New York’s Cardinal Urges ‘Freedom of Religion Battle’

New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan is calling on worshippers to become more involved in politics as the church stands against the government in what he says is a “freedom of religion battle.”

Dolan spoke Saturday at an event in Hicksville about the recent controversy involving contraceptive coverage.

The cardinal says the U.S. government is engaged in “an unwarranted, unprecedented radical intrusion.” He told the crowd they “live in an era that seems to discover new rights every day.”

Some religious organizations protested when President Barack Obama moved to mandate that religious-affiliated institutions such as hospitals and universities include free birth control coverage in their employee health plans. Obama later said religious employers could opt out, but insurers must pay for the coverage.

Proponents say the plan is a breakthrough for women’s rights.

Topics New York