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DENVER, March 3, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Denver’s Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput has appeared frequently in LifeSiteNews.com reports as one of the strongest episcopal voices defending the rights of Christians to participate in public life and defend the rights of the unborn. His quick response style has earned him the high regard of many pro-life leaders and the respect even of the radically pro-abortion New York Times.

This week he faced off with a hostile crowd who peppered him with the usual sophomoric accusations Catholics have learned to expect from their ideologically motivated opponents. In the latest round, the Archbishop spoke to a crowd of Denver civic and business leaders at the City Club of Denver on “Church, State and Politics.” 

One woman asked, “Why do (religions) feel they have to impose their views on us?” Without pause, the Chaput replied, “If we don’t – you’ll impose your views on us.” 

Another asked, “When is the church going to agree to pay taxes?”

“I run 50 Catholic schools that keep you from paying more taxes – is that worth it to you?” Chaput shot back.

In his address Chaput pointed out that the work he has done on behalf of the poor and homeless and against the death penalty has been nearly ignored by the press. “As a Church, more than 80 percent of our time, resources, ministry personnel and lobbying efforts go to issues that have nothing to do with abortion. But you’ll never see that on anybody’s front-page either, because it isn’t news.”

He pointed out that the normal life of the Catholic Church is to defend the poor and helpless. In fact, he said, “It’s so normal that nobody pays attention – until they disagree.”

In the inevitable attack on the Church’s prohibition of abortion the Archbishop showed that his feelings, not just his mind, were engaged. He said, “That dear baby who gets aborted is who I’m protecting. Somebody doesn’t just get hurt with abortion – they get killed.”

“Who will take care of the unwanted children?” another asked.

“I’ll take any child that’s unwanted and find them a home and take care of the mother,” he said. “You have my personal pledge on that.” 

Domenico Bettinelli, an editor of Catholic World News said, “This is a bishop with backbone… the very fact that he was willing to move beyond the comfort of the chancery to engage a sometimes hostile crowd on the most controversial issues of the day, sets Archbishop Chaput apart from the rest of the crowd.” 

Read the text of the Archbishop’s address.