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Former Catholic charities officer criticizes health-care cut
By William Wan
The former chief operating officer of Catholic Charities has sent a letter to the organization, calling for it to reverse its recent decision to cut change health benefits for spouses as a way to avoid offering benefits to same-sex partners of its workers.
In his letter to the governing board of the social service organization, Tim Sawina called the cut in spousal benefits "devastating" and "wrong." By eliminating spousal benefits for future employees and current employees whose spouses aren't now on the plan, Sawina argues, Catholic Charities is driving current employees to look for jobs elsewhere, handicapping its future recruitment efforts and losing the respect of the D.C. community.
We're very interested in the impact on Catholic Charities' employees, present and future. If you are one, or know one, we'd love to hear your point of view. Please get in touch with me at wanw@washpost.com or 202-334-9598.
Full text of letter letter.Boards of Catholic Charities.pdf.
Update: The archdiocese responded yesterday by calling Sawina's letter an inaccurate portrayal of the church's position and said his appeal to the organization's governing board would have no effect because the board can't overturn the archbishop in this matter.
Spokewoman Susan Gibbs said the archbishop made his decision working with a committee of theologians, Catholic Charity executives, and legal experts. On Saturday, Wuerl presented his final decision to the governing board at an annual board meeting held on Saturday. Afterward, Wuerl asked the board for a show of hands of support for the policy and members responded with "overwhelming support," according to Gibbs.
William Wan
| March 4, 2010; 1:55 PM ET | Category: God in Government Save & Share:
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Posted by: 18leaves | March 4, 2010 4:50 PM
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What of the benefits of Wuerl's clergy who practice same-sex sex with children? Will they be denied benefits, too, or is that an exception?
Posted by: coloradodog | March 4, 2010 6:26 PM
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Meanwhile,
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - One of Pope Benedict's ceremonial ushers and a member of an elite choir in St Peter's Basilica have been implicated in a gay prostitution ring, in the latest sexual scandal to taint the Vatican.
Hypocrites!
Posted by: coloradodog | March 4, 2010 6:38 PM
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Wuerl made a courageous decision in a bad situation.
Posted by: bruce18 | March 5, 2010 1:48 PM
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The comments to this entry are closed.
Unfortunately, I doubt current employees will contact you, regardless of how upset they are. In this economy, they can't afford to be out of a job, and its been made clear that this is not to be talked about.