Obama HHS Turns its Back on People of Faith 

Contact: Brenda Steele, Catholic Advocate, 202-521-9828

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic Advocate President Matt Smith issued the following statement today in response to the Department of Health and Human Services decision to force religious organizations to provide contraceptive coverage even though it conflicts with their principles.

"This is a fig leaf to faith-based organizations.

"Make no mistake - today's decision by the Obama administration is just a stay of execution. People of faith must unite against this administration's constant assault on our religious liberties.

"For President Obama to say at Notre Dame he wanted to find 'Common Ground' with people of faith and then allow this decision to move forward, should send a strong signal to people of faith that the 'Closed' sign is on the door.

"The pro-abortion lobby is raising a toast today knowing their president came through for them again.

"People of faith should contact Congress immediately and ask them to move on the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act authored by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R, NE-01). We must send a message to those in our nation's Capitol who want to remove the core from one of our founding principles found in the First Amendment of our Constitution."