It seems like there’s a battle brewing everywhere you look today…
In Baltimore, it is day two of the U.S. bishops’ fall general assembly. Yesterday, the tone was set with a declaration that fighting for religious liberty is going to be priority number one. Today, Bishop William Lori, who heads the ad hoc committee on religious liberty for the bishops, addressed the assembly on the issue.
As the bishops have been discussing the potential pitfalls of laws that target religious liberty, the fight over foster care in Illinois has shown just what the church is worried about: Catholic Charities agencies ended their battle to retain state contracts to provide foster care services, bringing an unfortunate end to a 90-year history of foster care service by the church-run agencies in Illinois. The decision comes as a result of Illinois’ civil union law and the ruling that Catholic Charities could not maintain its state contracts without placing foster children with same-sex couples.
Here’s a battle that had a better outcome: Remember the argument over Michigan’s anti-bullying law that didn’t really prevent bullying? The controversial part, which allowed an exception to the law on religious grounds (not the kind of religious liberty the bishops have in mind), has been dropped from the bill.
And speaking of victories, Bryan Cones today blogs about the news that the people have overcome the unpopular decision of Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted on not allowing the faithful to receive from the cup at Mass.
One battle that might be on hold is the Supreme Court case on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. It seems there is a loophole that the court could use to delay their hearing the case until after the 2012 election season comes to a close.
Another win for religion, this time in the sports world: The Cincinnati Reds have rescheduled their 2012 home opener, originally slated for Good Friday. Instead it will be played the day before. The game starts at 4 p.m., which should give Reds fans plenty of time to take in the game before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
And just in case you’re worried that your flame of faith is burning out with all these skirmishes, there’s an app that makes sure the flame stays lit.
