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Catholics and Religious Liberty
updated November 6, 2012
WFF Statement Election November 6, 2012
Vatican Documents | USCCB Website | USCCB Statements and News Release | Bishop statements and comments | Articles | Events
All links will take you to other websites.
On January 20, 2012, the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, on behalf of President Obama’s Administration, announced that all religious institutions that either employ or serve people who are not members of their particular religious group will be compelled to provide so-called “preventive services for women” (i.e., contraceptives, inclluding abortifacients, and sterilization) without cost, under the health care plan, PPACA.
This mandate includes all Catholic hospitals and charities, as well as any Catholic organization with an outreach to, or who might employ anyone who is not a Catholic. All such religious groups must comply with this mandate by August 2013.
Thus our statement in support of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, originally released on September 26, 2011, acquires greater urgency, and we renew this statement today.
We also strongly encourage your participation in this effort to protect religious liberty and freedom of conscience for all religious believers. Go to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops web site for important information and links: usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/index.cfm
To contact your US Representative go to http://www.house.gov/
To contact your US Senator go to http://www.senate.gov/
To contact the President go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the Bishops of the United States of America on their "Ad Limina" visit, Thursday, January 19, 2012
This address was given the day before the United States Department of Heath & Human Services, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Statement concerning the new rules for covering contraception.USCCB Website: Religious Liberty Section
Fortnight for Freedom
On April 12, the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a document, "Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” outlining the bishops’ concerns over threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad. The bishops called for a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom, from June 21-July 4.Bishops in their own dioceses are encouraged to arrange special events to highlight the importance of defending religious freedom. Catholic institutions are encouraged to do the same, especially in cooperation with other Christians, Jews, people of other faiths and all who wish to defend our most cherished freedom.
The fourteen days from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this “fortnight for freedom”—a great hymn of prayer for our country. Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power—St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action would emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty. Dioceses and parishes around the country could choose a date in that period for special events that would constitute a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty.
Our First, Most Cherished Liberty:A Statement on Religious Liberty
April 12, 2012Conscience Protection : Bishops Vow to Fight Coercive HHS Mandate | Background | Get Informed & Take Action Now | Select News Releases
Conscience Protection Resources : Fact Sheets | Columns and Commentary | Official USCCB Testimony and Letters | News Releases
USCCB Statements and News Release:
Bishops Promise To Continue ‘Vigorous Efforts’ Against HHS Violations Of Religious Freedom In Health Care Reform Mandate, March 14, 2012
Bishops Renew Call to Legislative Action on Religious Liberty, February 10, 2012
White House Misrepresents Its Own Contraceptive Mandate, February 3, 2012
Cardinal-Designate Dolan Speaks Out Against HHS Rule, Calls For Action In New Web Video, January 20, 2012
Bishops Decry HHS Rule, Urge Catholics to Stand Up for Religious Liberty and Conscience Rights in Homilies at Vigil for Life, January 23, 2012
2012 National Prayer Vigil for Life Homilies, Homily of Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, January 22, 2012 and Homily of Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, January 23, 2012
U.S. Bishops Establish New Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, News Release, September 30, 2011
Bishop statements and comments [This section is still under-construction therefore your bishop or diocese may have a statement not listed]
No date:
Bishop Brandt's statement on HHS decision, Bishop Lawrence Brandt, of Greensburg, PA
Catholic Conference of Kentucky Statement
Defending Religious Liberty, A Letter from Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich
Bishop Foys decries mandatory contraceptive coverage in health insurance ruling, Bishop Roger Foys, of Covington, KY
Letter, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, of Louisville, KY
Bishop seeks efforts to overturn HHS ruling on health insurance coverage, Bishop Terry LaValley, of Ogdensburg, NY
Bishop William Lori, Diocese of Bridgeport Webpage dedicated to Religious Liberty Statements.
A Message from Bishop Armando X. Ochoa, Diocese of Fresno
Letter, Bishop John Quinn, of Winona, MN
Obama Administration: Catholic Conscience Not to be Tolerated, Bishop Arthur Serratelli, of Paterson, NJ, also see column "Government against Religion: Old Conflict, New Challenge"
Video, Responds To HHS Mandate, Bishop Terry Steib, of Memphis, TN
List of lawsuits filed is on the Catholic Vote website.
