As a friend of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, I am guessing you share our concern for protecting religious freedom for all Coloradans. That's why I am writing you today.

Today marks the beginning of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' "Fortnight for Freedom" campaign, which will continue through July 4. We are concerned about this campaign to change the definition of religious freedom in our country. The definition of religious liberty that this initiative promotes alters the meaning of the Constitution and reduces the promise of that guarantee of freedom of religion for all, to freedom of religion for some.

This church initiative denies insurance coverage of contraception to anyone working for a religious institution or even someone working for a private business owned by someone who does not want to cover it. The "Fortnight for Freedom" campaign also defines marriage in a way that would impose on all Coloradans and Americans the view of marriage held by the Roman Catholic Church.

Please stand with us today to support an inclusive definition of religious freedom that applies to everyone. Join us, as well as the national Interfaith Alliance, in affirming that:

- We support the separation of religion and government and believe that public policy should not impose or privilege any religious viewpoint.

- We support public policies that both respect religious liberty and protect against the use of religious beliefs or traditions to discriminate, deny health care services, or undermine equality.

- We advance religious liberty and justice that respects individuals, supports the common good and reflects the foundational principles of our nation.

We do not believe any religious institution should be forced to fund an initiative that goes against its core beliefs. However, we do not believe those institutions should be able to block a program from implementation when reasonable safeguards and protections have been put in place.

Over the next two weeks, religious freedom will be in the spotlight. Help us protect religious freedom for all Coloradans. If you have not renewed your membership this year or have never become a member, please support us today with an online contribution. You may also call our office and make a credit card contribution over the phone at 720-524-1100.

Thank you for your support of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. Together, we are protecting faith and freedom for all Coloradans.

Sincerely,  

 

Jeremy J. Shaver, M.Div.

Executive Director