On March 23, oral arguments will be heard in HHS Mandate cases before the Supreme Court. As appellants in these cases, the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Erie have both asked for prayers for religious liberty, especially on March 23, when the bishops of both diocese will travel to Washington, D.C.
In a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop David Zubik said, “This mandate challenges the very core of our religious freedom. Yet, there are many voices who simply do not understand the implications that the HHS Mandate has for all people of faith, who could be forced to violate their most sacred beliefs and practices. We live in a country founded on the very religious freedoms that are now threatened.”
Bishop Lawrence Persico asked the people of the Diocese of Erie to pray and fast for religious liberty as well, “Surely our government can find a way to allow employers to follow their consciences and live in freedom. Religious liberty protects the right of each of us to pursue the truth, to embrace it and to shape our lives around it—all without government interference.”
Please join in this prayer for religious freedom on March 23, and throughout the year.
