religious freedom

The Latest

Knights of Columbus call for end to HHS mandate

Apr 9, 2013

The Knights of Columbus filed formal comments with the U.S. government on Monday, calling for an end to the Health... Read more

Archbishop William Lori addresses the 2012 USCCB Fall General Assembly, Nov. 13.

Fight against HHS mandate draws thanks from bishops

Apr 8, 2013

The U.S. bishops have thanked organizations and entities for their courage in fighting a federal contraception mandate that forces employers... Read more

George Washington University.

Catholics rally behind DC priest amid controversy

Apr 5, 2013

Students and parishioners are speaking up for a Catholic priest after two gay students at George Washington University said they... Read more

Americans encouraged to join mounting opposition to mandate

Apr 2, 2013

With six days remaining to file public comments on the federal contraception mandate, one Catholic leader is calling on Americans... Read more

Hobby Lobby. Courtesy of the Becket Fund.

Hobby Lobby granted full court hearing for mandate case

Apr 1, 2013

Christian-owned craft giant Hobby Lobby will be able to make its appeal against the federal contraception mandate before a full... Read more

(L-R) Lela Gilbert, Paul Marshall, and Nina Shea take part in a panel at the Hudson Institute on March 27, 2013.

Panel urges awareness of global Christian oppression

Mar 29, 2013

Authors of a new book on the global persecution of Christians warned that Americans must recognize the grave threat that is... Read more

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry

Secretary Kerry calls for freedom of imprisoned Iranian pastor

Mar 25, 2013

After repeatedly being petitioned by lawmakers and citizens, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has urged the release of Pastor... Read more

Sebelius listens as President Obama announces the contraceptive mandate at the White House Jan.12, 2012. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.

Bishops say mandate still threatens religious liberty

Mar 21, 2013

Despite proposals to modify the federal contraception mandate, the U.S. bishops said that the regulation is still unacceptable due to... Read more

Protesters carry signs in Washington D.C. on March 14, 2013.

Protest highlights treatment of Coptic Christians in Libya

Mar 19, 2013

Christians gathered in front of the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C., on March 14 to peacefully protest the recent detainment... Read more

Cathy Cenzon-DeCarlo, RN speaks March 5, 2013 at the press conference on Religious Freedom.

Lawmakers, medical workers speak up on conscience bill

Mar 5, 2013

Members of Congress and individuals who have been forced to violate their consciences came together to stress the need for... Read more

Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.).

Proposed federal bill to strengthen religious freedom

Mar 5, 2013

Members of Congress have introduced a new bill that would create a broad exemption to the HHS mandate and strengthen... Read more

Rep. John Flemmimg (R-La.) and Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.)

Lawmakers pen letter insisting on conscience protections

Mar 4, 2013

More than a dozen federal legislators have written to Congressional leaders calling for stronger conscience protections to be included in... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith speaks during a hearing on anti-Semitism before a House panel on Feb. 27, 2013 (File Photo/CNA).

Congressional hearing highlights growing threat of anti-Semitism

Mar 2, 2013

Witnesses at a recent hearing in Washington, D.C., warned that a resurrected anti-Semitism is sweeping the globe and could lead... Read more

Imprisoned pastor Saeed Abedini.

Jailed Iranian pastor reports 'threatening' abuse

Feb 22, 2013

Christian Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen sentenced to eight years in an Iranian prison, has spoken out about his... Read more

David Green, Hobby Lobby CEO and founder.

Legislators behind religious freedom law support Hobby Lobby

Feb 22, 2013

Nearly a dozen U.S. lawmakers who supported a 1993 law protecting religious liberty have formally defended Hobby Lobby in its... Read more

Speaker John Boehner administers the oath of office to members of the 113th Congress Jan 3, 2013.

Archbishop implores Congress to protect conscience rights

Feb 18, 2013

In anticipation of upcoming legislation, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore urged the nation’s lawmakers to work this year “to... Read more

Eric Rassbach, Deputy General Counsel at the Becket Fund.

Lawyer says ACLU wrongly limits religious liberty

Feb 15, 2013

By Kevin J. Jones

A lawyer involved in prominent religious liberty cases says the American Civil Liberties Union's opposition to religious exemptions will ultimately... Read more

Archbishop William Lori speaks at a Legatus conference Feb. 8, 2013.

Archbishop calls for return to America's 'founding ideals'

Feb 13, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

Catholics today must help the U.S. return to its founding principles amid dangers to religious liberty, Archbishop William E. Lori... Read more

CNA

European People’s Party demands Cuba respect basic freedoms

Feb 6, 2013

A major European political party has approved a series of resolutions calling on Cuba to end violations of basic rights... Read more

Brian Walsh, executive director of the American Religious Freedom Program at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

HHS mandate changes protect only 'a few more ministries'

Feb 5, 2013

Legal analysts warned that the government’s new proposals on the HHS mandate do little to expand religious freedom protections for... Read more