U.S. bishops want to give ‘careful analysis’ to HHS final rules
The final rules issued June 28 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services implementing its mandate that employers provide coverage of contraceptives "will require more careful analysis," New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a statement.
Arizona Catholic Conference 2013 Legislative Wrap-Up
On June 14, the Arizona Legislature adjourned sine die at 12:59 a.m. after spending 151 days in session, capped by an emotionally charged debate focused on Governor Brewer’s Medicaid expansion proposal.
Archbishop calls immigration reform debate a ‘defining moment’ for U.S.
The nation's heated debate over immigration reform this summer is "a defining historical moment for America" and "a moment for national renewal" Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez told hundreds of attendees at the closing keynote address of the Catholic Media Conference June 21 in Denver.
Pope creates commission to study activities, mission of Vatican bank
Pope Francis has created a five-person commission to review the activities and mission of the Vatican bank. The new pontifical commission, which includes two U.S. members, reflects the pope's desire to ensure the bank's activities are in harmony with the mission of the universal church and the Apostolic See, said a Vatican communique published June 26.
Guantanamo Bay prison poses moral dilemma for White House
A growing chorus of voices -- from international human rights groups to grass-roots faith-based activists -- are pushing President Barack Obama to finally make good on his pledge to close the military-run prison at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.
Supreme Court rulings set up ‘worrisome’ future, says U.S. archbishop
The "future of our democracy" is "very, very worrisome," U.S. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone said in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court's June 26 rulings striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act and refusing to rule on the merits of a ban on same-sex marriage in California.
Catholic leaders respond to Supreme Court ruling on marriage
A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 26 that the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. Catholic leaders both locally and around the country called the 5-4 ruling tragic.
Bishop Olmsted responds to Supreme Court marriage decision
The U.S. Supreme Court had the chance to uphold the importance of marriage and its fundamental role in providing for our children and the future of the United States. By striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act and failing to uphold California’s Proposition 8, the Court has succumbed to our culture’s radical efforts to redefine marriage and, in a very real sense, is now engaged in the ongoing battle against families, society and people of faith.
U.S. bishops view Supreme Court’s rulings as ‘tragic day for marriage’
U.S. Catholic bishops said the U.S. Supreme Court's June 26 rulings on same-sex marriage were a "tragic day for marriage and our nation." The court, in separate 5-4 rulings struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, defining marriage as between one man and one woman and also refused to rule on the merits of a challenge to California's Proposition 8, the voter-approved initiative barring same-sex marriage.
Pope Francis says ‘All of us’ are equally important in the Church
The stability of the church requires that it be built on Jesus, but its beauty and strength also rely on the contributions of each and every Christian, Pope Francis said.
