Comments on: Statement of the USCCB on Religious Liberty http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/ Thu, 23 May 2013 20:02:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Dave S http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-60269 Dave S Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:59:22 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-60269 Cardinal Dolan: I respectfully suggest that all the USCCB statements and letters from you lose a significant part of their impact when there are statements being made by CHA and Sister Keehane and zip from the Bishops that sit on her Board. I submit my note to Bishop Lynch for your consideration; Bishop Lynch: Will there be some point when you acknowledge the serious damage being done by the CHA and Sister Keehan personally. Continuing to straddle the HHS mandate with your feet figuratively in each camp is hardly the position of a faithful teacher of the faith. Nor is silence on your part an acceptable response with supporters of the mandate citing the CHA’s support along with Sr. Keehan’s personally. Don’t you think it’s past time for you to take a stand consistent with the USCCB in public opposition to her? You’ll recall that when President Obama met with Pope Benedict several years, you told us you trusted Obama, and subsequent events have proved that trust was misplaced; when Sister Keehan, in opposition to the stand taken by the USCCB supported the original healthcare bill’s passage, you once again told us how much you trusted this “good woman of God” as you described her, and again, subsequent events have proven that she was unworthy of your public trust. Large numbers of Catholics and many political figures are influenced by her highly visible public stand and the illusion of fidelity her public position has conferred on the HHS mandate. I beg you to consider the consequences that your continued silence on Sister Keehan’s defiance will have…it’s time for you as a CHA Board member but more importantly as the shepherd of several million Catholics to be equally visible in fighting the false impression her statements have created. Please publicly and prominently separate yourself from her, the CHA, and any pretense that she speaks for the Church. Respectfully, David Schnelly With the utmost respect to you, I ask; When does the USCCB publicly and forcefully deal with the Sister Keehan's of the world who at best are confusing and misleading hundreds of thousands of Catholics...at worst, are contributing to the loss of the religious freedoms they hide behind. Perhaps instruction the CHA to remove Catholic from it's name would send a message that thus far hasn't been received... Cardinal Dolan:

I respectfully suggest that all the USCCB statements and letters from you lose a significant part of their impact when there are statements being made by CHA and Sister Keehane and zip from the Bishops that sit on her Board. I submit my note to Bishop Lynch for your consideration;

Bishop Lynch:

Will there be some point when you acknowledge the serious damage being done by the CHA and Sister Keehan personally. Continuing to straddle the HHS mandate with your feet figuratively in each camp is hardly the position of a faithful teacher of the faith. Nor is silence on your part an acceptable response with supporters of the mandate citing the CHA’s support along with Sr. Keehan’s personally. Don’t you think it’s past time for you to take a stand consistent with the USCCB in public opposition to her?

You’ll recall that when President Obama met with Pope Benedict several years, you told us you trusted Obama, and subsequent events have proved that trust was misplaced; when Sister Keehan, in opposition to the stand taken by the USCCB supported the original healthcare bill’s passage, you once again told us how much you trusted this “good woman of God” as you described her, and again, subsequent events have proven that she was unworthy of your public trust.

Large numbers of Catholics and many political figures are influenced by her highly visible public stand and the illusion of fidelity her public position has conferred on the HHS mandate. I beg you to consider the consequences that your continued silence on Sister Keehan’s defiance will have…it’s time for you as a CHA Board member but more importantly as the shepherd of several million Catholics to be equally visible in fighting the false impression her statements have created. Please publicly and prominently separate yourself from her, the CHA, and any pretense that she speaks for the Church.

