EWTN Wins Lawsuit over HHS Contraception Mandate

EWTN Wins Lawsuit Over HHS Contraception Mandate
11th Circuit Court of Appeals Vacates Lower Court Ruling

EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw responded to the Network's victory in its lawsuit over the HHS Contraception Mandate stating: "This is the right outcome for EWTN and for all those who value religious liberty in America.”

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Following a  legal battle that has lasted nearly seven years, EWTN Global Catholic Network has prevailed in its lawsuit against the U.S. government over what has become known as the “HHS Contraception Mandate.” In an order by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit published Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, the court vacated a June 2014 decision against the Network by U.S. District Court Judge Callie Granade. The ruling by the appellate court follows an Oct. 5, 2018 settlement agreement between EWTN and the Department of Justice. Under terms of that settlement, the Network will not be required to provide contraception, sterilization and abortifacients in its employee health plan, something EWTN found morally objectionable.

“This moment has been a long time coming,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “Almost seven years and two presidential administrations later, the government and the courts have now realized what EWTN has been saying all along, that the HHS Mandate was an unconstitutional attempt to coerce us into violating our strongly held beliefs. This is the right outcome for EWTN and for all those who value religious liberty in America.”

EWTN’s original lawsuit was filed Feb. 9, 2012 in Federal District Court in Birmingham, Alabama against the Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and other related government agencies. That lawsuit sought an injunction against the imposition of the mandate as well as a declaratory judgement that it was unconstitutional. On March 22, 2012, the Attorney General of the State of Alabama filed a motion to join EWTN as a plaintiff in that suit.

EWTN’s first lawsuit was dismissed March 25, 2013 by Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn of the U.S. District Court in Birmingham, Alabama after the Obama administration promised it would amend the regulations.

On Oct. 28, 2013, EWTN filed a new lawsuit against the mandate after the promised revisions failed to address the Network’s objections. The State of Alabama and its then-Attorney General Luther Strange joined as co-plaintiffs. However, in June 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Callie Granade of Mobile, Alabama ruled against the Network. EWTN was immediately granted an injunction preventing the mandate from being imposed while it appealed the decision.

The Network appealed Judge Granade’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which held oral arguments on the case Feb. 4, 2015.  A year later, on Feb. 18, 2016, a panel of judges voted 2-1 against EWTN. The court suspended that decision pending the outcome of the Zubik v. Burwell case, which was then pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Following the lead of the Supreme Court in its Zubik decision, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated its negative order against EWTN on May 31, 2016. In doing so, the court asked for further briefing on the matter while the parties worked toward a settlement.

Attorneys for EWTN and the Department of Justice negotiated terms and the government agreed that it would not enforce the HHS Mandate against EWTN. The government agreed that EWTN could ask the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate the lower court’s decision. That settlement paved the way for the appellate court’s Nov. 29th order.

“I am grateful to our team of attorneys from Becket who have represented us from the beginning.” said Warsaw. “They have been a tremendous partner in this fight for religious liberty.” In reacting to the resolution of the case, Becket Senior Counsel Lori Windham stated: “EWTN has fought long and hard to ensure that its basic freedoms would be protected, and this victory ensures that EWTN can continue to serve as a voice for religious liberty for many years to come.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 38th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 300 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.

EWTN Press Release: Michael Warsaw Honored

EWTN Chairman & CEO Michael Warsaw Honored

With Prestigious Award for Evangelization

EWTN Chairman & CEO Michael P. Warsaw (center) receives the Bowie Kuhn Special Award for Evangelization during the 2018 Legatus Summit in Orlando, Fla. The award was presented by Legatus Chairman Tom Monaghan (right), Founder of Domino's Pizza, and Jack McAleer (left), a member of EWTN's Board of Governors and Legatus Secretary.

Irondale, AL (EWTN) –  EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw was honored with the Bowie Kuhn Special Award for Evangelization during the 2018 Legatus Summit in Orlando, Fla. The award ceremony was held during the recent annual gathering of Legatus, the world’s premier membership organization for Catholic CEOs and business leaders committed to learning, living and spreading the Catholic faith. Warsaw is a charter member of the Washington, D.C. chapter of Legatus.

The Bowie Kuhn award recognized Warsaw’s role in evangelizing through Catholic media and for being an outstanding Christian witness not only within EWTN, but to the broader community.  The award was presented by Legatus Chairman Tom Monaghan, Founder of Domino’s Pizza and Jack McAleer, a member of EWTN’s Board of Governors and Legatus Secretary.

“All of us as Catholics, and particularly those of us in Catholic media, have a responsibility to reach out to the peripheries of society and to address the needs of people who are living in spiritual poverty” said Warsaw, in accepting the award.  “Sometimes, that means reaching out and serving people somewhere across the globe, but more often than not it’s about reaching out to our neighbors next door or down the street who are also living in the depths of spiritual poverty and sharing with them the beauty, truth and goodness of the faith.”

Past recipients of the award include Attorney and Philanthropist Tim Busch, of Orange County, California; Curtis Martin, Founder of FOCUS; Thomas Peterson, President and Founder of Catholics Come Home; and Luisa Kuhn, wife of the late Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, for whom the award is named.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 37th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 275 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division. 

