Thomas Jefferson wrote, "To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical" (The Virginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom). The Health and Human Services mandate that Catholic organizations pay for abortifacients and contraceptives for their employees is tyrannical. It is a violation of our consciences and religious liberty.
What if the Feds mandated a kosher deli to serve pork? Such an attempt to curtail religious liberty should be found unacceptable. Our liberties are God-given rights recognized in the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, the First Amendment of the Constitution states the government, "shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Suffocating mandates that violate our moral convictions need to be fought in the ballot box and the courts.
Very truly yours,
Richard H. Palau, Tiffin
