Religious Liberty
Religious freedom is our “First Freedom,” the most cherished guarantee in the Bill of Rights. The expansive understanding of religious liberty that has been the hallmark of American political culture for two centuries is now at risk, however. There are those who would define down our First Amendment right of “free exercise” of religion to mean nothing more than the ability to worship in private. This dangerous and unconstitutional development is taking on the force of law, the most high profile example being the new “contraceptive mandate” issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It would require religious organizations to provide contraception, sterilization, and even abortifacients as part of their employee health care plans.
TAKE ACTION:
Send e-mail to Congress in support of conscience protection legislation (The entire Kansas delegation has cosponsored this legislation, please thank them and encourage them to work for a vote.)
KANSAS RALLY FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM:
WATCH THE STATEWIDE RALLY FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
PICTURES FROM THE RALLY (click & scroll down)
STAY INFORMED:
2012 Statement: Kansas Bishops on Religious Freedom, Conscience and the Sanctity of Human Life
Current Threats to Religious Liberty
Twelve Things Everyone Should Know About the Contraceptive Mandate
Kansas Catholic Conference Rally for Religious Freedom flyer
Excellent Legal Analysis of HHS Contraceptive Mandate
USCCBLOG: Amish, Ok. Catholics, No.
Feb. 13: “Six More Things Everyone Should Know About the HHS Mandate”
US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Feb. 10 statement on revised policy
US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ conscience protection info page
Archbishop Naumann’s letter read in parishes on February 5, 2012
Bishop Jackels’ homily from January 22, 2012
Letter from 28 US senators to Secretary Sebelius quoting Kansas Catholic Bishops
LETTERS TO OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, KANSAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
Kansas Bishops’ Letter to Secretary Sebelius on HHS Contraceptive Mandate
Conference letter to Senator Roberts thanking him for cosponsoring conscience protection legislation
Conference letter to Senator Moran thanking him for cosponsoring conscience protection legislation
Conference letter to Representative Huelskamp thanking him for cosponsoring conscience protection legislation
Conference letter to Representative Pompeo thanking him for cosponsoring conscience protection legislation
Conference letter to Representative Jenkins thanking her for cosponsoring conscience protection legislation
Conference letter to Representative Yoder thanking him for cosponsoring conscience protection legislation
Commentary:
Leaders: “UNACCEPTABLE”
KCC Executive Director: Unprecedented Assault on Religious Freedom Has Already Backfired
KCC Executive Director: “First Freedom” At Risk
Articles:
Yesterday, Governor Sam Brownback signed legislation that will help protect religious individuals and institutions from government coercion that would force them to violate their religious beliefs. It is believed to be one of the strongest such laws in the country. To see how your state representative and state senator voted, click here. Read More >>
Today the Kansas Legislature sent to the governor a bill that would protect Kansans from government coercion that violates their religious beliefs. The final House vote was 109-12 and the Senate vote was 34-4. Governor Brownback is expected to sign the bill. Read More >>
Yesterday the Kansas Senate passed legislation that would protect Kansans from government coercion that violates their religious beliefs by a margin of 34-4. The Kansas Catholic Conference testified on behalf of the bill when it was heard in committee. Because the bill was amended, it must be voted on by the House again before it… Read More >>
Today the Kansas House of Representatives passed legislation that would protect Kansans from government coercion that violates their religious beliefs by a margin of 109-14. The Kansas Catholic Conference testified on behalf of the bill when it was heard in committee. Now the bill moves to the Senate. This is how they voted: Yeas: Alcala,… Read More >>
Yesterday, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on legislation that would protect Kansans from government coercion that violates their religious beliefs. The Kansas Catholic Conference testified on behalf of the bill. Read More >>
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement after Vice President Biden incorrectly claimed that Catholic social services organizations would not be affected by the HHS “contraceptive mandate. Click here to read. Read More >>
WATCH THE RALLY HERE VIEW PICTURES FROM THE RALLY — CLICK AND SCROLL DOWN Kansas’ four Catholic bishops hosted a historic statewide rally for religious freedom at the State Capitol Building in Topeka today. A record crowd of thousands endured intense heat that surpassed triple digits and listened to remarks from keynote speaker Cathy Ruse,… Read More >>
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