* The Illinois Policy Institute’s Diana Sroka Rickert writing in the Tribune…
In the ongoing state budget battle, is the Roman Catholic Church taking sides?
No. But opponents of Gov. Bruce Rauner want you to think it is.
At the request of local unions, Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich recently spoke at a West Side union hall about the church’s teachings on work and workers.
After the speech, Democrat House Speaker Michael Madigan and government unions boasted that Cupich and the Catholic Church were on their side.
“The archbishop has said the same thing that we’ve been saying in Springfield,” Madigan said.
Government unions in Illinois promoted their interpretation of the archbishop’s comments online.
“Cupich today reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s longstanding commitment to collective bargaining, to unions … a message a certain governor might want to consider,” Service Employees International Union posted on its Facebook page.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees posted a picture of Cupich and wrote, “We couldn’t agree more. LIKE and SHARE if you do, too!”
Here’s the problem: Cupich didn’t say he agrees with Madigan, SEIU, AFSCME or any other government union on any issues. In his remarks, Cupich referenced the debate over whether Illinois should become the nation’s 26th right-to-work state — but was careful not to say where he and the church stood on the issue.
“The archbishop has not taken a position,” said Susan Burritt, archdiocesan spokeswoman. “The archbishop never offered a judgment on any legislation.” […]
As a Catholic, I’m all for solidarity: caring for others, respecting people as individuals, fighting against inequality and injustice. But Speaker Madigan, AFSCME and SEIU: We’re not on the same team. Your version of solidarity has no place in the Catholic Church.
* OK, first of all, while the archbishop didn’t take a stand on any particular legislation, his words were pretty darned clear…
I will also add my voice when it is prudent and helpful in egregious examples of injustice. The Church can’t weigh in on every issue, on every dispute…it lacks the capacity or the competence. However, when the Church sees fundamental values being threatened or undermined, the Church will speak up—to offer basic moral principles, to defend the weak and vulnerable and to promote the common good.
For example in view of present day attempts to enact so-called right-to-work laws the Church is duty bound to challenge such efforts by raising questions based on longstanding principles. We have to ask, “Do these measures undermine the capacity of unions to organize, to represent workers and to negotiate contracts? Do such laws protect the weak and vulnerable? Do they promote the dignity of work and the rights of workers? Do they promote a more just society and a more fair economy? Do they advance the common good?”
Lawmakers and others may see it differently, but history has shown that a society with a healthy, effective and responsible labor movement is a better place than one where other powerful economic interests have their way and the voices and rights of workers are diminished. […]
My final point is that I hope that you and your members will see in the Catholic Church a consistent ally for economic justice and a partner in promoting the common good. First, I will personally support workers’ efforts to secure their rights and adequate conditions to accomplish their work. In a talk last June, Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington observed that growing up in southwest Pennsylvania he learned early on that “one visible way that solidarity was manifested, both within the movement and in the larger society, was respect for the picket line. He also talked about the new “picket lines” that should not be crossed, like demonizing immigrants, racial profiling and wage theft, to name just three. In solidarity with you, I want you to know that the Archdiocese of Chicago will honor your picket lines.
Secondly, I will continue to encourage priests of this Archdiocese to be involved in the labor movement. They will continue the legacy of great priests such as Msgr. John Hayes, Msgr. George Higgins, and Msgr. Jack Egan and Fr. Clete Kiley.
* Whenever someone uses the phrase “so-called right-to-work laws,” they oppose so-called right to work laws, like myself, for example. And when somebody declares they’ll honor a picket line, well, that’s pretty serious stuff.
* And speaking of Father Kiley, earlier this year Cupich appointed Kiley as his moderator of the curia for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Kiley is now responsible for day-to-day archdiocesan operations and administration. Thanks to an alert reader, I realized belatedly that Kiley left that position. He’s now doing union ministry work.
Fr. Kiley is about as pro-union as a person can get, but he now has a very important position and is using that bully pulpit to back organized labor. He somewhat previewed the archbishop’s speech back in June regarding so-called “right to work” laws…
“These laws fundamentally are an assault on solidarity. They are an attempt to break unions and a way to exclude more people from an active role in the economy.”
