BUFFALO, NY - The leader of thousands of WNY Catholics is taking a strong stand against a new federal mandate, he says, jeopardizes religious freedoms.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have said most employers have until August 2013 to provide their workers health coverage that includes certain reproductive services including sterilization and contraception, that go against Catholic teaching.
In a strongly worded release, Bishop Edward M. Kmiec said Friday the Diocese of Buffalo will not abide by "unjust law". A letter from the Bishop will be read to all parishes in the eight counties of WNY at Masses over the weekend.
"The administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our nation's first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty," said Bishop Kmiec. "And, as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so). We cannot-we will-not comply with this unjust law."
2 On Your Side asked to speak directly with Bishop Kmiec, but instead we were told we could speak with Father John Gaglione of Christ the King parish.
Father Gaglione said the mandate puts the Diocese in a tough spot: go against the Catholic religion or possibly not offer health coverage.
Two On Your Side's Heather Ly asked Father Gaglione how far the church is willing to take the battle.
"Again, I can't fully speak to that at this moment. This is certainly going to be an ongoing battle in a sense," said Father Gaglione. "We're certainly encouraging people to educate themselves fully to what the consequences of this are."
Bishop Kmiec is urging Catholics to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the administration's decision.