EWTN Press Release on HHS Mandate Revisions

EWTN Statement On Today’s HHS Mandate Revisions

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – The following is a statement by Michael P. Warsaw, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of EWTN Global Catholic Network on the October 6th announcement of revised rules for the HHS Mandate:

“For more than five years, the HHS contraception mandate has forced Americans to violate their deeply held moral and ethical principles, without regard for the Constitution's guarantee of religious liberty. EWTN filed a lawsuit against the government in February 2012, just days after the mandate rules were first published and we have have continued to fight for justice alongside many courageous believers. We are encouraged by today’s announcement. 

“Together with our legal team, we are carefully considering the exemptions announced today and the impact this may have on our legal challenge to the mandate, but we are optimistic that this news will prove to be a step toward victory for the fundamental freedoms of many Americans.  

“I invite Catholics, and all people of faith, to join me in continued prayer for our nation, for its leaders, and for the protection of liberty in the United States, and around the world.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 36th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 268 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division. 

Pope Francis Appoints EWTN's Michael Warsaw as Consultor to Vatican Post

Pope Francis Appoints EWTN CEO to Vatican Post

 
Michael P. Warsaw Named Consultor to Communications Secretariat

( EWTN Chairman & CEO Michael P. Warsaw has been appointed by Pope Francis as a Consultor to the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communications)

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Pope Francis has appointed EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw as a Consultor to the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communications. The appointment was announced at the Vatican on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. As a consultor, Warsaw will have a role in advising the Pope and the Holy See on matters related to media and communications. The appointment comes as part a broad restructuring of the media operations of the Vatican.

“I am extremely humbled and honored by the Holy Father’s appointment,” said Warsaw. “This is a tremendous recognition of the role which EWTN plays in the life of the Church throughout the world. I am grateful to Pope Francis for his confidence and look forward to serving the universal Church in this post.”

Warsaw joined EWTN in 1991 and has held senior management positions in the areas of television production, satellite operations and technical services. He became President of EWTN in 2000 and assumed the post of chief executive officer in 2009. Warsaw was named chairman of the board of EWTN in 2013. In that capacity he oversees the Network’s strategic direction and mission around the world. With the Network’s 2011 acquisition of the National Catholic Register, Mr. Warsaw assumed the role of publisher of that newspaper.

Prior to joining EWTN, Mr. Warsaw was employed by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.   He currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of The Catholic University of America, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and the Catholic Distance University.

The Secretariat for Communications was established by Pope Francis in an apostolic decree on June 25, 2015. Among its responsibilities, it has the task of carrying out the restructuring, reorganization and consolidation of the various communications outlets of the Holy See including the Vatican Television Center, the Vatican Publishing House, L’Osservatore Romano newspaper, Vatican Radio, the Holy See Press Office, Photographic Service and the Vatican Internet Service.  The office is headed by Monsignor Dario Vigano, who serves as Prefect.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 36th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 268 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.

EWTN Press Release: Court rules against EWTN in HHS Mandate Case

Appeals Court Rules Against EWTN in HHS Mandate Case

11^th Circuit Court of Appeals Refuses to Protect Catholic Network

Irondale, AL (EWTN) –This afternoon, the 11^th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled against EWTN Global Catholic Network in its long-running battle against the government’s insurance mandate requiring employer-sponsored health plans to provide coverage for contraception, sterilizations and abortion-inducing drugs. A three-judge panel issued a 2-1 decision more than a year after oral arguments before the Appeals Court.

“We are extremely disappointed that the Court has refused to protect our religious freedom,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “This decision by the Court of Appeals ignores the arguments that EWTN and numerous plaintiffs around the country have made with regard to this mandate. In effect, this decision orders EWTN to violate its religious beliefs and comply with the government’s HHS mandate or pay massive fines to the IRS.”

In the majority opinion, the Court stated "We accept the plaintiffs’ sincere belief . . . that the accommodation puts them to a choice between honoring their religious beliefs and facing significant penalties. We nonetheless conclude that the accommodation imposes no substantial burden." 

“This is wrong,’ said Lori Windham, Senior Counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and lead attorney on the case. “Rather than provide these drugs and devices through its own exchanges, our government wants to punish EWTN for practicing its faith. This 2-1 decision is not the end. The government’s unconstitutional mandate has lost repeatedly at the Supreme Court, and we believe it will lose again.”
EWTN filed its original lawsuit Feb. 9, 2012 against the Department of Health & Human Services, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and other government agencies seeking to stop the imposition of the contraception mandate as well as asking the court for a declaratory judgment that the mandate is unconstitutional. The Attorney General of the State of Alabama filed a motion to join EWTN March 22, 2012 as a plaintiff in the lawsuit. That lawsuit was dismissed pending the final HHS mandate rules.

The final rules promulgated in July 2013 granted no relief to EWTN.  In October 2013, EWTN and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange joined together to challenge the unconstitutional HHS mandate. A federal judge ruled against EWTN in that case as well.  Hours after the US Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby case in June 2014, the 11^th Circuit granted EWTN an emergency injunction, protecting EWTN from the mandate while it filed an appeal. Today, a different panel of judges rendered a split decision, voting 2-1 against EWTN.

