Another Man for All Seasons

 

During this Fortnight for Freedom, Cardinal Timothy Dolan reminds us that our religious liberty is foremost among American freedoms and must remain more than a dream or vision.  Here is an excerpt from his June 21 homily, where he invokes St. Thomas More, whose feast day is today.

Our Conscience Cries Out

"I cannot! I must not! I will not!"  At the recent San Franciso "Stand Up" rally, Fr. Keyes explains how this rallying cry of the past intersects with our historical present.  (Click here or photo for video link.)



Fr. Keyes at S.F. "Stand Up" Rally, June 8, 2012

Excerpt from full speech:

We are not imposing our values on anyone. The government has dictated that employees at Catholic institutions are provided with free contraception, and that is the imposition on our faith and on our conscience. The government doesn't want so much to advance the cause of women's health, but rather, they seek to demonize a faith group that has the "audacity of hope," that they might live their faith free from government interference and intrusion.

June 8

"On June 8, people of faith will hit the streets again to demand that all our health care laws respect the role of religious faith in the public square."

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The Writing on the Wall

Art source:  USCCB

Religious liberty is not only about our ability to go to Mass on Sunday or pray the Rosary at home. It is about whether we can make our contribution to the common good of all Americans. Can we do the good works our faith calls us to do, without having to compromise that very same faith? Without religious liberty properly understood, all Americans suffer, deprived of the essential contribution in education, health care, feeding the hungry, civil rights, and social services that religious Americans make every day, both here at home and overseas. 

from, A Statement on Religious Liberty
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty 

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Fortnight for Freedom

Stop HHS Mandate - San Francisco
(C) 2012 On Being Roman Catholic in America

On July 4, 2012, the fireworks in the night skies over America will have special meaning for those who participated in the Fortnight of Freedom. Find out more, here.

A Call to Citizenship

“No, I want my people to be a force in public life!”

Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, on being asked during an interview if he wanted "the Catholic Church" "to be a force in public life."  (See the video.)

From your lips to God's ears, good Cardinal!

Rallying Cries

(C) 2012 On Being Roman Catholic in America

The Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally in San Francisco on March 23, 2012, like the day’s companion events throughout the United States, had memorable speakers and many powerful eloquent moments. While RCIA blog could not capture them all--these and other quotes will likely all be found at other sites-- here is a sampling of the day’s “rallying cries.”

“Catholic Charities not an expression of religion?  . . . Unbelievable!”  [on the Administration’s position on who qualifies as a religious employer] – George Wesolek, Public Policy, Archdioceseof San Francisco

 “Don’t force us: We will not do harm!” [on why conscience protection must be observed] – William B. May, President, Catholics for theCommon Good

 “We keep our mouths shut, and evil triumphs everywhere.” [on why Christians can no longer remain silent] – Gary Wagner, Pastor, Reformed Heritage Church

 “The bell that once rang, is still ringing again:  Let freedom ring!”  [on the growing chorus of voices in support of religious liberty] – Rev. Fr. Enrique Morales, Jr., Iglesia de Cristo Nuevo Pacto, San Francisco

 “Send the National Guard to close our (church-run) elementary schools . . . the answer is still No! [on why conscience cannot be compromised] – Dolores Meehan, San Francisco Walk for Life West Coast

“We are here!”  [on the “stand up” presence of Christians and others of faith united for religious liberty] – Walter B. Hoye II, Founder and President, California Civil Rights Foundation

March 23, 2012 - America Stands Up!

(c) 2012 On Being Roman Catholic in America