Rally for Religious Freedom

A rally for Religious Freedom was held today at noon in Phoenix and in over 140 cities nationwide. The rallies were called “Stand Up For Religious Freedom”. The goal, as Cardinal Timothy Dolan wrote to his fellow bishops is “to protect our religious freedom from unprecedented intrusion from a government bureau, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).” Earlier this year, HHS announced that the nation’s new health care law would require all employers, including religious organizations like Catholic hospitals and universities, to provide birth control, abortion pills, and sterilization procedures under their insurance coverage. Cardinal Dolan wrote “Since January 20, when the final, restrictive HHS Rule was first announced, we have become certain of two things: religious freedom is under attack, and we will not cease our struggle to protect it.”

More than 300 people attended the rally in downtown Phoenix. The MC for the Phoenix rally was David Schweikert, our Representative from the 5th Congressional district. Speakers at the rally included Rev. Thomas J Olmsted, bishop of Phoenix, and auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares, Evangelical and other denominational ministers, and local politicians.

Representative David Schweikert addressed the rally

Bishop Eduardo Nevares spoke

The Rev. Dr. C. D. Wright delivered a rousing speech, calling on attendees to stand for “Life, life, life!”

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted told the rally that the HHS mandate was an attack on religious freedom. He said it violated both the U.S. Constitution and international law.

Everyone joined in the singing of Amazing Grace

A final prayer was said by Bishop Olmsted

Photos and recap by parishioner Alex Cudzewicz