In a blistering dissent, Judge Gerald Bard Tjoflat stated: "The majority runs roughshod over the sincerely held religious objections of Eternal Word Television Network," and concluded that "at bottom, the majority’s reasoning takes aim at the heart of RFRA (the Religious Freedom Restoration Act) itself."

Said Warsaw: “As we have said repeatedly, contraception, abortion-inducing drugs and voluntary sterilization are not health care and the government should not force EWTN to provide them as part of our employer-sponsored health plan. We are grateful for the prayers and support of the EWTN Family over the course of this litigation, as well as all those who have written in support of our lawsuit and in support of religious liberty. We ask for continued prayers as we consider our response to the Court’s decision.”


EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 35th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 networks broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 264 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN services include direct broadcast satellite television and radio; AM & FM radio networks transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and two global wire services; as well as a publishing arm.

Press Release: EWTN Launches Italian-language Catholic News Agency

ACI Stampa Will Provide Italian-language Reporting

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network has launched ACI Stampa, a new Rome-based Italian-language Catholic news agency. The new service was formally introduced on Thursday, Sept. 10 at an event held adjacent to the Vatican press center in Rome.

“I am pleased to announce the launch of our new Italian-language news outlet, ACI Stampa, which marks another important milestone in the Network's service to the Church,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “We have been able to bring together an exceptionally talented and very experienced team that is being led by longtime Vatican journalist and author Angela Ambrogetti." 

"Our team's knowledge of the Church and the workings of the Holy See, as well as their familiarity with issues of importance within Italy, will enable us to fill a gap that exists today in news coverage in that region," added Warsaw. "This service will be part of the ACI Group, EWTN's international news organization, and will also enable us to share the content that is created with people around the globe through our other news platforms. I am excited to have this new service join the EWTN family.”

The ACI Group was acquired by EWTN in 2014 and includes ACI Prensa, the world’s largest Spanish-language Catholic news organization with headquarters in Lima, Peru, and ACI Digital, the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-based news organization, which serves the Portuguese-speaking world. In 2014, EWTN also acquired Catholic News Agency, the Denver, Colorado-based news organization, which serves the English-speaking world.

“We were honored to welcome Vatican officials and journalists from around the world to our event celebrating the launch of ACI Stampa,” said the ACI Group’s Executive Director Alejandro Bermudez. “ACI Stampa joins the ACI Group’s existing office in Rome. The Group also maintains offices in the U.S., Peru, Chile, and Brazil and fields correspondents in Spain and Southeast Asia. ACI Stampa, which has its own independent editorial team, is a significant step forward for the ACI Group as well as for the larger EWTN News family."

“The birth of a new Catholic information service is a big challenge,” said ACI Stampa Editorial Director Angela Ambrogetti, “but it is also a way of showing that the Catholic Church has a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Our task is to be unbiased and to prepare ourselves every day to serve truth.”
Ambrogetti is among the world's best-known Vatican journalists, who are also known as "Vaticanistas".  She is a senior member of the Vatican press corps and her resume includes long stints with Vatican Radio, the Italian broadcaster Telepace, and the Italian Catholic website Korazym. She is also the author of several books on Pope Saint John Paul II. 

The launch of ACI Stampa is the latest step in EWTN’s efforts to expand its news presence in the global Catholic digital and multimedia marketplace. In 2013, the Network launched “EWTN News Nightly”, a daily news program from Washington, D.C. covering news and world events from a Catholic perspective. In 2011, EWTN acquired “The National Catholic Register”, the leading Catholic newspaper in the United States. The Network also produces “The World Over with Raymond Arroyo”, the highly-acclaimed weekly news analysis and interview program. In addition, EWTN’s radio and digital media services have greatly expanded their news dimension in recent years. 


EWTN Global Catholic Network, now in its 35th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 television networks broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 250 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. EWTN’s outreach includes direct broadcast satellite television and radio services; AM & FM radio networks transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 300 Catholic radio affiliates across the U.S.; a worldwide shortwave radio service; one of the largest Catholic websites in the U.S.; print and electronic news services and EWTN Publishing, Inc. 

EWTN Press Release: EWTN Wins Gabriel Award

EWTN Wins Gabriel Award For

Religious Television Station of the Year

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network has been honored with a Gabriel Award for Religious Television Station of the Year for the third year in a row! The award, which recognizes the Network’s total programming and community service, is part of a prestigious annual competition sponsored by the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals.

EWTN Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw expressed his gratitude for the honor. He noted, “A Gabriel Award is especially meaningful to EWTN because the awards are presented for programs that uplift and nourish the human spirit and affirm the dignity of human persons – something EWTN strives to do every day. We thank the Catholic Academy for this special recognition.”

“EWTN is the beacon of Catholic broadcast television,” said one of the judges. “It is a consistent and true voice of the Faith. The tape accompanying this entry showed a broader range of programming than I was aware of from my viewing of the Network. Great work as always.”

