CHICAGO — Citing their concerns about pro-life issues, the consequences of giving legal status to same-sex unions and restrictions on religious freedom and liberty of conscience, the Catholic bishops of Illinois have requested a meeting with Gov. Pat Quinn.

The request was made in a letter, dated Nov. 16 and signed by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, of Peoria, as well as Cardinal Francis George of Chicago and his auxiliary bishops, Bishop Edward Braxton of Belleville, Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of Joliet and his auxiliary bishop, Bishop Thomas Doran of Rockford and Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield.

While Quinn made the letter public, no date had been set for a meeting as The Catholic Post was going to press on Nov. 22.

Noting that many of the citizens of Illinois recognize that abortion kills an unborn child, the bishops said, “We would like to discuss with you, both as fellow citizens and pastors of your church, how you and we should position ourselves publicly on this issue so you may be true to your responsibility as governor and we may remain true to ours as bishops.”

With regard to civil unions, the bishops wrote that “despite assurances to the contrary, implied in the title and stated in the provisions of the law, the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act has been used to drive Catholic Charities in our dioceses from caring for foster children and from sponsoring adoptions. We would like to discuss with you whether this or other laws will be used to punish the Catholic Church in other areas of our ministry.”

The spiritual leaders said they also wanted to talk to Quinn about how “public debate can be conducted in a way respectful of all and guaranteeing the freedom of religiously informed conscience that has been a source of our self-identity as Americans.”

They added that they are open to any other topics the governor would like to discuss.

The letter assured Quinn that the Catholic Conference of Illinois remains concerned about legislation regarding the life and well-being of the poor, the fair delivery of health care, aid to children in Catholic schools “and so many issues that directly affect the common good of the people of Illinois.”