May 21, 2012
Complaint filed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis & Catholic Charities of St. Louis, May 21, 2012
March 5, 2012
Monday Memo, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, March 5, 2012
February 22, 2012
Act now to protect our first amendment right, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell of Hartford, February 22, 2012February 21, 2012
Government should not invade sanctuary of conscience, by Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, February 21, 2012
February 18, 2012
Archbishop Sheehan responds to the accommodation to the original HHS Mandate, Archbishop Michael Sheehan, of Santa Fe, NM, February 18,, 2012
February 17, 2012
Letter, Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu, HI, February 17, 2012
February 14, 2012
Statement from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Diocese of Phoenix, on Revisions to HHS Mandate, February 14, 2012
February 13, 2012
Statement on New Federal Health Insurance Rules, Archbishop Jose Gomez, February 13, 2012
Monday Memo, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, February 13, 2012
February 11, 2012
Bishop Paul Etienne's response to HHS Mandate, (Spanish Verison) Diocese of Cheyenne, February 11, 2012
February 10, 2012
A Message from Bishop Mark L. Bartchak and other HHS links, of Altoona-Johnstown, PA, February 10, 2012
Statement from Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, Archdiocese of Saint Louis on Obama Compromise to HHS Mandate, February 10, 2012
Letter, Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, CA, February 10, 2012
Bishop's corner, Bishop William Dendinger, of Grand Island, NE, February 10, 2012
Cardinal Timothy Dolan's Letter on Religious Freedom - - (Spanish version), New York Archdiocese - February 10, 2012
Bishop Guillory reacts to administration’s movement on HHS mandate, Bishop Curtis Guillory, of Beaumont, TX, February 10, 2012
Archbishop Naumann responds to Pres. Obama's proposed HHS modifications, Statement by Archbishop Joseph Naumann, February 10, 2012.
HHS mandate threatens religious freedom, by The Most Rev. John Wester
Bishop of Salt Lake City, February 10, 2012February 9, 2012
Letter from Bishop Gainer, addressing the federal Health and Human Services Mandate, pdf version, Bishop Ronald Gainer, of Lexington, KY, February 9, 2012
Statement from Bishop Muench Regarding HHS Mandate, pdf version, Bishop Robert Muench, of Baton Rouge, LA, February 9, 2012
Real threats to religious liberty, Archbishop Peter Sartain, of Seattle, WA, February 9, 2012
Important Message from Bishop James Wall, of Gallup, NM, February 9, 2012
February 8, 2012
Diocese of Shreveport's Response to Health and Human Services Ruling, Bishop Michael Duca, of Shreveport, LA, February 8, 2012
Bishop Morin's letter regarding HHS mandate, Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, MS, February 8, 2012
Bishop Richard Pates, of Des Moines, IA, February 8, 2012
A letter from Bishop Trautman regarding the HHS mandate and the U.S. bishops' response, also links to other statements and resources, Bishop Donald Trautman of Eire, PA, February 8, 2012
February 7, 2012
Statement on the HHS mandate, Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane, WA, February 7, 2012
Bishop's letter to parishioners on HHS mandates, Bishop Joseph Latino of Jackson, MS, February 7, 2012
Texas Bishops Urge Texas Delegation to Oppose HHS Mandate, February 7, 2012
February 6, 2012
Statement on the recent ruling from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of Indianapolis, IN, February 6, 2012
The New Federal Mandate for Contraception / Sterilization, Bishop Michael Jarrell, of Lafayette, LA, February 6, 2012
Monday Memo, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, February 6, 2012
Archbishop George Niederauer's Letter to Catholics Of the Archdiocese of San Francisco Concerning DHHS Regulation, February 06, 2012
February 5, 2012
Letter, Francis Cardinal George and auxiliary Bishops of Chicago, IL, February 5, 2012
February 4, 2012
Bishop urges SETX Catholics to act to protect 1st amendment right, Bishop Curtis Guillory, of Beaumont, TX, February 4, 2012
Letter, Bishop Robert Lynch, of St Petersburg, FL, February 4, 2012 -- Also see Diocese website for other links and blog entries
