Archbishop Robert Carlson.
By Grant Bissell
St. Louis (KSDK) - St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson sent a letter to every Catholic church in the St. Louis area calling for Catholics to stand up to the new Affordable Care Act.
A provision of the act requires health plans to provide free access to contraceptive services. That includes plans administered by Catholic employers.
Carlson writes, "In so ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our nation's first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty."
Carlson asks Catholics to contact their senators and representatives and express their displeasure with the new law.
Right now, Catholic employers must offer coverage for contraceptive services within the year. Carlson wrote, "Unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences or to drop health coverage for our employees."
That could impact thousands of employees across the country.
Click Here to read Carlson's full letter.
KSDK