Respectfully,

David Schnelly

With the utmost respect to you, I ask; When does the USCCB publicly and forcefully deal with the Sister Keehan’s of the world who at best are confusing and misleading hundreds of thousands of Catholics…at worst, are contributing to the loss of the religious freedoms they hide behind. Perhaps instruction the CHA to remove Catholic from it’s name would send a message that thus far hasn’t been received…

]]> By: Timothy Paolicelli Sr. http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-60116 Timothy Paolicelli Sr. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:55:41 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-60116 The passing of the President's mandate is against the First Amendment to the Constitution which our forefathers fought for. You supported all the soldiers fighting for our country but now you are letting down our forefathers who fought for this country's rights and freedoms. It will affect people of all religions and all classes of people in the United States. This is the start of a Hitler type situation all over again. If this bill passes, all who are to blame should be granted their hell on earth, before their natural death on earth. Please support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (S. 1467), and vote for this measure when it is offered as Senate Amendment 1520 to the Transportation Authorization Bill. The Obama administration's decision to mandate coverage of sterilization and contraceptives, including drugs that can cause an abortion, makes passage of this measure especially urgent. Please ensure that the religious liberty and conscience rights of all participants in our nation's health care system are respected. I would appreciate a personal response to my heartfelt expression of my beliefs The passing of the President’s mandate is against the First Amendment to the Constitution which our forefathers fought for. You supported all the soldiers fighting for our country but now you are letting down our forefathers who fought for this country’s rights and freedoms. It will affect people of all religions and all classes of people in the United States. This is the start of a Hitler type situation all over again. If this bill passes, all who are to blame should be granted their hell on earth, before their natural death on earth.

Please support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (S. 1467), and vote for this measure when it is offered as Senate Amendment 1520 to the Transportation Authorization Bill. The Obama administration’s decision to mandate coverage of sterilization and contraceptives, including drugs that can cause an abortion, makes passage of this measure especially urgent. Please ensure that the religious liberty and conscience rights of all participants in our nation’s health care system are respected.

I would appreciate a personal response to my heartfelt expression of my beliefs

]]> By: Patricia http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-59938 Patricia Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:43:49 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-59938 A very intelligent and clear article that addresses the unconstitutionality of the!HHS mandate and the alleged accomodation! Chills should run up and down our American spine at the brazen promulgation of such an unjust law! http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204795304577223003824714664.html A very intelligent and clear article that addresses the unconstitutionality of the!HHS mandate and the alleged accomodation! Chills should run up and down our American spine at the brazen promulgation of such an unjust law!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204795304577223003824714664.html

]]> By: Donna http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-59915 Donna Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:44:42 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-59915 Dear Archbishop Dolan, I am a Catholic residing in the suburban Chicagoland area. I am very concerned about the White House's response to the insurance mandate. I believe the Catholic institutions will still be providing the contraceptive insurance INDIRECTLY to their employees. Is this what we want? What is the difference between providing the insurance directly or indirectly? The institutions are still providing the ACCESS to the contraceptive insurance. I feel in my heart this is a direct attack on our faith. We need to stand together and fight this battle. Please reconsider the White House's answer and just say NO! I believe the answer to this problem is for the White House to provide a waiver to the Catholic institutions-- as they have done with hundreds of other companies. I will pray for you and all the bishops to have the courage and perseverance to continue to be strong and stand for what we believe in - - - LIFE! Dear Archbishop Dolan,
I am a Catholic residing in the suburban Chicagoland area. I am very concerned about the White House’s response to the insurance mandate. I believe the Catholic institutions will still be providing the contraceptive insurance INDIRECTLY to their employees. Is this what we want? What is the difference between providing the insurance directly or indirectly? The institutions are still providing the ACCESS to the contraceptive insurance.

I feel in my heart this is a direct attack on our faith. We need to stand together and fight this battle. Please reconsider the White House’s answer and just say NO!

I believe the answer to this problem is for the White House to provide a waiver to the Catholic institutions– as they have done with hundreds of other companies. I will pray for you and all the bishops to have the courage and perseverance to continue to be strong and stand for what we believe in – - – LIFE!

