Daily Links, Jan. 20: Mandates, protests, and letters

Extra, extra! The Department of Health and Human Services issued an interim final rule today that requires Catholic organizations to include contraceptive coverage and sterilization in health plans for women. This will be fuel to feed the fires of those arguing that this violates “religious liberty,” writes Bryan Cones.

Pope Benedict has created a new foundation to bridge science and theology. Be sure to check out our interview with former director of the Vatican observatory, Fr. George Coyne, for more insight on the relationship between science and faith.

Today, 14 protesters were arrested at the Supreme Court for a demonstration on the 35th anniversary of an execution under contemporary law. When asked their names by the police, they simply stated, “I am Troy Davis.”

And, Catholic leaders today issued a letter to fellow Catholics Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum saying: let’s cut it out with the racial stereotyping, ok?