Also, if you watch the video, make sure to stick around to the end when Kiley talks about “think tanks that still say you can be a Catholic and a libertarian. Real cafeteria Catholics. And I’d like to say the cafeteria is closed.”
- bored now - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:01 pm:
wow. and, i’d add, just what this pope is looking for…
- Norseman - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:02 pm:
IPI motto: “Never let the facts get in the way of the narrative.“
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:03 pm:
Why do I think that Ms. Rickert would take the exact opposite view if the Archbishop had said the opposite.
- Sillies - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
Actually, Rich, Fr. Kiley stepped down from that position after one a couple of weeks.
http://www.archdioceseofchicago.org/news_releases/news_2015/news_150602c.html
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
Does IPI have a pay to play deal with Chicago Tribune?
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
Wasn’t this the woman who thought that all state workers should be fired? She’s a “superstar” alright. Why is winning at all costs so important to these people? Talk about unchristian. She needs to read the Epistle of James, especially chapter 5.
- cdog - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:11 pm:
The IPI is could really be leading their conservative Christian supporters down a dark alley. Be careful folks.
Anyone that has studied the Bible much, Protestant or Catholic, knows that the these Catholic statements are very scriptural.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:12 pm:
One for all and all for the 1%!
- paddyrollingstone - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:14 pm:
Here’s an oldie but a goodie:
The important role of union organizations must be admitted: their object is the representation of the various categories of workers, their lawful collaboration in the economic advance of society, and the development of the sense of their responsibility for the realization of the common good.
Pope Paul VI
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:14 pm:
I thought the church was supposed to stay out of “politics”? And vice versa?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:15 pm:
===I thought the church was supposed to stay out of “politics”?===
Since when?
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:18 pm:
How about this, Rich?!
https://www.irs.gov/uac/Charities,-Churches-and-Politics
I also seem to remember quite a few people on this site clamoring for a peek into Catholic Charities when the Catholic Church came out in opposition to gay marriage/civil unions and especially gay adoption.
- A guy - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:19 pm:
===I thought the church was supposed to stay out of “politics”?===
TS, Except they’ve been practicing it for 10 times longer than this country has, and much of the time they’re less restricted and better at it. lol.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:20 pm:
Maybe the IPI could take in Bishop Paprocki. He seems more dialed in to their “gospel” than to what’s coming from Rome.
- Albany Park Patriot - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:21 pm:
“The cafeteria is closed.” Love it.
- Sillies - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:22 pm:
I do find very interesting the different approach +Cupich is taking in comparison to +George. +George was very clear to say that the role of bishops is to speak to moral truths which should guide policy decisions but that the laity is responsible for determining specific policy. +Cupich appears to be comfortable making direct policy recommendations, at least in this case.
- BC - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:22 pm:
Cupich was simply restating more than 100 of official Catholic social justice doctrine. Rickert needs to read Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo VIII’s encyclical on labor and capital, which has been reaffirmed by numerous popes, including John Paul and Francis. It established the Catholic Church as a blatantly pro-Union institution. In fact, the document reads like the Democratic Party’s platform statement on economic policy. The Catholic Church maybe decidedly in the Republican mainstream on social issues like abortion and gay rights, but it is firmly aligned with Democratic ideology when it come to the role of unions and spending on social services. Again, read Rerum Novarum.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:22 pm:
===How about this, Rich?!===
Where in that link does it say churches lose their 1st Amendment rights? I don’t always agree with what ministers say, but as long as they stay out of campaigns directly while at the pulpit (to retain their tax exempt status), they’re still Americans.
Sheesh.
- tons of fun - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:27 pm:
Madigan seeks divine intervention. let’s see what deal was cut by Madigan to get this done. Good to see my church currying favor with the pro-abortion party.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:28 pm:
If it comes down to Pope Francis and the Pope Leo teachings, and Archbishop Cupich versus the IPI and the “hard Right”, newly minted “Cafeteria Catholics”…
As a Catholic, me, speaking for me, I’m with Pope Francis.
