text: The bishops' claim that they are defending religious freedom is baseless. Christians, Jews and Catholics have been elected and appointed to serve in all branches of the government. They have passed legislation that governs civil not religious life. It is the non-Western, non-Judeo/Christian religions that are threatened.
  
  The Church does not have to provide birth control instructions, contraceptives or abortions, nor does it have to officiate at civil unions or divorces, whether same or opposite sex. The Church does not have to accept or minister to alternate lifestyle individuals and communities.
  
  The Church does have the option of condoning personal arms, capital punishment, armed conflicts, nuclear weapons and environmental disregard.
  
  The bishops are not defending religious freedom. The bishops are promoting religious license. They hope that Church will trump State. It is more likely that it is they who will be Trumped.