According to another judge: “The entry had very high production values throughout. The film used excellent images, top-notch CG [on-screen graphics], and a lot of hard work covering everything from the discoveries of a young Catholic child to contemporary trends in the worldwide church. As a viewer, you knew the piece was promoting a Catholic worldview, but never felt like you were being hit over the head with it. Very well done.”
The Gabriel Awards, which is open to both secular and religious television and radio stations and producers in the U.S. and Canada, will be presented Thursday, June 25 at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel in Buffalo, N.Y.

EWTN President & Chief Operating Officer Doug Keck thanked the judges for their comments, saying. “I am proud that the work of the EWTN team is being recognized for excellence. The Network’s programming is a result of a lot of hard work and prayers on behalf of many individuals, particularly Peter Gagnon, Vice President of Programming and Production; Enrique Duprat, Vice President of Spanish Programming; and John Elson, Director of Program Acquisitions & Co-Productions.”

In addition, the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network’s “Blessed2Play” received a Certificate of Merit for an episode entitled “Life of Christ.”

Host Ron Meyer was also very grateful for the recognition. He noted that “Blessed 2 Play” highlights the faith witness of athletes and sports professionals each week. “I am grateful to the estimated 200 athletes, coaches, authors and broadcasters who have sacrificed their time to be guests on the show and make Blessed2Play what it is.”

“Blessed 2 Play” airs 2:30 p.m. ET Fridays and 4:30 p.m. ET Sundays. Viewers can listen via EWTN’s network of affiliates (www.ewtn.com/radio/amfm.htm), on satellite radio (www.sirius.com/ewtn), or on iHeartRadio (www.ewtn.com/radio).


EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 34^th year, is available in over 240 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world. Find out the many ways to view EWTN at www.ewtn.com/everywhere.  

EWTN Press Release: Len Marino Named VP of Creative Services

EWTN Names Len Marino 

Vice President of Creative Services

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network has named Len Marino to the post of Vice President of Creative Services. In this newly created role, Marino will assume senior management responsibility for a consolidated Creative Services Division, which will include the Network’s Creative Services and On-Air Promotions Departments.

“Len is clearly a dynamic and capable leader who brings a wealth of experience, talent and wisdom to EWTN,” said EWTN Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “The consolidation of these areas into a single creative group will enable us to expand upon the tremendous work that has already been done in these areas and to bring more focus to our efforts to build a greater engagement with the Network’s global brand and our mission.”

Marino’s career began on Madison Avenue and spans more than 35 years with stops at CNN Creative Services, Starz, Encore and Hallmark Entertainment Networks. He’s worked with the Muppets and helped launch a number of networks including Encore’s Multiplex, Kermit and The Hallmark Channel. He’s had his own creative shop for the past 14 years. Marino’s latest projects include creative and on-air promotion for WeatherNation as well a series of advertising campaigns and branding initiatives for EWTN.

Marino is a devout Catholic and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Marino and Lorna, his wife of 31 years, will be relocating to Birmingham from Denver in the next few weeks. The couple has a grown daughter and two feisty terriers. Marino is an alumnus of Tulane University in New Orleans and St. Mary’s High School in his native New York.

“I feel blessed to be able to contribute to the evangelization efforts of EWTN as it continues its global expansion,” Marino said. “Five years ago, I had a series of life-changing events that put me on a path to a deeper understanding of my Catholic faith. Over the past months, I have enjoyed working with the Creative team at the Network and I look forward to using the experiences I have been privileged to have over my lifetime for EWTN and its mission.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 34th year, is available in over 238 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release: EWTN Challenges HHS Mandate in Court

EWTN to Make its Case in HHS Mandate Challenge

11th Circuit Court of Appeals to Hear Oral Arguments

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – The 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta will hear oral arguments at 9:00 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 in the legal challenge brought by EWTN Global Catholic Network against the government’s HHS contraceptive services mandate.

The Court of Appeals granted a temporary injunction on June 30, 2014 preventing the government from enforcing the mandate against EWTN.  The injunction came after US District Court Judge Callie Granade of Mobile declined to protect EWTN from the mandate and its fines. The appeals court issued a twenty-nine page order just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby case. The injunction allowed EWTN to continue its court challenge of the mandate without incurring the penalties of $35,000 per day that would have begun on July 1, 2014.

“EWTN looks forward to being able to make our case against the government’s contraceptive services mandate,” said EWTN Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “As we have said repeatedly throughout this process, contraception, abortion-inducing drugs and voluntary sterilization are not health care and the government should not force EWTN to provide them as part of our employer-sponsored health plan.
“In the Hobby Lobby case, the Supreme Court made it clear that the government has an obligation to use the least restrictive means of accomplishing its goals,” continued Warsaw.  “In our own case, EWTN has raised similar arguments with regard to the government’s ‘accommodation’ scheme for faith-based organizations.

“In the Hobby Lobby case, the Supreme Court made it clear that the government has an obligation to use the least restrictive means of accomplishing its goals,” continued Warsaw.  “In our own case, EWTN has raised similar arguments with regard to the government’s ‘accommodation’ scheme for faith-based organizations. The government should not be allowed to hijack EWTN’s health plan for its own purposes. We are confident that the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals will recognize that the government should not be able to force us to act contrary to our beliefs.” 



EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 34th year, is available in over 230 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

BREAKING: EWTN Granted Relief in HHS Mandate Case

EWTN Granted Injunctive Relief
In HHS Mandate Case

Court of Appeals Acts Following
Supreme Court Hobby Lobby Decision

Irondale, AL – The 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has granted the EWTN Global Catholic Network an injunction preventing the government from enforcing the HHS contraceptive services mandate against the Network. The appeals court released its twenty-nine page order just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby case. The injunction allows EWTN to continue its court challenge of the mandate without incurring the fines of $35,000 per day that would have begun on July 1.

“This has been a very good day for religious liberty in America,” said EWTN Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “The Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby case was a great affirmation of the constitutional right to freedom of religious expression. While the Hobby Lobby decision did not directly resolve EWTN’s case, this afternoon’s injunction from the appellate court allows us to press forward without facing the government’s crushing fines.

“As we have said repeatedly, contraception, abortion-inducing drugs and voluntary sterilization are not health care and the government should not force EWTN to provide them as part of our employer-sponsored health plan.

“The Hobby Lobby decision recognizes that business owners don’t give up their religious freedom when they start a business,” continued Warsaw. “The fact that the Supreme Court believes that the government has an obligation to use the least restrictive means of accomplishing its goals is very helpful to the EWTN case. EWTN has raised similar arguments with regard to the government’s ‘accommodation’ scheme for faith-based organizations. We are both relieved and encouraged by the action taken by the courts today and look forward to making our case before the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals in the coming months.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 33^rd year, is available in over 230 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release: EWTN Denied Protection Against HHS Mandate

EWTN Denied Protection
Against Contraception Mandate

Network Filing Appeal of US District Court Decision

Irondale, AL – U.S. District Court Judge Callie V.S. Granade of Mobile, Ala. issued an opinion on June 17 denying EWTN Global Catholic Network protection from the government mandate that it must provide coverage of contraception, abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization as part of its employee health care coverage.

“We are extremely disappointed with the decision reached by the court in this case,” said EWTN Chairman and CEO Michael P. Warsaw.  “The opinion issued is clearly inconsistent with the decisions reached in nearly all of the cases decided to date.  The fact that the court has dismissed the serious issues of conscience and religious freedom that EWTN has raised is very troubling.”

“As an organization that was founded to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church, we do not believe that contraception, abortion-inducing drugs and voluntary sterilization should be defined as health care.  We simply cannot facilitate these immoral practices,” said Warsaw.  “We have no other option but to continue our legal challenge of the mandate,” Warsaw continued. “We are making an immediate appeal to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.”

 

EWTN filed its original lawsuit on Feb. 9, 2012 after the government issued the first set of rules for the mandate. That first suit was dismissed on technical grounds by Federal Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn of Birmingham, Ala. on March 25, 2013.  EWTN filed its current lawsuit October 28, 2013 against the Department of Health & Human Services and other federal agencies seeking to stop the government from imposing the HHS contraception mandate and protect EWTN’s constitutional rights.  The State of Alabama, through its Attorney General Luther Strange joined EWTN as a co-plaintiff in the new lawsuit.

 

“Alabama has a proud history of protecting our First Freedom,” said General Strange.  “We have been honored to continue that tradition by standing with EWTN and protecting rights of conscience for all Alabama citizens, and we will continue to support EWTN as it appeals the district court’s disappointing decision.”

 

“This decision is out of step with the overwhelming majority of decisions in similar cases nationwide,” said Lori Windham, Senior Counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which filed both lawsuits on EWTN’s behalf. “Over 80% of cases have protected religious objectors from this mandate.”

 

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 33nd year, is available in over 230 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

 

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is a non-profit, public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religious traditions. The Becket Fund has a 17-year history of defending religious liberty for people of all faiths. Its attorneys are recognized as experts in the field of church-state law, and won a 9-0 victory against the federal government at the U.S. Supreme Court in Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC.

 

EWTN's Michael Warsaw...

Statement of Michael P. Warsaw, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of EWTN Global Catholic Network in response to the January 24, 2014 decision by the US Supreme Court  in the HHS Mandate case brought by the Little Sisters of the Poor:

“It is certainly very encouraging that the U.S. Supreme Court has granted an injunction in the HHS contraceptive mandate case brought by the Little Sisters of the Poor.  This decision to intervene, reached after a full court review, provides welcome relief to the Sisters and encouragement to the other plaintiffs who continue to challenge the mandate.  The fact that organizations like EWTN or the Little Sisters of the Poor are not deemed to be religious enough to qualify for a full exemption from the mandate shows how senseless the government’s rules have become.  Instead, we are faced with the prospect of millions of dollars in fines for refusing to cooperate with the government’s mandate.

Shortly before midnight on New Year’s eve, EWTN and the State of Alabama filed a petition with the US District Court in Mobile, Alabama seeking a summary judgment in our own lawsuit.    While the decision of the Supreme Court in the Little Sisters’ case has no direct impact on the current legal challenge of the mandate by EWTN and the State of Alabama, it is very helpful that the Court has seen fit to intervene in the matter.  We continue to await a decision in our case and remain hopeful that the courts will ultimately provide EWTN with relief from this unjust government action.

