Letters: The cardinal and birth control
Cardinal Timothy Dolan addresses Long Island Catholics in Hicksville. (March 3, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Ed Betz
When will the Catholic Church recognize that it lost the birth control controversy a generation ago ["Cardinal on LI to address birth control," News, Feb. 29]?
The church claims its religious liberty is violated if it is forced to include birth control in its health insurance plans. The Obama compromise suggests the church would not pay for this service, which would be offered separately by insurers. Yet many church leaders still cry foul, since the insurance companies will ultimately pass their costs on to those who are insured. The church's consideration is vacuous, in that we are all required to pay taxes, even when some of that tax money is used on programs we oppose.
As a practicing Catholic, I am aware of the great charitable work of the church, but I wish our leaders would have less to say about what goes on in bedrooms and more to say about providing beds for all of God's children.
Edward J. Thompson Sr., Farmingdale
Editor's note: The writer is a member of the lay reform group, Voice of the Faithful.
While I may disagree with Cardinal Timothy Dolan's stance, I certainly support his right to express the view of the Catholic Church, with one caveat: Perhaps it is time for all tax-exempt religious organizations to pay their fair share for the privilege of living in this free and democratic society.
It is blatantly unfair, and a burden on the rest of society, for an organization such as this to wield such influence and power without having paid for the privilege.
Kevin Thompson, Northport
