President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan has announced that the Church will not comply with Barack Obama’s administration's requirement, that most employers should supply health insurance, including birth control.
Dolan said that while the Catholic Church leaders are ready to work toward a resolution with the federal officials, they will press on with challenges to the mandate in legislatures and in court.
The Archbishop of New York did not say whether the bishops would disobey the mandate if the lawsuits fail or church leaders cannot resolve their disagreements with the Department of Health.
Speaking to reporters at a national bishops meeting he said, “The only thing we're certainly not prepared to do is give in. We're not violating our consciences.
He added, “I would say no door is closed except for the door to capitulation.”
Under President Barack Obama’s regulations, houses of worship are exempt, however, religiously affiliated hospitals, charities, and colleges are not.
Earlier this year there had been promises made by the Obama administration that faith-affiliated employers would be excluded. So far these details have not been addressed. Many Catholic hospitals and other religious leaders support Obama’s health care overhaul and so far hammering out these differences seems impossible.
So far many Catholic diocese and charities, including the University of Notre Dame, in Indiana, have sued over the health care mandate.
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops is at the center of this national campaign which they say is bent on preserving religious freedom. The US Department of Health adopted the rule, including birth control in health care, to protect women’s health by allowing them to space their pregnancies.
The Reverend Thomas Reese, a senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University, told the Associated Press he believes the Obama administration should make a compromise with the Catholic Church.
He said while many Catholics support gay marriage and controversial issues they would be against anything that disrupts their social work in community among the poor, war refugees and other disadvantaged people.
Reese said, “This is a situation where being a gracious victor is not only the right thing to do, it makes good political sense…It's still not doomsday yet.”
Earlier this year, Dolan committed to fighting against Obama’s health legislation. He said, “We kind of got our Irish up when leaders in government seemed to be assigning an authoritative voice to Catholic groups that are not the bishops.
“If you want an authoritative voice, go to the bishops.”
A White House spokesman did not immediately comment.
Read more: Timothy Dolan: Bishops and Obama’s White House not working out “wrinkles” on mandate
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.eiriamach | Nov 20, 2012, 11:34 AM EST
In terms of this article, the most relevant thing the bible "teaches" us, Seanmor, is not to use the bible itself as a weapon in our culture wars, i.e., not to read it to find a set of moral rules that we can use to demonize and exclude others from the equal benefits of civil society, such as the institution of marriage. The same people who "abuse ... teenaged and preteen boys" abuse the bible when they use it to tell LGBT teenagers that their sexuality is "disordered" and therefore human law should "justly" discriminate against them. The same goes for their messages to women and couples about birth control-- nothing in the bible about that either though the authoritarians claim to receive their authority to make such pronouncements from the bible (hogwash!).
Seanmor | Nov 19, 2012, 09:54 PM EST
Cardinal Dolan's reaction, or lack thereof, to abuse by priests of teenaged and preteen boys does NOT change what the Bible teaches about homosexuality.
McNamara31 | Nov 17, 2012, 12:24 PM EST
Cardinal Timothy Dolan should watch the upcoming HBO documentary "Mea Maxima Culpa" and reflect upon why he and so many others did nothing.
Joe Kelsall | Nov 17, 2012, 11:50 AM EST
Why is this bloviating ignoramus still in the news?
hollabackgurl | Nov 17, 2012, 09:28 AM EST
The November election taught these bishops that they were out of touch dinosaurs. What did they do? They decided the best course of action was to march even further into the past. I can't imagine Dolan will be too happy with 7th century plumbing, by the looks of him though.
eiriamach | Nov 16, 2012, 10:37 PM EST
There are moments when an ungodly motive becomes so clear that it undermines the person's moral authority. That happened when Cardinal Dolan arrogantly told Obama and Sibelius they should not listen to the nuns, who supported the HHS mandate. Instead, they should listen to the bishops, who are the only "authorities." As Cathy Hayes reports, Dolan said, "We kind of got our Irish up when leaders in government seemed to be assigning an authoritative voice to Catholic groups that are not the bishops. If you want an authoritative voice, go to the bishops.'" To Dolan, "getting your Irish up" means asserting male power and silencing the women. That's the moment that kinda' got my Irish up and I could not be silent! And it's no surprise to me that those who defend DoDo Dolan do so by bashing women.
seanomelb | Nov 16, 2012, 07:22 PM EST
Seanmor why do you make every post about you? are you so self centred and full of yourself. The biggest threat to religious freedom is Dolan and his band of pedaphile priests.
Seanmor | Nov 16, 2012, 04:06 PM EST
It would be a gross exageration for me to state that i'm a good Catholic but I am a staunch supporter of religious freedom. As an American Legion chaplain for an upstate county, I say opening and closing prayers at Legion meetings, and a short prayer at veterans' funerals. During the 13 weeks I spent at Passis Island for basic training, one marine recruit at each table read "Grace before Means" for all the men at that table. Before joining the marines (as an Irish citizen), I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution which includes religious freedon. Now that one aspect of that freedom is under attack by the president, I strongly support Cardinal Dolan in his efforts to defend our Constitutional rights - even though I'm by no means a good Catholic.
