When the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops kicked off their \u201cFortnight for Freedom\u201d campaign almost two weeks ago, they chose an auspicious feast day to start. On the Church\u2019s liturgical calendar, June 21 commemorates two martyrs who suffered political persecution: St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, who were killed under Henry VIII for refusing to recognize him as the head of the Church of England. The American bishops have indicated they feel similarly besieged by political forces. To promote \u201cour Christian and American heritage of liberty,\u201d they\u2019ve organized two weeks of activism and prayer, culminating in a nationally televised liturgy on July 4, Independence Day\u2014another date with clear significance for this U.S.-focused event.<\/p>\n