Churches oppose contraception rule
LAWRENCE - For the past two weeks, Father John Schmeidler, of Lawrence's St. John's Church, has read a written statement to his congregation from the Archbishop. The letter tells Catholics that a recent rule proposed by the Obama administration encroaches on their religious freedom.
The same statement was read throughout Catholic churches in Kansas. Similar messages were delivered at masses across the country. Obama proposed a rule requiring all employees to provide access to free birth control.
After plenty of protest from Republicans and Catholic leaders, the President is backing down. Late last week, Obama announced non-profit religious organizations who have objections to the rule would be exempt, shifting the burden to provide birth control to insurance companies.
Some religious leaders are calling this a victory for religious freedom, but others say there are still problems with the rule. Although religious organizations are exempt, a Catholic business owner who opposes the idea of providing access to birth control will still be required to do so.