Shredding the First Amendment

"Never before has the federal government forced individuals and organizations to go out into the marketplace and buy a product that violates their conscience."

U.S. bishops and others continue to express grave concerns about an unprecedented attack on religious freedom.

The Obama administration’s new mandate requiring nearly all U.S. health insurance plans to cover contraception, sterilization and some abortion-inducing drugs has created a firestorm.

But for the U.S. bishops, with broad support from religious and secular leaders, the issue at stake is an even broader issue of First Amendment religious liberty protections and government intrusion into religious faith and practice. The bishops’ arguments have made clear that, regardless of how many people follow the Church’s teaching on contraception, government has no right to force religious organizations to violate their clear and consistent teachings.

Read more at Columbia Online

A Critical Role to Play

"It is imperative that the entire Catholic community in the United States comes to realize the grave threats to the Church's public moral witness" - Pope Benedict XVI

In an unprecedented address, Pope Benedict XVI speaks out publicly about grave threats to religious liberty in the United States

Dear Brother Bishops,

I greet all of you with fraternal affection and I pray that this pilgrimage of spiritual renewal and deepened communion will confirm you in faith and commitment to your task as pastors of the Church in the United States of America. As you know, it is my intention in the course of this year to reflect with you on some of the spiritual and cultural challenges of the new evangelization.

Read more at Columbia Online

Board of Directors FL State Council Response to HHS Directive

The Knights of Columbus stands with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in opposition to the recent decision by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to force Catholic employers including hospitals, universities, and charities to provide health insurance that covers contraception and sterilization

Now it is your time, as a concerned Catholic citizen, to take Action, become Informed, and Motivate others (A.I.M.).  A. I. M. - Our AIM is to take effective action for real change through our Democratic Process. Take action by writing your Congressman and make your vote and voice count.  Visit the Knights of Columbus Supreme Website at www.kofc.org.   On the home page Click “Take Action for Religious Freedom.”  

Action – Send a message to your elected representatives in Congress by visiting the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment Action Alert. It is our duty to take action and show the power of involved citizens.

Inform – Read the Knights of Columbus stance and the stance of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Know the position of the Church and how this bill affects our Liberties and Religious beliefs.

Motivate – Once informed, encourage fellow Catholics to get into action and be informed. Start an information drive, attract perspective members, support our Bishops, and spread Catholic social teachings to parishioners.

As Active, Informed and Motivated citizens it is our right and obligation to use our freedom and to voice our opinions.  Our forefathers fought for our right to be heard; let us use our collective Catholic voice and be heard.  Remember A. I. M. for involved responsible, effective citizenship.

In Solidarity with our Priests and Bishops,

The Florida State Council Board of Directors

A Call to Action

It is the charge of all Knights to fight for the Church!

Support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act

"To correct the threats to religious liberty and rights of conscience posed by PPACA, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act has been introduced in Congress (H.R. 1179, S. 1467). This measure will ensure that those who participate in the health care system 'retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions.' It is more important than ever that Members of Congress be urged to co-sponsor this measure." - National Committee for a Human Life Amendment

ACTION: Contact your U.S. Representative by e-mail, phone, or FAX letter.  The letter is already written fo you.  All you have to do is "sign" it and the letter will be sent to your represenatives.  To sign and send the letter go here.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson's Letter on Religious Freedom

Worthy Grand Knight:

I write to you regarding a matter of utmost importance to the Catholic Church in the United States.

On January 20th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), made a final decision that would force Catholic institutions to provide health insurance that includes all FDA-approved contraceptive methods and sterilization procedures, including several drugs that cause an early abortion by interfering with the implantation of a newly-conceived human being. This mandate poses a very serious threat to the religious freedom of Catholics and Catholic institutions.

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