Probably, argues Joseph D. Becker.

Churches that preach the immorality of contraception are excused from federally imposed obligations to promote the practice. But federal law will soon require that the employees of hospitals and other charitable institutions run by such churchesnotably, the Catholic Churchhave the option of adding coverage for contraception to the health insurance offered by their employer. Whether or not the cost of such coverage is passed to insurers, the question remains, does the requirement violate the First Amendment guarantee of free exercise of religion by such churches?Let us suppose the formation of a new religious sect centered in, say, Florida. Seeking novel forms of worship, the sect, misunderstanding Exodus 32:16, elects to pray to a golden calf, made of melted jewelry donated by the faithful.

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Grant Gallicho joined Commonweal as an intern and was an associate editor for the magazine until 2015. 

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