Update on Important Bills in Legislature
As the legislative summer recess draws near, the California Catholic Conference is keeping a close watch on many bills, several of which are being taken up for hearings or votes in coming days.
The CCC continues to strongly oppose AB 569 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzales Fletcher (D-San Diego). AB 569 sets a dangerous precedent for religious employers, amending the Labor Code to restrict the ability to enforce codes of conduct in the workplace. The bill unmistakably targets religious organization employers in the state, and goes further, inviting expensive litigation that could take years to sort out. Send an email opposing this bill here.
AB 1520 (Burke), The Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Act, has been revised to develop a task force for the purposes of researching, analyzing, and providing guidance to the Legislature in supporting California’s efforts on lifetime wellness, self-sufficiency, and economic strength in families and communities throughout the state. The CCC is strongly supporting this bill, as its goal is to lift one million kids out of poverty over the next two decades. It passed the Senate Human Services Committee on Tuesday with unanimous, bi-partisan support.
Exploring the Line between Immigration and Law Enforcement
California’s efforts to protect immigrants while balancing legitimate public safety concerns is proving more difficult than many thought. SB 54, the California Values Act (de Leon, D-Los Angeles), is at an impasse, at least temporarily, as Governor Brown, Senate President pro temp Kevin de Leon, immigration groups and law enforcement interests grapple with the legislation’s complexities.
SB 54 establishes “safe zones” that would require California schools, hospitals and courtrooms to adopt policies that limit immigration enforcement on their premises. The principle is to promote public safety and health without becoming involved in the uncertainty and dysfunction of our broken immigration system.
The California Catholic Conference is supporting the bill while working with elected officials and advocacy groups to iron out some of the concerns.
“By our inaction and indifference we have created a quiet human rights tragedy that is playing out in communities all across this great country,” explains Archbishop José Gomez in a recent talk on immigration reform. “There is now a vast underclass that has grown up at the margins of our society.
Preparing for End-of-Life
Thinking about our own mortality is not easy. It can be daunting as we consider the moral and medical discernments that often arise at the end of life. For those very close to death, a tool is available to translate our wishes directly into orders to medical personnel.
Patients can use a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) to be very specific about what should and should not be done as they near death. When completed in consultation with medical personnel and a good understanding of Catholic teaching, the POLST can help us stay consistent with our faith as death approaches. (For a copy of the form, click here.)
Joy of the Gospel Convocation for Catholic Leaders—Watch to the Highlights!
There are now several dozen videos available for you to watch featuring some of the highlights from the July 1-4, 2017 Convocation in Orlando, FL. Included are Cardinal Tobin’s reflection on missionary discipleship; plenary sessions such as Dr. Hosffman Ospino on immigration, and the changing landscape of the mission field; panelists including Helen Alvaré, Kerry Weber, and others; the Encountering Jesus, Healer of Wounds and Source of Mercy reflection; and more. Be sure to check out these impressive and convicting messages.
Employment Opportunities
Join the CCC!
The California Catholic Conference is seeking an Office Manager. Located in the downtown Sacramento office, the Office Manager will manage office operations including finances, human resources and IT. The position requires 5+ years of related experience and working knowledge of bookkeeping and personnel administration. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and supervise others. Click here for an extended job description. To apply, send resume to bcaselli@cacatholic.org.
CRJW Seeking Executive Director
The Center for Restorative Justice Works is seeking a dynamic Executive Director with a passion for social justice, previous experience in leading community-driven development initiatives and previous success building stable organizations. The Executive Director will also work with the Board of Directors in continuing to develop the organization’s 2018 strategic plan. The ideal candidate has experience working with diverse and faith-based communities and understands the issues facing the incarcerated and their families.
Click here for more information or to apply.
July 14, 2017
Vol. 10, No. 24
En Español