Fan-of-StPat | Nov 16, 2012, 01:53 PM EST
Well said Mary Jo!!!
Mary Jo | Nov 16, 2012, 12:03 PM EST
The women's reproductive rights argument is the most brilliant rendition of the divide and conquer theory in the history of mankind. Instead of purposefully pitting one race or tribe or religion against another, pit women against men in every culture and while they fight each other, take their money, take their freedoms and put them and their children into servitude to the government. Have the government set up not-for-profit agencies to defend women from those ogres, men, take one side (the women's) and rile them up to believe that historically the other side has had an unfair advantage in ummmmm, let's see, ummmmmm, sex. Paint the picture that having babies is a disadvantage to ummmm, working for some moron your entire life and ummmm, to have that opportunity restored---ummmm, kill your child because it's not really a baby anyway. Declare the government is good and is the friend of women and will protect her from the bad men. Brilliant.
Seanmor | Nov 16, 2012, 12:02 PM EST
A Constitutionasl amendmemt to deny Catholics in the U.S. religious freedom similar to the Penal Laws that the English government applied to Ireland for about 3 centuriers may be needed in order fot Obama to fully trimmph over Dolan.
redhand32 | Nov 16, 2012, 11:49 AM EST
A new film by Wingnut studios Invasion of the Angry White Guys starring Knuckle-Dragging Bill O'Reilly, Rabies Frothing Sean Hannity, and Pahhhhraaaazze the Lowrrrd Cardinal Timothy Dolan in Selected Theatres Everyday until Extinction
Mary Jo | Nov 16, 2012, 11:30 AM EST
No freedom of speech at Irish Central?
Mary Jo | Nov 16, 2012, 11:29 AM EST
Women have become pathetic and self-pitying. They are now begging the government and their employers to pay for their $5.00 contraception?
Mary Jo | Nov 16, 2012, 11:27 AM EST
Well, Michael Collins--where were the parents? Who leaves their children with any stranger and thinks they're safe. How about look in the mirror. I certainly wouldn't leave my children alone with you and your hateful attitude.
Mary Jo | Nov 16, 2012, 11:23 AM EST
Obama's daughters are not allowed to have Facebook. He's a good father and Michelle is a good mother. Do you think they would approve of their daughters using enough contraception so they can go out and disgrace themselves and the family name? They're teaching their daughters to guard their own consciences from harm. What the rest of you do, no one cares.
michealcollins | Nov 16, 2012, 11:20 AM EST
I chuckle at the hypocrisy of the Archbishop. "We will not give in", and "we will not violate our consciences"? Where was this stirely leadership when children needed it the most? The institution turned a blind eye to such crimes? Bishop Dolan would have more credibility when speaking about what is morally and ethically right, when the leadership of the clergy actually practices what it preaches. But don't worry, my faith in God is great, because I firmly believe come judgement day, the Bishops, Cardinals and Popes will all have to answer for their actions.
Fan-of-StPat | Nov 16, 2012, 11:19 AM EST
Regarding pilib04's earlier comment: Neither Cardinal Dolan nor the Catholic is denying anyone birth control. If the healthcare mandate against the Catholic Church is removed women will still have a right to birth control. No one is changing any laws regarding women's health rights here. Women will still be able to legally obtain birth control if the government waives the healthcare mandate. What Cardinal Dolan is fighting for is for people who want to practice their Catholic faith to be able to practice it freely without the government forcing them to do something that has always been a part of Catholics deeply held religious beliefs. That is a noble pursuit. Go Cardinal Dolan. Keep up the fight for Religious Freedom!
Mary Jo | Nov 16, 2012, 11:11 AM EST
Dolan's right.
rbrochard | Nov 16, 2012, 09:46 AM EST
good article
pilib04 | Nov 16, 2012, 07:43 AM EST
If men could get pregnant we would not be hearing from Dolan or any other old man about birth control. Women have a RIGHT to proper healthcare including birth control. The Catholic Church does not have a RIGHT to pick and choose what kind of healthcare a woman should have!
celticsweetie | Nov 16, 2012, 01:40 AM EST
Blah blah blah-this guy should do a stint in India for a year. That would shut him up!
seanomelb | Nov 15, 2012, 11:52 PM EST
Seanmor mixing apples with pigs
alisaann | Nov 15, 2012, 08:30 PM EST
i am so DAMN sick of the CHURCHES telling people what they can and CAN'T do with their bodies...and if the churches want to be involved in POLITICS, they should LOSE their taxes BREAKS. alisa
howareya | Nov 15, 2012, 08:19 PM EST
Well well...what a surprise. Our Portia has commented on an article about the Catholic Church. No, Cardinal Dolan was not voted in. But the Catholic Church, or any Church, should not be forced to go against their moral values or teachings by the government. If you want abortive/birth control coverage in your work benefit...then don't get a job with a Catholic organization. Simple enough! You would be talking out of the other side of your mouth if the administration pushed a mandate through that went against your moral beliefs, wouldn't you?
