Respect Life News
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.’s Statement on the USCCB Response to the HHS Insurance Mandate
The members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee engaged in an extended discussion of the issue of religious freedom during our two-day meeting in Washington. Contrary to some media reports, the bishops are united in their vigorous opposition to the intrusive and coercive mandate and dubious “accommodation” proposed by the administration. Again, contrary to media reports, the bishops’ efforts are not focused on contraception but, rather, on the recent, dangerous and precedent-setting intrusion of the administration into and upon the religious freedom of people of all faiths in our nation. The implications of the administration’s actions are long-term and harmful to the deeply held convictions of the American people from the beginning of our history. We bishops see these actions as an affront to the common good. The full statement can be found at http://www.usccb.org/issuesand- action/religious-liberty/march-14-statement-on-religiousfreedom- and-hhs-mandate.cfm..
- Father Jim and a group from OLGC attended the annual March For Life rally in Washington DC on Jan. 23.
Teens Join March For Life
Nick Voyack: “Going to the March for life and being among over 200,000 other people gave me a whole different perspective on the pro life issue. Not only were there so many people, but they came from all different socio-economic classes, ethnic groups, christian sects, religions, sub cultures, and walks of life, showing me the multifacetedness of the pro-life movement. Witnessing the passion and dedication of people who traveled hundreds or even over a thousand miles further proved to me the seriousness of the pro-life movement. At first I felt uncomfortable walking around the the metro station with the “Stop Killing Babies” sign, but the approval of a surprising number of strangers made me realize that many people who are pro-life are not proactive enough to actually do anything about it or voice their opinion even in a country where that type of behavior is not just allowed but even encouraged. Looking back, if I had not gone to the march, but saw some kid with a sign like that, I would have probably been the one to compliment him on his sign and then would have questioned my dedication to what I believe in. The truth is, with something as important as human life, Gods greatest gift to man kind and our most fundamental right as human beings, it is not okay to be complacent or to be inactive. Many people consider this a religious or a political issue, but I feel that it is much bigger than that. As citizens of the world, it is our responsibility to aid our fellow human beings in the struggle of life, and oppose anything that hinders the progress or well being of all people, especially those less fortunate than ourselves or more vulnerable.”
Mary Pensiero: “This was the second year that I have been privileged enough to attend the March for Life rally in DC. Once again the march was an exhilarating and eye-opening experiance. Seeing thousands of people stand together to save the lives of the innocent gives me courage that one day soon there will be an end to abortion. Even in the rain, the march was a great success, and it makes me proud to say that I am part of the pro-life generation.”
Respect Life Quote
“HHS’s new mandate for contraception/sterilization coverage … includes an incredibly narrow exemption for ‘religious employers’ that protects almost no one. For example, a Catholic institution serving the poor and needy would have to fire its non-Catholic staff, refuse life-affirming care to non- Catholic people in need, and devote itself instead to ‘the inculcation of religious values’ to qualify for the exemption. Individuals, insurers, and the sponsors of non-employee health plans (e.g., student health plans in Catholic schools) would have no exemption at all. This effort to corral religion exclusively into the sanctuaries of houses of worship betrays a complete ignorance of the role of religion in American life, and of Congress’s long adition of far more helpful laws on religious freedom.” ~ Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and Chair of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Letter to Congress, September 7, 2011, in support of the “Respect for Rights of Conscience Act”
Hope after Abortion
The bishops recently discussed the importance of post-abortion healing. They support Project Rachel whose mission is forgiveness, healing, and hope for anyone involved in abortion. For Project Rachel in the Diocese of Trenton, contact Donna at (609) 406-7435 or dgoodw@dioceseoftrenton.org.
You can also contact Options for Women at (856) 795-0048 or info@optionsnj.org.
Below are some websites where you can learn more:
- www.hopeafterabortion.org – Project Rachel Ministry
- www.noparh.org – National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing (NOPARH)
- www.menandabortion.info – “Reclaiming Fatherhood,” an educational outreach of NOPARH
- www.afterabortion.org – The Elliot Institute
- www.bethesdahealing.org – The Bethesda Healing Ministry
- www.postabortionhelp.org – Lumina referral network
- www.rachelsvineyard.org – Rachel’s Vineyard retreats
- www.optionsnj.org – Options for Women
- www.respectlifetoday.com – Diocese of Trenton Office of Respect Life
News on Marriage
- To read the .pdf document containing the full text of the NJ Bishops’ 2009 statement on marriage, click here.
- To learn more about the N.J. Bishops’ statements on marriage, go to http://www.njcathconf.com/content/family_life_marriage_teaching.php.
- For information on the U.S. Bishops’ initiatives to defend and promote the sanctity of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, go to http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/promotion-and-defense-of-marriage/.
Additional Pro-Life Links are on this page.