"For the first time, we've seen such a narrow definition of what a religious group is codified in law. And that is what brings us here tonight," said Fr. Manny in his opening remarks at the October 16 symposium on religious freedom and the new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandates.

Moderator Lisa Friedlander of our Parish Council addressed questions to Rabbi Philip Lefkowitz of Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation, Dr. Joronda Crawford of Israel Methodist Community Church, and Fr. Richard Simon of St. Lambert Parish in Skokie. Their answers were plain-spoken and weighty.

The panelists agreed that the problem with the mandates is broader than their conflict with Catholic teachings on abortion, birth control and sterilization. "The fact of the matter is, the issue for us is not that issue at all," said Rabbi Lefkowitz. "The issue is the imposition of the state on one's religious belief."  

"An attack on any religious belief is an attack on me," said the rabbi. "That's a fact. Because once they go after one religion, they go after another."

"We protestants need to step up to our name; we need to start protesting!" said Dr. Crawford. "How does a government entity decide whether I am religious enough in order to be exempted?"

"When we talk about separation of Church and state, we really are talking about the idea that I belong to something larger than the state," said Fr. Simon. "St. Paul, in the letter to the Hebrews says, 'Our citizenship is in heaven.' And I think all three of us would agree on that."

Fr. Manny pointed out that the mandates' narrow definition would not exempt all religious organizations from the requirement to provide insurance that covers sterilization, birth control and one drug that causes abortion. "So for example, Saint Clement Church would qualify. . . but Saint Clement School wouldn't." 

Dozens of religious organizations including The University of Notre Dame, Chicago's Catholic Charities and 20 dioceses and archdioceses are suing to overturn the mandates.

The event, organized by the Respect Life Committee of Saint Clement's Human Concerns Commission, drew parishioners from at least five parishes. Watch a video of the symposium on the Respect Life webpage.