While Pope Francis, Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, and other prelates emphasize the Catholic Church’s pro-COVID-19 vaccination stance, what remains murky is its position on vaccination mandates and religious exemptions.
Author: John Lavenburg
U.S. Bishops Urge Quick Action on Relocating Afghan Refugees
The U.S. bishops’ conference emphasized the need for the U.S. government to work quickly to achieve its goal of relocating 30,000 special immigrant visa applicants from Afghanistan because it’s a “monumental task that hangs in the balance.”
After Haiti Earthquake, Catholic Aid Official Says ‘Desolation’ Faces Population
When Dr. Fonie Pierre looks around the streets of Les Cayes the word that comes to her mind is “desolation.”
Diocese of El Paso Imposes Vaccination Mandate for Employees
As bishops nationwide weigh COVID-19 vaccination mandates and religious exemptions, the Diocese of El Paso has taken the step of imposing its own COVID-19 vaccination mandate for diocesan employees.
Church Leaders Work to Protect Hyde Amendment As Bill Heads to House
Members of the U.S. bishops’ conference pro-life arm say they view the Aug. 10 vote by the U.S. Senate to preserve the Hyde Amendment as an important sign that the provision still has bipartisan support.
Hyde Amendment Saved; U.S. Bishops Welcome Passage of Infrastructure Bill
The U.S. bishops conference on Aug. 10 applauded the U.S. Senate passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for how it “affects those on the margins of society” and looks to protect the environment.
Dioceses Begin to Address Vaccine Mandates, Religious Exemptions
As more institutions enact COVID-19 vaccination mandates, Catholic leaders find themselves answering questions from parishioners about whether or not they can claim a religious exemption from getting the jab.
How McCarrick Was Charged 50 Years After Alleged Crime
A specific aspect of the statute of limitations on criminal charges in Massachusetts allowed ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s accuser to pursue charges for an alleged sexual assault nearly 50 years ago.
Program Works to Equip Hispanics for Leadership Roles in Church
When Javier Bustamante worked in ministry he remembers many leaders in the Hispanic/Latino community that were great volunteers and parish workers, but oftentimes lacked the information their university-educated counterparts had to attain leadership roles.
U.S. Bishops Say Refugee Olympic Team a Reminder Human Race is ‘Family’
The Tokyo 2020 iteration of the Refugee Olympic Team (EOR) has 29 athletes, compared to 10 athletes at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016. They hail from 11 countries: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Congo, Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Venezuela.