Those touting their own Catholicism on other Social Issues, take heed, memories are long for those citing “Rome” as their Core Belief HQ.
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:30 pm:
When does “First Amendment rights” collide directly with supporting a candidate or party - even if it’s veiled under another term? That’s the question. And that’s exactly the case that was noted in the attachment. If the Catholic Church comes out swinging against Governor Rauner and the ILGOP, the IRS may want to have a look at that.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:33 pm:
Team Sleep, sure there are things you cannot do as a non-profit religious entity but the church has always been involved in politics. One of the most powerful witnesses has been to highlight injustice, inequity, and human suffering. Most if not all religious organizations apply themselves to the elimination and eleviation of human suffering. This involves getting involved in the political sphere. It’s been a fairly recent development theologically that faith and works have been detached so detached from each other as in the case with many non-denominational churches especially those who preach the “prosperity gospel”. In these congregations only faith is required. Works are nearly entirely left out. Thus many Christians have no conceptional framework to understand works towards the poor or outcast are scripturally mandated. For them it’s all faith. I believe therefore I am Christian.
- WW - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:37 pm:
Neil Steinberg has a much better understanding of Catholic doctrine than Diana Rickert. A must read:
http://chicago.suntimes.com/neil-steinberg/7/71/968414/cupich-enlists-god-union-fight
- Shark Sandwich - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:38 pm:
” If the Catholic Church comes out swinging against Governor Rauner and the ILGOP, the IRS may want to have a look at that.”
Remember when we were all upset that the IRS was probably targeting certain conservative PACs?
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:39 pm:
Second that, OW. Across the Board.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:44 pm:
==Your version of solidarity has no place in the Catholic Church.==
The Church, perhaps not, but Cupich is clear he’s fully behind union representation and protections, including collective bargaining rights for working people.
- Sturry - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:45 pm:
Does the Catholic church welcome unions to organize their school staff? Their church administration and operations?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 4:48 pm:
===Cupich is clear he’s fully behind union representation and protections, including collective bargaining rights for working people.===
Yep, - Wensicia -.
And Archbishop Cupich made it as plain as he could; “Pope Francis is with you”.
There was no misunderstanding the Archbishop.
- Chupacabra - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 5:00 pm:
Clarification: the members and donors of the Illinois Policy Institute are not “libertarians,” well some are. But many of them are futurists/posthumanists/transhumanists. They believe that robots and technology will displace human labor. In a transhuman future, creators (think Silicon Valley) will be able to implement their ideas without having to share the proceeds with the labor class. 100% capture of all profit is the goal. The IPI purpose now is to further philosophies and cultural shifts that will benefit creators, appease the concerns of the labor class and ensure that technology is allowed to make major social and economic disruptions without being stopped by a government that is interested in preserving the economic participation and inclusion of its people.
- Orzo - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 5:01 pm:
It was a surprise to see Rickert do anything but the usual reworking of the same “guest” column for the Trib. Naturally, she’s still a shill for the one percenters, but she’s found a new villain: the Catholic Church.
- Creative Nickname - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 5:01 pm:
Right, except the Catholic Church has built a school business model that relies heavily on a non-union workforce.
Plus, while the bible does speak quite a bit about helping the poor, sick, and each other in general, it specifically discusses doing those things as individuals, and often regards government entities and methodologies with indifference or open disdain.
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 5:01 pm:
This goof is in way over her head.
Obviously, the likes of Francis and Cupich are in a dust-up with the likes of Cardinal Burke and Bishop Paprocki.
That sort of thing has been going on in the Catholic Church since the Ascencion. The real one, not the name of Quinn’s church.
Tillman, Rasmussen, and Rickert are just cheap grifters looking for another score.
I think it’s unfair , though, to take the obvious Burke and Paprocki line and call it “conservative.”
Cardinal Burke, that Cheesehead, obviously, puts a lot of work into his $30K ensems of silk and lace, and the smoking posse he rolls with.
Google “Cardinal Burke fashion” images and you won’t say “conservative.” You’ll say “Cher.”
- Anon2U - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 5:39 pm:
I stopped giving to my church after these comments were made. I let my priest and parrish office know why too. Catholic Church has its own issues, no need to wade into the morass known as the state of Illinois.
