As a first “real post” to the KnightLine Blog, allow me to share an email sent by Past State Deputy Dr. Logan Ludwig who is currently serrving on the Board of Directors of the Supreme Council Knights of Columbus. He writes:
Worthies,
I write to explain some facts about the Culture of Life Fund, to clarify its purpose and to ask for your assistance in communicating the importance of this fund.
First, this fund is not a political action fund. The Knights of Columbus is a non-partisan organization, and Knights belong to a variety of political parties. We do not endorse candidates for public office, although many of our members are elected officials. We do, however, take a strong interest in certain critical issues that affect our most fundamental values as Catholic Christians and as citizens and we continue to educate the public on issues affecting the family, marriage, human life and the teaching of the Catholic Church.
Second, the Culture of Life Fund enables us to assist in education efforts regarding state constitutional amendments protecting marriage and to publicize the moral evils of abortion and euthanasia. Today, 30 states have constitutional amendments protecting marriage, including those passed this fall by California, Florida and Arizona; funds from the Culture of Life Fund have been used to help promote these constitutional amendments. Most recently, the Supreme Board approved monies from the Culture of Life Fund to purchase ultrasound machines in Florida and Iowa and to help the US Catholic Conference of Bishops Ad Hoc Committee in Defense of Marriage to develop a program of unified communication materials.
As Knights we have always defended the rights of Catholics to practice their religion and the equality of all races and religions. In 2009, one of the abortion lobby’s top priorities is the passage of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) which, if passed, will force all states to allow partial birth and other later-term abortions and will force medical personally morally opposed to abortion to violate their consciences and participate in abortions.
Third, our delegates to the 2008 Supreme Convention approved the establishment of the Culture of Life Fund and its per capita assessment; thus, it is not optional for councils not to pay this assessment. It is difficult for me to understand why a council would not want us as an Order to continue making the voice of the Knights of Columbus heard and to help defend those who cannot make their voice heard. Throughout our history, humanity has survived because of our dependence upon one another. The Knights of Columbus is built upon the foundation of brotherhood and a belief that each individual has a responsibility for their fellow men and women. The fraternity of the Knights has been a bridge from generation to generation over the past 127 years, delivering to each generation “from sea to shining sea” the opportunity to become engaged with one another, to build better communities and to help each other. The Culture of Life Fund is but one example of this.
Thank you for sharing these points with your councils and for your continued support.
Fraternally,
Logan Ludwig, PSD
Supreme Director
Please take a moment to reflect on these words and then go out and do what Knights do best: Take Care of Those Who Can’t Care for Themselves!