We ask our EWTN Family to continue to  keep this matter in your prayers.”

EWTN Press Release: EWTN Files New Law Suit

EWTN Files New Suit
Against Contraception Mandate

State of Alabama Joins as Co-Plaintiff

Irondale, AL – EWTN Global Catholic Network filed a new lawsuit October 28 in Federal Court against the Department of Health & Human Services, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and other federal agencies seeking to stop the government from imposing the HHS contraception mandate as well as asking the court to find that it is unconstitutional. The State of Alabama, through its Attorney General Luther Strange, has joined EWTN as a co-plaintiff in the lawsuit.

“EWTN has no other option but to continue our legal challenge to the mandate,” said EWTN Chairman and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “The revised rules, published by the government in July, have done nothing to address the serious issues of conscience and religious freedom that EWTN has been raising since the mandate was first published last year.

 The government has decided that EWTN is apparently not religious enough to be exempt from the rule. It has still placed us in a situation where we are forced to offer contraception, sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs as part of our employee health plan or to offer our employees and their families no insurance at all. Neither of these options is acceptable. The mission of EWTN is not negotiable.”

EWTN’s original lawsuit opposing the mandate was filed Feb. 9, 2012, but was dismissed by Federal Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn on March 25, 2013. In her order dismissing the original suit, Judge Blackburn noted that the government had promised to implement a new rule addressing the issues raised by EWTN. Blackburn’s opinion stated that “common sense weighs in favor of withholding judicial review until new regulations are created and finalized. At that point, if EWTN still has objections, it may then file suit.”

The Department of Health and Human Services issued a new set of rules on July 23, 2013 which Secretary Sebelius claimed addressed the concerns of EWTN and other similar organizations.

“When the government opened up a period for public comment earlier this year in advance of publishing its revised rules, EWTN submitted extensive remarks and an explanation of its moral objections to the mandate,” Warsaw continued. “We sincerely hoped that our concerns would be addressed. Instead, the government ignored our comments entirely and pressed forward with a rule that changed nothing. We are in the same position today as we were when the mandate was first published.

“As an organization that was founded to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church, we do not believe that contraception, voluntary sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs constitute health care.  We simply cannot facilitate these immoral practices,” said Warsaw.

“Version 2.0 of the mandate is just as bad as version 1.0,” said Lori Windham, Senior Counsel at the Becket Fund, which filed both the original and new lawsuits on EWTN’s behalf. “It would still force the world’s preeminent Catholic network to betray publicly the very teachings it was founded to promote, and which it promotes on a daily basis.”

 

In 2012, shortly after the first EWTN lawsuit was filed, Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange petitioned the court to join the EWTN complaint. In this new lawsuit, the State of Alabama has joined EWTN as a co-plaintiff from the start.

Commenting on this new lawsuit, Attorney General Strange said, “I am proud to stand with EWTN to oppose this unconscionable mandate. …
The freedom of religion, and to believe as one sees fit, is our ‘first freedom’ under the United States Constitution. The people of Alabama have recognized the importance of this freedom and have enshrined it in their Constitution as well. Alabama law does not allow anyone to be forced to offer a product that is against his or her religious beliefs or conscience.”

“EWTN is extremely grateful to Attorney General Strange for his support on this important issue. The Attorney General clearly understands what is at stake here, not just for EWTN, but for all people who feel that government cannot take away the right to religious freedom,” said Warsaw.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 32nd year, is available in over 230 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is a non-profit, public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religious traditions. The Becket Fund has a 17-year history of defending religious liberty for people of all faiths. Its attorneys are recognized as experts in the field of church-state law, and they recently won a 9-0 victory against the federal government at the U.S. Supreme Court in Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC.

EWTN Press Release: EWTN Promotes Senior Executives

EWTN Promotes Senior Executives

Warsaw named Chairman & CEO; Keck now President & COO

Irondale, AL – The Board of Governors of EWTN Global Catholic Network has announced that it has named current Network President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw to the post of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.  The Board has also named current Executive Vice President and COO Doug Keck to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer.  The promotions were announced following the board meeting on October 18, 2013 and are effective immediately.

 

Mr. Warsaw joined EWTN in 1991 and has held senior management positions in the areas of television production, satellite operations and technical services. He was named President of EWTN in 2000 and assumed the post of Chief Executive Officer in 2009.  With the Network’s 2011 acquisition of the National Catholic Register, he also assumed the role of Publisher of that newspaper.

 

“I am extremely grateful to the EWTN Board for their confidence in appointing me to this added post,” said Warsaw.  “It is an honor for me to succeed both Mother Angelica and the late-Deacon Bill Steltemeier who both served in the role of Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer during their years at EWTN. I look forward to continuing to guide this important mission in the years ahead.”

 

Prior to joining EWTN, Doug Keck  served in senior level positions with Rainbow Programming, Cablevision, and  regional sports and news networks over his 35 years in media, getting his start in  New York-area radio.  Since coming to EWTN in 1996, he has been responsible for overseeing the Network’s television, radio and Internet programming and production.  He took on an expanded role in the Network’s day-to-day operations with his appointment as Chief Operating Officer in 2009.  He also serves as host of the Network’s “Bookmark” program.

