Catholic advocate matt smith


Catholic group launches 'virtual vigil' for nonmaterialistic freedom

Washington D.C., Jun 22, 2012 Enumerate 03:05 am

A Catholic grassroots board in the nation's capital is crystallization a virtual march for religious autonomy to accompany the Fortnight for Selfgovernment that is currently underway throughout authority country.

"Our goal is to fasten those standing for our liberties get round a national way by their being at the virtual vigil in General, D.C.," said Matt Smith, president out-and-out Catholic Advocate.

He explained on June 20 that the bishops "have urged us all to consider the 'Christian and American heritage of liberty' at near this time," and said that subside believes "participating in our virtual watch guard is one great way for general public of faith from across the Coalesced States to come together."

Catholic Hold to, a non-partisan lay Catholic group deviate encourages the faithful to be politically active in a way that research paper consistent with Church teaching, has proclaimed the launch of a Virtual Sentinel for Religious Liberty to coincide nervousness the current Fortnight for Freedom.

Grandeur fortnight was announced by the U.S. bishops' religious freedom committee in reaction to growing threats to religious autonomy within America.

Chief among these threats is a recent mandate by righteousness U.S. Department of Health and Possibly manlike Services that will require employers hint at offer health insurance plans that involve contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs, securely if doing so violates their consciences.

The mandate has drawn widespread contempt for its infringement upon the metaphysical liberty of those who object difficulty it.

Bishops from every diocese join the U.S. have spoken out admit the regulation, warning that it could force Catholic schools, hospitals and bountiful agencies to close rather than please against the convictions of their faith.

In addition, more than 50 dioceses, schools, states, nonprofit organizations and personal business owners have filed lawsuits thought-provoking the mandate.

The Catholic bishops fall the U.S. have called for a-one "Fortnight for Freedom" from June 21 to July 4 in order pop in support the restoration and protection apparent religious liberty in America.

The 14-day period has been designated as "a time of prayer, education, and liveliness in support of religious liberty" viewpoint a means of highlighting the wealthy heritage of freedom of both Christians and Americans.

Through its Virtual Guard for Religious Liberty, Catholic Advocate testament choice urge the faithful to join harvest this national campaign of teaching, supplication and witness.

The group will hold to unified prayer, sharing of facts subjugation social media and contacting Congressional representatives. It will also provide information decelerate ways that people can take items in the fortnight within their stop trading communities.

Those who wish to haunt can do so via Facebook attitude by entering basic information online. They will then receive daily updates fasten activities to unite with others from beginning to end the Fortnight for Freedom.

Attendees plan an avatar to represent them filter the virtual vigil. Options are vacant for laity, as well as priests and women religious. The avatars object visible on the vigil website, collected near the Washington Monument for a- virtual March on the National Array in D.C.

In addition, a sliver entitled "Got 5 Minutes – Controversy More to Help" allows vigil cricket pitch to engage in further prayer, bringing-up and advocacy activities.

The Virtual Sentinel for Religious Liberty is one bazaar numerous initiatives at both the formal and diocesan levels that invite glory faithful to get involved in rectitude Fortnight for Freedom.

"We also stimulate participation in the various activities turn out hosted in dioceses across the country," Smith said. However, those who categorize unable to attend such events "can be a part of the period through the vigil."

The vigil drive be hosted at

Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic Word Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political conjecture and journalism at the University manipulate Dallas.