HHS Letter ,Bishop Robert McManus, of Worcester, MA, February 4-5, 2012
February 3, 2012
Alabama Catholic Dioceses Letter, February 3, 2012
Letter to the people of the Diocese of Nashville, Bishop David Choby, of Nashville, TN, February 3, 2012
Bishop Gaydos calls on Catholics to defend religious liberty, Bishop John Gaydos, of Jefferson City, MO, February 3, 2012
HHS Mandate - Feb. 3 Letter to Priests, Bishop John Kinney of St. Cloud, MN
"We have a right to freedom of conscience", Bishop Michael Jackels of Wichita, KS
Bishop says diocese will not abide by “unjust law”, Bishop Edward Kmiec, of Buffalo, NY, February 3, 2012
Bishop Richard Pates, of Des Moines, IA, February 3, 2012
An Assault on Religious Liberty, Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Mobile, AL, February 3, 2012
The Bishop's Voice: We will not comply with HHS mandate, Bishop Michael J. Sheridan of Colorado Springs, CO, February 3, 2012
Letter, Bishop Paul Sirba of Duluth, MN, February 3, 1012
Bishop Slattery's statement in response to HHS mandate, Bishop Edward Slattery, of Tulsa, OK, February 3, 2012
Mandate unacceptable, Bishop Charles Thompson, of Evansville, IN, February 3, 2012
February 2, 2012
Archbishop Chaput calls on Catholics to Pray, Act for Religious Liberty in letter to Archdiocese: HHS Ruling is Flawed and Dangerous, Archbishop Charles Chaput, of Philadelphia, PA, February 2, 2012
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio on the Health and Human Services Mandate, of Brooklyn, NY, February 2, 2012
Statement from Bishop Daniel E. Flores, Diocese of Brownsville, February 2 2012
Statement of Cardinal Egan Regarding Health-Care Mandate, Cardinal Edward Egan, of New York, NY, February 2, 2012
Letter on Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Spanish version, Bishop Ricardo Garcia of Monterey, CA, February 2, 2012
Response to HHS Ruling, PDF copy, Bishop Donald Kettler of Fairbanks, AK, February 2, 2012
Bishop Timothy McDonnell of Springfield, MA urges local Catholics to speak out against HHS mandate, February 2, 2012
Bishop Stika’s response to HHS mandate, Bishop Richard Stika, of Knoxville, TN, February 2, 2012
Statement, Bishop Paul Swain, of Sioux Falls, SD, February 2, 2012
Diocese of Providence Press Release: Statement of Bishop Thomas Tobin on HHS Mandate, February 2, 2012
Letter, Bishop Michael Warfel, of Great Falls-Billings, MT, February 2, 2012
February 1, 2012
HHS decision stifles religious freedom, Bishop Gerald Barnes
Diocese of San Bernardino, February 1, 2012Letter, Bishop Stephen Blaire, of Stockton, CA, February 1, 2012
STATEMENT OF MOST REV. PAUL G. BOOTKOSKI ON THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES RESCINDING THE “CONSCIENCE RULE” AND SUPPORT FOR THE “RESPECT FOR RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE ACT” Bishop Paul Bootkoski of Metuchen, NJ, February 1, 2012
Bishop Bransfield Releases Statement on Conscience Protection in Health Care and Religious Liberty, Bishop Michael Bransfield, of Wheeling-Charleston, WV, February 1, 2012
Ruling on religious liberties is wrong, Father Barry Brinkman (apostolic administrator) of Salina, KS, February 1, 2012
Campaign to Reverse HHS Rule Mandating Catholic Employers to Cover Contraception, Bishop Robert Brom, of San Diego, CA, February 1, 2012
Archbishop Robert Carlson, Archdiocese of Saint Louis, implores Catholics to stand up for religious freedom, February 1, 2012
Response to HHS, Bishop Alvaro Corrada (apostolic administrator) of Tyler TX, February 1, 2012
Statement regarding President Obama's most recent announcement in regard to the HHS mandate, pdf version, pdf Spanish, Video Message English, Video Message Spanish, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, and Auxilary Bishop Oscar Cantú, of San Antonio, TX, February 1, 2012
Letter, Bishop Michael Hoeppner, of Crookston, MN, February 1, 2012
Bishop Kmiec comments on contraception mandate, Bishop Edward Kmiec, of Buffalo, NY, February 1, 2012
Letter to Parishioners, Archbishop Henry Mansell, of Hartford, CT, February 1, 2012
US Health and Human Services Ruling, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, Diocese of San Jose, February 1, 2012
Bishop Provost Comments on Healthcare Requirement, Bishop Glen Provost, of Lake Charles, LA, February 1, 2012
