Heavy rains July 9 and 10 caused significant flooding primarily in Vermont but also in other parts of New England and New York killing at least one person and damaging property. Thousands of Vermonters lost homes and businesses in the floods, and rising waters washed-out roadways and bridges, stranding many in the region.
Author: Carol Zimmermann
Father James Martin Chosen by Pope to Participate in Synod at Vatican
Jesuit Father James Martin, editor at large of America magazine and founder of an outreach ministry to LGBTQ+ Catholics, has been chosen by Pope Francis to take part in the upcoming Synod of Bishops on Synodality at the Vatican this October.
High Court Sides with Graphic Artist Opposed to Making Wedding Websites for Same-Sex Couples
In a 6-3 vote June 30, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado web designer who doesn’t want to design wedding websites for same-sex couples because it goes against her religious beliefs.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action Policies in University Admissions
The U.S. Supreme Court June 29 struck down affirmative action policies used in admissions by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina to ensure student diversity.
Supreme Court Sides with Christian Post Office Worker Who Wanted Sundays Off
In a unanimous decision June 29, the Supreme Court sided with a Christian mail carrier who had been required to work Sundays for the U.S. Postal Service against his religious beliefs that the day was one of worship and rest.
One Year After Dobbs Decision, Pro-Life Work Has Just Begun, Say DC Rally Speakers
Hundreds of pro-life activists gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, June 24, to mark the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling that said the right to an abortion is not guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
New Religious Freedom Report Shows Attacks Growing Worldwide
A report issued June 22 by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic international aid organization, said that religious freedom rights were violated in 61 countries, impacting more than 4 billion people.
Black Catholics Gear Up for Upcoming Congress and Conference
Marc Guess, a parishioner at St. Monica Catholic Church in Indianapolis, attended the first National Black Catholic Men’s Conference in Memphis 20 years ago. He has been to almost every one of the annual events since and plans to attend this year’s conference in October in Louisville, Kentucky.
Former CNS Editor Wins Top Journalist Award, Stresses Concern About Catholic Journalism’s Future
Barb Fraze, former international editor for Catholic News Service, won the 2023 St. Francis de Sales Award from the Catholic Media Association.
Catholic Immigration Advocate Says Migrants’ TPS Extensions Helps But Is Not Enough
The Biden administration’s recent announcement that it would extend legal status for 300,000 immigrants from El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal by 18 months was described by a Catholic immigration advocate as a positive step but not enough.