]]> By: Ann Marie Dell'Aquila http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-59914 Ann Marie Dell'Aquila Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:51:42 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-59914 A few years ago, I volunteered to teach the eight graders their lessons in preparation for their Confirmation. Two things come to mind when Obama challenged the Catholic Church. First, the conflicts between Pontius Pilate (The State of Rome) and Jesus which ended in his crucifiction (The Passion of Christ). To save his job and comfortable life, he scarificed an innocent man. Secondly, the Constitution of the United States guarantees religious freedon and the separation of Chruch and State. Mr. Obama, like any other ELECTED official CANNOT alter the Constition. He has NO authority to tell the Catholic Church to offer anything to their employees. Next, he will mandate abortions in Catholic Hospitals. I told my students, Jesus was considered a rebel by the State and his fellow Jewish Priests. Therefore, I pray, Archbishop Dolan will step up and walk the same path Jesus walked. Do not back down. Do not compromise. Challenge The State in the highest court. Your victory is ours. You are part of "We the People." Thank you. A few years ago, I volunteered to teach the eight graders their lessons in preparation for their Confirmation. Two things come to mind when Obama challenged the Catholic Church. First, the conflicts between Pontius Pilate (The State of Rome) and Jesus which ended in his crucifiction (The Passion of Christ). To save his job and comfortable life, he scarificed an innocent man. Secondly, the Constitution of the United States guarantees religious freedon and the separation of Chruch and State. Mr. Obama, like any other ELECTED official CANNOT alter the Constition. He has NO authority to tell the Catholic Church to offer anything to their employees. Next, he will mandate abortions in Catholic Hospitals.

I told my students, Jesus was considered a rebel by the State and his fellow Jewish Priests. Therefore, I pray, Archbishop Dolan will step up and walk the same path Jesus walked. Do not back down. Do not compromise. Challenge The State in the highest court. Your victory is ours. You are part of “We the People.” Thank you.

]]> By: Anne http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-59905 Anne Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:26:13 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-59905 Sad and shocked to hear the letter regarding HHS law accommodation read yesterday. How can this be "A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?" This accommodation is approved by Planned Parenthood! I am sad because we as Catholics had a shining moment with so many unlikely voices defending us. Why were we read a letter that failed to expose the truly underhanded strategy to bypass Catholic liberty? This letter did nothing to galvanize or educate any of my fellow parishioners. Sad and shocked to hear the letter regarding HHS law accommodation read yesterday. How can this be “A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?” This accommodation is approved by Planned Parenthood! I am sad because we as Catholics had a shining moment with so many unlikely voices defending us. Why were we read a letter that failed to expose the truly underhanded strategy to bypass Catholic liberty? This letter did nothing to galvanize or educate any of my fellow parishioners.

]]> By: Christine Zainer MD http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-59893 Christine Zainer MD Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:04:44 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-59893 To "revise" how to provide “free” access to abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations, contraceptives, i.e., contraceptive steroids which are carcinogens for women, and have as a mechanism of preventing pregnancy, interference with a tiny embryo attaching to his/her mother's womb thereby causing this tiny person's death...is NOT a "step in the right direction." Proponents of the HHS mandate say it is about contraception. If contraception were not a moral act, (i.e., a human act consciously chosen with knowledge and free will that it is either good or evil) it would not be an issue of religious freedom. But, the HHS mandate is both about religious freedom and contraception. This is an opportunity to teach the truth about LOVE's love…why contraception is not a good act and not good for us... and why it is neither a right nor free. NO individual, company or organization should have to provide, perform, pay or refer for immoral acts. To have to even fight for an exemption for religious institutions to this tyrannical ruling that should never have been put forth for anyone is evidence that this teaching is long overdue. There are many social injustices with the PPACA but the shocking HHS mandate and its mocking “accommodation” are reasons enough to repeal Obamacare and overwhelmingly reject prochoice politicians at the polls. Dear Your Excellency, please don’t cave in...for the sake of all Catholics, albeit not your employees, and the many of good will. Coraggio! To “revise” how to provide “free” access to abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations, contraceptives, i.e., contraceptive steroids which are carcinogens for women, and have as a mechanism of preventing pregnancy, interference with a tiny embryo attaching to his/her mother’s womb thereby causing this tiny person’s death…is NOT a “step in the right direction.” Proponents of the HHS mandate say it is about contraception. If contraception were not a moral act, (i.e., a human act consciously chosen with knowledge and free will that it is either good or evil) it would not be an issue of religious freedom. But, the HHS mandate is both about religious freedom and contraception. This is an opportunity to teach the truth about LOVE’s love…why contraception is not a good act and not good for us… and why it is neither a right nor free. NO individual, company or organization should have to provide, perform, pay or refer for immoral acts. To have to even fight for an exemption for religious institutions to this tyrannical ruling that should never have been put forth for anyone is evidence that this teaching is long overdue. There are many social injustices with the PPACA but the shocking HHS mandate and its mocking “accommodation” are reasons enough to repeal Obamacare and overwhelmingly reject prochoice politicians at the polls. Dear Your Excellency, please don’t cave in…for the sake of all Catholics, albeit not your employees, and the many of good will. Coraggio!

