Catholics, lawmakers assemble at Fort Mitchell church to discuss social policies

Catholics and legislators from across Northern Kentucky gathered in Fort Mitchell Saturday morning to discuss public policy issues that concern the faithful.

The gathering at Blessed Sacrament Church on Dixie Highway was established so local government officials would have a chance to learn about the Catholic Church’s perspective on social issues through a question and answer session.

"I think these type of forums are important for any citizen to have the opportunity to discuss issues, especially directly with their representatives,” said Rep. Joe Fischer (R-Ky.) who represents the 68th House District. “I have a lot of my own constituents that I've met here and we talk about issues that are important to them, especially in this case. The moral issues that we continue to advocate for."

Some of the issues discussed were fair taxes and labor practices, immigration reform, the rights of the unborn and the death penalty. Also presented were the major themes of Catholic Social Teaching.

At the end of the event, which went from 9:30 a.m. until after 1 p.m., community leaders and lawmakers had a chance to discuss what they learned during the event, as well as their legislative hopes for 2013.

Father Patrick Delahanty, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, which is the public policy arm of Kentucky’s four bishops, gave a behind the scenes look at the passage of bills through the General Assembly and his efforts to lobby for certain issues.

"We think Christ came and established a kingdom and while that kingdom reaches its fulfillment in the future, glimpses of it can be had in the present by living in the way that he taught,” said Father Delahanty. “We are also trying to create a society that is built on justice and fairness and mercy and forgiveness and kindness and policies that allow that to happen."