Letter, Bishop George Thomas, of Helena, MT, February 1, 2012
January 31, 2012
Letter, Bishop Tod Brown, of Orange, CA, January 31, 2012
Letter, Bishop Matthew Clark, of Rochester, NY, January 31, 2012 - Also see take action link on Diocese Website
Letter, Bishop George Coleman, of Fall River, MA, January 31, 2012
Bishop Daniel Conlon Addresses HHS Mandates to the People of the Diocese of Joliet, January 31, 2012
Bishop Frank Dewane’s Letter Regarding the HHS Healthcare Mandate, Venice, FL, January 31, 2012
Letter, Bishop Robert Finn, of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, MO, January 31, 2012
Letter, Archbishop Jerome Hanus, of Dubuque, IA, January 31, 2012
Response from Bishop Johnston, HHS Mandate, Bishop James Johnston, of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO
We must stand up and protect religious freedom , Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte, NC, January 31, 2012
Monsignor Kurt Kemo, Apostolic Administrator of Steubenville, OH, January 31, 2012
Archbishop Lucas expresses Concern over HHS order, Archbishop George Lucas, of Omaha, NE
Letter, Bishop George Murry, of Youngstown, OH, January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Statement on Diocese website homepage, Bishop Earl Boyea, of Lansing, MI, January 30, 2012
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Raleigh, NC Calls HHS Ruling A Violation of Rights, Read Bishop Burbidge’s letter: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF), January 20, 2012
Letter from Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta on the U.S. HHS Announcement Last Week, January 30, 2012
Statement on the HHS Ruling on Freedom of Conscience, Spanish Version, Bishop Robert Guglielmone, of Charleston, SC, January 30, 2012
Statement, Archbishop Henry Mansell, of Hartford, CT, January 30, 2012
Letter, Archbishop Joseph Naumann, of Kansas City, KS, January 30, 2012
An alarming message from Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, Santa Fe, NM, January 30, 2012
Letter from Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, January 30, 2012
January 29, 2012
Letter, Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse, January 29, 2012
Action needed to fight unjust ruling, Bishop Timothy Doherty, of Lafayette, IN, January 29, 2012
Protect Religious Freedom includes a link to Bishop Michael Mulvey of Corpus Christi, TX letter dated January 29, 2012
New HHS ruling violates our First Amendment rights, Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, IL, January 29, 2012
Letter, Bishop William Skystad,apostolic administrator of Baker, OR
January 28, 2012
Letter, Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, ND, January 28, 2012
Letter, Bishop Edward Burns, of Juneau, AK, January 28, 2012
Letter, Bishop Joseph Cistone, of Saginaw, MI, January 28, 2012
Bishop Thomas Doran of Rockford, IL Responds to HHS Mandate, January 28, 2012
US Department of Health & Human Services on Wrong Side of Constitution, by Bishop Paul D. Etienne, Diocese of Cheyenne, January 28th, 2012
Bishop Bernard Hebda, Diocese of Gaylord, Reacts to HHS Ruling; Calls for Action, January 28, 2012
Letter to Kathleen Sebelius, Archbishop John Myers of Newark, NJ, January 28, 2012
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted's Letter to Catholics: Coercive HHS Ruling Mandates Sterilization, Abortion-Inducing Drugs and Contraception
by Bishop's Office on January 28, 2012 also in SpanishJanuary 27, 2012
Bishop Bambera Issues Letter about the Serious Threat to Religious Liberty, Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, January 27, 2012
Statement on Conscience Protection, Archbishop Timothy Broglio of Military Services, USA, January 27, 2012
Letter, Bishop Robert Cunningham of Syracuse, NY, January 27, 2012
Letter, Bishop Michael Driscoll of Boise, ID, January 27, 2012
Most Rev. Felipe J. Estévez, S.T.D., Bishop of St. Augustine Joins U.S. Bishops in Vowing to Fight Coercive HHS Mandate,January 27, 2012
Bishop Tamayo Letter Regarding HHS Goverment Mandate, Spanish Version, Bishop James Tamayo, of Laredo, TX, January 27, 2012
Vann and Farrell: Obama administration attacks Catholic religious conscience, By Bishop Kevin Vann and Bishop Kevin Farrell, Special to the Star-Telegram, January 27, 2012
