U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued an injunction against the U.S. federal government preventing it from enforcing a controversial regulation that would require Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged, a Catholic organization, to authorize their insurance company to provide coverage for contraceptives and surgical sterilization for their employees. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit also issued an emergency stay for Catholic-affiliated groups challenging the contraceptive provision.[USA Today] Meanwhile, the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote to President Obama asking that enforcement of the regulation be suspended until the Supreme Court has ruled on the issue in two cases it has agreed to hear.[USCCB]
Category: ChristianityCatholic
Catholic Archdiocese of New York wins injunction
A federal court in New York has awarded the Catholic Archdiocese of New York a permanent injunction barring enforcement of the contentious federal regulation that requires objecting employers to pay for health insurance for contraception and surgical sterilization. The federal government can appeal the ruling. [New York Times]
Objection to euthanasia reported to be minority position in Belgium
Reports from Belgium suggest that objection to euthanasia has become a minority position in the country, and that increasing acceptance of the practice has led to its normalization, evidenced by the development of “new rituals” like a “last supper,” final manicures and other forms of advance preparation. One marker of this is the report that a Catholic priest was present and administered the sacrament of the sick to two deaf twins who were lethally injected because they were going blind; their family was described as devoutly Catholic. For those opposed to euthanasia, increasing acceptance of the procedure demonstrates the existence of a slippery slope. Those who support it believe the phenomenon reflects a natural (and positive) evolution of morality. [National Post, 22 Nov., 24 Nov.]
U.S. Catholic bishops reaffirm opposition to forced payment for birth control
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has unanimously approved a statement reiterating the opposition of the Catholic episcopate to the federal regulation that forces objecting business owners to provide insurance coverage for birth control and surgical sterilization.
San Diego health workers assured of conscience rights at White Mass
EWTN News
At the San Diego diocese’s second annual White Mass, Bishop Cirilo Flores reminded the health care workers in attendance that their profession is an expression of their Catholic faith.
“Some of you in the health care profession are facing issues of conscience rights. You have the right to live your faith,” he preached at the Oct. 12 Mass. “We must assist the government always, but worshiping God does not just mean at Mass or other celebrations within the four walls of the church.”
“You live your faith in the world. You have the right and the obligation to your conscience, which is paramount, and the government should not try to restrict or force regulations that violate your consciences.”
The Mass was sponsored by both St. Gianna Physicians’ Guild and Culture of Life Family Services, and drew Catholics from across the diocese.
The “White Mass” is named for the traditional white coats and uniforms worn by medical personnel and is a special way to honor health care professionals. In addition to physicians and nurses, the Mass honors hospital personnel, pharmacists, mental health specialists, hospice workers, medical students, pastoral care givers and others. Read more