Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity sponsored Holy Family Memorial and Silver Lake College of the Holy Family as well as Felician Village and St. Francis of Assisi Parish all of Manitowoc, WI collaborated together for a Fortnight For Freedom Ecumenical Event on June 26, 2012 in our college chapel. Sister Rochelle Kerkhof, Holy Family Memorial Director of Mission and Sister Mardelle Meinholz, Silver Lake College of the Holy Family Director of Mission, were significant planners.
Important to the evening was not only time to pray together, but also to hear an educational component regarding the current religous liberty issue in the United States. Father Richard Klingeisen of St. Francis of Assisi Parish offered informative reflections quoting Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Willian E. Lori and St. Augustine. Pastor Matt Sauer, First Prysbeterian Church, also presented a historical perspective of the First Amendment to our Constitution and its forbiding interference by government in religions.
Frequently asked questions about religious liberty were included in the prayer booklet. Here’s one of the questions.
Are we making too much of this “religious freedom” issue?
Religious liberty is a cornerstone of our democracy. The freedom of religion is rooted in the very dignity of every human person regardless of the individual faith they choose to practice. It is no mistake that our founding fathers gave these rights priority in our country.