A time for Catholic action and Catholic voices, by Archbishop José H. Gomez, January 27, 2012
Letter, Bishop Fernando Isern, of Pueblo, CO, January 27, 2012
To Be Brought the Attention of Your People in a Significant Way, Bishop Edward Kmiec, of Buffalo, NY, January 27, 2012
The Jesus mandate vs. Obama’s mandate, by Bishop William E. Lori, January 27, 2012
Bishop Richard Malone of Portland, Maine - Live Interview on Presence Radio, January 27, 2012
Letter from 'Bishop Francis Malooly of Wilmington, DE': ‘We will not comply with this unjust law’, January 27 ,2012
Letter, Bishop Joseph McFadden, of Harrisburg, PA
US Health and Human Services Ruling, Spanish translation, Vietnamese translation, Patrick J. McGrath, Bishop of San Jose, January 27, 2012
Letter, Bishop Salvatore Matano,of Burlington, VT, January 27, 2012
URGENT Request, Bishop William Medley, of Owensboro, KY, January 27, 2012
Letter, Bishop Dale Melczek of Gary, IN, January, 27, 2012
Bishop addresses serious topics related to threats on life, Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless--Bishop of Diocese of Sioux City, January 27, 2012
N.C. bishops ask for action to protest contraception mandate, North Carolina Bishops, Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte, January 27, 2012
Bishop David Ricken calls on area Catholics to fight HHS ruling on religious liberty, by The Compass, Green Bay, WI, January 27, 2012
Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz calls Catholics to oppose federal contraception mandate, Says law would treat Catholics as ‘second class citizens’, by Joel Davidson, January 27, 2012
Letter from Archbishop Roger Schwietz, Archdiocese of Anchorage regarding federal contraception mandate, January 27, 2012
Vann and Farrell: Obama administration attacks Catholic religious conscience, By Bishop Kevin Vann and Bishop Kevin Farrell, Special to the Star-Telegram, January 27, 2012
Bishop Zurek's Response on New HHS Mandate, by Bishop Patrick J. Zurek, Diocese of Amarillo, January 27, 2012
January 26, 2012
Letter, Bishop Martin Amos, of Davenport, IA, January 26, 2012
Bishop Barbarito Responds and Urges Catholics to Take Action on the Recent Ruling by HHS and Threat to Religious Liberty, Spanish version, Bishop Gerald Barbarito, of Palm Beach, FL, January 26, 2012
Letter - links to both English and Spanish, Bishop John Barres, of Allentown, PA, January 26, 2012
A Message from Bishop Blair "...an unprecedented attack on freedom of conscience and of religion." Also see Letter - Bishop Leonard Blair, Toledo, OH, January 26, 2012
Letter, Bishop Paul Bradley, of Kalamazoo, MI, January 26, 2012
Letter to the Faithful, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, NE, January 26, 2012
Letter, Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, OK, January 26, 2012
Letter, Bishop Peter Christensen of Superior, WI, January 26, 2012
Letter, Bishop Francis DiLorenzo of Richmond, VA, January 26, 2012
Bishop Hartmayer vows to fight conscience rights ruling, Links to letter including Spanish version, Bishop Gregory Hartmayer of Savannah, GA, January 26, 2012
Information regarding HHS ruling, Bishop Michael Jackels of Wichita, KS, January 26, 2012
Bishop to parishes: Religious freedom threatened - Time to act, Bishop Richard Lennon of Cleveland, OH, January 26, 2012
Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester Denounces Obama Administration Mandate, January 26, 2012
Stand up for religious liberty and rights of conscience, Bishop's Letter, Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, WI, January 26, 2012
Letter (links to Catholic Vote website), Archbishop John Nienstedt of Saint Paul & Minneapolis, MN, January 26, 2012
Letter in English, Letter in Spanish, Bishop John Noonan of Orlando, FL, January 26, 2012
A Threat to Religious Freedom, Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., Bishop of Trenton, January 26, 2012
HHS mandate is ‘attack on our religious freedom’, video interview, Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN, January 26, 2012
A letter from Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati concerning HHS edict, January 26, 2012
Letter to be read at all the masses, Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin, TX, January 26, 2012
Letter, Archbishop John Vlazny, of Portland, OR, January 26, 2012
