I was very pleased to learn just a short time ago that the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has granted charitable entities related to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with the Archdiocese itself, temporary injunctive relief, pending further briefing. This temporary injunction delays enforcement of portions of the Affordable Care Act.

I’m grateful for the order issued by this court, which allows us to continue our pursuit of the First Amendment principle of religious freedom. Thankfully, the injunction will allow our charitable entities to continue performing their good works and ministerial outreach to people throughout the Philadelphia region without fear of facing punitive fines. We will continue, on behalf of all believing Catholics, to stand up for religious liberty and our right to minister to those most in need according to the teachings of the Church.

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BACKGROUND:

Elements of the ACA would force religious employers to cooperate in providing employees with access to contraceptives, abortifacients and other services that violate Catholic belief. 

Archdiocesan charities daily assist the homeless, the elderly, immigrants, the disabled, the developmentally delayed and many other segments of the region’s population that are vulnerable. These services are provided regardless of an individual’s religious beliefs or lack thereof.

The legal action parallels dozens of other cases nationwide.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747