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USCCB Submits Comments on Proposed HHS Rulemaking, Urges Re-Opening of Final Rule Defining Mandate, Exemption |
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Click to read the Nationwide Bulletin Insert on Relgious Liberty! |
WASHINGTON-Religious employers and other stakeholders would still have their employee health insurance plans and premiums used for services they find morally objectionable, even under future government accommodations, according to comments submitted by the General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The May 15 comments outlined the continued objections of USCCB to the HHS "preventive services" mandate and urged the administration to resolve these issues "in favor of more, not less, religious freedom."
"We believe that this mandate is unjust and unlawful - it is bad health policy, and because it entails an element of government coercion against conscience, it creates a religious freedom problem," wrote Anthony Picarello, USCCB associate general secretary and general counsel, and Michael Moses, associate general counsel. "These moral and legal problems are...more
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Life Issues Forum | |
"Coercion in the Name of Freedom?"
by Richard M. Doerflinger
The "Freedom From Religious Foundation" has placed a full-page ad in the Washington Post. It urges Catholics to "quit the Catholic Church" over its teachings on sex and procreation, asking: "Will it be reproductive freedom, or back to the Dark Ages?" Noting Catholic opposition to the Obama Administration's mandate for covering contraception, sterilization and abortifacient drugs in most private health plans, the ad declares: "The Church that hasn't persuaded you to shun contraception now wants to use the force of secular law to deny birth control to non-Catholics."
This is so topsy-turvy a description of what is going on that I guess the Post's advertising fact-checkers are out sick. But in case anyone is swayed by such charges, the facts may bear repeating...more.
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Respect Life Program
Featured Article: "Embryo Research" |
 The 2011 to 2012 Respect Life Program continues throughout the year with the theme "I Came So That All Might Have Life, and Have It to the Full."
This month's featured article is "Embryo Research". The article explains that not only is embryo research a violation against the Fifth Commandment but also denies the God-given dignity and gift of life to these most vulnerable human beings. Read it and check out more resources for the Church's teachings on embryo and stem cell research. In addition to the eight pamphlets in the new "Life Matters" series, the packets also include a liturgy guide, clip art, bulletin inserts and more information for your parish or organization. Spread the Gospel of Life by ordering packets or packet items separately. Order materials online or call toll-free (866) 582-0943. |
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JOIN People of Life | |
People of Life is the pro-life
action campaign of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Our mission is to promote respect and legal protection for
all human life, from conception to natural death.
Become a member, E-mail
People of Life or visit here.
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Anne McGuire is a
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Click to learn more about our staff! |
staff assistant for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville where she earned a B.A. in English, with a concentration in writing, and a minor in human life studies. Having been interested in advocacy for many years, she enjoys learning more about public policy as one of the four pillars of the bishops' Pastoral Plan on Pro-Life Activities. Anne says she is grateful to work with wonderful people on important pro-life issues from many different angles: prayer, education, pastoral care, and public policy. "It's truly a blessing to be part of the bishops' pro-life ministry and promote 'People of Life'," said Anne.
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Prayer Corner |
Vatican Approves New "Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb"!
God, author of all life,
bless, we pray, this unborn child;
give constant protection
and grant a healthy birth
that is the sign of our rebirth one day
into the eternal rejoicing of heaven...
Check out Word of Life for prayer petitions and bulletin notes. |
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