For the first time in almost thirty years that the U.S. Supreme Court have evidenced any interest in permitting states to limit abortion prior to viability.
National News
Law Firm Urges Court to ‘Protect’ Ministry From Texas Governor’s Order
A Catholic Charities official in southern Texas who oversees outreach to hundreds of migrant families entering the United States daily has asked a federal court to allow the agency to continue its mission of serving vulnerable people.
Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Indiana University’s Vaccine Mandate
The Supreme Court announced Aug. 12 that it will not hear an appeal from a group of students at Indiana University who are opposed to the university’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The students’ challenge was directed to Amy Coney Barrett, the justice who receives emergency petitions from that region of the country.
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.
Justice Department Drops Conscience Case; Move Called ‘Dereliction’ of Duty
The chairmen of the U.S. bishops’ religious liberty and pro-life committees said Aug. 12 that the U.S. Department of Justice “is acting in dereliction of its duty to enforce the plain meaning of federal law” by voluntarily dismissing a civil lawsuit against a hospital that forced nurses to assist in elective abortions against their religious beliefs.
Federal Judge Sides With Catholic School Over Guidance Counselor’s Firing
A federal judge sided with an Indianapolis archdiocesan high school and the Indianapolis Archdiocese in a lawsuit filed against them by a former guidance counselor whose contract was not renewed because of her same-sex marriage.
Cardinal Holds Officers, Their Families ‘In Prayer,’ Decries Gun Violence
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago offered prayers for slain police officer Ella French and her family and friends “as they cope with the terrible reality that their loved one was taken from them in another act of senseless violence.”
Body of Priest Who Ministered to Yellow Fever Victims Exhumed in Tennessee
At 10:50 on the morning of July 27, Father J. David Carter’s voice rang out at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga: “We are about to lift the coffin from the grave.” And with that, the sainthood cause of Father Patrick Ryan, who has the title “Servant of God,” took a crucial step, as the exhumation of his remains for reentombment at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul could proceed.
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.