Archdiocesan religious liberty campaign marches on

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The archdiocese's Campaign for Religious Liberty, which kicked off last month, is getting into full swing.

The archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate this week sent packets to parish coordinators with information on the campaign, which runs through the Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 25.

As part of the campaign, the archdiocese is hosting a speakers' series (see related). Plans also are being made to get parishes involved in the Fortnight for Freedom, a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of freedom, which begins on June 21, the feasts of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More and ends on July 4, Independence Day. The event was announced as part of the U.S. bishops' April 12 document, "Our First, Most Cherished Liberty: A Statement on Religious Liberty," which includes specific examples of how religious liberty is currently under attack in the United States.

The packet being sent to respect life coordinators includes other resources, including a letter to pastors, materials on the web (see archstl.org/liberty for a listing of online resources), an outline for praying a Rosary for religious liberty, USCCB prayer resources and answers to commonly asked questions about the HHS health care mandate.

At the state level, the Respect Life Apostolate is joining with the Missouri Catholic Conference in urging Catholics to contact Gov. Jay Nixon to sign SB 749, which upholds religious liberties and protecting rights of conscience for the citizens of Missouri. The governor has until July 14 to sign the bill into law.

"If signed by Gov. Nixon, Missouri will have one of the strongest laws respecting rights of conscience in the nation," said MCC executive director Mike Hoey. "This legislation makes sure people don't have to pay for elective abortions, abortion drugs and other morally objectionable items when they purchase their health insurance."

To contact the governor on SB 749, call (573) 751-3222 or visit governor.mo.gov/contact.