILLE, Ky. (CNS) -- In a vice presidential debate full of tangling between Democratic Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the Republican candidate, the topic of abortion got the same treatment.

Both candidates are Catholic, a first in major-party history.

Biden, who supports keeping abortion legal, said Oct. 11: "I accept my Church's position on abortion" that "life begins at conception in the Church's judgment. I accept it in my personal life," before adding, "But I refuse to impose it on equally devout Christians and Muslims and Jews."