GuideStone releases statement on proposed HHS mandate changes

GuideStone Financial Resources released a statement this morning (Feb. 5) on the latest HHS proposal claiming to expand accommodations for religious organizations opposed to the contraceptive-abortifacient mandate.  

“The proposed rules just issued by the government appear to provide additional, but limited, guidance for churches and ministry organizations,” the statement reads, noting that some of the concerns for churches may have been addressed. However, “definitive statements at this time regarding whether or how these proposed rules could actually work are premature.”

Because the public comment period is now open and some of the proposal would be firmed up by later revisions, GuideStone said it would continue to press its concerns and those of other church plans and would not rule out later court action if necessary.

“We recognize, with regret, that these proposed regulations do not achieve the ultimate goal of removing objectionable forms of contraceptive coverage from the healthcare arena,” GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins said.

Also, “GuideStone fully and fervently supports the actions of other believers who are pursuing actions in the courts, and we share the heart-felt concern of our fellow-believers that these proposed rules do not protect the religious liberty of all employers who seek to uphold and reflect Biblical convictions,” he said. 

A PDF of the statement is found here.