Redefineing Roles

       Throughout term, we've been discussing in class how so many people, all of us really, are from time to time experience injustice due to the groups with which they identify (or, in some cases, are assumed to identify). I came across an article earlier this week in the Austin Chronicle that brings up an issue of cross-identification. Here is a link for reference: http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2012-04-06/keeping-the-faith/
     The article concerns Texas State Representative for the Democratic party, Dawnna Dukes. A native Austinite, Dukes' Grandmother was a founding member of the Holy Cross Church on East 11th. The church was one of the first Catholic churches in Austin to allow black members. Members of the church founded a charity hospital, school, and even Meals on Wheels. As such a successful member, Dukes has spoken at the church many times over the years. However, recently has been rejected from speaking at the church due to her personal and political beliefs. Dukes is pro-choice and supports reproductive rights. The Holy Cross Church upholds Catholic ideals and is strictly against abortion. As a high-profile public official, She has been called out by the Catholic Church for her position on birth control.
     This article really interested me as a student of Social Work. It brings of the issue of cross-identifying. Dawnna Dukes is both a practicing Catholic as well as a socially liberal politician. She self identifies with multiple groups that would from a black and white perspective seem to be in conflict. Yet, she is able to reconcile this conflict for herself. And Dukes is not alone. The article mentions a group called Catholics for Choice which advocates for policy reform on a pro-choice platform. It begins to look like a very complicated social phenomenon. The Catholic Church believes strongly that by virtue of being Catholic one must also be pro-life and oppose birth control. However, some who are pro-choice still identify as Catholic. These pro-choice Catholics may feel the Church is being un-Christianlike by turning away it's members for their progressive advocacy. The Church feels they are not acting as true and good Catholics.
     In the article it is mentioned that the Catholic Church sees the fight against birth control as essential to preserving their religious freedoms. But, what about people like Dawnna Dukes' personal religious freedoms? Should she not have to right to both her spiritual beliefs and personal beliefs? It's certainly something to think about.