Urge Congress to Protect Conscience Rights

Knights Join US Bishops in Urging Protection for Conscience Rights

Following the lead of the U.S. Bishops -- as covered in their statement "HR 940 - Why We Need a Health Care Conscience Act" -- Knights are asked to urge Congress to protect conscience rights with the adoption of the HR 940 Act.

On August 1, people of faith, family-owned businesses, and charitable institutions will be forced to pay for sterilizations, contraceptives and abortion-causing drugs in violation of their deeply held religious beliefs and moral convictions. This development comes as a result of a Department of Health and Human Services mandate that requires all of these objectionable interventions be included in every health insurance plan, with very few narrow exceptions.

People of faith must send a clear message to Congress that they support religious freedom and rights of conscience. Representative Diane Black of Tennessee has introduced the “Health Care Conscience Rights Act,” (H.R. 940), which protects individuals and organizations from being forced to violate their religious beliefs or moral convictions. Please act today to contact your elected representatives.

Time is running short for Congress to protect the conscience rights of all Americans. Our representatives will respond if they hear from us that religious freedom is a right. Encourage your fellow parishioners, friends and family to contact Congress. As Knights we should do everything possible to ensure that Americans do not lose their cherished right to religious freedom.