U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, Surprise Guest in Owensboro, KY
Posted by Rachel Evans (October 23, 2012 at 10:12 am)
Stand Up Rally #3
Having secured speakers for the third Owensboro Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally, we expected a letter from our U.S. Congressman to be read to us by one of his staff members.
Moments before noon, she informed us that the Congressman was on his way to our rally! We were certainly pleased that he had rearranged a full schedule to come join us! Rep. Guthrie told the crowd that he would continue representing his constituents by vigorously fighting against the HHS Mandate.
“Rest assured I am doing my part in Washington to help overturn this destructive rule. As many of you know, I am a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and its Health Subcommittee which has held several hearings on this rule during which I have expressed my opposition. Additionally, I have cosponsored the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, which would reverse this rule by allowing health plans to decline coverage of contraception when it conflicts with their religious beliefs. I will continue to hold the Obama Administration accountable and will continue to encourage my colleagues in Washington to do the same.”
Fr. Clark, Judicial Vicar for Diocese of Owensboro
The other speakers were equally resolute in their various areas of expertise. They included:
- Fr. Mike Clark, Judicial Vicar for Diocese of Owensboro, who shared an excerpt of the Second Vatican Council document on Religious Liberty and also led us in the opening prayer.
- Jo Barron, of Wm. Barron Enterprises, gave an enthusiastic speech about our duty and privilege to vote with, but added that we have the obligation of voting after Christian reflection and prayer.
- Sr. Frances Teresa of Carmel Home – a Catholic nursing facility. She shared her heartfelt sadness at the prospect of having to deny their employees, who are mostly non-Catholic, insurance coverage. The Carmel home will not fit the very narrow exemptions because not only do they employ many non-Catholics, they also serve many non-Catholics. Voicing the sentiments of Archbishop Dolan she added, ‘We cannot, we will not comply’.
Sr. Frances Theresa
- Richard Hayden, pharmacist with King’s Drug and Home Care addressed the adverse effects of chemicals in contraceptive drugs and abortifacient drugs.
- Crystal Schrecker, Silent No More, shared her abortion story with us in a moving testimony.
- Reverend Orville Wilhite, pastor of Holiness Church also shared some thoughts and then closed with a spirited prayer.
Before and after the rally the crowd was treated to patriotic and spiritual music provided by Wild Mountain Thyme, a hammer and lap dulcimer duo. Although our attendance of 112 was down from the 350-400 we saw at our previous rallies, the speakers were inspirational. God bless America!
Carmelite Sisters
With Crystal Schrecker, Silent No More