The Pope Told You So

Crisis Magazine ^ | 1/31/12 | Rev. George W. Rutler

[marshmallow]

Our many fellow Catholics now enchained for the Faith of our Fathers in such places as China, Syria, and Egypt are, as Father Faber’s hymn says, “in heart and conscience free.” But what happens when a government tries to chain the conscience itself?

A few weeks ago, in a remarkably unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the attempt of the present Administration in Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC to restrict religious freedom by interfering with the hiring of ministerial personnel. Chief Justice Roberts wrote that the Administration’s argument that the First Amendment does not guarantee the right of religious organization to choose its leaders, was an “extreme” infringement of the free exercise clause.

Undeterred, and menacingly on the cusp of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Department of Health and Human Services has issued an “interim final rule” which requires all private health plans, including those of Catholic hospitals and schools, to include coverage of prescription contraceptives, female sterilization procedures, and abortion counseling.

For a while, various Catholic leaders had hoped that they might reach an understanding with the Administration, and some even felt more at peace with the president’s assurances. But “peace for our time” only lasts until Poland is invaded. Cardinal Mahony, whom no one would fault for intransigence, now says, “I cannot imagine a more direct and frontal attack on the freedom of conscience than this ruling today. This decision must be fought against with all the energies the Catholic Community can muster.” Cardinal-elect Dolan said, “In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences.”

When a writer for The National Catholic Reporter supports the Catholic Church against the Obama administration, one wonders if it might be the effect of solar radiation, but.........

[StonyMan451]

Anyone who has not read Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson, should absolutely read it to understand what's going on in the world. It is a novel written at the end of 19th century or the beginning of the 20th, that is uncanny in its predictions of where we are as a society. Technically, socially, politically, spiritually, and philosophically. It does have a distinctly Catholic perspective, but I believe evangelicals would connect with it, too.

[SumProVita]

WE WILL NOT COMPLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[johngrace]

You know I have that book but have not read it yet! I have to find it. Thanks for reminding!