Letter: In response to David Jonson

In his letter published in the June 29 edition of the Daily Journal, David Jonson starts his criticism against the Fortnight For Freedom by the Catholic Bishops that took place June 1 to July 4. He classifies it as an example of church bullying by the Catholic Bishops.

Well, David, you seem to be confused on this issue. This was a vicious frontal attack by the Obama’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandate, which tells the Catholic Church and all Christian religions that they must violate God’s laws, statutes and Commandments, or else! In others words, it is the Congress, our federal socialist government, that is doing all the bullying by its tyrannical demands, threats and intimidation. It’s an obvious diabolical attack against religious liberty.

Thomas Jefferson said in 1808, "I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline or exercises.” This is a clear case of a violation of our First Amendment rights. It clearly states, " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.” This I consider also a violation of the separation of church and state.

Lastly, David brought up another issue that there is a difference between the civil rights efforts of Dr. King and the Catholic bishops efforts for religious liberty, a God-given right. Well, David, this is easy to answer. Just different issues of our constitutional rights. Dr. King’s fought for human rights and equality; the Catholic Church’s fights for religious liberty, a right to worship God without violating his laws.

Ross Foti

Belmont