Working At Target: A Sin For Catholics?

The Catholic Church has a variety of teachings and traditions that guide the lives of its adherents. One such tradition is the practice of refraining from work on Sundays, which is considered the Lord's day. This practice is based on the biblical story of God resting on the seventh day after creation. While it is not considered a sin to work on Sundays if one is obligated to, the Church encourages believers to rest, worship, and recreate on this day. The Church also acknowledges that certain jobs, such as those in healthcare and transportation, are necessary to maintain on Sundays. In addition to teachings on rest, the Catholic Church has also been vocal about social issues, including its support for migrant assistance programs and its opposition to abortion. These stances have drawn criticism from some political groups, such as the GOP in the United States. Another controversial issue involving the Catholic Church is the implementation of gender-neutral restrooms and changing areas in certain stores, such as Target. This has sparked debates about privacy, safety, and religious values.

Target's bathroom policy

In April 2016, Target announced a new policy allowing transgender customers and employees to use the bathroom or fitting room that corresponds with their gender identity. This policy was in line with the company's commitment to inclusivity, equality, and diversity, and its support for the federal Equality Act, which provides protections for LGBT individuals.

The announcement sparked a social media controversy and backlash from conservative groups, including the American Family Association, which argued that the policy could give sexual predators access to their victims. However, Target stood firm in its decision, stating that it welcomed transgender individuals and rejected discrimination.

Target's CEO, Brian Cornell, emphasized that the company has a long history of embracing diversity and inclusion, and that safety remains a priority. He also noted that the majority of Target stores already had family restrooms, and the company was committed to ensuring that all stores had this option.

The old policy allowed individuals to use the bathroom that matched their gender identity, but it did not include specific accommodations for the transgender community. The new policy aimed to address this by allowing transgender individuals to use the facilities that aligned with their gender identity.

Target's decision was not without precedent, as other large corporations such as Home Depot, IKEA, Hyatt Hotels, and Starbucks had already implemented similar policies and received a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.

While Target's new bathroom policy was controversial, it reflected the company's values and commitment to inclusivity. The policy aimed to ensure that all individuals felt welcomed, respected, and protected from discrimination while shopping or working at Target stores.

Working on Sundays

In the Catholic tradition, Sunday is a day of rest, worship, and recreation. The ancient practice of Sabbath rest has been carried over into the Catholic faith, with the day being reserved for rest and worship. The Code of Canon Law states that:

> On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass. Moreover, they are to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body.

However, the Church also acknowledges that there are legitimate reasons to be excused from this obligation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that:

> Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse [people] from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.

Therefore, while the Church encourages rest on Sundays, it is not considered sinful to work on this day. Many jobs require people to work on Sundays, such as those in transport, healthcare, and hospitality. If employment obligations and economic circumstances allow for rest on Sundays, people are encouraged to do so, but they should not worry if duty calls for them to work.

It is worth noting that the term "servile" in the Catholic tradition refers to manual labour, not intellectual or artistic pursuits.

Catholic social initiatives

In addition, GOP Congress members have called for an investigation of a "climate cartel", taking issue with Catholic investors who have avoided companies with poor track records related to climate change.

The Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University seeks to promote dialogue on Catholic social thought and encourage a new generation of Catholic lay leaders to see their faith as an asset in pursuing the common good. Since its establishment in 2013, the initiative has held over 150 dialogues and other gatherings with nearly 300,000 participants, including a US president, cardinals, senators, journalists, and academics. These discussions bring honest and faithful perspectives to a divided nation.

Catholic migrant assistance programs

Catholic Charities is one such organization that provides care and assistance to migrants and refugees. They offer a range of services, including food, clean clothes, shelter, medical attention, and temporary housing. They also help with employment, vocational training, and immigration services, ensuring compliance with legal obligations. Catholic Charities has a long history of serving those in need, dating back to its founding in 1910, and collaborates with every administration.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) also plays a significant role in assisting migrants and refugees. They receive federal funding through competitive grants and work with local organizations, primarily Catholic Charities agencies, to serve and resettle refugees, asylees, and other eligible populations. The USCCB has consistently advocated for increased opportunities for legal immigration and the protection of immigrants' rights.

In recent times, Catholic migrant assistance programs have faced scrutiny and allegations of human trafficking. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has led an aggressive investigation into Catholic Charities offices along the border, specifically targeting Annunciation House in El Paso despite their decades-long reputation for aiding new arrivals. Catholic bishops have defended these organizations, emphasizing that their work is humanitarian and protected by the Constitution.

Catholic education funding

Funding for Catholic education has been a contentious issue in Australia, with the government and non-government sectors vying for resources. While government schools are primarily funded by state and territory governments, Catholic schools receive the majority of their funding from the federal government. This dynamic has led to debates about the impact of funding models such as Gonski 2.0 on different sectors and the potential for rising inequalities in the education system.

Historically, Catholic schools in Australia did not always receive government funding. It was not until the late 1960s and 1970s that the federal government began providing financial support to address the challenges faced by the Catholic sector. The States Grants (Science Laboratories and Technical Training) Act 1964 marked the beginning of capital funding for schools, providing resources for science laboratories in both government and non-government schools.

The States Grants (Independent Schools) Act 1969 further solidified federal funding for non-government schools, offering a flat rate of funding per student. However, it was the Karmel Report in 1973 that instituted a "needs-based" funding approach, providing crucial support to the struggling Catholic system. This report established a reliance on and expectation of federal funding for non-government schools, which has persisted despite various policy changes over the years.

In recent years, there have been concerns about potential funding cuts to Catholic schools due to funding models like Gonski 2.0. The Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) warned that some schools might have to increase their fees significantly to make up for the shortfall. However, the federal Education Minister countered these claims, accusing the Catholic sector of exaggerating the potential impact of funding changes.

The funding of Catholic schools is further complicated by the existence of systemic schools, which are situated within the Catholic system and make their own funding decisions. In Victoria, for example, the state government provided substantial funding to Catholic schools in 2016, calculated through the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Funding of Non-Government Schools) Act 2015. Additionally, Catholic schools in Victoria are managed through the CECV, which allocates funding to different dioceses using its own funding model.

While the funding of Catholic education in Australia has been a source of debate and disagreement, it is important to recognize the contributions of Catholic schools to the education system. The Catholic sector supports a strong public sector and acknowledges the importance of properly funded government schools. At the same time, Catholic schools serve a significant portion of students, including those from Catholic families, and their parents are taxpayers who deserve to have their taxes contribute to their children's education.

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