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Featured Author Waiting is a part of the culture of medicine. Everything requires waiting. One waits for test results (these can be among the most torturous waits). One waits for appointments with an oncologist or surgeon. Then one is stranded for hours in doctors’ waiting rooms. One may wait for a hospital bed, and after being admitted to a hospital, further waitings take place. Read More » | ||
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Bishop William E. Lori, Ad Hoc Chair, USCCB Committee on Religious Liberty Statement on HHS
January 20, 2012
It is unwelcome and disturbing news that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has violated religious liberty by asserting an alleged right of the federal government to force Catholic institutions to include in their health insurance plans procedures that are contrary Catholic moral teaching. These include paying for drugs that cause abortions as well as for sterilizations.
It is true that the HHS rule includes a religious exemption. This exemption, however, actually constitutes a very narrow governmental definition of the Church’s mission. It applies only to religious organizations that that exist solely to teach doctrine and to serve their own members. This is not how the Catholic Church understands its mission. The Church proclaims the Gospel to all and serves people of all faiths and none with an array of educational, charitable, and social services. Its contributions to the common good of society are immense.
Joining with the Catholic Church throughout the United States and ecumenical and inter-religious partners, the Diocese of Bridgeport will study its options in the time ahead. I am very grateful for the leadership of Cardinal-designate Dolan as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and am happy to work with him in my role as Chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty.