Religious Freedom Rallies Against Obama Mandates Continue Nationwide-June 8th

By Bob Long

On March 23rd, 2012 "Religious Freedom" rallies were held in 142 cities across America, with more than 64,000 Catholics, Protestants, Jews and other people of faith gathering publicly to speak out against the Obama Administrations Healthcare laws that go into effect in August of this year.   Many faith leaders and groups across America are activating and unifying in unprecedented ways to stand against the mandate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that requires all employers provide free contraceptives, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs through their health plans, even if it violates the spiritual and theological beliefs and practices of recognized religious institutions or if it violates the conscience of individuals.  This new law, like no law before it in American history, requires that free contraceptives, including those that cause abortion, be provided by religious institutions to employees. The law also mandates free sterilization and even abortion in certain cases. It leaves no opt outs, exceptions or clauses that recognize religious liberty, expression, practice, belief or freedom of conscience. 

The next step is for "Stand Up" rallies to be conducted all across America at noon in every time zone.   http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/2012/june8/   They will build upon the networking and synergy that came into the movement as a result of the March 23rd gatherings. The movement is very fluid, loose knit and decentralized with no particular organization having authority, rather they serve as facilitators and mobilizers.

June 8th is the 223rd anniversary of  James Madison introducing the Bill Of Rights to Congress in 1789 .http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/billofrights.html Those amendments and the Constituion have become the model for the rule of law limiting the power of government and expressly protecting specific rights of the individuals.  

While most media attention has focused only on the issue of contraceptives, that is not the real issue among people of faith.  Just ask them. (Now there is a concept!) There is a very visible growing concern, genuine fear and an increasing sense of being targeted by this Administration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWP3sohcY-g This is especially the feeling of Catholics and Evangelical Christians. There is also a new passion about understanding the Constitution and "God given rights", which were, of course, what the Founders themselves were passionate about.  More and more people across our nation, including secularists and humanists, are echoing the opinion of most Christians that there indeed is a political war being waged against religion in America, particularly Christianity. 

I participated in the Religious Freedom Rally in Austin on March 23rd and the photo in this article is of me, taken by my wife.  The rally was put together mostly by word of mouth by phone calls, emails and social networking, spearheaded by Austin Catholics. Not being Catholic, it seemed even more important to contact the leaders, connect and participate.  These nationwide gatherings follow a specific protocal created by a growing coalition spearheaded by the Pro-Life Action League and the Citizens For A Pro-Life Society. No candidate or political party signs are allowed. Particpants are provided with professionally made signs specifically addressing the HHS issues only. Every person is required to conduct themselves in a way that creates a peaceful and orderly public expression of religious liberty.  You can see the guidelines here http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/locations/#guidelines

These rallies and this coalition are actually just one small aspect of an exploding nationwide movement. New groups, coalitions and more plans for more rallies  are emerging everyday.  The Supreme Court is reviewing specifics of the Health Care Reform Act and a ruling is expected by the end of June. Whichever way the ruling goes, the issue of Religious Liberty and Freedom Of Conscience will not only not go away, but they will remain at the forefront of a growing national awakening and debate.  History tells us that such a dialogue at such a level IS a good thing for a nation.