In my opinion, the HHS Mandate which would force religious institutions to violate their teachings or face crippling fines and sanctions represents one of the most serious challenges to America’s Constitutional Government since the Civil War.
This mandate is not a law. It is a government agency rule, established by vote of a small committee of private individuals who were not elected by or answerable to the American people. If allowed to stand, the mandate will establish the precedent that the government may coerce the ministries of whole denominations to violate their own moral teachings or be shut down by government fines and sanctions. This is a direct, deliberate violation of the freedom of religion which Americans have enjoyed for over 200 years. This mandate must not stand.
I feel it is our duty as Americans to oppose the HHS Mandate and to insist that our elected officials act to make certain that this violation of our basic liberties is turned back and that it never occurs again. My hope is that all freedom-loving Americans will join with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their stand for one of the most important freedoms that Americans possess.
On this, the first day of the Fortnight for Freedom, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released the following Prayer for Religious Liberty. If you agree with it, please pray it today and every day of the Fortnight for Freedom.
O God our Creator, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.
We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.
Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome—for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us—this great land will always be “one nation, under God,indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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