AHA-supported Endorsement Request
from Catholics for a Free Choice to
Challenge the Vatican's Status in the United Nations

The American Humanist Association has endorsed the following campaign, and a postcard in its name is being sent to the United Nations. If your humanist organization or chapter wishes to participate — and the AHA encourages you to do so — please read and follow the instructions below. According to Fred Edwords, AHA Executive Director, there are "69 official endorsing organizations from around the world; there will be more soon."

Catholics for a Free Choice (CFFC) is launching a postcard campaign to challenge Vatican status at the United Nations, and we would like your endorsement. Below is copy from the postcard that includes a message from Frances Kissling, president of CFFC, and the postcard that will be sent to Secretary General Kofi Annan. Please contact me as soon as possible and let me know if you are willing to join us in our campaign with your endorsement. I can be reached by telephone at (202) 986-6093, by fax at (202) 332-7995, or by email at serras@igc.apc.org.

Best regards,

Serra Sippel
Catholics for a Free Choice
1436 U Street, NW Suite 301
Washington, DC 20009

Dear Colleague,

Many people have asked CFFC to revive our efforts to challenge the Vatican's status at the United Nations. In response to these urgings — and because we have never lost interest in the subject — we are launching a new campaign. At the upcoming PrepCom in New York, we will announce a postcard campaign to urge UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to review the Vatican's status. (Postcard copy follows.) We are asking two things: 1) Will your organization endorse this campaign and be listed among those endorsing it? 2) Would you like to be part of the announcement of this campaign - now scheduled for March 24, 2 pm. If you are going to be in New York and are interested in attending or speaking at this event, please phone, fax, or email Serra Sippel in my office immediately.

Cordially,
Frances Kissling

Dear Secretary-General Annan,

As a UN Non-Member State Permanent Observer, the Holy See enjoys unique status as voting partner among countries. Granting governmental privileges to what is in reality a religious body is questionable statecraft. While the Holy See — the government of the Roman Catholic Church — has made positive contributions through the United Nations to peace and justice, this should not be used to justify granting the status of a state to a religious institution. Governmental participation in the UN should be reserved to actual states. The world's religions have been well represented through non-governmental organization status. With NGO status, the Roman Catholic Church would be able to continue its participation in the UN — like the World Council of Churches — without ambiguity or privilege. We call on you to open an official review of the Holy See at the UN.

Thank you.

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