The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is applauding the Supreme Court's decision to protect the religious liberty of Hobby Lobby and similar closely held for-profit corporations in the U.S.

“We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision to recognize that Americans can continue to follow their faith when they run a family business," said Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.

"In this case, justice has prevailed, with the Court respecting the rights of the Green and Hahn families to continue to abide by their faith in how they seek their livelihood, without facing devastating fines. Now is the time to redouble our efforts to build a culture that fully respects religious freedom."

The decision comes as Catholics throughout the nation celebrate the third Fortnight for Freedom, which began on June 21 and will end on July 4. The focus of this year's Fortnight is on the freedom to serve the poor and vulnerable in accord with human dignity and the Church's teachings.

The USCCB acknowledges that there is still much to pray for as dozens of cases involving Catholic dioceses and other institutions are still making their way through the courts.

“The Court clearly did not decide whether the so-called ‘accommodation’ violates RFRA when applied to our charities, hospitals and schools, so many of which have challenged it as a burden on their religious exercise. We continue to hope that these great ministries of service, like the Little Sisters of the Poor and so many others, will prevail in their cases as well.”

Click here for more information on Fortnight of Freedom events in your area! http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/fortnight-freedom-diocesan-activities.cfm

© All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com