Cardinal Wuerl: HHS Mandate – Nothing Has Changed

This arrived in my inbox this evening, from Cardinal Wuerl.  It’s consistent with the comments he made at Mass on Friday, and I’m thrilled to see someone with his prominence speaking out so forthrightly.  The only edits I’ve made were bolding a few parts that I thought were particularly important: February 13, 2012 Dear Friends,… Continue reading Cardinal Wuerl: HHS Mandate – Nothing Has Changed

Why the HHS “Compromise” Doesn’t Work

The announced HHS “compromise” requiring insurance companies, rather than religious institutions, to pay for abortion, contraception, and sterilization, may be a step in the right direction, but it still has huge problems that need addressing: Caspar Isenmann, Betrayal of Christ (15th c.) The Church will still be footing the bill: Fr. Andrew’s initial response to this was… Continue reading Why the HHS “Compromise” Doesn’t Work

Day of Prayer and Fasting

Ary Scheffer, The Temptation of Christ (1854) Some of the Catholics in the Diocese of Arlington called for today to be a special Day of Prayer and Fasting in solidarity with the US Bishops against the HHS mandate. It’s a very good idea. If you can’t do a traditional fast today (two small meals and… Continue reading Day of Prayer and Fasting

Contesting the HHS Mandate – A Panel Discussion

Last night, at the Catholic Information Center, there was a fantastic panel discussion on the HHS Mandate, featuring: Richard Doerflinger James Capretta, Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC) (and a former Associate Director of the OMB), Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Kyle Duncan, General… Continue reading Contesting the HHS Mandate – A Panel Discussion

Altars to Un-Religion?

In today’s readings for Mass, we hear proclaimed both the apostasy of Solomon (1 Kings 11:4-13) and the casting out of the demon from the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30). In the first reading, we see the swapping of the one, true God for false Gods. In the Gospel reading, we see the… Continue reading Altars to Un-Religion?

Does the HHS Mandate Go Further than the States’?

The Obama Administration is seeking to defend the HHS Mandate by claiming that the federal government is doing nothing more than what the states are already doing.  HHS Secretary Sebelius argued in USA Today: The 28 states, according to NARAL In choosing this exemption, we looked first at state laws already in place across the… Continue reading Does the HHS Mandate Go Further than the States’?

Outrageous Discipline-Only Health Education: Let’s Move!

The Obama Administration is celebrating the second anniversary of the controversial Let’s Move! campaign to combat the rise in obesity in the United States. If you don’t think it’s controversial, you should. Even a cursory glance at the many initiatives undertaken through the guidance of First Lady Michelle Obama should note a frightening trend: health… Continue reading Outrageous Discipline-Only Health Education: Let’s Move!

Religious Liberty: Mapping the Developing Landscape

As the debate regarding religious liberty gains attention and momentum, it is prudent to regularly examine the landscape and tone of this crucial discussion. Clarity and proper emphasis are of paramount importance when sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are just as crucial in politics. The White House Blog has made one attempt to… Continue reading Religious Liberty: Mapping the Developing Landscape

A Disturbing New Day for American Religious Liberty

As I’ve mentioned previously, the federal government (specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services) is trying to force Catholic hospitals, charities, and schools to pay for abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations, and contraception — all of which directly violate our right to conscience. In my previous post, I compared it to a law attempting to force… Continue reading A Disturbing New Day for American Religious Liberty

The Anti-Choice Backlash to Susan G. Komen

There’s been a huge media outcry over Susan G. Komen’s decision to cut off funding to most Planned Parenthood affiliates.  Set aside whatever you may think about the morality of abortion, or whether it should be legal, or whether you love or loathe Planned Parenthood. Since money is fungible, the millions of dollars that Susan G.… Continue reading The Anti-Choice Backlash to Susan G. Komen