Posted on 02/01/2012 8:19:19 AM PST by marshmallow
Our many fellow Catholics now enchained for the Faith of our Fathers in such places as China, Syria, and Egypt are, as Father Fabers hymn says, in heart and conscience free. But what happens when a government tries to chain the conscience itself?
A few weeks ago, in a remarkably unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the attempt of the present Administration in Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC to restrict religious freedom by interfering with the hiring of ministerial personnel. Chief Justice Roberts wrote that the Administrations argument that the First Amendment does not guarantee the right of religious organization to choose its leaders, was an extreme infringement of the free exercise clause.
Undeterred, and menacingly on the cusp of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Department of Health and Human Services has issued an interim final rule which requires all private health plans, including those of Catholic hospitals and schools, to include coverage of prescription contraceptives, female sterilization procedures, and abortion counseling.
For a while, various Catholic leaders had hoped that they might reach an understanding with the Administration, and some even felt more at peace with the presidents assurances. But peace for our time only lasts until Poland is invaded. Cardinal Mahony, whom no one would fault for intransigence, now says, I cannot imagine a more direct and frontal attack on the freedom of conscience than this ruling today. This decision must be fought against with all the energies the Catholic Community can muster. Cardinal-elect Dolan said, In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences.
When a writer for The National Catholic Reporter supports the Catholic Church against the Obama administration, one wonders if it might be the effect of solar radiation, but.........
(Excerpt) Read more at crisismagazine.com ...
You know I have that book but have not read it yet! I have to find it. Thanks for reminding!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.