Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston to Chair U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life Committee
November 16, 2009
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 16, 2009
Contact: Jenny Faber, Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
jfaber@archgh.org
713.652.8223
Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston to Chair U.S. Bishops' Pro-Life Committee
HOUSTON —Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is set to start his term as chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities. His term will officially begin at the close of the U.S. bishops' General Assembly in Baltimore, Nov. 16 - 19.
As the elected chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Cardinal DiNardo will provide leadership in the bishops' ongoing effort to teach respect for human life, from conception to natural death.
"It is a privilege and joy to call attention to the unsurpassable dignity of each human being – a dignity given by God, not conferred by the state or any other human institution," Cardinal DiNardo said. "With all that is happening in our country today, we must intensify our commitment to the human person, most especially toward those who are most vulnerable in our nation: the unborn, the disabled and the seriously ill. The right to life makes other rights possible; where that right is diminished or denied, the structure of our common life together as citizens is seriously wounded and distorted."
The cardinal said he looks forward to voicing encouragement of a culture in which life is treasured, upheld and supported. "I pray our Committee's work will foster continued action in defense of and commitment to human life and its inestimable worth," he said.
The Pro-Life Activities Committee, comprised of a number of bishops and several consultants, provides guidance to the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. The committee coordinates educational and policy efforts concerning a range of issues, including life-affirming health care reform, stem cell research and capital punishment.
Cardinal DiNardo will succeed Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, as chair of the Pro-Life Activities Committee. The appointment is effective for three years.
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serves 1.5 million Catholics in 10 counties. It is the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the 11th largest in the United States.