January 25, 2012
“The Bell is Tolling”, By Most Rev. James D. Conley, S.T.L., Apostolic Administrator of Denver, CO, Jan. 25, 2012
Religious Freedom: The Cornerstone of American Government, Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan of New York City, NY, January 25, 2012
Letter, Bishop Robert Gruss, of Rapid City, SD, January 25, 2012
Letter, Bishop John LeVoir, of New Ulm, MN, January 25, 2012
Faith & New Works: Witness to life; witness to religious freedom, Bishop William Murphy, of Rockville Centre, NY, January 25, 2012
Letter, Bishop Armando Ochoa, of Fresno, CA (also apostolic administrator of El Paso), January 25, 2012
Letter to parishioners concerning HHS ruling requiring insurance coverage of contraception, abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization. by Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, January 25, 2012
Letter, Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, CA, January 25, 2012
Letter to Parishes, (also in Spanish) Bishop Anthony Taylor of Little Rock, AR, January 25, 2012
HHS rules would override the conscience, Spanish version, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami, January 25, 2012
HHS delays rule on contraceptive coverage, Decision unchanged on HHS exemptions, ‘To Hell With You’, By Bishop David A. Zubik, January 25, 2012
also see Decision unchanged on HHS exemptionsJanuary 24, 2012
January 24, 2012 Letter by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC Catholic Diocese of Peoria
"Secularism and Its Impact on Faith and Society", Archbishop Jerome Listecki, of Milwaukee, WI, January 24, 2012
Bishop Paul Loverde on HHS Contraceptive Mandate, January 24, 2012
January 23, 2012
Archbishop Aymond reacts to HHS mandate, Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, LA, January 23, 2012
Archbishop Robert Carlson of Saint Louis, MO calls on Catholics to fight for conscience rights protections, January 23, 2012
Statement, Bishop Walter Hurley of Grand Rapids, MI
Monday Memo, Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tuscon, AZ, January 23, 2012
Obama Tramples on Religious Freedom; Bishop Richard Malone of Portland, Maine Calls for Protest, January 23, 2012
Bishop Richard Pates, of Des Moines, IA, January 23, 2012
January 21, 2012
Detroit's Archbishop: HHS Mandate Tramples Religious Freedom, and Detroit's Archbishop Vigneron: HHS Mandate Tramples Freedom of Religion, Conscience, January 21, 2012
Texas Catholic Conference Speaks Out Against HHS Rule, Calls for Action, January 21, 2012
January 20, 2012
HHS Edict Will Force Catholics to Violate Conscience, Pennsylvannia Catholic Conference, January 20, 2012
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo's Blog, "This mandate gravely compromises religious liberty", Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, January 20, 2012
Federal Government Mandate for Contraceptive/Sterilization Coverage, by Cardinal Emeritus Roger Mahony, January 20, 2012
Cardinal-Designate Edwin F. O'Brien Condemns Obama Administration Decision Disregarding Conscience Protections for Religious Employers and Individuals, Echoes Statement of U.S. Bishops: Health and Human Services Edict Requires Virtually All Health Plans Include Sterilization, Abortifacients and Contraception, January 20, 2012
Letter, Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, MA, January 20, 2012
September 29, 2011
Archbishop Chaput asks Catholics to make opposition to HHS mandate known "Religious ‘exemption’ in the mandate fails miserably to assure that religious conscience is protected”, September 29, 2011
Louisiana Bishops Oppose DHHS Interim Final Rules on Preventive Services, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, September 29, 2011
Cardinal Dolan Applauds Church Agencies As They Challenge HHS For Violating Religious Freedom. May 21, 2012
Mary Ann Glendon: Why the Bishops Are Suing the U.S. Government
The main goal of the contraception mandate is not to protect women's health. It is a move to conscript religious organizations into a political agenda. May 21, 2012Religious Liberty and the Rights of Conscience -- by Sister Agnes Mary Donovan, SV, Pentecost 2012
Would You Go to Jail - With Your Bishop? -- by Julianne Wiley, Pentecost 2012
