Washington D.C., May 14, 2013 / 03:10 am
The U.S. bishops' conference has announced a second Fortnight for Freedom, scheduled for the two weeks leading up to Independence Day, to raise awareness and support for the right to religious liberty.
"The need for prayer, education, and action in defense of religious liberty has never been greater," said Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore. "The Fortnight for Freedom exists to meet that need."
The pastoral initiative will begin with a June 21 Mass celebrated by Archbishop Lori at the Baltimore basilica. It will conclude at noon on July 4 with a Mass at the Washington, D.C., basilica celebrated by Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl.
The first Fortnight for Freedom, held last year, included Masses, prayer rallies and other events aimed at prayer, education and action in order to promote and defend religious freedom.