By Archbishop Thomas Wenski - The Archdiocese of Miami
January 26, 2012
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I write to you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Church in the United States directly, and that strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith. The federal government, which claims to be “of, by, and for the people,” has just dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of those people—the Catholic population—and to the millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees’ health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those “services” in the health policies they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.
In so ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our Nation’s first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so). The Administration’s sole concession was to give our institutions one year to comply.
We cannot—we will not—comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom. Our parents and grandparents did not come to these shores to help build America’s cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights. In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.
And therefore, I would ask of you two things. First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, I would also recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience, to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration’s decision.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Thomas Wenski
Archbishop of Miami
Comments from readers
Great letter! Thank you for your courage in taking a strong stand on this issue. The Obama administration is revealing, to a greater degree, its contempt for religious beliefs and also for the protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution to religious freedom.
Also, let us not forget that Kathleen Sebilius, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, claims to be Catholic. Secretary Kathleen Sebilius, Vice-President Joseph Biden, and Representative Nancy Pelosi all receive Holy Communion with impunity. The issue of politicians who call themselves Catholic, and then publicly take positions completely contrary to the Catholic faith, such as passing laws facilitating abortion, has not gone away. Allowing these persons to receive the Eucharist causes scandal, confusion among the faithful, and arguably, sacrilege to the Blessed Sacrament. Many Canonists believe such politicians may properly be denied Holy Communion under Canon law. Although this has not affected our diocese directly, I pray for your discernment and leadership on this issue, especially with your brother bishops throughout the country.
In Christ,
Deacon Steven M. Lee
This letter states that ALMOST all employers...ALMOST all health insurers... and ALMOST all individuals... will have to buy this type of coverages. Could you please clarify which ones of these are exempted from this unjust law?
We need to pray, also, for God's grace and strength in our commitment to the unborn, to the elderly, for all life, because we ARE their voice.
May God's grace fall on everyone of us in this enormous challenge.
I've already posted it on my facebook wall and forwarded it to my email friends.
PAX ET BONAM
In any event, I am heartened the Church is taking a stand.
God bless and protect the Church
I only wonder, why such an important message that impacts our faith was not read in some churches this past weekend?
Bishop Wenski, you have my total support - God Bless.
My wife and I are in complete agreement with the sentiments express in you letter. As people of faith we will pray and fast. But as citizens of this great country we will call our representatives and we will vote. Oh yes we will vote. Thank you for your courage and guidance. God bless you.
Respecfully yours in Christ
Julian L. Seviilano and Elvira M. Erbiti
Many of us who go to church are not ignorants, we are professionals who study, read a lot, and work hard to earn our money. Stop this non-sense comments and concentrate on God.
This is a typical example why so many Catholics go to other churches.
I hope you ask for excuses at our next mass on Saturday at 7 pm. And please, stop talking so much about Cuba. Cuba is not the world. Respect parishioners from other nationalities please.
Now regarding the health insurance coverage requirement for almost all employers, it seems to me that if the employees could opt out of all or some of those "services" it would solve the problem of having to paid for some thing that is against their religion. How?, well very simple: a majority of the congress can pass and amendment to that requirement and the President either will sign it or veto. Is Congress going to do it?, I don't think so, because it eliminates anti-Obama propaganda, just like the today's Priest. Respectfully, RB
Archbishop Wenski, God bless you for all you do for our church and your faithfulness to our Lord. We are praying for your intentions.
Respectfully yours in Christ,
Maria T. Villaraus