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.
Author: John Lavenburg
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.
Washington State House Passes Bill Requiring Clergy to Violate the Seal of Confession
After the Washington state House of Representatives failed to pass an amendment to a bill that would require clergy to violate the seal of confession, Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane reminded legislators that throughout history “all” such attempts by “kings, queens, dictators, potentates, and legislators” have failed, and that even if it passed, clergy wouldn’t capitulate.
CRS Calls For International Aid To Be Increased to $73 Billion
In recent testimony, the head of Catholic Relief Services requested that Congress increase international humanitarian aid in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to almost $73 billion, as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have diminished economic opportunities and caused greater poverty and food insecurity across the world’s poorest nations.
FBI Targeting Catholics Similar to NY’s Post-9/11 Surveillance of Muslims
While it remains unclear if, or how much, the FBI followed through on an internal proposal to investigate traditionalist Catholics’ association with extremists, the proposal itself somewhat mirrors tactics the New York Police Department used to investigate Muslim communities after 9/11.