There are three parts to the (latest) HHS definition of an exempt Church-related organization:
- It has to employ all or almost-all people of the same faith
- It has to serve all or almost-all people of the same faith
- It has to function primarily to teach the doctrines of the faith.
The Little Sisters would "fail" on #2 and #3, even if they hired all Catholics. They would "fail" to qualify as sufficiently religious, precisely because they are charitable and they serve everyone without discrimination.
So add these to the list of Catholic organizations the Obama Administration would shut down:
- Belmont Abbey College
- EWTN
- Dominican Sisters of Nashville
- Little Sisters of the Poor
- add a couple hundred or so
Thank you for this information, and thanks to the other posters who clarified what the mandate really means for Catholic institutions.
I’m ashamed to say I haven’t really been keeping ahead of this issue due to an illness in the family.
Could you point me to some links where I can catch up?
No wonder the Cardinal says we must get ready for difficult times ahead.
I, for one, will pray a daily Rosary that Obama gets defeated in November, and that this insidious “healthcare” plan will die an untimely death.