WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES: I would not want to live under Sharia law in America, a real threat only in the eyes of America’s lunatic fringe. I also would not want to live under Roman Catholic Canon Law, which is becoming an increasing threat.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of religion. What Jefferson referred to as the “wall of separation between church and state” is intended to protect the practice of religion from interference by the state, as well as to protect citizens from religious interference. Some conservatives today are misinterpreting that principle as providing freedom for the Catholic Church and evangelical Christians to impose their religious teachings on America’s secular society.
What qualifies the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church to determine what should be covered in our health insurance policies? All sacred religious institutions are explicitly and appropriately exempted from the provisions of the health care policy under debate. However, so-called “Catholic Charities” is an organization two-thirds of whose “good works” are funded by tax dollars. Catholic hospitals and colleges are also largely supported by public money. Should all their employees be denied access to comprehensive health care coverage because of that church’s religious doctrine? » | Rev. David Weissbard | Sunday, February 26, 2012
