CCW Legislative Commission -

take time to get involved

by Arlyce Anderson

Promoting programs that will help educate women about the teachings of the Church as they relate to public issues and pending legislation is the primary purpose of the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Legislation Commission.

The Commission encourages Catholic women to be informed and knowledgeable about public issues involving human rights, social justice, and the life of the Church in society.

The Legislation Commission promotes legislative advocacy for all women. Guided by Catholic social teaching, the Commission helps women understand the legislative process and provides the skills such as leadership training and utilizing the internet to analyze current and proposed laws. The Commission also promotes active participation. For example, contacting legislators, voting, and voicing opinions to bring about greater social and economic justice in society at local, state, and national levels.

The Legislation Commission carries out the work of the Church by advocating for public policy and implementing laws through the established law-making process. Any position taken by the National Council of Catholic Women is based on Catholic social teaching, without regard to political or partisan positions. The Legislation Commission represents the positions advocated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Minnesota Catholic Conference.

The Commission’s legislative issues of greatest concern are:

Respect Life (abortion, embryonic stem cell research, cloning, assisted suicide, euthanasia, and the death penalty);

Health Care/Prescription Drugs (Medicare/Medicaid eligibility and universal coverage and access);

Family Violence (both child abuse and domestic violence);

Education (parental choice, vouchers, accountability measures, quality, and access to education);

Pornography (addressing issues of internet access, trafficking in women and children, and child pornography).

Get involved! Contact your legislators at both the state and national levels with your letters, phone calls, or emails about issues important to you. This is an election year, and the New Ulm Council of Catholic Women Legislation Commission encourages everyone to vote this fall. We can and we do make a difference!

Arlyce Anderson is a member of Holy Rosary, North Mankato and is the DCCW Legislation Commission Coordinator

Legislation Resources

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Web site: www.usccb.org/sdwp or www.usccb.org/prolife

Minnesota Catholic Conference: www.mncc.org

Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (Minnesota): www.jrlc.org

National Committee for a Human Life Amendment: www.nchla.org