Rallies being held across the United States today to oppose contraceptive services included in the Affordable Care Act are largely political and do not represent the views of most people of faith. Many religious leaders, in fact, strongly support President Obama's efforts to extend health care coverage to women and his willingness to compromise with churches on this issue.
Organizers claim these rallies are designed to protect religious freedom but look no further than the Portland, Ore. rally and you'll see that the speakers are nearly all right-wing radio talk show hosts or extremist candidates for political office.
As a minister in the United Church of Christ, I continue to applaud President Obama and those responsible Republicans and Democrats who support making sure that contraception is available to stop unwanted pregnancies and to fight disease such as cancer. There is no war against religion. This is a political battle that was started not by the president but by some willing to misuse religion for partisan political gain.
