The June 30 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores ruled that the Administration’s contraceptive mandate as applied to closely held for-profit corporations was a violation of the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
Editorials
Steady Hand on Reform
On Wednesday, July 9, the economic reform of the Vatican planned by Pope Francis was delineated at a press conference held in English by Cardinal George Pell, the newly appointed prefect of Secretariat for the Economy.
Good Day for Freedom
This week’s Supreme Court decision allowing people of conscience to opt out of paying for abortifacients as required by the Affordable Health Care Act was a victory for America. It assures us all that the religious liberty protected by the U.S. Constitution will be recognized and enforced.
Free to Believe
Religious freedom is not just about devotions and practices. Real religious liberty includes the freedom to live according to the values taught by one’s faith, Pope Francis reminded us this past week.
Another Fortnight
The U.S. bishops have again called for a Fortnight of Freedom to raise awareness of the threats to religious freedom in our nation. The Fortnight will be celebrated nationwide from June 21 to July 4, culminating with a liturgy celebrated at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The bishops are particularly concerned […]
Get It Done, Gov!
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again. That’s our motto when it comes to trying to achieve justice for parents who send their children to private and parochial schools. The struggle has gone on for decades and we are so close to achieving a significant victory.
Francis’ Invitation
It didn’t take long for Pope Francis’ “spiritual” journey to the Holy Land to develop political overtones. This pope is a master communicator. Whether it is his smile, his touch or simply his presence, he sends messages that are unmistakable.
Francis’ Economics
Be very leery of any social commentator who calls the pope a Marxist or a Socialist simply because he cares for the poor and he thinks everyone should have an equal chance at earning a decent salary. Pope Francis is a great Christian who is reminding us that wealth and material resources are not meant to be hoarded but rather shared for the good of the greater community.
Honor of Motherhood
The second Sunday in May officially was proclaimed as Mother’s Day in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson. It came after a campaign by a woman named Anna Jarvis of Grafton, W.Va., who first celebrated it in 1908 as a memorial for her own mother. Since then, it has become part of the nation’s spring calendar. […]
Newest Catholics
The Mass of the Neophytes is an annual gathering with the bishop of all the newly baptized and confirmed Catholics who joined the Church at Easter. It gives the bishop another chance to stay in touch and for the people an opportunity to experience the unity of the Church.