Our cherished freedom

Richard A. Sokerka

Faith-based organizations are continuing to have to battle in courtrooms around the country and prod legislators to pass laws to protect religious liberty in our nation, but in the court of public opinion, religious liberty wins easily.

On the heels of the news that the U.S. bishops are pushing for legislation to protect adoption and foster care agencies from acting against their religious beliefs, comes a Marist Poll, sponsored by Catholic News Agency, in which the majority of those polled strongly support First Amendment religious liberty protections or exemptions for faith-based organizations, “even when it conflicts with government law.”

“Our first and most cherished freedom, religious liberty, is to be enjoyed by all Americans, including child welfare providers who serve the needs of children — the most vulnerable members of society,” the bishops wrote in a letter to Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), sponsors of the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act.

The bill would ensure that federal and state funds and contracts cannot be withheld from child welfare providers because they refuse services out of conscience.

The bill’s sponsors hailed the American tradition of religious social services, saying it must be upheld. “Faith-based organizations have always played an extraordinary role in caring for our nation’s most vulnerable children. Millions of Americans are better off today because of their noble work,” said Rep. Kelly. “No provider should ever have to forfeit their First Amendment rights in order to create a better life for a child.”

We agree and hope this legislation is on the fast track to becoming law.