Bishop Jenky: Obama directives could close Catholic institutions

Calling it a “bigoted and blatant attack on the First Amendment rights of every Catholic believer,” Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, is urging vigorous opposition to new Obama administration regulations requiring Catholic institutions to offer insurance programs providing abortifacients, sterilization, and contraceptive services.

In a strongly worded letter to be read at all parishes in the diocese this weekend, Bishop Jenky wrote that if the regulations – announced Jan. 20 – are put into effect, “they could close down every Catholic school, hospital, and the other public ministries of our church, which is perhaps their underlying intention.”

“I am honestly horrified that the nation I have always loved has come to this hateful and radical step in religious intolerance,” said Bishop Jenky. Until the “grave issues” are favorably resolved, he asked all Sunday Masses in the diocese include the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel for the freedom of the Catholic Church in America.