Headquarters building of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington D.C.
Cardinal Dolan reaffirms commitment to oppose mandate, protect conscience
Notes Church groups among first to provide health care in the nation
Decries three-tiered approach: freedom for churches, less for ministries, nothing for faithful
WASHINGTON - The U.S. bishops continue to study the legal and moral implications of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate in the Affordable Care Act, and to "develop avenues of response that would both preserve our strong unity and protect our consciences," Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a September 17 letter to bishops.
His letter followed the September 10-11 meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Administrative Committee, the top ranking USCCB body outside a plenary session.
The bishops' "efforts are proceeding apace, and, as you know, include a careful legal and moral analysis of the final rule," Cardinal Dolan said. Further discussion will take place at the bishops' fall plenary, Nov. 11-14 in Baltimore.
Read the complete USCCB news release and letter from Cardinal Dolan>
September 17, 2013