MO Catholic Bishops Statements: Amendment 3, Proposition B
Missouri Catholic Bishops Issue Statement in Opposition to Amendment 3
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in opposition to Amendment 3, which would amend the Missouri constitution to legalize medical marijuana and create a tax-funded stream of revenue for potentially unethical biomedical research. The statement is as follows:
We, the Catholic Bishops of Missouri, issue this statement to express our opposition to ballot Amendment 3, which would amend the Missouri constitution to legalize medical marijuana and create a tax-funded stream of revenue for potentially unethical biomedical research.
We are sympathetic to those who seek relief from debilitating illnesses and express no position on the propriety of medical marijuana as a means of relieving suffering. We oppose this initiative, however, because it contains no limitation on the types of research that could be funded by the taxes generated. The significant funding stream created by this initiative would not be subject to legislative appropriation or review and could be used for research involving the destruction and use of embryonic stem cells or aborted fetal remains. This we must oppose.
Even if this research has noble ends, including the elimination and treatment of diseases such as cancer, ALS, and Parkinson’s, it must respect the dignity of human life, including life in its most nascent stages. Our Catholic teaching calls us and everyone to be mindful of the ethical and social responsibility for our actions with respect to medical research and reminds us that the value of such research should be measured in reference to “the unconditional respect owed to every human being at the moment of his or her existence…” (Dignitas Personae ¶10)
We urge Catholics and all people of good will to oppose Amendment 3 for these reasons.
Please direct questions to mocatholic@mocatholic.org or call 573-635-7239.
Missouri Catholic Bishops Issue Statement Regarding Proposition B
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in support of the intent of Proposition B, which would raise the minimum wage in the state of Missouri. The statement is as follows:
We, the Catholic bishops of Missouri, issue this statement in support of the intent of Proposition B, the ballot initiative to increase the state minimum wage.
We have seen within our own parish communities the effect that unemployment, underemployment, and low wages have on our own parishioners and on society at large. Too many Missouri citizens live at or below the federal poverty level, including some who work more than one job to support themselves, and a significant percentage of children, who are often supported by the wages of just one parent or caregiver. Many others suffer from despair and hopelessness due to lack of opportunity for meaningful work.
We affirm the basic principle of Catholic social teaching that states “a just wage is the legitimate fruit of work.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2434) Remuneration for work should guarantee workers “the opportunity to provide a dignified livelihood” for their themselves and their families, “taking into account the role and productivity of each, the state of the business, and the common good.” (CCC, No. 2434)
We are not economists and therefore do not opine on what the minimum wage ought to be. We recognize that too high a minimum wage can have a chilling effect on hiring, especially in those industries where profit margins are slim, and/or when teenaged or entry level workers are sought. We support, however, the intent of this proposal which seeks to raise the living standard of the working poor, for whom minimum wage jobs can be all that are available.
We recognize that people of good will may disagree on whether this proposal is appropriate for all sectors of Missouri’s economy, or as it would be applied to urban versus rural communities. This proposal, however, seems reasonable to us as one means of ensuring that those working for minimum wage can make ends meet and provide for the needs of their families.
Please direct questions to mocatholic@mocatholic.org or call 573-635-7239.
