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Source: Crux

BALTIMORE – Days after the US Supreme Court agreed to hear another challenge to the Affordable Care Act brought by several Catholic entities, the head of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops told American prelates not to give up the fight against what he sees as infringements on religious freedom.

“What a great tragedy it will be if our ministries are slowly secularized or driven out of the public square because of shortsighted laws or regulations that limit our ability to witness and serve consistent with our faith,” Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville said Monday at the first full day of the bishops’ annual fall conference.

He blamed a “misguided secularization” that erodes the faith of people who unselfishly serve those in need, he said. And the narrowing of religious freedom is a major challenge to the Church today.

During Kurtz’ tenure as president of the conference, US bishops have clashed repeatedly with the Obama administration, especially over its contraception mandate. Bishops argue that Catholic schools, dioceses, and charitable agencies would be forced to violate their religious beliefs if forced to comply with the law.

Kurtz delivered the remarks during his presidential address at the opening session of the USCCB Fall General Assembly.

Quoting Pope Francis, Kurtz told bishops that they are called “to be pastors close to the people, pastors who are neighbors and servants,” and he advised them not to shy away from challenges facing Catholics today.

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