Last month, Catholics across Connecticut sent a strong message to
the State Legislature: religious
liberty must never be violated. Your swift and decisive action brought down Senate
Bill 1098 which
directly attacked the Catholic Church.
We need you to speak out again. We’re facing another attack on our
religious liberty.
It’s very serious and has to be stopped now!
The Judiciary Committee just sent Bill
899 to the State Senate.
It is intended to implement the decision of the Connecticut Supreme
Court legalizing same-sex marriage. As written, however, Bill 899
does not protect the First Amendment religious freedoms of individuals,
religious organizations, and related societies.
When you contact the State Legislature about Bill 899, you may be
told that it exempts clergy from having to officiate at same-sex
weddings. But this bill does not guarantee the First Amendment rights
of clergy, religious, and laity to practice their faith and operate
their programs and services in accordance with their sincerely-held
religious beliefs.
Because Bill 899 fails to provide full conscience protection, individuals
and religious groups ― particularly those that provide social and
educational services ― would be subject to civil harassment in the
form of lawsuits. The State of Connecticut could try to coerce religious
groups by giving grants, contracts, and licenses only to organizations
that recognize and support same-sex marriage.
Our concerns are aggravated by related developments. Catholic Charities
in the Archdiocese of Boston was forced to stop providing adoption
services because it would not place children with same-sex couples.
In Canada, the Knights of Columbus were fined for refusing to rent
their hall for a same-sex wedding reception.
Bill 899 repeals the
provision in current law that protects our children from government
indoctrination in sexual lifestyles ("Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Questioning, & Intersex")
that are contrary to our beliefs.
If you want to see how far this
has already gone, visit the State of Connecticut’s "Safe
Harbor Project" website. There you will discover a religious
curriculum for public school educators to promote the "L.G.B.T.Q.I."
lifestyle.
There’s even a list of state-deemed friendly or "affirming"
churches. The so-called "Catholic" organization listed rejects
and distorts the Church’s compassionate teachings on homosexuality
and slams the Pope.
The State should NOT be in the business
of judging the teachings or beliefs of one church over another.
Here’s how to contact your State Senator and
Representative:
- by e-mail via the website: www.ActNowCT.org.
You
can easily locate your legislators online and send multiple
e-mails.
- and by phone at:
House Democrats: (800) 842-8267
House Republicans: (800) 842-8270
Senate Democrats: (800) 842-1420
Senate Republicans: (800) 842-1421
Ask for the name of your legislator or,
if you are uncertain, provide
the name of your town
and you will be connected
It is time to stand up
for our religious rights
once again!
Thank you for your support and efforts.
Downloads
for Parishes for the Weekend of April 18-19
Pulpit Announcements:
English, Spanish, Portuguese
Pulpit
Announcements: English, Spanish, Portuguese
Bishop Lori's Letter:
ENGLISH
Bishop
Lori's Letter: ENGLISH
Bishop Lori's Letter:
SPANISH
Bishop
Lori's Letter: SPANISH
Bishop Lori's Letter:
PORTUGUESE
Bishop
Lori's Letter: PORTUGUESE