- Former Hoosier - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 5:44 pm:
Some folks will write anything to divert attention away from the primary issues. Especially when, according to some polls, the Govs. numbers are tanking.
- walker - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 6:19 pm:
–”This goof is in way over his head.”–
Word!
- Now What? - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 6:34 pm:
Word-that was excellent! Thank you.
- walker - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 6:54 pm:
“her” not his. Sorry
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 7:13 pm:
“As a Catholic,…”
You have a childish, ignorant understanding of the knowledge related to what you claim to be your faith,
Any schools called “Loyola? ” in your world?
As a Catholic, as a Lutheran, as a Jew, as a Muslim, as a Hindu., Sikh, atheist, agnostic, you get points for oogats,
Do you want something better than being a citizen of the United States? What would that be?
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 7:34 pm:
Anon2u, the depth of your theological understanding may be discerned by your spelling of the word “Parish.” I’m hopeful the Church survives without your $5 a week.
Word, excellent. We had a fashion plate here a couple back. His red hat was closer to fuchsia lol.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 7:41 pm:
- Wordslinger -,
I meant no umbrage by that declaration, it was just that, a declaration, so I am not hiding.
I’m no better, nor does disclosing I am Catholic make my thoughts on this subject more clear by making clear my Faith.
My comment, is not purer, nor any better and it was never meant to be raised any higher by declaring my Faith.
I said it, I’m sorry, I offended you. I could have made clear my discloser better than to come off as it did.
- Educated in the Suburbs - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 9:29 pm:
The IRS hasn’t meaningfully enforced those bans on churches involving themselves in electioneering in years.
And if you’re looking for bishops intervening in politics, the time to get upset was last presidential election when Bishop Jenky all but excommunicated everyone who voted for Obama and required pastors to read his letter from the pulpit the Sunday before the election. http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/peoria-bishop-orders-catholics-polls
And cafeteria Catholics indeed when conservatives suddenly realize how TOTALLY OFFENDED they are by the Catholic Church involving itself in US politics when it’s being pro-union or anti-death-penalty rather than opposing gay marriage or abortion.
- blue dog dem - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 10:28 pm:
Please stop the apologies. Kinda making me sick,first.Rauner,now OW and slinger in lovefest. Catholics can be for the 2nd amendment,fair taxation,and tough negotiations when it comes to collective bargaining issues.
- CrazyHorse - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 10:41 pm:
==I stopped giving to my church after these comments were made. I let my priest and parrish office know why too. Catholic Church has its own issues, no need to wade into the morass known as the state of Illinois.==
So you were willing to stand firm despite a huge molestation scandal but once the Cardinal affirmed a Pro-Union stance your faith in Catholicism was shattered?
They say Jesus was a carpenter by trade. Would you still believe his teachings if he were a Union carpenter? LOL
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 10:43 pm:
Wille, I’ve gone back and read, I’m sorry, I don’t see how you could have offended me, No worries, mate.
My peeps were anti-fascist, anti-commie Norske Lutheran.
That’s some badass stuff.
- Being Protestant - Thursday, Oct 15, 15 @ 6:36 am:
I am not sure why Ms. Eckert and Governor Rauner are bent on undermining traditional marriage, nor do I know why the Tribune editorial board is giving them a platform, but there seems little doubt that African American families will suffer the most.
A study published last year by Oxford University Press from researchers at Berkeley and Columbia University found that union membership has a strong, positive correlation with marriage. Researchers concluded that union members were more likely to marry because they could offer partners not just higher earnings, but long term employment stability and key fringe benefits like health care.
http://socpro.oxfordjournals.org/content/61/4/625
It’s noticeable that Ms. Eckert, the Tribune editorial board, and Gov. Rauner focus their laser beam on public employee unions. While building trades have been criticized for barriers to black employment, a look around AFSCME, SEIU, the CTA, METRA make you realize just how many members of the black middle class are public employees.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 15, 15 @ 6:45 am:
- Wordslinger -, and no worries to you, friend.
Your peeps have been the goods when it mattered. Still are.