Two years into President Joe Biden’s term, Catholic immigration leaders wonder what happened to his campaign trail pledge to create a more fair and humane immigration system. They say while some positive steps have been taken, the administration has been slow to act, increasingly political, and reliant on recycled ineffective policies.
Author: John Lavenburg
Bishops to Congress: H.R. 2 Bill ‘Contains Harmful Measures’ For Migrants
With the U.S. House of Representatives set to vote on sweeping immigration legislation this week, the U.S. bishops’ conference migration committee chair has urged legislators to oppose it, deeming it incompatible with Catholic social teaching and the nation’s commitment to humanitarian protection.
Government Allows Catholic Hospital to Keep Sanctuary Lamp Burning
With a potential lawsuit looming, the federal government has issued a waiver to allow a Catholic hospital in Oklahoma to keep the flame of its long-lit sanctuary candle burning, which, in the Catholic tradition, symbolizes the presence of Christ.
Catholic Hospital Threatens To Sue U.S. Government Over Order to Extinguish Sanctuary Candle
A Catholic health system in Oklahoma has threatened to sue the federal government for violating its First Amendment rights over a decision to deny re-accreditation to one of its hospitals if it doesn’t follow an order to extinguish a long-lit sanctuary candle for safety purposes.
NYS Catholic Leader: Gov. Hochul’s Latest Abortion Access Moves Are ‘Misguided’
The New York State Catholic Conference called Gov. Kathy Hochul “terribly misguided” in her focus, after the governor signed legislation that makes abortion medication more accessible in New York, including at state universities.
Religious Freedom Commission Calls Out India, Nigeria, and Vietnam For Abuses
A government commission that monitors religious freedom abroad has recommended that the State Department designate five new countries as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) because of their engagement in, or toleration of, “particularly severe” religious freedom violations, including against Christians.
Young Latinos Leaving Faith, Church is Reacting to Rise of Secularization’s Impact
With the number of U.S. Hispanics who identify as Catholic dropping dramatically over the past decade, Catholic leaders say they are concerned, but not surprised.
Bishop Says ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Not Enough to Tackle Gun Violence
After a spate of shootings across the country, a U.S. bishop has said that offering thoughts and prayers after a tragedy, though necessary, is not a sufficient response to the issue of gun violence that plagues the nation.
U.S. Bishops Urge Officials to Tackle Root Causes of Border Crisis
With changes in U.S.-Mexico border policies on the horizon, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso acknowledged on April 24 that uncertainty remains around what will happen, but a “significant” migration surge is likely, and help is welcome.
Catholics Blast DeSantis Move on Death Penalty as ‘Stunning’ Attack on Human Life
Catholic organizations have called a new Florida law that ends the unanimous jury requirement in death penalty sentencing “stunning” and a “thinly veiled attack on human life,” while the state’s governor — a potential 2024 presidential contender — argues the law allows proper justice to be served.
