Catholic leaders denounce birth control mandate

Roman Catholic bishops in Ohio, Maine, Maryland and Washington D.C. are urging parishioners to protest and pray about the federal government's decision to require church-affiliated institutions to cover free birth control for employees.
  
In letters distributed or read to parishioners at Sunday Mass, the bishops said the decision violates religious freedom.
  
They say they won't comply with a requirement for health coverage of services such as contraception, abortion-inducing drugs or sterilization. They're urging parishioners to pray or fast and to contact Congress to push for legislation reversing the requirement. 

Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl says, "Catholics across America are already fighting this mandate."
  
Houses of worship are exempt, but the birth control mandate applies to nonprofit institutions such as church-affiliated hospitals, colleges and social service agencies.