Kansas bishops identify goals for legislative session

Advocating public policies at the Kansas statehouse on behalf of the Catholic Church is a rough and tumble endeavor.

These policy positions flow from our Catholic faith, and are then prioritized by the Kansas bishops who recently sat down and met with leaders from both major political parties.

Here are some issues and policies in 2023 being pursued by the Kansas Catholic Conference (KCC), the public policy arm of the Catholic bishops of Kansas.

In wake of the “Value Them Both” amendment defeat that would have provided protection from the predatory

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others who aid women facing an unplanned pregnancy.

abortion industry, be assured that we will not abandon moms and babies. The KCC is advocating policies designed to strengthen pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes and

African American women are dying within a year after they give birth at rates three-tofour times higher than other populations. The KCC supports legislation investigating why this is happening and what can be done about it.

Financial stress is a common theme in the breakdown of married couples and families. Thousands of working Kansans living paycheck to paycheck turn to payday loans when an unanticipated expense hits home. These loans come with exorbitant fees and interest rates. Borrowing $500 for four months costs an average of $600 — or $1,100 total! Borrowers often then find themselves unable to escape a debt trap. Payday loan reform legislation advocated by the KCC seeks to preserve the industry’s existence while making loans fair and affordable.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children” (2223).

Catholics can be rightfully proud of our educational heritage whereby parents have had opportunities to match their children’s needs with the right teacher or school — be that a public school, a Catholic school or at home.

The Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program in Kansas is opening new doors of educational opportunity for thousands of families and students and the KCC will continue our advocacy in this arena.

Catholic clergy abuse of children in years past is a bitter stain on the church. Innocence lost is an unspeakable tragedy. The Catholic Church in Kansas asked the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to take an unbiased look at past mistakes and current practices. The KBI’s recent report confirms the Catholic Church has greatly increased its vigilance on many levels.

We commend the courageous victims who have stepped forward with their stories. There is no time limitation on when the Catholic Church will offer services and support to clergy abuse victims. We ask that any changes to current law in Kansas prioritize survivors, while still embracing the basic principles of fairness, justice and due process.