[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 90 (Thursday, July 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 SENSE OF CONGRESS STRONGLY OBJECTING TO EFFORT TO EXPEL HOLY SEE FROM 
                             UNITED NATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVE WELDON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2000

  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Con. Res. 253, which expresses the support of the Vatican retaining its 
status as a permanent observer at the United Nations. It is a tragedy 
that in the last few months, anti-Catholic pro-abortion groups have 
been attempting to remove the Holy See from its longstanding position 
of an observer at the U.N.
  This is an attempt by extremists to silence the Vatican's defense of 
the family and the unborn. The Holy See has been a part of the U.N. 
since the beginning, over 50 years ago. In addition, the Holy See has 
formal diplomatic relations with 169 nations, including the United 
States and it maintains 179 permanent diplomatic missions abroad. I 
commend the Holy See for its commitment to the family, the unborn and 
serving the poor. The Holy See's contribution to the U.N. is very 
valuable. The Vatican's role is essential and vital for preserving 
family values and protecting life, particularly the most vulnerable.




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