TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Worshipers in the Toledo Catholic Diocese this past weekend were urged by Bishop Leonard Blair to oppose a recent mandate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
That's because the ruling goes against the beliefs of Catholics.
The mandate states all companies, including Catholic organizations, must offer health care plans that include contraception and sterilization to employees .
There would be no co-pay.
"That is very, very bad to be put in that position by our own government," said Bishop Blair.
Even medicine like the morning after pill will be provided.
"If the government can force us to do this today, what are they going to force you to do tomorrow against your conscience or against your religion," added Bishop Blair.
Rita Knab belongs to St. Rose Catholic Church in Perrysburg and says the mandate crosses the line between separation of church and state.
"We don't need government telling us or our churches what to do. Our Catholic religion goes back hundreds of thousands of years," said Ms. Knab.
The Amish have been exempt from the mandate.
Monsignor Marvin Borger of St. Rose views this as a double standard.
"Out of respect for their beliefs they have an exemption from the whole health care law. Why are they given an exemption but other churches like ours are not," said Msgr. Borger.
Monsignor Borger urges all Catholics to step forward to join Bishop Blair in opposing the mandate.
"There's a number of ways. One is to have them reconsider a much broader exemption or the health care law could be repealed," said Msgr. Borger.
Time is running out for opponents.
The mandate is scheduled to take effect for most employers August 1.
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