Full circle!
The state attorney general tells public hospitals they must offer contraceptive and abortion services. (Wednesday article, “State: Some public hospitals must provide abortions.”) The establishment is involved in good works, and all must be forced to pay. Pay or go to jail.
In 1700’s England, those whose consciences were violated by forced paying of taxes to the establishment were forced to pay or go to jail. Quakers and other separatists refused to support the state-church and because of the persecution emigrated to Ireland and the newly established colonies in America. Now these institutions did provide good works. They were the only source (or nearly so) of help for the poor. The good works were not opposed, only the forced payment to support an establishment also involved in activities which were unconscionable to the separatists.
In America the separatists were the drivers for separation of church and state and freedom of conscience. This separation of church and state and freedom of conscience was incorporated into the constitution and has served us well for over 200 years.
Now the established state-church (liberalism/humanism) is again forcing us to pay for their good works. We are not contesting the good works, but do contest the forced paying for services which violate our conscience.
Full circle!
Bob Willis
Arlington
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