Reducing the church's role

[NewsWhore]

The latest round of discussions on constitutional reform has allowed for many opinions to be expressed about the role of the Catholic Church's role in Dominican life. Though wielding large power and influence on public and social policy, legislators have conceded that if politicians are willing to limit the role of the Catholic Church in government, they should start by governing more effectively. Assembly member Pelegrin Castillo, quoted in Hoy, said that for religious groups to have a reduced influence in Dominican politics, politicians needed to do a better job. He added that churches, and the Catholic Church in particular, have a real and palpable role in Dominican politics, as does private business, but added that if "we want these institutions to have less influence, we have to do a better job legislating." Comments by the Catholic Church in recent weeks, especially on the abortion issue, have demonstrated the continued influence of the Church in forming policy.

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