Over the last three weeks, Americans of all religious creeds, and none at all, have united
in remarkable concern over the restrictive and immoral mandates ordered by the federal
government. This concern is warranted as the proposed rules would require a violation of
conscience for so many, and a threat to religious freedom for all.
I thank so many of you, who have enthusiastically been part of this expression of
concern, united with your bishops.
Friday’s announcement that the federal government seems to have softened the
mandates, and is open to working with us in further progress, is a welcome first step. We must
study it carefully.
However, we cannot let up in our concern for the protection of religious freedom and
the reverence for conscience which are at the heart of American values.
Stay tuned, as we may need your help again.
Renewed gratitude and prayerful best wishes, I am,
Fraternally yours in Christ,
Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan
Archbishop of New York
I don't know why you should be disappointed, Dolan has been a master at handling this.
Catholics must be sensitive to how this is playing in the culture. We can't just throw bombs. Saying it is a softening and willingness to work with us shows we are happy to work with them to secure our rights, but also shows it isn't enough.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration went forward on Friday afternoon with formal publication of the final rule, unchanged from the original proposal, thus cementing it officially into the permanent Code of Federal Regulations. :-(
Really? I expected more of you, Abp. Dolan...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bp. Slattery!
I don't know why you should be disappointed, Dolan has been a master at handling this.
ReplyDeleteCatholics must be sensitive to how this is playing in the culture. We can't just throw bombs. Saying it is a softening and willingness to work with us shows we are happy to work with them to secure our rights, but also shows it isn't enough.
Marcel - the USCCB has released a 2nd statement
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!!! http://usccb.org/news/2012/12-026.cfm
USCCB has responded: http://www.usccb.org/news/2012/12-026.cfm
ReplyDeleteI think Dolan has more charity than I posses. I'm glad he's the one dealing with the Obama administration.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration went forward on Friday afternoon with formal publication of the final rule, unchanged from the original proposal, thus cementing it officially into the permanent Code of Federal Regulations. :-(
ReplyDelete