Letter from the Archbishop of Hartford

April 30, 2009

The Honorable Sean Williams
Legislative Office Building
Hartford, Connecticut  06106

Dear Representative Williams:

I write on my own behalf and that of Bishop William Lori, Bishop Michael Cote, and Bishop Paul Chomnycky to express my sincere appreciation to you for your work in supporting the religious protection amendment to SB 899.

We all know that in October 2008 the Supreme Court of the State of Connecticut legalized marriage for same sex couples. Our challenge during this Session of the General Assembly was to assure that our religious freedoms would be protected as we go forward. With your efforts and your positive vote, the Connecticut Legislature clearly recognized that religious freedom must be protected in our State.

Please know that I am very grateful to you for the integral role you played in supporting this most important amendment.

Sincerely,
Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell
Archbishop of Hartford