I think that Stephen Carnahan (Feb. 22) completely misses the point about the birth control controversy.

The issue is not about birth control at all; it is whether the federal government can force a church to act against its beliefs — in this case, forcing Catholic organizations (through mandatory insurance) to supply not only birth control, but also the morning after pill (which causes abortions) to their female employees.

Both contraception and abortion are against Catholic doctrine.

The Catholics, and other Christians who are taking a stand against this Barack Obama administration mandate, are doing so to defend First Amendment rights for all of us, including liberal churches such as Carnahan’s.

If the state can dictate how a church runs its business, then none of our rights will be safe.

Diane Rines, Greene