Today on Kresta - October 17, 2011

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Oct. 17

4:00 – The New Introductory Note to ‘Faithful Citizenship’ Should Inspire Catholics in 2012
There has been a flurry of commentary on the Introductory Note added to the new version of “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” Some have commented that the version just published by the bishops’ conference is the 2007 version, without revisions, and, as such, has been scored a victory by the Catholics who supported Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. A closer look at the new Introductory Note, however, suggests to us language that was intended to be more than a mere appendage, to be conveniently overlooked when it comes time to sell Obama and other pro-abortion politicians to Catholic voters in the upcoming election. Deal Hudson and Matt Smith have the analysis.

5:00 – Kresta Commentary

5:40 – Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in “Hosanna Tabor” Religious Freedom Case
The U.S. Supreme Court last week heard oral arguments in the closely followed 1st amendment case, Hosanna Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and some constitutional scholars are hopeful that religious liberty will emerge unscathed. The high profile legal dispute involves Cheryl Perich, a former fourth grade teacher at the Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church School. Perich was fired for insubordination and disruptive conduct in 2005. The church congregation that same year approved her termination. The case centers on “ministerial exception,” which is a law that has been on the books for some 40 years. This “exception” protects churches and other religious groups from discrimination claims against them including issues on hiring and firing employees. Catholic journalist Ben Johnson is here and lays out the case for us.