Two bishops, two messages

On Friday, Bishop Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO. was reported in the diocesan newspaper The Catholic Key, as saying that President Obama's statement that there are "irreconcilable differences" between the pro-life camp and the pro-abortion camp, effectively brings a "screeching halt" to dialogue between the parties.
Bishop Finn cautioned against "taking a 'wait and see' approach" to advancing the pro-life and pro-family cause, citing the danger of losing the battle and wondering why. The full story can be found here.
Also on Friday, Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago and president of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops praised President Barack Obama’s promise to support conscience clauses. That statement may be found here.
Bishop Finn rightly recognizes that, despite the rhetoric leading to the commencement address at Notre Dame, dialogue was shut off not by the pro-life forces, but by those who do not want to have their positions challenged on scientific, moral or ethical grounds.
Although I expect Cardinal George may be accused by some of being soft on the issue, his statement picks up on a promise made by President Obama and challenges him to make good on it. It is essential that health care professionals not have their conscience rights undermined by those who are apparently intent on forwarding a pro-abortion agenda under the guise of a mis-named "freedom of choice act." This statement is a pragmatic response that may force the president to deliver.
I am proud that our bishops speak out in defense of life and in defense of those who wish to protect life, and also have the wisdom to recognize the opportunity to challenge the administration to live up to its promise to protect conscience rights.
The battle promises to be a long one, sometimes even minor victories help.