Religious Freedom Week will be observed this year from June 22 to June 29 and the theme chosen is Solidarity in Freedom.
National News
Ending Limit on Culturing Human Embryos Called ‘Affront’ to Value of Life
Lifting a long-standing prohibition on the ability of scientists to culture human embryos in the lab past 14 days shows “an utter disregard” for the value of human life and is “an affront to the sanctity of human life,” said two Catholic members of Congress, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind.
Ecumenical Service Remembers Victims of Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921
The Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most severe incidents of racial violence in U.S. history, began May 31, 1921, and lasted for two days. It left somewhere between 30 and 300 people dead, mostly African Americans, and destroyed over 1,400 homes and businesses.
Three Decades of Promoting Life
The Sisters of Life have been serving for 30 years. The order was founded in 1991 by Cardinal John O’Connor as a community of women religious who, along with the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, take a vow to protect the sacredness of life.
Catholic Leaders: Biden Budget Aims to Help Vulnerable But Excludes Unborn
President Joe Biden unveiled his proposed budget of $6 trillion for fiscal year 2022 that would include spending to improve and modernize the nation’s infrastructure, provide free pre-K and community college, and increase domestic programs aimed at boosting public health and helping the poor. His plan does not include the Hyde Amendment.
On Memorial Day, Trumpeter to Mark a Year of Playing ‘Taps’ Daily
When Bob Tuszynski heard about a request in May 2020 for buglers and trumpeters to perform “Taps” at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, he jumped at the opportunity.
Top U.S. Bishop: We Must Appeal To Protect Hyde Amendment
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, is leading a petition to protect Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding of abortion. The amendment faces growing opposition from members of Congress and the Biden Administration.
USCCB President Explains How Planned Discussion on Eucharist Was Set
After receiving an unprecedented letter from 67 bishops appealing for a delay in a discussion during the bishops’ upcoming spring general assembly on whether to prepare a teaching document on the reception of Communion, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ president explained in a memo the procedure followed in bringing the question to a vote during the June 16-18 virtual meeting.
California Bishop Prays For Victims Of ‘Senseless’ San Jose Shooting
San Jose Bishop Oscar Cantú urged prayers for the victims and their families after a gunman opened fire the morning of May 26 at a rail yard operated by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, or VTA, north of downtown San Jose.
On Anniversary Of George Floyd’s Murder, Catholic Leaders Say Church Must Do More
Today, on the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd – a Black man killed by police officer Derek Chauvin — Catholic leaders reflect on the renewed attention paid to racial justice this past year and acknowledge the essential role of the Church on the long road ahead.