]]> By: Bob Janik http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-59889 Bob Janik Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:58:17 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-59889 Never before has a U.S. president taken measures against the constitution. In December, 2011, he signed into law NDAA which negates the Bill of Rights on his command. Now in February, 2012, he usurps the constitution's separation of church and state by demanding Church's act contrary to Christian conscience. I fear we have only seen but a glimpse of the tyranny soon befall us all. Never before has a U.S. president taken measures against the constitution. In December, 2011, he signed into law NDAA which negates the Bill of Rights on his command. Now in February, 2012, he usurps the constitution’s separation of church and state by demanding Church’s act contrary to Christian conscience. I fear we have only seen but a glimpse of the tyranny soon befall us all.

]]> By: Rob http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-59884 Rob Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:44:52 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-59884 Archbishop Dolan, Please consider the idea of beginning adoration either in the cathedral or in an appropriate parish with the express intention of overturning this foul mandate. It would be a great thing if every diocese decided to do this, perhaps you could pass the idea on to your fellow bishops at the USCCB? Archbishop Dolan,

Please consider the idea of beginning adoration either in the cathedral or in an appropriate parish with the express intention of overturning this foul mandate.

It would be a great thing if every diocese decided to do this, perhaps you could pass the idea on to your fellow bishops at the USCCB?

]]> By: Becky Roberts http://blog.archny.org/index.php/statement-of-the-usccb-on-religious-liberty/comment-page-1/#comment-59878 Becky Roberts Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:03:38 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2252#comment-59878 Archbishop Dolan, Being a 55 year old cradle Catholic I have never been so proud of my Church! In recent years the intrusion of Progressive ideology into the conversation amongst the Faithful has caused concern for me. That is why I urge you and all Catholics to continue to push back against the evil that is Obamacare!! To think that ANY leader in the Catholic Church accepted and voiced approval of the original legislation boggled my mind. I sincerly hope the Church's teachings on Social Justice do not parallel Social Democray i.e., Socialism/Communism. The injustices of Communism and Abortion are only two of the vast number in the Obama Administration and it's "Health Care Plan". Termination of a child's life is NOT health care. Please continue abundant pressure on the President to end his assault on the First Amendment. God will hear our prayers. This Nation was founded with His Divine Intervention. It will continue with His favor if we stand behind Him and His Laws. There can be NO compromise with evil. I ditto the above comment: " PLEASE stick to the original position and require the the President to recind this mandate altogether. We, the Faithful are behind you 100%"!!! Archbishop Dolan,
Being a 55 year old cradle Catholic I have never been so proud of my Church! In recent years the intrusion of Progressive ideology into the conversation amongst the Faithful has caused concern for me.
That is why I urge you and all Catholics to continue to push back against the evil that is Obamacare!! To think that ANY leader in the Catholic Church accepted and voiced approval of the original legislation boggled my mind. I sincerly hope the Church’s teachings on Social Justice do not parallel Social Democray i.e., Socialism/Communism. The injustices of Communism and Abortion are only two of the vast number in the Obama Administration and it’s “Health Care Plan”. Termination of a child’s life is NOT health care.
Please continue abundant pressure on the President to end his assault on the First Amendment. God will hear our prayers. This Nation was founded with His Divine Intervention. It will continue with His favor if we stand behind Him and His Laws. There can be NO compromise with evil.
I ditto the above comment: ” PLEASE stick to the original position and require the the President to recind this mandate altogether. We, the Faithful are behind you 100%”!!!

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