Abp. Nienstedt calls proposed HHS Contraception Mandate "A Serious Threat To Religious Freedom"

I fully intended to publish “Part Two” of my commentary on the marvelous experience of World Youth Day in today’s column. I now hope to do so in the next issue.

But, in the meantime, there has arisen a very serious threat to the religious freedom of all religious institutions, especially our Catholic health care programs and Catholic social services, a threat posed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Under HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (a Catholic), the department is imposing a “preventative services” mandate requiring all private health plans — including ones administered by the church and its agents — to provide coverage for surgical sterilizations, prescription contraceptives approved by the FDA, and “education and counseling” for “all women of reproductive capacity.”

Unfortunately, this is the logical result of a seismic change in this administration’s approach to religious groups involved in providing social services to, among others, the poor, the homeless, the sick, the immigrant.

It began when President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton started using the term “freedom of worship” as distinct from what we have always known as “freedom of religion.”

Under the concept of “freedom of worship,” church agencies are restricted to hiring employees only from their own denomination and providing services for clients only from their own denomination.

continue at The Catholic Spirit 

HT Bliss

Sr. Wiesenbeck, FSPA gives shout out to LCWR for Obama Administration

Sr. Wiesenbeck as president of FSPA in La Crosse(center)

First some background:

You might remember that precisely at the time where Catholics needed to show their firm opposition to any forced participation in abortion, Sr Weisenbeck led a charge of dissident women who hoped to provide enough cover for the Obama administration to pass a bill that in the future can "codify Roe v Wade."  Since FOCA became widely unpopular, the president chose to make his health care legislation the foundation for unlimited abortion funding.  Frantic for power and prestige these sisters lead by Weisenbeck publicly opposed the Catholic Church's long held teaching that every life is sacred in opposition to the Catholic Bishops of the US.  I was told that Weisenbeck was called to Rome after that debacle which it seems has not affected her interest in pursuing her political career.  She was next appointed to the Obama administration as a reward for her efforts!  Obviously this appointment tells the real story behind her opposition of pro-life efforts and the USCCB.  She scratches Obama's back and he scratches hers.

And now we find out that the Leadership Council of Women Religious has received a letter from "The White House"

On behalf of the White House and the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, we want to extend our very best wishes for a successful and fruitful Assembly this week.

We also want to thank and commend your membership for their commitment, voice and leadership for the common good and for the poor in this country. The contributions of women religious in the United States and globally are immeasurable. From education to health care, to social justice advocacy, our country and indeed the world has been gifted by your dedication to justice, service and peace. 

In a complete twist of irony, Weisenbeck didn't sign this letter from The White House (obviously trying to hide her affiliation to the LCWR), but did manage to sign her letter in support of Obamacare and it's public abortion funding which states are now trying to implement twice. 

Weisenbeck was president of the La Crosse based Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration from 2002-2010 and president of the LCWR from 2008-2010. 

HT Fr. Z

Virginia Zignego on Wisconsin Public Radio tomorrow

Virginia from Pro-Life Wisconsin will be on WPR tomorrow debating debating Sara Finger of the Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health to discuss Pres. Obama's oppressive move to mandate private insurance companies cover contraceptive, direct sterilization coverage.  That is to say that all private insurance holders must pay for other peoples sexual disorders.

Show starts at 7am.  Podcast will be available later here.

WAWH was founded by Tommy Thompson, another... ahem... Catholic pro-abort governor.

I'm certain WPR will be fair and balanced in their moderation
</sarcasm>

Let's pray for her.

Aaron Rodgers on Pres Obama

Aaron Rodgers via Twitter

Obamacare requires insurance companies to cover contraception and abortion pills

It seems the decision is left to Kathleen Sebelius and Congress doesn't get a say which pretty much means everyone's getting contraception coverage.

The report raises the canard that an increase in contraception would lead to a decline in the number of abortions. And, of course, the Times passes this on uncritically as if this were indisputable despite every indication that the truth is the exact opposite.

In fact, this recommendation would require coverage of emergency contraceptives including pills like ella and Plan B which are abortifacients themselves. And there is no out clause for this requirement so it appears to me that Catholic and Christian institutions will be forced to cover contraceptive abortifacients and sterilization procedures.

details at Creative Minority Report