When Father John Fields received an email from the University of Pennsylvania Aug. 28 asking him if he wanted to participate in the third and final phase of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine trial, he answered “yes” immediately.
National News
Report Shows Many Americans Rely on Their Faith in These Uncertain Times
An annual survey on public attitudes toward religious faith by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty indicates, not surprisingly, a considerable amount of objection to government-imposed limits on the size of congregations in houses of worship amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual Nature of U.S. Bishops’ Meeting Led to More Honesty, Participants Say
For many U.S. bishops, the virtual nature of this year’s annual fall meeting actually made it more efficient and productive than a typical year.
U.S. Bishops Urge Trump, Barr to Stop Upcoming Federal Executions
In response to the upcoming federal execution of Orlando Hall Nov. 19, and two more federal executions scheduled to take place in December, two U.S. bishops’ committee chairmen called on the government to end this practice.
Massachusetts Bishops Urge State Senate to Reject Measure to Expand Abortion
The Catholic bishops of Massachusetts Nov. 17 urged the state Senate to reject a budget amendment that would allow girls as young as 16 to get an abortion with the consent of a guardian or a court. It would remove the current requirement in the law for girls under 18 to get parental consent for an abortion.
New York State Asks SCOTUS Not to Take Up Diocese of Brooklyn Case
The State of New York has responded to the petition filed by the Diocese of Brooklyn with the U.S. Supreme Court over the diocese’s religious freedom case.
Working Group Formed to Deal With Conflicts Between Biden Policies, Church Teaching
Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit will head up a special working group of the U.S. bishops to address issues surrounding the election of a Catholic president and policies that may come about that would be in conflict with Catholic teaching and the bishops’ priorities.
In a Year of Racial Strife, Bishops Share Experiences in Dioceses
When the U.S. bishops decided to continue with their annual fall meeting despite a pandemic, they took it online, shortened its length but also its scope, leaving only the most essential matters on the to-do list.And at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 2020 fall meeting, racism was part of that essential business.
Local Catholic Leaders Advocate Church’s Role in Post-Election Healing
Two weeks after Election Day, President Donald Trump had not eased up on challenging the voting results. Reconciliation of the citizenry seemed elusive. But leaders of the Catholic clergy in Brooklyn and across the nation reminded the Church of its unique role in helping the nation heal.
Bishops’ Anti-Racism Ad Hoc Committee Up for Reauthorization
The U.S. bishops are considering renewing the mandate of their Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism for a second three-year term.