I don’t think he, or the other Bishops, have high hopes that the Administration will back down. Here is a letter he released today:
February 10, 2012Dear friends in the Lord:
Over the last three weeks, Americans of all religious creeds, and none at all, have united in remarkable concern over the restrictive and immoral mandates ordered by the federal government. This concern is warranted as the proposed rules would require a violation of conscience for so many, and a threat to religious freedom for all.
I thank so many of you, who have enthusiastically been part of this expression of concern, united with your bishops.
Friday’s announcement that the federal government seems to have softened the mandates, and is open to working with us in further progress, is a welcome first step. We must study it carefully.
However, we cannot let up in our concern for the protection of religious freedom and the reverence for conscience which are at the heart of American values.
Stay tuned, as we may need your help again.
Renewed gratitude and prayerful best wishes, I am,
Fraternally yours in Christ,
Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan
Archbishop of New York
Here Bishop Slattery of Tulsa Responds:
