During the last six months the Parliamentary and Public Affairs Committee have discussed the subjects, outlined in more detail, in the paragraphs which follow.
The Government’s proposed redefinition of Marriage merits more than a paragraph and will be the subject of a separate document.
The case of the two Midwives in Glasgow, who were refused exemption under the Conscience Clause of the 1967 Abortion Act, was discussed. Archbishop Conti has stated in relation to the case that “Freedom of Conscience is fundamental”. It should be noted that any Catholic who undertakes or assists in any way in an abortion suffers an ipse facto excommunication and several cases were mentioned.
The current case of Tony Nicklinson who has “locked in syndrome” and is quadriplegic as a result of a stroke in 2005 was raised. Mr Nicklinson has been given leave by the High Court to pursue the right to choose to have his life ended “in a case of necessity” without the administering doctor automatically being guilty of murder. His lawyers argue that since he appears to have the ability to make reasoned decisions (he communicates via computer and sign board) he can be considered able to decide for himself. Several support groups have spoken to him, but Mr Nicklinson is determined in his path and his wife, who acts as his primary carer, is supporting him in his choice.
Persecution of Christians: The acting chairman has written to the Dept for International Development asking if Aid would be withheld from those countries where Christians are persecuted. A reply was received from the Secretary of State saying that the UK is now providing financial aid directly to governments subject to their commitment to:
- Reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium development goals;
- Respect human rights and other international obligations;
- Improve public financial management and fight corruption, and
- Strengthen transparency and accountability to citizens.
If it is judged that a government has failed to protect the rights of its citizens, for instance Christians or homosexuals, then assistance could be suspended.
International Catholic Legislators Network: This was a network set up by the Pope a couple of years ago to support Roman Catholics involved in legislation. Conferences were held behind closed doors. Lord Alton (a trustee together with Cardinal Schönborn) and Robert Flello MP had been to the last one and both were full of enthusiasm. The Catholic Union was chosen to be their partner in the UK. Initially it is planned to hold a seminar/conference for Catholic governors of schools using keynote speakers. Later, Catholic local government councillors and magistrates would be invited to similar events.
High Court ruled prayers before council meetings are illegal: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles): signed a Commencement Order on 17 February 2012, giving powers under the Localism Act for all principal local authorities in England and by April for parish councils, who meet the necessary requirements, to pray and hold prayers at the start of council meetings, should they wish. It was noted that the Speaker in the House of Commons would not support removal of prayers at the beginning of parliamentary sittings.
The Church’s Strategy for Catholic Education: Fr Tom Gardner OP, Religious Education Advisor to the Catholic Education Service (CES) attended for this item. Fr Gardner said the CES was an agency of the Bishops’ Conference; it could advise them but principally carried out their wishes. He agreed that the 1960’s had been a watershed. Before 1960 relationships between school, parish and home were closer. Over the last 20 years the bishops have distinguished between Religious Education (RE) taught in school as an academic subject and Religious Instruction (RI) or catechesis. The bishops expect catechesis to take place mainly in the parish. He thought this was largely because if all the catechesis took place in school, the relationship between school, home and parish would be lost.
The chairman asked about the downgrading of RE is schools. Fr Gardner replied the bishops recognised that RC schools were publicly funded. RE was not part of the national curriculum and they wouldn’t want it to be. If it were, then, there would be pressure for it to cover all faiths. Currently the Secretary of State for Education thought that RE was important, and should be a statutory subject although it is not in the curriculum and it should be taught in line with the school’s trust deed. There was no need to include RE specifically in the English Baccalaureate since it was a statutory subject.
PMQ on school transport: Some LAs were cutting transport to RC schools to save money, preserve public sector jobs or because they did not like faith schools. Mr Dobbin MP had raised it in the House. Bishop McMahon needs to meet Mr Gove for him to issue an instruction to LAs; otherwise legislation would need to be amended. The only way to change a LA’s mind was a campaign. In some places campaign packs had gone out. This issue must be solved because it will damage RC education.
Registration of civil partnerships in places of worship: The government’s aim was to permit civil partnerships in religious premises which give their permission. In the House of Lords Baroness Detta O’Cathain led the discussion. RCs asked for protection on the face of the bill for freedom from prosecution on grounds of freedom of religion. Lawyers could not agree about the danger of prosecution. If there was a vexatious prosecution the government said they would look at it again.
Meeting with Apostolic Nuncio: The Union’s chairman accompanied by three members met Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the Apostolic Nuncio on 23 November 2011. The Nuncio was handed a list of 26 cases of religious discrimination in the UK. This list was obtained from the Intolerance against Christians’ website. In addition the Nuncio was handed a brief written by the PPAC chairman describing cases of discrimination against religion in Medicine or the Health Service.
It was explained that the Church is in danger of weakening its case against holding “same sex marriages” on church premises by permitting other controversial activities in church such as a Mass for homosexuals. The Nuncio thought that the Union should be more forthright in showing open resistance to the proposed changes in the law concerning “same sex marriages”
Archbishop Nichols meeting with Parliamentarians: there had been a parliamentary reception, organised by Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) on 23rd November, to give Archbishop Nichols and representatives of charities for the poor, the opportunity to meet parliamentarians. Archbishop Nichols gave a speech in which he pointed out that the Welfare Reform Bill could disadvantage vulnerable people. Examples were the proposed benefit cap at £500 per week which disproportionately affects large families and the obligation to repay overpayments caused by errors by officials. Likewise the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offender Bill would remove legal aid from the poor. Many charities were able to build relationships with parliamentarians at the reception and several meetings and visits have taken place as a result.