Archbishop urges parishes to join nationwide FOCA fight

HARTFORD - The Archdiocese of Hartford has joined a nationwide drive to fight passage of the Freedom of Choice Act, described by Archbishop Mansell as "the most radical and extreme abortion legislation ever considered in the United States." (See Dec. Column, See Feb. Column)

Parishes of the Archdiocese are taking part in the "Fight FOCA Postcard Campaign" launched on Jan. 24 and 25 across the country. By signing the postcards on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, parishioners are asking legislators to oppose the FOCA "or any similar measure."

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell urged pastors to support the campaign in a letter dated Jan. 13 in which he explains that President Obama "needs your help. . . . As President, Mr. Obama is caught in a painful dilemma. As he seeks to build consensus he will be plagued by the radical lobby of NARAL and Planned Parenthood." The Archbishop continues, "Mr. Obama needs 'cover.' Such desperately needed political 'cover' can be provided by this postcard campaign. A powerful response will enable him to hold the pro-abortion radicals at bay and to focus our energies on the critical challenges we face."

The postcard campaign is sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is being coordinated locally by Pro-Life Activites for the Archdiocese. Father James J. Cronin, Director, has distributed over 3,500 pounds of postcard campaign materials to parishes.

For more information about the "Fight FOCA Postcard Campaign" visit USCCB Pro-Life Activities.

Read Catholic Transcript story "Archdiocese to fight FOCA with postcards".