Religious Liberty

Religious Liberty

“It also is important to understand that full religious freedom is a rich reality with broad personal and societal implications. Religious liberty begins with the right to worship according to one's conscience, but it does not end there. Religious freedom covers a broad range of vital activities, from freedom of worship to freedom of conscience, from the right to establish schools and charities to the right to participate in and seek to influence public affairs. Religious freedom is inextricably linked to other fundamental human rights, such as freedom of association, freedom of speech, and the legal recognition of voluntary associations. Religious freedom is a right exercised by both individual persons and religious communities and institutions." -Archbishop Thomas Wenski, in testimony to Congress in 2006

Federal HHS Mandate

• United for Religious Freedom – A Statement of the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Letter from Bishop Libasci (pdf)
• Fact Sheets with information compiled by the USCCB
• Prayer Resources, including prayer cards and prayers of the faithful

2012 USCCB Religious Liberty Bulletin Insert Series 

Mass and Pilgrimage for Life and Liberty

On Sunday, October 14, starting at 12:00 noon, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore will lead a Mass and Pilgrimage for Life and Liberty at the Basilica National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. televised on EWTN. Shortly after the Mass, Archbishop Lori will lead the recitation of the first day of the Rosary Novena for Life and Liberty which will take place from October 14 to 22. CLICK HERE for a flyer or visit the prayer resources of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Prayer and Action for Religious Freedom

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed a series of bulletin inserts to address concerns over religious liberty. The most recent installment for September and October provides parishioners with practical things they can do to stand up for religious freedom, including prayer and action. The insert also links to new prayer resources for the month of October.

• Religious Freedom (Color) - English and Spanish (pdf)
• Religious Freedom (Black and White) - English and Spanish (pdf)

Religious Liberty and Conscience Protection

• Bulletins from April through June 2012 (in English and Spanish)

Conscience Protection Issues in New Hampshire

• Catholic Citizenship News Alert on State Religious Exemption for Contraception Coverage
• HB 1653 - Conscience Protections for Healthcare Workers - 2/1/12 (pdf)
• HB 1330 - Free Exercise of Religion - 1/19/10 (pdf)
• HCR 26 - Affirming State's Religious Heritage - 1/19/10 (pdf)

Learn More about Religious Liberty and Conscience Protection