Fortnight for Freedom - June 21 - July 4 -- The bishops of the United States invite you to join in an urgent prayer for religious liberty, Pentecost 2012
Hundreds gather to protest HHS mandate in Phoenix, by Joyce Coronel | March 23, 2012 | The Catholic Sun
Diverse panel testifies against contraception mandate, February 29, 2012, Catholic News Agency
Bishop Lori rips HHS mandate in House Judiciary Committee testimony, February 29, 2012 , Catholic World News
States, women, senators join fight against HHS contraceptive mandate, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, CNS, February 27, 2012
Inside Voices: Religious Freedom, Conscience, Government, and Responsibility -- by Helen Hull Hitchcock, Voices, Lent-Eastertide 2012
Myths abound about HHS contraceptive mandate; here are the facts, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service, February 22, 2012
Contraception, Against Conscience, Op-Ed Contributor, Michael P. Warsaw, February 21, 2012
February 18, 2012, Statement on the HHS Mandate by Rev. Joseph W. Koterski, S.J. , President of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars
February 17, 2012, I Hold in My Hand the Names of 20 Catholic Colleges that Cover Contraception, The Cardinal Newman Society Blog
February 17, 2012, First Things
In Defense of Religious Freedom
A Statement by Evangelicals and Catholics Together.Last paragraph:
“In all of this, we believe we are acting as Christians have been commanded to act, and speaking as citizens of mature democracies ought to speak. Our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and our baptism in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, compels us to defend the religious freedom of all who are created in the image of God. Our gratitude for the religious freedom that has been a hallmark of North America for over two centuries compels us to work to defend religious freedom in the United States and Canada, and to work for the religious freedom of others in all lands. For the sake of the common good, we, Evangelicals and Catholics Together, urge our fellow citizens and our public officials to join us in the renewal of religious freedom: to defend religious freedom for all persons and to guard against its erosion in our societies. “Revised contraceptive mandate prompts reaction from Catholic groups, CNS, February 10, 2012
List of 25 Catholic (and Christian) Institutions Opposing Obama/HHS Mandate, February 9, 2012
EWTN sues US government over contraception mandate
By Benjamin Mann
Irondale, Ala., Feb 9, 2012 / 10:00 am (EWTN News/CNA )Catholic media network EWTN sued the federal government Feb. 9, challenging the Obama administration's rule requiring many religious ministries to subsidize contraception and sterilization in their health plans.
“We had no other option but to take this to the courts,” EWTN President and CEO Michael Warsaw said in an announcement about the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday. “There is no question that this mandate violates our First Amendment rights.
Read more: http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/US.php?id=4839
Updated: *171* Bishops Speak Out Against Obama/HHS Mandate by Thomas Peters, this list of all the bishops speaking out links to CatholicVote.org, January 30, 2012
HHS Decision Continues to Prompt More Strong Opposition From Catholics
Bishops and Rep. Chris Smith speak out against administration's violation of Church beliefs and conscience rights. by EWTN NEWS published online National Catholic Register, January 27, 2012Bishop Ricken calls on area Catholics to fight HHS ruling on religious liberty, Written by The Compass, Friday, 27 January 2012
Cardinal links religious liberty fight with abortion struggle, Catholic News Service, By Mark Pattison, January 23, 2012
HHS delays, but does not change, rule on contraceptive coverage, Catholic News Service, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, January 20, 2012
This Friday, June 8, 2012 the Pro-Life Action League and Citizens for a Pro-Life Society will be hosting their Stand Up for Religious Freedom rallies.
Rally locations and times can be found at: http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/
Related sections Catholics and Political Responsibility | Medicine and Morality
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