ARCHDIOCESE OF CANBERRA REPORT: At a time when many Australians are suspicious or cynical about organised religion, they trust the place of Catholic hospitals in the community, Bishop Pat Power told a meeting in Rome yesterday.
Chairman of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference's Commission for Health and Community Services, Bishop Power is one of several bishops from around the world who gathered in Rome for a meeting of bishops called by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers.
Speaking on the topic, Organisation of pastoral care in health in the Church, he said Catholic hospitals were some of the best and most trusted in Australia.
“The face of Jesus is presented with compassion and expertise to the Australian community through our excellent Catholic hospitals,” he said.
“Governments across Australia have a high regard for Catholic hospitals and aged care services.
“Unlike the situation in some other countries, our state governments actively fund 21 Catholic public hospitals to provide services to any person in need.
“Our 550 Catholic aged care services all receive some type of federal government funding. Government health funding is in fact very good in Australia.”
He said although governments did not always take the same view as the Church on certain ethical issues, they did respect the ability of Catholic hospitals to operate in accordance with Catholic ethical teaching.
For the full text of Bishop Power's talk, click here.
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