Stop the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)

As you all know – in just a few days we will have a new president. Unlike any other inauguration this one will be different – this one will stand out – because for the first time in the history of the United States our new president will be an African American.

Aware of the history of slavery in America and the problems this country has endured and continues to face with racial discrimination – a remarkable and wonderful step forward – not only for our country but especially for our African American brothers and sisters – is about to be taken.

The triumph of this moment, the greatness of this event however – is overshadowed by a bill that is once again before Congress – a bill that was co-sponsored by president elect Barack Obama – that bill is called the Freedom of Choice Act.

Despite its deceptive title the Freedom of Choice Act has a lot of people worried because it is without doubt the most radical abortion legislation ever considered in the United States.

A lot of people are worried because president elect Obama has said that the first thing he would do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act.

The Catholic bishops of the United States, realizing the immense evil this bill will usher in, have unanimously called us to prayer and action to prevent the passage of this bill – they have also provided for us a summary of what this bill would do if passed:

· It would overthrow current laws that protect women from unsafe abortion clinics and eliminate the requirement that women be fully informed about abortion

· It would require tax payers to pay for abortions

· It would require all states to allow “partial-birth” and other late-term abortions

· It would require states to allow abortions by non-physicians

· It would bar laws protecting a right of conscientious objection to abortion – currently Catholic and other pro-life hospitals, doctors, medical students and health-care workers can opt out of participating in abortion in many places – if passed this option would no longer exist

· And finally, if enacted this bill would deny parents the opportunity to be involved in their minor daughter’s abortion decision

The bishops have done their part and now it is up to us to do our part. We must act and we must act now. Our parish along with parishes across the archdiocese of Washington DC and across the nation is participating in the “Fight FOCA Postcard Campaign”.

The hope is that this effort will send the message to Congress that the radical policies of Freedom of Choice Act are out of step with the most basic values of the American people and should not become part of our nation’s laws.

Today each of us has the opportunity to sign postcards that will be delivered to our Representatives and Senators. The message on these cards urges our elected officials to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act and to retain existing laws against government funding and promotion of abortion.

Because this matter is so important, the bishops have also asked us to take time during Mass to fill out these cards. And that is what we will do in just a moment – but first there is one other pro-life initiative I want to mention – and that is the March for Life in Washington DC on January 22nd.

The parish is sponsoring a bus and there is still room left for those of you who would like to attend. There will be two pickups right here in the Church parking lot – the first pickup is at 6:30 for those who would like to attend the Youth Rally and Mass at the Verizon center as well as the march and second pickup is at 9:30 for those who just want to participate in the march.

Please, if you can, sign up for the march – having a large turn out this year – with the new president and administration taking office – is definitely more important than the past years.

Today, just like Samuel in our first reading – each of us has the opportunity to respond – speak Lord your servant is listening – but all too often we turn that statement around and say “listen Lord your servant is speaking”.

And just like St. Paul in our second reading – who raised his voice in opposition to the immorality in Church in Corinth – each of us here today has the opportunity to lend our voices – to speak up against the immorality in our society and in defense of the most vulnerable in our society – the unborn babies.

Just like there is no place in this country for discrimination against African Americans or any minority – there is no place in this country for discrimination against unborn babies.

The Church’s position on abortion is very clear – sacred scripture, sacred tradition and magisterial teaching have always taught that the sanctity of all life – from conception to natural death – is to be protected and defended by all Catholics.

In the pew today you will find the post cards and pens. We ask that all who would like to participate take the time now to fill out the back of the post cards. They come three post cards to a sheet and we ask that you not separate the cards. Each parishioner should fill out three postcards that will be delivered to your senators and representatives.

I really encourage everyone to participate in this campaign – just as all the bishops have spoken with one voice against the freedom of choice act – so too do we – the body of Christ – need to speak with one voice on this issue.

Please sign and print your name on each card as well as your address. If you don’t know the name of your senators or representatives for the front of the cards – leave them blank and we will fill them in for you – but we need your address in order to identify the correct officials to send the cards to and in order for the those people to respond to each of us.

Thank you for your participation – we will now take about three minutes for those of you who wish to participate to fill out the cards and then the users will be by to pick them up.

I now invite the ushers to pick up the cards and thank you once again for your participation in this most serious matter.

Without doubt our nation – our new president and his administration – face serious challenges – and just like we need as the body of Christ to speak with one voice on this issue – we need also to pray for President Obama – that the Lord grant him the courage, the resolve and the wisdom to do what is right for this country. May God continue to bless America. Amen!