Have you heard? In a perfect example of lay Catholic leadership for civil society, French Prime Minister François Bayrou has split an end-of-life bill causing the wrath of his own party officials.
In an unexpected move, Bayrou’s decided to split a controversial “end of life” bill in two, separated the issue of “active assistance in dying” from that of palliative. His courageous move has gained the praise of opponents of the original bill.
As reported by CNA, Laurent Frémont, lecturer at Sciences Po Paris and co-founder of the Démocratie, éthique et solidarités association, said “The bill debated before the dissolution would have made France one of the most extreme legislations in the world, by providing for the lethal act to be carried out by a close relative, exerting strong coercion on medical staff and providing for a procedure conducive to abuses and drifts.”
“By promising to separate the two subjects,” Frémont said, “François Bayrou is showing that he has grasped what is at stake in this debate. This will ensure that palliative care is not used as an excuse to legalize administered death in France.”
We don’t know how the two separate bills will do. What we know is that life is at stake. Bayrou’s move did not facilitate the approval of an end-of-life bill in France and will now force French legislators to deal with the real issue without disguising it through a package proposal.
To be sure the story is far from over. But Bayrou called my attention because people often ask me to explain just what we, at Tepeyac Leadership, mean by lay Catholic leadership in civil society.
Behind every human institution, from the heights of the French, American or Indian legislature all the way to the halls of a public school district or the meeting room of homeowners’ association, there are a group of people who meet on a regular basis to enact policies and charter the direction of that organization. That’s where Catholic leadership in civil society must take place!
I won’t tire of saying it… ultimately, our mission is about having more well-formed, faithful and committed Catholic voices at every table where decisions are made.
These are the places where the culture is changed.
If that aspiration resonates with you and you feel inclined to support it or join our growing movement, I invite you to learn more about Tepeyac Leadership. We could use another soldier for Christ in this spiritual battle, which always starts within.
How can you get involved?
The most immediate manner would be to attend our upcoming Tepeyac Leadership Gala on April 12, in Phoenix, Arizona. We'll also have an annual retreat in Mexico City, from May 30 to June 1. And I encourage you to pray about applying for our flagship TLI program during open enrollment in November.
We have lots of things going on at TLI. And we need lots of help! Be a mentor, give a talk at one our sessions, or make a financial contribution. And please pray for our mission.
Last, let’s pray for France’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, whose Catholic faith is now being attacked as the reason for the political move he just made. He’s going to need our prayers, as Tepeyac Leadership needs you to continue transforming lives, building up the community and the Church by investing in tomorrow’s lay Catholic leaders.
P.S. The Tepeyac Leadership Gala has the goal of raising $115,000. Be part of this effort by registering to attend the Gala or making a gift now. No amount is too small/large. THANK YOU!
