catholics rally at State capitol for religious freedom

HARTFORD (03-11-2009) - Thousands of Catholics and people from other churches rallied on the steps of the Capitol to proclaim support for religious freedom. Led by the Catholic Bishops of Connecticut, the rally was organized to express opposition to Proposed Bill #1098, even though the bill had been withdrawn by the chairmen of the Judiciary Committee yesterday. In his closing remarks, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell called on legislators to bury such attempts at regulating the life of the Church.

From left, Monsignor John McCarthy, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell and Father Jeffrey Romans make their way to the podium through the spirited crowd.

Norwich Bishop Michael Cote's opening prayer and remarks set the stage for a spirited response from the large crowd gathered in the misty drizzle. Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport summoned the crowd to stay true to the beliefs of the Church and continue to reject such proposals as #1098. Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, spoke on behalf of the thousands of lay people who support the Catholic Church, its bishops and priests. He outlined incidents in the past when the Church was under similar attack, especially in Connecticut. Loud cheers and patriotic songs expressed the enthusiasm of those present for the Church and for the right of freedom in America.