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1. In 1970, a Mater Hospital Nursing Nun expressed to me her frustration that her ministry was duplicating what the Public hospitals already were doing. Religious nursing was originally to fill a void. This Sister believed their efforts and resources should then go to areas of need, such as drug addiction and indigenous health. I think that is true Christian ministry. The LCM website suggests they have few religious, but many associates. Why do they need to run a hospital? Bishop Coleridge is committed to work with others “to ensure the best possible delivery of health care for the ACT community”. That is a politician’s job, not a bishop’s.

   Posted By: Boutros Neru

2. Well said, Boutros Neru. Unfortunately Archbishop Mark Coleridge is developing a habit of intruding where he is not competent or authorised to do so. Remember his rushing into print to the Canberra Times complaining of Bishop Geoffrey Robinson's book which he later had to admit he had not read?
   If he is out of order on this matter of the sale of a hospital, how much more so are the Vatican heavies who know even less than Archbishop Coleridge does!
   While it is true that the Church led the way in providing care of the sick in what we would now know as hospitals, that era has long gone - whatever the hierarchy here or elsewhere might think.

   Posted By: Richard Flynn

3. 1970 is a long, long way from 2010, BN. As you may know, public hospitals are now doing abortions, directly intended sterilizations, iud implants, directly intended vasectomies ... all sorts of inhuman practices.
   In these days, it is more vital than ever that genuine Catholic hospitals are established and maintained as beacons for the true meaning of health care which only the Christian vision of human life can supply.

   Posted By: Hugh

4. Very proud of Archbishop Coleridge standing up for what is right rather than letting another Catholic asset be subsumed into a government agenda that is openly hostile to the wider Catholic community.

   Posted By: Daniel McGlone

5. Boutros Neru: The LCM might 'need' to run a hospital to be true to their vocation. And the Bishop is involved because a Catholic hospital is at stake.

   Posted By: John

6. Hugh: The things on the list you mention were done in the 1970’s public hospitals, with some exception to the availability of abortion. That has changed because the law has been changed. A Catholic going to a public hospital need not fear that one of these procedures will be forced on them. Daniel, my earnest request is provide me with some reading or reference to verify the ACT Govt’s “open hostility to the wider Catholic community”. What you call a “Catholic asset” is also paid for by taxes from people of all persuasions, so it is not solely owned by catholics. John, the LCM vocation includes work with refugees, parish retreats, care for the aged etc; look at their mission and ministries on their website. Nowhere does it mention doing these things “in hospital” is an essential part of their vocation.

   Posted By: Boutros Neru

7. Boutros: Catholic hospitals are needed not just for Catholics to feel safe from immoral procedures. A Catholic hospital, dispensing real health care only, not deliberately maiming and killing people as well, promotes the common good.
   By the way, sanguine as you are about public hospitals, I recommend you ask a few pregnant mothers of more than, say, three children, about the surprised looks and snide comments they encounter from medical and nursing staff in these places when they insist on continuing the pregnancy.

   Posted By: Hugh

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