Election Statements 2002

Election 2002: Challenges & Opportunities

Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts

Yes to Bilingual Ed Reform; No to Question 2

Massachusetts Catholic Conference

November 1, 2002

Election 2002: Challenges & Opportunities

We are called once again, as free citizens in a democracy, to exercise our right and duty to vote on November 5, 2002.

The General Election arrives this year amidst uncertainty, turmoil, and discontent. The terrible attacks of a year ago on September 11 shattered our sense of security. The threat of expanded war in the Middle East and continued acts of violence in our country and around the world sustain the tension. Our economy is sputtering, causing an increase in unemployment and forcing cutbacks in both public and private aid to the poor. The news of financial cheating only adds to the distress. Furthermore, for us in the Church, the revelations about the abuse of children by priests have been profoundly distressing.

As difficult as these circumstances may be, however, there is no off-season for our obligation to speak to certain basic truths, especially at election time. Elections challenge us as a people to remember the principles that make our country strong and compassionate. We must not only exercise our right to vote, but must exercise our judgment in line with these principles, when considering which candidates to support:

First, every human being born and unborn should be the subject of the law’s protection, and the right to life is fundamental, as evidenced by its place of prominence in our Declaration of Independence. Like a foundation to a home, the protection of life is not only connected to, but provides the necessary support for all other human rights. In this sense, the right to life takes priority, just as the walls of the house cannot be built safely unless and until the foundation is poured.

Second, government exists to serve all the people, but especially the most vulnerable, the poor, and the defenseless. In the face of poverty and lack of opportunity, government fills an essential though not exclusive role, joining in partnership with religious and other private institutions.

Third, public servants are duty bound to conduct their office according to these principles of good government, which are not simply matters of private belief or individual choice. Government loses its moral bearings when its leaders refuse to propose solutions for debate in the public arena out of fear of reflecting their personal moral convictions. If a candidate is "personally opposed" to abortion, for example, we may rightly ask why, and then call that candidate to courageously share his or her convictions in the public arena. The debate will be enriched.

Those we elect this November will face a host of critical issues at the federal and state levels in the next two years. Likely to be included are debates on cloning and embryo destruction, informed consent to abortion, the death penalty, the definition of marriage, the freedom to conscientiously object to abortion and contraception mandates, providing for a living wage, and adequate housing, health care and food for the poor. The stakes are high. Please vote, and vote conscientiously for those candidates that best support our convictions and the principles of good government.

ISSUED Friday, November 1, 2002

Bernard Cardinal Law
Archdiocese of Boston

Bishop Daniel P. Reilly
Diocese of Worcester

Bishop Thomas L. Dupre
Diocese of Springfield
Monsignor George Coleman
Administrator, Diocese of Fall River

Mass Catholic Conference Says Yes to Bilingual Ed Reform and
No to Question 2

During the past decade, our state has been both blessed and challenged by the significant influx of immigrant children. This rapidly growing immigrant population has especially challenged our schools. In fact, one of the most noticeable trends in education has been the dramatic increase in students’ linguistic diversity. According to a report from the Department of Education entitled, 18 Largest Minority Groups in Massachusetts, State residents include recent immigrants from Armenia, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Somalia, Vietnam, and the former Soviet Union.

The Massachusetts Catholic Conference (MCC) is concerned with the vulnerability of immigrant children and their families. In solidarity with all immigrants, we seek what is best for their children. We embrace the view of immigrant parents that regardless of their native language, their children are entitled to an equal opportunity to a quality education. We believe that it is imperative that all immigrant children be given the opportunity to fully develop their academic potential, including proficiency in English, so that they can prosper in their new nation.

To ensure that Massachusetts provides the best quality education for all immigrant children, MCC supports the implementation of the recent bilingual education reforms adopted by the Governor and the Legislature. This new legislation sets in motion much needed changes to bilingual education. Most importantly, it shifts much of the responsibility of designing bilingual programs from the state to the local school districts, maximizing parental input and choice. Parents, teachers, and school administrators need the flexibility to decide which English teaching methods will best serve their schools. As concluded by a recent study conducted by the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University, "research is clear that there is no single program or method of teaching that is guaranteed to be most effective."

Moreover, the new law enhances accountability by requiring frequent testing of students in English. Also, bilingual teachers will now have to be properly certified and fluent in spoken and written English.

As a result of these newly enacted reforms and the documented adverse effects of the English-immersion only approach, MCC urges the voters to reject Question 2. We believe that Question 2’s passage could have far reaching unintended consequences in the Commonwealth, by hurting the very people it is intended to help. It is critical for the academic and social well being of our immigrant children that we successfully teach them English while allowing them to maintain their cultural heritage. As a state, we should welcome and celebrate the cultural diversity of our people. Above all, our children must be treated with dignity and given the opportunity to succeed.

Issued by the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, the public policy office of the Roman Catholic Church in the Commonwealth