WASHINGTON (May 1, 1998) -- Msgr. Thomas J. McDade, the U.S. Bishops Secretary for Education, applauded the U.S. House of Representatives April 30 vote for vouchers to provide scholarships for students in Washington, D.C.

His statement follows.

"Educational liberty means that all parents have the freedom to choose where and how to educate their children from among qualified public, private or religious schools. This is a parent's serious, natural, inalienable right. The U.S. Catholic Conference has long advocated for this parental right to be facilitated through scholarships and/or tax relief.

"On September 29, Cardinal James Hickey of Washington expressed his support for the D.C. scholarship bill as long as civil rights are protected and the Church's mission is not compromised. 'Our Catholic schools are ready and willing to serve more children and to give them the opportunity of a lifetime,'" he said.

"In solidarity with the Archdiocese of Washington, the USCC today applauds the passage of this bill, which significantly assists poor families to exercise their right to choose the appropriate education for their children."

Msgr. Thomas J. McDade
May 1, 1998

For media inquiries, e-mail us at commdept@usccb.org
Department of Communications | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3000 © USCCB. All rights reserved.