Statement by John Yeats, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling today, upholding the Obama administration’s health care plan:
“We are grieved by the Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Health Act, particularly the court’s ruling to uphold the mandate that health insurance plans cover contraceptives that may cause abortions. Through the health-care act, the president and his administration have declared war on religion and freedom of conscience. And sadly, the Supreme Court is a party to this injustice. The court’s actions today reflect the secularization of our society and the marginalization of people of faith. This is a defining moment for our nation, and a grave threat to the religious liberty and freedom of conscience that all Americans have enjoyed for more than two centuries. We ask all citizens to join us in praying for those who, for the sake of conscience, will choose to obey God rather than men.
“At the same time, we understand there are many people in Missouri and throughout the nation that suffer physically and financially because they are unable to obtain medical coverage due to pre-existing conditions or portability issues. We are greatly concerned for hurting people and believe the president and the Congress should work together to address these provisions without creating a Constitutional crisis.”