Bishop of the Week: Bishop Robert Francis Vasa of Baker, Oregon

Bishop Vasa has been my Bishop of the Week before and I am quite sure he will be named Bishop of the Week again, in the future. During scandals when others seem content to look the other way, or just get along with everyone and do what's easy rather than what's right, he guides his flock and speaks out for the protection of the unborn.

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 10, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Bishop Robert Vasa of Baker, Oregon has cautiously expressed concern after reports this week that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is listed as a member of a coalition that promotes homosexual “rights” and access to abortion.

I wonder if Bishop Morin has released a statement telling us that these claims are "ridiculous" yet.

Responding to the evidence, Bishop Vasa told LifeSiteNews: “I am not well enough versed in the 'politics' of such associations to make any criticism of the motives or justifications which might be provided but, on the face of it, I would have to agree that support of this organization and an active endorsement of its principles and purposes would appear to be problematic.”

...

“Why did the bishops' conference join this organization?” Hudson asks. “When LCCHR staff sit in front of a member of Congress, they can legitimately say they are representing the Catholic bishops.”

But Hudson also points out that the USCCB has supported LCCR by attending their annual fundraising dinners in 2007 and 2008. “Evidently, the USCCB regards the work of LCCHR so highly it wants to provide support over and above its annual dues,” he writes.

Michael Hichborn of the American Life League (ALL), which is a member of the Reform CCHD Now (RCN) Coalition, told LSN, “I applaud Bishop Vasa for his courage in speaking out on this dangerous alliance, but also for his humility in proceeding cautiously.”

“His reaction is in stark contrast to that from bishops rushing to dismiss our well documented charges as 'calumny',” he added.

It's a relief to hear from a Bishop who is concerned with the truth and the direction the USCCB is taking when associating with (and supporting) organizations that are fundamentally opposed to Catholic beliefs.

You can read also Bishop Vasa's thoughts every week at the Catholic Sentinel.