WASHINGTON, DC -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, and a petitioner in Priests for Life vs. HHS, one of the seven consolidated cases that comprise the Supreme Court case Zubik vs. Burwell, made the following announcement today:
“Now that oral arguments have taken place in Zubik vs. Burwell, the educational and pastoral activities surrounding the case enter a new and more intense phase. As the Justices consider the arguments and the briefs, so must we, and we need to guide the public to a deeper understanding of the HHS mandate and the threat it poses to religious freedom nationwide. Moreover, once a decision is rendered, we are going to have to help believers to understand its implications not only for the petitioners, but for them as well.
“Last night we held the first of our educational webcasts, examining the case and its arguments. People can hear a replay of this webcast at www.IStandWithPFL.com. More of these webcasts will be scheduled throughout the months to come, in which various petitioners, attorneys, and amici will share their insights into this case.
“We at Priests for Life have also taped a series of short reflections called Mandate Minutes, helping people understand the basic facts and arguments of the case. They will be available on You Tube.
“Likewise, we announce again today our ongoing, national prayer campaign, found at www.SupremeCourtVictory.com. The interdenominational prayers there can be used by individuals, families, Churches and organizations, and we urge them to do so.
“Our efforts include the travels of our pastoral team -- including petitioners Fr. Frank Pavone, Janet Morana, and Alveda King (niece of Martin Luther King, Jr.) -- to Churches, schools and communities across the nation, special educational efforts for clergy, and the availability of our team -- and others involved in the case -- for media interviews.
“At the heart of these educational and pastoral initiatives is the theme of Unity in Diversity. It is crucial to emphasize that this case at the Supreme Court comprises seven consolidated cases with no less than 37 distinct petitioners: bishops and priests, religious brothers and sisters, lay men and women, schools and ministries, and represents a cross-section of denominations in the Body of Christ. Moreover, there is an even larger group of cases and petitioners challenging this mandate in the lower courts. Pointing this out will help people understand that religious liberty is rooted in simply being a human being: it is not only a Constitutional right of every American, but a basic aspect of human dignity. Nobody has a monopoly on the defense of religious freedom; it is the task and responsibility of us all! (cf. Evangelium Vitae 91).