As Catholics we must uphold and state our beliefs

    Across the nation, bishops, including Archbishop Aymond, have called on the Catholic faithful to speak out against the Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate that nearly all employers be forced to cover procedures and issue drugs that violate their consciences in their health insurance plans. We have been called to action, to stand up for our religious freedom and the protection of our conscience.
    In the midst of this call for courage to counter a reductive secularism, Starbucks has issued a statement endorsing same-sex marriage. Joining other Northwest companies, such as Microsoft and Nike, Starbucks publicly endorsed same-sex marriage in the state of Washington as it moves to become the seventh U.S. state to approve same-sex marriage: “This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company,” read part of the statement.
    In addition to Starbucks, we first witnessed Susan G. Komen for the Cure cut funding with Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortions in the United States, and then back down under the pressure of criticism and restore funding. It seems hypocritical to me that a life-affirming organization supports an organization that, in 2009 performed 332,278 abortions, according to the company’s annual report.
    What is going on here? Why does it seem that major corporations who, in the eyes of the law are considered persons, have more weight in what they say than the Catholic faithful? In the case of Starbucks, I suspect that this is a case of aligning itself with a popular opinion in order to gain publicity and therefore make more money. However, why are they choosing to potentially alienate those who stand against same-sex marriage, particularly when it has been shot down by people when it is put to referendum.     
    There are only six states as of now that have approved same-sex marriage, though, of course, that number can quickly change. In regard to Susan G. Komen, I find it disappointing to see that, in spite of the moral correctness of its original choice and the overwhelming support of pro-life supporters, the company rescinded its decision after Planned Parenthood and the pro-choice community unleashed their fury.
    As Catholics, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay strong in our beliefs and rights of our consciences. Certainly, when we hear public endorsements of such morally wrong issues, we should do our best to avoid providing our financial support. Starbucks will no longer be receiving my business; I’ll find another coffee shop to feed my caffeine addiction. But in America, the growing list of companies that are in support of issues against our conscience is overwhelming. It is unrealistic to think that we can boycott all of the companies. We cannot boycott everything, but we should be able to stand up in defense of what we know is morally unacceptable. In a small way, we can at least make a difference in our own lives by choosing to acknowledge that public endorsements that are morally reprehensible do have an effect on certain consumers, thereby causing the business to readjust its business strategies and principles for the consumers’ preferences.
    I also find it encouraging to think that the defense of religious liberty and moral obligations is occurring during the month of February, when we celebrate Valentine’s Day. St. Valentine was a priest who assisted martyrs in the Catholic persecution under Claudius II. He was apprehended and sent to the prefect of Rome, who attempted to have Valentine renounce his faith. Valentine, however, stood strong and resisted. He was beaten with clubs and beheaded on Feb. 14 around the year 270. We too must stand up in defense of our faith and in what we believe to be morally good.
    Heather Bozant can be reached at hbozant@clarionherald.org.