Religious Liberty
2012
 | Bishops Issue Statement on Religious Liberty'An unjust law cannot be obeyed,' they state, in face of growing threats to freedom.WASHINGTON — Marking a new era of intense church-state friction, the U.S. Catholic bishops issued a hard-hitting statement today that defended the free exercise of religious institutions in the United States and abroad. In doing so, they opposed any “accommodation” with “unjust” laws and outlined plans for prayer and catechetical initiatives designed to strengthen an embattled constitutional right. Read More >> |
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A Call to Catholics: |
Bishops Appeal Federal Decision That U.S. Constitution Forbids Religious Accommodation, Requires Abortion, Contraception Funding in Anti-Trafficking Service ContractCourt decision poorly reasoned, dangerous Ignores Supreme Court precedents favoring religious liberty Threatens religious charities of all faiths nationwide WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) filed a notice of appeal April 17, asking a federal appeals court to vacate a decision by a Massachusetts federal judge declaring that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) violated the First Amendment in its contract with USCCB to provide case management services to victims of human trafficking, because the contract did not require USCCB to facilitate abortion and contraception. USCCB has also requested a stay of the lower court’s decision until the appeals court can rule. Read More >> |
 | Bishop tells committee about 'absurd' effects of contraceptive mandateWASHINGTON (CNS) -- The chairman of the U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty went before Congress again Feb. 28 to urge rescission of the Department of Health and Human Services' contraceptive mandate or passage of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act. Read More » |
Cardinal Dolan Voices Dismay at Handling by White House in Letter Updating Bishops on HHS Mandate ControversyWASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York voiced dismay in the Administration’s handling of the church as the White House and the church seek to work out religious freedom problems found in a mandate in the new health care reform bill. Read More » |
Senate Vote to set Aside Conscience Act Marks Chance to Build Bipartisan Support, Seek Judicial Remedies for Religious FreedomWASHINGTON—The Senate’s 51-48 vote March 1 to table the bipartisan Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (S. 1467), sponsored by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and 37 other senators, impels the Church to strengthen its resolve to support religious freedom. Read More » |
Bishop Lori responds to "America" magazine editorial |
Bishops Renew Call To Legislative Action On Religious Liberty |
"Referral is Not the Answer, Rescinding the Mandate Is,” by Bishop William Lori, chairman of the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty |
U.S. Bishops Vow to Fight HHS EdictHoly Father affirms struggle for Religious Liberty In his “Ad Limina” visit with American Bishops |
Marriage and Religious Freedom:Fundamental Goods That Stand of Fall TogetherAn Open Letter from Religious Leaders in the United States to All Americans Released January 12, 2012 Read the Executive Summary Read the Q and A for the Open Letter |
Religious Leaders Join Together in Support of Marriage, Religious LibertyOpen letter highlights connection between protecting marriage, religious freedom Letter is a “sign of hope” and “compelling argument,” Cardinal-designate Dolan says Elected officials need to defend marriage, religious liberty. Read More » |