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2019 Legislative Session Begins Monday
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New Year's blessings to you and thank you for reading this initial advocacy bulletin of 2019. It comes right before the start of this year's session of the Washington State Legislature.
In remarks last week to diplomats at the Vatican, Pope Francis commented that "a good politician is called to make unity prevail over conflict." Those words seem especially important now with the standoff among our national leaders and our own state's lawmakers convening for their annual session. Let's pray for many good politicians to step forward!
The Catholic Church will need your help over the next few months as we engage with legislators on key public policy matters. From pro-life and religious liberty issues to poverty and social justice issues, Catholics of all political persuasions are encouraged to come together to help the Church have even greater impact at the state capital. Please encourage other Catholics to join the WSCC Advocacy Network by signing up at wacatholics.org/join. There is strength in numbers and we sincerely appreciate your efforts in making others aware of this opportunity to build up the common good. -- Joe Sprague, Executive Director |
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First Week of Legislative Session
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Next week legislative committees will begin hearings on specific legislation being considered. Among these bills, WSCC is tracking SB 5001 that would legalize two new technologies for treating the bodies of people who have died, specifically alkaline hydrolysis and "recomposition" (which accelerates decomposition in a composting method). The WSCC opposes this legislation because these emerging technologies do not show sufficient respect for the human body. The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee will hear SB 5001 on January 15 at 8:00 am. |
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USCCB on Federal Government Shutdown
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Bishop Joseph Vásquez of Austin, Texas, Chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, stated: "Secure borders and humane treatment of those fleeing persecution and seeking a better life are not mutually exclusive. The United States can ensure both and must do so without instilling fear or sowing hatred. ... The President and Congressional leaders need to come together and end the shut-down with a solution that recognizes the dignity of work of affected employees, respects the humanity of all regardless of immigration status, and protects the sanctity of human life." |
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9 Days for Life - January 14-22
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Sponsored by the USCCB Committee on Pro Life Activities, this campaign leads up to the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. The novena and day of prayer are a time of recollection and reparation in observation of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade-the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal throughout the United States.
The overarching intention of the novena is that all human life will be respected. It is easy to sign up to receive the daily prayers at www.9daysforlife.com or by downloading the free 9 Days for Life app. Each day of the novena will highlight a related topic and provide a reflection, educational information, and suggested daily actions. |
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