Joe Kelsall | Nov 15, 2012, 04:26 PM EST
If this fat fool was not eating enough for 3 people perhaps more catholics could afford more children
seanomelb | Nov 15, 2012, 04:12 PM EST
Go take a hike Dlan you fool.
PhlutiePhan | Nov 15, 2012, 02:44 PM EST
T. Dolan has every right in the world sto stand up for the Catholic Church. To say that he doesn't opens the impression of a dictatorship.
bunkerisland | Nov 15, 2012, 01:02 PM EST
Most women will ignore such comments from the Cardinal. How can any celibate and aging man comprehend what the needs of woman are? Seems the majority of Catholics voted for the President in spite of this man's barking from the pulpit.
eiriamach | Nov 15, 2012, 12:30 PM EST
There are moments when an ungodly motive becomes so clear that it undermines the person's moral authority. That happened when Cardinal Dolan arrogantly told Obama and Sibelius they should not listen to the nuns, who supported the HHS mandate. Instead, they should listen to the bishops, who are the only "authorities." As Cathy Hayes reports, Dolan said, "We kind of got our Irish up when leaders in government seemed to be assigning an authoritative voice to Catholic groups that are not the bishops. If you want an authoritative voice, go to the bishops.'" To Dolan, "getting your Irish up" means asserting male power and silencing the women. That's the moment that kinda' got my Irish up and I could not be silent!
eiriamach | Nov 15, 2012, 12:14 PM EST
No one is forcing the bishops or anyone else to use contraceptives, Seanmor, so your analogy with eating pork is false. The HHS mandate forces Catholic employers, except for churches, to allow their employees freedom to choose whether to eat pork, i.e., whether to avail of their health insurance coverage of contraceptives. The issue is freedom, not force-- protecting everyone's freedom of conscience.
Seanmor | Nov 15, 2012, 11:31 AM EST
If the Health Department discovered that pork products were very healthy for children, would that give the president the right to force Jewish children to consume qualtities of pork in the school cafeteria at lunch time?
johnozed | Nov 15, 2012, 11:28 AM EST
Just keep focusing on what they're saying about Obamacare and please please please don't mention anything about child molestation and it's RC cover up. Please.
ballylanger | Nov 15, 2012, 11:19 AM EST
I'm not getting this! The most powerful country in the world has a clown from the smallest country telling the people how to live their lives. What part of fcuk off do Americans not understand?
eiriamach | Nov 15, 2012, 10:38 AM EST
Cardinal Dolan is far out on a limb of a shaky tree. First, the RC lawsuits will lose in the courts because the constitutional principles are clear: the government's obligation to protect women employees from discrimination in health insurance benefits trumps employers' desire to tailor those benefits to their religious beliefs. Second, many of the hospitals, schools, colleges, and agencies subject to the HHS mandate were founded by nuns and are still administered by nuns. Though nuns must obey bishops, they have ways of protecting their work from bishops' micromanagement. Third, the bishops have over-stepped their authority by launching this political battle, which the majority of Catholics do not support and most of the public opposes. As Peter Steinfels wrote in "Commonweal," the bishops' "ill-conceived and potentially self-defeating campaign" will lose and the loss will do harm.
pilib04 | Nov 15, 2012, 10:33 AM EST
Portia, the finger pointing in the picture is priceless. This is exactly the picture that should accompany such blathering.
The Commentator | Nov 15, 2012, 10:27 AM EST
If the church is so adamant in maintaining their stance, why don`t they just operate their facilities as private institutions funded solely by the Roman Catholic Church and restrict their services to what ever they want. If it did, then non Catholic hospitals and health services could charge back all services provided to Catholics except abortion to the Roman Catholic Church. I`ll bet this is unlikely to happen because the church is a money machine with the head bankers in Rome who are in bed with the mafia. PERHAPS THE FEMALE MEMBERS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THEIR FAMILIES SHOULD STOP PUTTING MONEY IN THE COLLECTION PLATE. THAT WILL SOON GET THE ATTENTION OF THE CHURCH HIERARCHY. MONEY IS THE LANGUAGE OF ROME.
The Commentator | Nov 15, 2012, 10:03 AM EST
I can appreciate Dolan's stand on birth control because there is no chance of impregnating the little boys they are raping. The Roman Catholic hierarchy continues to discriminate against women. Get rid of these self righteous, pompous pedophiles who only wish to maintain their "status`and life of privilege at the expense of the parishioners. NOW IS THE TIME TO BREAK AWAY FROM ROME AND ESTABLISH A COUNTRY WIDE CATHOLIC CHURCH THAT DETERMINES POLICIES AND APPOINTS THEIR OWN CHURCH HIERARCHY THAT INCLUDES WOMEN.
Portia777 | Nov 15, 2012, 09:22 AM EST
One finger pointing at people- 3 pointing at himself.
Portia777 | Nov 15, 2012, 09:21 AM EST
Did anyone vote for this bishop?No. Is he ever going to be pregnant?No Who gave him the right to dictate to women on fertility issues? Himself.