Religious sisters speak out against NETWORK and CHA endorsement of Obamacare funding of abortion

The self-decribed social justice group of sisters, NETWORK as well as the Catholic Hospital Association (CHA) have done great damage to Catholic witness against abortion. In fact they've given cover to several purportedly pro-life congressman, who've switched their votes froom NO to YES on the healthcare bill.

The NETWORK statement was signed by 55 sisters claiming to represent almost 60,000 other sisters!

Here is a statement from the Conference of Major Superiors of Women Religious strongly supporting the Bishops -

March 17, 2010

In a March 15^th statement, Cardinal Francis George, OMI, of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke on behalf of the United States Bishops in opposition to the Senate’s version of the health care legislation under consideration because of its expansion of abortion funding and its lack of adequate provision for conscience protection. Recent statements from groups like Network, the Catholic Health Association and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) directly oppose the Catholic Church’s position on critical issues of health care reform.

The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the second conference of Major Superiors of Women Religious in the United States, believes the Bishops’ position is the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church.

Protection of life and freedom of conscience are central to morally responsible judgment.  We join the bishops in seeking ethically sound legislation.

Mother Mary Quentin Sheridan, R.S.M.

President

On behalf of the Membership of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious

AND here is a statement from Sister Mary Ann Walsh, USCCB Director of Media Relations  refuting the claims:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Clarification

Washington—A recent letter from Network, a social justice lobby of sisters, grossly overstated whom they represent in a letter to Congress that was also released to media.

Network’s letter, about health care reform, was signed by a few dozen people, and despite what Network said, they do not come anywhere near representing 59,000 American sisters.

The letter had 55 signatories, some individuals, some groups of three to five persons.  One endorser signed twice.

There are 793 religious communities in the United States.

The math is clear. Network is far off the mark.

Sister Mary Ann Walsh
Director of Media Relations
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops