The United States is a nation founded on the principle of life, liberty and justice for all. Throughout the history of this great nation, the religious communities and those in posts of civil authority have recognized that free practice of religious belief is foundational to our country.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...." But in recent days the latest salvo in the attack on religious freedom was fired by the Obama administration and, sadly, by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, a Catholic.On Jan. 20, Sebelius announced the administration's decision to mandate the inclusion of particular health services in insurance coverage that would result in Catholic institutions having to provide coverage that violates Catholic Church teaching and, therefore, Catholic conscience.The HHS ruling requires that sterilization and contraception, including controversial abortifacients, be among the "preventive services" coverage in almost every healthcare plan available to Americans, including health plans offered by religious organizations.The one-year concession allowed to implement these provisions is, as Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said, "a one-year period to violate our consciences."Cardinal Roger Mahony, retired archbishop of Los Angeles, says this is a "full frontal attack" on religious freedom.As the shepherds for nearly 2 million Catholics in North Texas, we cannot stand by silently.This decision is outrageous. It is an unprecedented and untenable abrogation of religious freedom in the United States. This ruling, upon its implementation, would force Catholic institutions -- hospitals, schools, social service agencies -- to either violate the fundamental tenets of their faith or stop offering health insurance coverage to their employees, students and clients.This is part of a pattern in the United States that has degenerated from the recognition of religion as good and salutary to our society to religion being subjected to punitive discrimination.We ask that the Catholics of North Texas and other people of good will join us by speaking out for the protection of conscience rights and religious liberty that are essential to the American way of life.We ask our civil authorities at all levels of government to "reform the law and change this unjust regulation," as Dolan said after the ruling.The Catholic Dioceses of Dallas and Fort Worth, just as every religious organization in the United States, must be allowed to follow the fundamental tenets of their faith in all aspects of life without unwarranted government interference as is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.Kevin Vann is bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth.Kevin Farrell is bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
