The Catholic Health Association of the United States, which first responded favourably to a claim by the Obama administration that it would accommodate religious objectors, has now formally stated its opposition to the plans to force employers to provide health insurance for contraception, embryocidal drugs and devices and sterilization.
Category: ChristianityCatholic
US Catholic bishops meeting focuses on freedom of conscience
At a meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore argued that the bishops must support freedom of conscience for individuals, including small businessmen and other employers who object to providing insurance coverage for contraception, embryodical drugs and devices and sterilization. The Papal Nuncio told the audience that it was important for the Church to speak with one voice. Several related initiatives were discussed. [Natiional Catholic Register]
US Conference of Catholic Bishops circular on freedom of conscience
A bulletin insert about freedom of conscience published by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has been made available to parishes in the United States.
12 lawsuits, 43 plaintiffs sue US federal government over birth control mandate
43 Catholic dioceses, organizations and and institutions have filed 12 lawsuits against the U.S. federal government to stop the federal regulation that will compel objecting employers to provide insurance for contraceptives, embryocides and sterilization. The news has been welcomed by the Catholic Medical Association, and applauded by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops as “a compelling display of the unity of the Church in defense of religious liberty.” The Conference is not a party to the suits [CMA news release; USCCB news release; Washington Examiner]. The lawsuits and plaintiffs are:
1. District of Columbia Lawsuit
- Archdiocese of Washington
- Consortium of Catholic Academies
- Archbishop Carroll High School
- Catholic Charities of D.C.
- The Catholic University of America
2. E.D.N.Y. Lawsuit
- Diocese of Rockville Centre
- Catholic Health Services of Long Island
- Catholic Charities of Rockville Centre
- Archdiocese of N.Y.
- ArchCare
3. W.D.Pa. (Erie Div.) Lawsuit
- Diocese of Erie
- St. Martin Center
- Prince of Peace Center
4. W.D.Pa. (Pitt. Div.) Lawsuit
- Diocese of Pittsburgh
- Catholic Charities of Diocese of Pittsburgh
- Catholic Cemeteries Association of Diocese of Pittsburgh
5. N.D.Tex. (Dallas Div.) Lawsuit
- Diocese of Dallas
6. N.D.Tex. (Fort Worth Div.) Lawsuit
- Diocese of Fort Worth
7. S.D. Ohio (Columbus Div.) Lawsuit
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Michigan Catholic Conference
8. S.D.Miss. (Gulfport Div.) Lawsuit
- Diocese of Jackson
- Catholic Charities of Jackson
- Vicksburg Catholic School
- St. Joseph’s Catholic School
- Diocese of Biloxi
- De l’Epee Deaf Center Inc.
- Catholic Social & Community Services Inc.
- Resurrection Catholic School
- Sacred Heart Catholic School
- St. Dominic Health Services
9. N.D.Ind. (South Bend Div.) Lawsuit
- The University of Notre Dame
10. N.D. Ind. (Fort Wayne Div.) Lawsuit
- Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
- Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend
- St. Anne Home
- Franciscan Alliance
- Our Sunday Visitor
- University of St. Francis
11. N.D.Ill. Lawsuit
- Diocese of Joliet
- Catholic Charities of Joliet
- Diocese of Springfield
- Catholic Charities of Springfield
12. E.D.Mo. (St. Louis Div.)
- Archdiocese of St. Louis
- Catholic Charities of St. Louis
Canadian Catholic bishops issue letter on freedom of conscience and religion
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a 12 page Pastoral Letter on Freedom of Conscience and Religion. While addressed to all people of good will, the bishops particularly addressed themselves to “those members of the faithful who find themselves in difficult situations where they may be pressured to act against their religious faith or their conscience.” The document emphasizes that freedom of conscience may be acknowledged by state authority, but state authority does not create it. Among the examples of violations of freedom of conscience, the document cites rules requiring referral for abortion by objecting physicians and the demand that objecting pharmacists dispense contraceptives or the ‘morning after pill.’ It recommends four strategies: affirmation of the role of religion in the public square, upholding a healthy relationship between Church and stated, forming conscience according to truth, and protecting the right to conscientious objection