Washington, D.C. (25 April 2008) – "It is heartening when a Catholic law school stands up for Catholic principles," said Jim Sedlak, vice president of American Life League.
Sedlak is referring to the recent announcement that Thomas M. Mengler, dean of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, explained why Planned Parenthood service was incompatible with St. Thomas' Catholic identity and, therefore, could not count toward public service hours. He specifically said: "Volunteer service at Planned Parenthood, whatever the nature of that service, advances the mission of Planned Parenthood, an organization whose mission is fundamentally at odds with a core value of the Catholic Church.”
In doing so, Mengler joins a great many church leaders in recognizing the incompatibility of the work of Planned Parenthood and the work of the Catholic Church.
Among the statements of Catholic leaders who have condemned Planned Parenthood in recent years, we note:
- Very Rev. Roger Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, California, stated, "From its inception, in philosophy and actions, Planned Parenthood has been contrary to Catholic teaching about the sanctity of life and its origin in the heart and mind of God."
- Most Reverend Fred Henry, Bishop of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, said, "The whole Planned Parenthood agenda is not in accordance with the teaching of the Catholic Church."
- Most Reverend James H. Garland, Bishop of Marquette, Michigan, said, "Planned Parenthood's philosophy and actions are contrary to the law of nature and the consistent Catholic teaching about the sanctity of life."
- Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., President of Gonzaga University, denied Planned Parenthood access to this campus because he found "Planned Parenthood's actions to be blatantly contrary to the Catholic and Jesuit character of the University and to its mission."
"We applaud Dean Mengler and his university President, Father Dennis Dease, for clearly stating the clear dichotomy between Planned Parenthood philosophies and those of the University of St. Thomas Law School," Sedlak said.
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Michael Hichborn at 540.659.7900.
Additional statements of Catholic leaders against Planned Parenthood can be found at: www.stopp.org/bishops.htm.