HARRISBURG - Bishop Joseph P. McFadden has strongly endorsed the recent "Statement of the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops Administrative Committee on Religious Freedom" and has requested that all the faithful of the Diocese of Harrisburg receive a copy of it via their parish bulletins.
The statement will also be made available electronically via the diocesan website, www.HbgDiocese.org/conscience and via e-mail to thousands of homes.
Bishop McFadden said, "This statement reaffirms our commitment to address the HHS mandate's attack on the most fundamental civil right guaranteed by our Constitution."
In the statement the U.S. bishops promise to continue "vigorous efforts" against the violations of religious freedom in the Health and Human Service (HHS) health care reform mandate. The bishops declare that government has no place defining religion or religious ministry and states that they will seek protection for conscience rights of institutions and individuals while stressing action with the public, the White House, Congress and in the courts.
In support of this issue, the bishops of Pennsylvania have declared Friday, March 30, as a day of prayer, fasting and abstinence for the preservation of religious liberty.