USCCB spokeswoman signals dissatisfaction with administration’s HHS mandate ‘compromise’

February 07, 2013

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ director of communications has signaled dissatisfaction with the Obama administration’s new “compromise” on the HHS mandate.

“On February 1, the administration simplified its position of what constitutes a religious ministry but did not completely satisfy concerns related to conscience rights,” Sister Mary Ann Walsh wrote in an article devoted to religious freedom and political life.

The USCCB has not formally responded to the administration’s proposal.

“Spinmeisters turned the Catholic Church’s right to religious freedom—including its right to practice what it preaches—into a war over contraception,” Sister Walsh added. “The Church voiced alarm at a Health and Human Services mandate issued under the new health care law. Under the mandate the Church need not pay for health insurance coverage of contraception and sterilization for the church secretary but must pay for such coverage for employees of Church organizations that serve more than their co-religionists, for example in a Church-run school, hospital, or food pantry.”

 

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Further information:

• Sister Mary Ann Walsh: The Church’s Right to Religious Freedom (And its Place in the Public Square) (Religion and Politics)
• Obama administration offers new 'compromise' on HHS mandate (CWN, 2/1)