 

“I feel blessed to be named the President of a network that positively impacts so many people’s lives around the world,” said Keck. 

 

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 33rd year, is available in over 230 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release: Johnnette Benkovic

Johnnette Benkovic

Joins EWTN On A Full-Time Basis

Irondale, AL –Johnnette Benkovic, popular host of “Women of Grace” on EWTN television and radio as well as many other series, has joined the staff of the EWTN Global Catholic Network on a full-time basis.

 

“This is the culmination of a great relationship that has existed for over 25 years,” said EWTN Executive Vice President & COO Doug Keck. “Now, in addition to her exciting series, Johnnette can expand into other projects for EWTN such as the recent ‘Women of Grace” special, which was shot during the 2013 EWTN Family Celebration.”

 

 “Johnnette has been with EWTN almost from the beginning,” said EWTN President & Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “She is a woman of great faith and great talent and EWTN is proud to have her even more closely aligned with the Network than ever before as a member of our staff.”

 

Said Benkovic: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Mother Angelica and EWTN since 1988 – so this just seemed like a natural step. I am confident that this wonderful opportunity will only enhance our mission to women through the Women of Grace® Apostolate. I am very excited about a number of new projects that are in the works, so stay tuned!”

Viewers will also want to log into the EWTN Religious Catalogue, which will now offer many of the books featured on the show as well as the “Women of Grace” programs themselves.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 32^nd year, is available in over 230 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release

EWTN This Week: Women’s Roles in the Church & the Battle for Religious Freedom

Plus Helping the Poor in Peru, Feature Film on Pope Paul VI,

& More

Irondale, AL – Their “Summer Tour” isn’t over yet! Join Fr. Mark & Doug Barry, the “Rock Stars” of “Life on the Rock,” as they travel to Franciscan University’s Summer Youth Conference! Squeeze in one last end-of-summer “vacation” with “Life on the Rock.” Airs LIVE at 10 p.m. ET, Thursday, August 22—only on EWTN!

 

Do you think you have a call to the religious life, but aren’t sure what your next step should be? Natalie Smith, founder of vocationsplacement.org, tells “EWTN Live” Host Fr. Mitch Pacwa about how her organization’s retreats and materials help those discerning a religious vocation.  Don’t wait to answer your call—watch “EWTN LIVE” at 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, August 21—only on EWTN! www.vocationsplacement.org

 

Is this generation the cataclysm of Catholicism? Author and future Host of “EWTN News Nightly” Colleen Carroll Campbell begs to differ! Find out why she thinks that there is a hunger for Christ now more than ever when “EWTN Bookmark” Host Doug Keck interviews her about her newest book! Find more about “The New Faithful: Why Young Adults Are Embracing Christian Orthodoxy.” Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, August 25—only on EWTN!    http://bit.ly/14WiCQl

 

Step up to bat with these Heavy Hitters for the Faith!  Take part in the EWTN Family Celebration “All Star Religious Liberty Roundtable” with EWTN President and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw, Becket Fund General Counsel Kyle Duncan, EWTN General Counsel John Manos, and EWTN Chaplain Fr. Joseph. Don’t miss as these All Stars take a swing at the political issues that threaten our most cherished freedom. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, August 24—only on EWTN!

 

This Saturday is Ladies’ Night on EWTN! Find out what your favorite EWTN hostesses think is the true vocation of women in this special one-hour “Women of Grace,” recorded live at EWTN’s Family Celebration in Birmingham! Airs 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, August 24—only on EWTN!

 

Taking “obedience classes” for God’s laws won’t fence you in! Fr. James Mallon and his faithful mutt Monzi demonstrate how surrendering to Christ’s will actually frees us to live healthy spiritual lives. Unleash your faith by tuning in to “Dogmatic Theology” at 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, August 25—only on EWTN!

 

Watch as the  story of Pope Paul VI begins: Before he took his place as a successor to Peter, the future Pope Paul VI lived out his daily routine as a humble priest and university professor – little did he know that he would be called upon to become one of the most influential Popes in modern day history! Watch the first part of this feature film, “Pope Paul VI,” at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, August 24—only on EWTN! (Not Available via Livestream or Roku). 

 

Making a difference despite their differences! In order to give the most care for those in need, the religious and lay communities of Peru work together to provide assistance and education for the poor and disabled who live in their country.  See the fruits of their combined efforts when “Missionary Servants of the Poor of the Third World” airs 2 p.m. ET, Thursday, August 22.

 

Reflect on what it means to be Catholic!  Watch the first episode of Fr. Langsch’s thoughtful new series as he challenges us to hold up a mirror to our own Catholic Formation, and see on what it truly means to be “Made in His Image!” Airs at 6:30 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23—only on EWTN

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EWTN President & CEO Michael Warsaw
To Receive Fullness of Truth's
"2013 Defender of the Faith” Award

Irondale, AL – EWTN President & Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw will receive the “Defender of the Faith” award from Fullness of Truth Catholic Evangelization Ministries at its annual summer conference on Saturday, August 24 in San Antonio.
“The Fullness of Truth Board selected Michael Warsaw to receive the 2013 Defender of the Faith award for his uncompromising stance in protecting religious freedom,” said Fullness of Truth Executive Director Patrick Ryan. “Specifically, leading EWTN as one of the first organizations to file a lawsuit challenging the US Department of Health and Human Services Contraceptive Services Mandate. In addition, Mr. Warsaw's efforts to promote the beauty of the Catholic faith in the New Evangelization are unparalleled.”

