Religious Liberty Update - After the Fortnight for Freedom

A letter from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Dear Friends:   This is just the beginning.   While the Fortnight for Freedom has come to a close, our efforts to save our religious freedom continue.   I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your help and support in this critical effort. The Fortnight was a tremendous success, as demonstrated by an outpouring of support from Catholics across the country showing up to pray, study, and take action. And many of you took the time to connect with our efforts by texting FREEDOM to 377377.   On the Fourth of July, I had the pleasure along with Cardinal Wuerl and Archbishop Chaput to participate in a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in our nation’s capital. The Basilica was completely packed with the faithful from across the country who decided to spend this Fourth of July reflecting on our most cherished freedom – the right to live out our faith. Archbishop Chaput gave a magnificent homily on the importance of religious liberty, and it was an inspiring and hopeful event to close out the Fortnight for Freedom.   At the end of the Mass, I asked folks to get involved by signing up for our nationwide text messaging campaign. You can view my announcement here:     In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to keep you updated about continued threats to religious freedom and offer ways you can help. Only through a sustained and conscientious effort will we be successful.   Many of you have asked to see photos from the Fortnight from around the country, and we have compiled an image gallery here:   http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/fortnight-freedom-images.cfm   Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do in this effort.   Most Reverend William E. Lori Archbishop of Baltimore Chairman, USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty