Washington D.C., Feb 14, 2012 / 04:07 am America/Denver (CNA).
Catholic Charities USA issued a new statement voicing uncertainty over the Obama administration's “accommodation” for religious freedom within its contraception mandate.
A second press release from the charitable organization comes as several Democratic politicians used the group's original statement on Feb. 10 to defend President Obama's new rule as a compromise that satisfies Catholics and respects religious freedom.
In an initial statement released shortly after the new policy was announced on Feb. 10, Catholic Charities USA said that it was “deeply appreciative that the Administration has recognized the importance” of allowing religious organizations to remain faithful to their deeply held beliefs.
The organization said that the “compromise” would allow it to continue its work of serving the needs of more than 10 million people across the country each year.
Under the new “accommodation,” religious employers will not be forced to directly purchase contraceptive coverage in their employees' health care plans. Instead, they will be required to buy plans from insurance companies that offer them without cost.
