On Friday, people from 140 cities across America assembled to protest the HHS Mandate and to stand up for religious freedom. Here in Charlottesville, over 100 people assembled in front of the U.S. Courthouse in prayer, song, and peaceful protest against the Obama Administration’s HHS Mandate.
Father Luke Clark leading group in prayer
Fr. Luke Clark, O.P., Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church led the group prayer, and read a statement from Bishop Francis DiLorenzo. The group sang “America the Beautiful” and cheered the passing cars to honk their horns–which many people supported with toots of the horns and waving hands. This nationwide assembly was organized in little time largely through social media channels. I think that if there was more time to organize this rally, there would have been close to 1,000 in attendance. There may be another organized in the near future, as there is currently a 60-day period of public comment to the Federal Government at this time. You are encouraged to write and call your local congressmen and the Obama administration about this important issue.
22 Catholic Bishops attended these rallies across America to speak, and others like Bishop DiLorenzo submitted letters to be read. Bishop DiLorenzo wrote:
“The Diocese of Richmond deeply appreciates the efforts of so many women and men who have joined together across denominational and religious lines to advance the cause of religious liberty in our society.”
“The Diocese stands united with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, resolved to work with all people of good will to preserve, protect, and promote the fundamental human right to the free exercise of religion.”
“Be assured of our prayers and our support as we continue to defend the rights of citizens to freely exercise their consciences, and the rights of religious institutions to exercise their ministries with fidelity to their tradition.”
Fr. Luke Clark reading the official letter from Bishop Francis DiLorenzo
Rally in front of US Courthouse in Charlottesville, Virginia
We were fortunate to get some local media coverage through TV, radio, and on the front page of our local paper The Daily Progress. Below are links to the press coverage and good reference websites about this issue.
Following is a You Tube Video promoting Religious Freedom
LINKS
Stand Up for Religious Freedom Website
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops–Website for Conscience Protection
CBS-19 video and story of Rally
Catholic Online coverage of Rally in Norfolk, Virginia
Washington Post coverage of Rally across America
