Urges people of faith to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act
Urges people of faith to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic Advocate, a leading lay Catholic grassroots organization in Washington D.C., launched their latest effort to defend religious liberty by calling on people of faith to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience act through a web video. The video entitled "Consultation" is targeted toward the potential activity in Congress on H.R. 1179/S. 1467 in the coming weeks.
Voice over script for "Consultation":
"When faith is tested, it can falter...or be strengthened. The Department of Health and Human Services contraception mandate of January 20th, and the quote/unquote accommodation announced on Feb. 10th, will force religious institutions to do something that goes against their beliefs. Catholic Bishops, who interpret the doctrine of the Church, and leaders of other religious groups, were not consulted...
"Yet...the head of Planned Parenthood was...and the mandate was finalized without addressing our concerns. Many Catholic institutions self-insure, which means they will still be required to pay for contraception coverage, even though it is against their beliefs.
"Insurance companies have already said their costs will go up and be passed along to customers. Contact Congress [202-224-3121] immediately and tell them to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act. Help defend our religious liberties."
The video can be seen at Catholic Advocate's YouTube channel or on our website at www.catholicadvocate.com.
On January 31, 2012, Catholic Advocate launched www.ProtectOurConscience.org, a nationwide campaign providing resources for faithful Catholics wanting to speak out against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) final rule affecting conscience protections in health care coverage. To date, at least one parish in each congressional district in every state has been producing letters to Congress through Catholic Advocate's program.
"Some are trying hard to make this about a different issue. Make no mistake, when those in power try to rip through the fabric of what America stands for, the voices of the people unite," said Matt Smith, president of Catholic Advocate. "People of faith across the country are joining together in support of our religious liberties."
"Consultation" is the second grassroots action video for Catholic Advocate on this topic. In October, the web video entitled "Common Ground" was launched calling on President Obama to live up to his promises made at the University of Notre Dame. After the video and accompanying petition drive were launched, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops met with President Obama.
