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This is not about access to contraception, which is ubiquitous and inexpensive. . . . This is not about the religious freedom of Catholics only, but also of those who recognize that their cherished beliefs may be next on the block. This is not about the bishops’ somehow ‘banning contraception,’ when the U.S. Supreme Court took that issue off the table two generations ago. Indeed, this is not about the Church wanting to force anybody to do anything; it is, instead, about the federal government forcing the Church . . . to act against Church teachings. This is not a matter of opposition to universal health care, which has been a concern of the Bishops’ Conference since 1919, virtually at its founding. This is not a fight we want or asked for, but one forced upon us by government on its own timing. Finally, this is not a Republican or Democratic, a conservative or liberal issue; it is an American issue.

As a Jew, I seldom have any reason to pay any attention to what Catholic leaders have to say. However, this issue is one that completely transcends any particular religion, and goes to the heart of the 1st Amendment protections that ALL believers have against government coercion. Three cheers for these bishops, they've really hit the nail on the head. As the above statement points out, this is an issue of religious liberty, not contraception. They are also spot on that this issue was not one that they/we sought, but rather one that was on them/us by the fascist Obama Administration.

Thank you for sharing this perspective. I wholeheartedly agree with you that this issue 'completely transcends any particular religion'.

As an aside, please allow me to share one additional thought regarding paying attention to what Catholic Bishops or Popes might say ....

Blessed Pope John Paul II ardently embraced the Jewish people during his pontificate as the 'beloved of God' ... "The Jewish religion is not 'extrinsic' to us, but in a certain way is 'intrinsic' to our own religion," he said elsewhere in his address. "With Judaism, therefore, we have a relationship which we do not have with any other religion. You are our dearly beloved brothers, and, in a certain way, it could be said that you are our elder brothers."