Warsaw, who will give a talk at the Fullness of Truth Conference next week, said: “I am honored to be receiving this award, and I thank Fullness of Truth for recognizing EWTN’s efforts. However, I am saddened that the actions of the U.S. Government made the filing of a lawsuit necessary in the first place. As I stated when we filed our suit on Feb. 9, 2012, EWTN is being forced by the government to make a choice: either we fund coverage for contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs and violate our conscience or offer our employees and their families no health insurance coverage at all. Neither of those choices is acceptable.”

Over the past 18 months, the fight for religious liberty has continued to escalate. The State of Alabama joined EWTN’s lawsuit as a plaintiff on March 22, 2012. Almost one year to the day later, a federal judge found that the Network did indeed have legal standing to file the lawsuit, but dismissed the case because of the promise of future revisions by the Obama Administration. Since that March 25, 2013 dismissal, the Administration has hardened its stance, which led Warsaw to assert once again that “EWTN remains committed to fighting this senseless mandate.”

Warsaw has also led an outreach to the public on this issue. He wrote a well-received editorial that was published by “The New York Times;” he has given numerous television and print interviews on the subject; he has organized panels on Religious Liberty, including one as recently as August 19, 2013; and he has given a platform to U.S. Bishops and others in their efforts to instruct the faithful about the importance of religious liberty.

Fullness of Truth Catholic Evangelization is a lay Catholic apostolate based in Kingwood, Texas, which is dedicated to facilitating the “New Springtime of Evangelization” through regional family conferences, local parish-based events, an expanding array of multi-media platforms and the Fullness of Truth Book & Gift store.

“The Defender of the Faith Award is given annually to a person who demonstrates an unusually high level of leadership and courageousness in their efforts to preserve religious freedom in the Catholic tradition,” Ryan said. “This person’s actions serve to motivate others in living out their Catholic faith with boldness and conviction.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 33^rd year, is available in over 225 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest Catholic media network in the world.

National Catholic Register: Update 2/29/12

The National Catholic Register,
America’s Premier Catholic News Source,
Appoints Jeanette De Melo as Editor In Chief

Irondale, AL – Michael P. Warsaw, president and CEO of EWTN, and publisher of the National Catholic Register, announced the appointment of Jeanette De Melo as the Editor In Chief of the National Catholic Register (NCRegister.com).

De Melo previously served as the Archdiocese of Denver’s communications director, spokeswoman and general manager of the Denver Catholic Register, El Pueblo Católico, and the archdiocesan website. Prior to this position, she was the associate communications director for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where in addition to managing media relations, she co-produced a weekly archdiocesan television program.

As Editor in Chief, De Melo will continue to integrate the Register’s print product with the Web presence and thus aim to strengthen the Register’s mission of offering timely coverage and analysis of news at the intersection of faith and culture. Plans also include enhancing the visual representation and editorial direction of Register products.

“Jeanette’s background in Church communications and media relations will provide a unique perspective to the Register,” said Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN’s president and chief executive officer, and publisher of the National Catholic Register, acquired by EWTN in 2011.
“We currently have a great team in place with the Register and Jeanette will further strengthen our capabilities to offer our readers the most complete coverage of any Catholic newspaper,” said Warsaw.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia and EWTN board member, said, “Jeanette combines a deep love for the Church with outstanding professional skills, proven experience and a great grasp of the National Catholic Register's legacy. There's no one better suited to handle this vital kind of leadership.”

Of her appointment to the Register, De Melo commented, “The Register has a legacy of excellent journalism. I’m honored and challenged by the opportunity to join the team and continue that legacy.”

The Register has its origin in Denver, Colo., in the 1920s.

“There is an interesting twist in my joining the Register staff, after close to seven years with the Denver Archdiocese and the Denver Catholic Register. There is a back-to-the-future feeling because the National Catholic Register was born out of the Denver Catholic Register more than 90 years ago. I’m grateful for this little connection but even more grateful for all of the editors, reporters, columnists and sources from all over the country and world who make the Register what it is — the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America!”

DeMelo holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities and Catholic culture from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, and a licentiate degree in Church communications from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy. She is a member of the Catholic Press Association (CPA) and was recently invited to join the CPA education committee. She is a founding board member of ENDOW, a national Catholic women’s educational organization.

About EWTN:
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in more than 200 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

About the National Catholic Register:
The National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com) provides its readers with timely news reporting from across the United States, the Vatican, and around the world. As the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America, the Register and its online presence, NCRegister.com, have become America’s most complete and faithful Catholic news source. It is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year. To find out more about the Register, go to: NCRegister.com/info/about_the_register. To learn more about Register Radio, go to: NCRegister.com/RegisterRadio