10.21.09 The Mission of NH Catholics in the Public Square

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATION
603-669-3100, EXT. 185

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE INSTITUTE OF POLITICS AND THE DIOCESE OF MANCHESTER PRESENT
“THE MISSION OF NH CATHOLICS IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE”

Why does the Catholic Church speak out about public policy issues? What role should religion and faith play in decisions about legislation and other public policy matters? What about the separation of church and state?

On November 7, 2009, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College and the Diocese of Manchester will sponsor a program, “The Mission of NH Catholics in the Public Square” to address questions about the Church’s role in the political world.  This program will feature two presentations.

Dr. Larry Chapp, Professor of Theology at DeSales University and a national media expert for Catholic theology will give a talk called “The Catholic Faith: Not an Alien Voice in American Politics.”

Robert E. Dunn, Jr., Esq., an attorney, adjunct professor of law at the Franklin Pierce Law Center, and former Assistant Attorney General in the New Hampshire Department of Justice, will present “This Hallowed Ground: The Catholic Engagement with Politics in New Hampshire.”

Some of the questions to be addressed include:

  • Should religion and politics interact?
  • Why should all Catholics be involved in political life?
  • What are the ways that Catholics can be involved in advocacy for important issues?
  • What are the types of issues on which the Catholic Church has taken a position?

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time: 8:30 registration, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. program
Location: The New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Corner of St. Anselm Drive and Rockland Ave., Manchester, NH

This event is free of charge. Register online by November 1, 2009 at www.catholicnh.org/publicsquare or by phone at (603) 669-3100, Ext. 110.

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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics.  For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org.