Catholic University In Indiana Affirms The Revised RFRA Signed Into Law Earlier Today

Last updated on: January 24, 2017 at 6:55 pm by Frank Weathers

Catholic University In Indiana Affirms The Revised RFRA Signed Into Law Earlier Today 2017-01-24T18:55:19-05:00 Frank Weathers

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

All are welcome!

You might have missed the news if you were at Mass for Holy Thursday, but the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana was revised, and signed into law, a few hours ago with the following revision,

Sec. 0.7. This chapter does not: (1) authorize a provider to refuse to offer or provide services, facilities, use of public accommodations, goods, employment, or housing to any member or members of the general public on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or United States military service; (2) establish a defense to a civil action or criminal prosecution for refusal by a provider to offer or provide services, facilities, use of public accommodations, goods, employment, or housing to any member or members of the general public on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or United States military service; or (3) negate any rights available under the Constitution of the State of Indiana.

One of the institutions that commented on this change is Marian University. President Dan Elsener issued the following statement to local news organizations,

During the past few days, several people have asked me whether I plan to comment on the controversy surrounding Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. I’ve given this a lot of thought. People I respect on both sides of this issue have contributed their ideas, and I wanted to take the time to give careful consideration to the fundamental values that are at stake here.

As a Catholic university, Marian University is deeply committed to the value of religious freedom. We strongly support the position of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops which says, “If religious liberty is not properly understood, all people suffer and are deprived of the essential contribution to the common good, be it in education, health care, feeding the hungry, civil rights, and social services that individuals make every day, both here at home and overseas.”

We also believe in the dignity and civil rights of every person regardless of race, religion, age, disability, ethnic heritage or sexual orientation. We support the action called for by the CEOs of nine major Indiana corporations asking the governor and the legislature to “make it clear that Indiana is the welcoming state we all believe it to be” and to “take immediate action to ensure that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act will not sanction or encourage discrimination against any residents or visitors to our state by anyone.”

Both values–religious freedom and civil rights for all–are important to us, and we want to work with people of good will in our home state and everywhere to make sure these values are protected for the benefit of all.

After careful consideration and consultation, I am asking every member of the Marian University community to pray that leaders in our state will come to a successful resolution of the issues that divide us now. I also ask every one of us to respect the opinions and values of others–especially those we disagree with–so that we can work together to find common ground and solutions to the challenges we face as individuals and as a community.

The Franciscan values that distinguish Marian University commit us to the dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation and responsible stewardship. These values speak directly to the controversy facing our state today. As we enter Holy Week and the Easter season, let’s do everything in our power to affirm the values of religious freedom and civil rights for all. Let’s pray for the intercession of our patron, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi as we work to foster the values that distinguish us as a community of faith dedicated to preparing transformational leaders for service to the world.

See more reactions here.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Previous Post

April 1, 2015

Indiana Bishops Release Statement On Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Next Post

April 3, 2015 Steven D. Greydanus Recommends "The Miracle Maker," And I Found A Place Where It's Streaming...

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Blog News Conversion Story Culture Learning Living Nature Prayer Uncategorized Working

Select a Month June 2016 May 2016 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Gideon" mean in Hebrew?

Select your answer to see how you score.

God is my Strength Warrior Hewer Redeemer