Minnesota bishops make annual trip to State Capitol to meet with lawmakers

Every legislative session, the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota make a visit to the State Capitol to meet with lawmakers. This year was no different. Over the course of two days on March 6 and 7, 2007, Archbishop Harry Flynn and Bishops John C. Nienstedt, Richard Pates, Victor Balke, John Kinney, and Bernard Harrington met with 31 legislators, including the four leaders of the legislative caucuses.

These one on one meetings with the legislative leaders – Senators Larry Pogemiller, David Senjem and David Hann, and Representatives Margaret Kelliher and Marty Seifert – were not mere meet and greet sessions but direct and honest discussions about important legislative issues. The issues addressed by the bishops were stem cell research, health care, housing, education, poverty and immigration.

A more informal gathering with legislators took place over coffee and donuts on the second day of the bishops’ visit. Unlike the meetings with the leadership, these discussions were less formal and allowed for more give and take between individual bishops and legislators. A noted change from past years was the friendlier atmosphere with the legislators from both sides of the partisan aisle, especially noticeable in the discussions with leadership. This was a welcome change and allowed for a more fruitful discussion, without the unproductive tension as in previous years.

Governor Tim Pawlenty was hoping to meet with the bishops, but was unable to do so due to his trip to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of our Minnesota troops. It is hoped that the bishops will have an opportunity to meet with the governor sometime in late April to convey their concerns.

The bishops’ visit to the Capitol is in keeping with a recent Vatican statement on political life which states, "The Church does not wish to exercise political power or eliminate the freedom of opinion of Catholics regarding contingent questions. Instead, it intends – as is its proper function – to instruct and illuminate the consciences of the faithful, particularly those involved in political life, so that their actions may always serve the integral promotion of the human person and the common good."

The bishops’ annual Capitol visit has become a key piece in the Minnesota Catholic Conference’s addressing of important legislative issues. These meetings are not only helpful in impacting current legislation but allow for greater personal relationships to develop between legislators and the bishops.

For more information about the bishops’ visit, issues they addressed and photos, visit the Minnesota Catholic Conference Web site at www.mncc.org. For help contacting your State Representative call 1-800-657-3550, for your State Senator call 1-888-234-1112, or log onto the Minnesota Legislature’s Web Site at www.leg.mn for contact information and updated information on this and other issues. You are also invited to join the online advocacy network, MNCAN, at www.mncc.org.