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Archbishop Chaput: new 'compromise' on HHS mandate still 'gravely flawed'

CWN - February 05, 2013

A new proposal by the Obama administration to apply the HHS contraceptive mandate to religious institutions “remains unnecessary, coercive, and gravely flawed,” according to Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia.

The latest “compromise” offered by the White House “may actually make things worse,” the archbishop said. He cited the opinion of Notre Dame law professor Gerard Bradley, who found that the latest proposal still clearly does not exempt Church-run universities or hospitals, probably does not exempt Church charitable agencies, and does not exempt Catholic high schools. “This proposal adds some additional layering to the earlier attempts to insulate the schools, but nothing of decisive moral significance is included,” Bradley found.

Archbishop Chaput also observed that the proposed “compromise” does nothing to protect private businesses whose owners find it morally objectionable to subsidize contraception.

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  • Posted by: Savonarola - Feb. 06, 2013 9:57 PM ET USA

    Good comment as to Abp Chaput speaking up promptly and correctly before the USCCB grabbed the mike to issue a waffling statement to the effect that progress and compromise with this administration are successfully in the works.

  • Posted by: Frodo1945 - Feb. 06, 2013 6:49 AM ET USA

    Thank God this man has spoken out before the faceless USCCB or one of the bishops with weak knees did. I love this man and would follow him to Mount Doom!!,

  • Posted by: dagbat - Feb. 05, 2013 9:26 PM ET USA

    Well said Archbishop Chaput! The Bishops now must keep the pressure on by continuing to PUBLICALLY SPEAK OUT from all available forums.

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