The Diocese of Madison issued the following statement in regard to the Supreme Court decision regarding contraception in employee health insurance coverage.
MADISON — The Supreme Court ruling on Monday, June 30, is a positive step toward recognizing the truth that the God-given freedom of religion and freedom of conscience cannot be disregarded by the government in its attempt to force its own beliefs on people of faith.
It must be recognized that the freedoms of religion and conscience can never be relegated to a church, synagogue, or mosque, and that they are the rights of every individual, conferred by God.
That any government would coerce believers to act against their deeply held religious beliefs in violation of its constitution, federal laws, and long tradition of religious liberty, is truly scandalous.That this happens in the year 2014, in the United States of America, is shockingly shameful. The June 30 ruling offers some hope that the faith-filled foundation of our country has not been entirely eroded and that religious liberty might be better protected.
The Catholic Church has a longstanding record of advocating for universal, accessible, and life-affirming health care. Yet the HHS mandate harshly penalizes those who cannot, in good conscience, provide drugs and services that violate their religious beliefs.
This is unjust and unlawful and must be resisted. Heroic families of faith have done just that, and their victory in court is a major step forward for authentic human freedoms and rights in this country.
For our part, the Church will continue to fight for real affordable and life-affirming health care for all. We will continue to add our voice to those standing together against government oppression and government intrusion into individual’s religious affairs.
We will continue to pray for our elected leaders, that they may increasingly seek the ways of righteousness, justice, and mercy. May God move their hearts to fulfill their responsibilities worthily to all those entrusted to their care.