The White House says it has no intention to reverse course on a plan that requires all employers, including Catholic-affiliated hospitals, to cover contraception in their insurance plans.
That's despite a wave of criticism from Catholic leaders in Sioux Falls and across the country.
On Friday, Bishop Paul Swain took part in the all city mass at Augustana College's Elmen Center. It's a day designed to celebrate the Catholic schools of Sioux Falls, but also coincides with a presidential decision that could change the church forever.
President Obama's health care overhaul has reached a major snag in the contraceptive department. According to the president's plan all employers are required to cover birth control expenses for employees.
Churches and other places of worship are exempt but many church-backed universities and hospitals face a moral dilemma.
Bishop Paul Swain of the Sioux Falls Diocese says the president's decision is one the church cannot endorse.
"We as a church would either have to violate our teachings to subsidize and provide or we'd have to stop providing health care for our employees, neither one is acceptable to us." Bishop Swain said.
The White House says it's not about limiting religious freedom, but promoting healthy living.
"While there are those who take issue with the decision, millions and millions of Americans, American women will have access to preventative services." Said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney.
The church says this infringes on the first amendment and freedom of religion. Church leaders say government should continue to allow people the freedom on conscience and not be forced to practice something they don't believe in.
Bishop Swain says the church and White House have been in discussions for a long time and the only thing surprising about the decision was that it was made without an exemption for faith-based employers.
The changes won't take effect until 2013.
The Bishop says the debate is just getting started.
