Freedom of Religion in America?

 There are many lessons we can learn from history if we pay attention to them. I would like to talk about these lessons. It shows how evil can triumph over a nation, if it is done gradually, and no one responds.

 In 1932 a man with a funny looking mustache was seen in many parts of Germany campaigning to be the leader of the nation. He talked about the “Jewish menace”. Many people thought he was goofy and they paid little attention to him.  No one did anything. As time went on this man formed a political party, the Nazis’. He encouraged them to persecute the Jewish people, and they listened to him.  No one stepped up to say or do anything. This man then came to power. He began to take away the rights of the Jewish people.  He would not allow them to teach in the Universities, or to practice their professions. He even forced them to leave the country. No one did anything. One night the persecution went a step farther. Jewish businesses were vandalized. No one did anything. Next he deported the Jewish people to concentration camps for slave labor. No one did anything.  Lastly, the “final step” took place - genocide. Over six million Jewish people were murdered, and along with them many Catholic Religious (e.g. Maximillian Kolbe)

In 1954 Madeline Murray, an avowed atheist, was able to get the Supreme Court to rule that it was unconstitutional to pray in public schools. No one did anything. Later the ACLU sued public municipalities for placing a Christmas scene on city property. No one did anything. Next major companies told their employees they could not greet people with the words “Merry Christmas”. No one did anything. Next the Government told a Judge that he could not place a plaque containing the Ten Commandments in his courtroom. No one did anything. Then the U.S. Ninth District Court of Appeals said that it was illegal to say the words “under God” in the pledge of allegiance. No one did anything. Now the Federal Government has given a mandate that the Catholic Church must provide immoral contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortion inducing drugs in their health insurance plans. Will anyone do anything?

The Bishops of the United States have asked all Catholics to do something. They have asked us to pray because prayer is powerful, and can do much to overcome evil. Remember how the Rosary brought down the “Iron Curtain”. They have asked us to Fast. Jesus taught His followers the importance of fasting. They then asked us to contact our government representatives and ask for the passing of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act. Will we do anything?

This government mandate concerns the Freedom of Religion in America. It is our job as Catholics to back our Bishops and do something. Please get involved. Let us learn the lesson from history before it is too late.

Take Action - Join the Fight!

Prayer:


Gracious and loving God, let your Spirit be with us (me) today.
Hear our (my) prayers, and increase in us (me) the will to follow your Son Jesus.
Help us (me) to draw on the resources of our (my) faith as we (I) use
the opportunities of our democracy to shape a society more respectful
of the life, dignity, and rights of the human person,
especially the poor and vulnerable.


We (I) ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns
with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.

Fr. Thomas Haren

Cleveland Diocesan Union HNS