In a 7-2 ruling July 8, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Trump administration rules that give employers more ability to opt out of providing contraceptive coverage in their health plans.
National News
St. Petersburg Diocese Urges Catholics to ‘Take the Pledge’ in Videos
It was an elongated production schedule that would have rivaled any James Cameron epic, but the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, has finally issued a pair of “Civilize It” videos with more than 30 Catholics in the diocese taking part in the civility pledge to have an open mind, open ears and a civil tongue this election season.
Don’t Turn Away From Suffering on Border, Urges Sister Norma Pimentel
In an opinion piece in The Washington Post daily newspaper, Sister Norma Pimentel, known for her work with migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border near Brownsville, Texas, made a public plea July 6 to keep an eye on the plight of asylum-seekers during the coronavirus pandemic.
From Brooklyn to Paterson: A New Bishop
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney was ordained a Bishop and installed as the eighth leader of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Abortion Law
In a 5-4 decision June 29, the Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana law requiring that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals could not stand.
Bishops Urge Congress to Address Better Police Training, Accountability
The chairmen of three U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ committees have called for “better practices for formation and accountability for police” in a joint letter to all members of Congress.
Checchio: Racism Denies Jesus’ Teaching and ‘Our Common, Created Humanity’
When sin entered the world, the mirror image of God was shattered, said Metuchen Bishop James F. Checchio at a June 19 prayer service for racial harmony, peace, justice and healing of the nation.
Archbishop Wenski Named Acting Chair of Bishops’ Religious Freedom Efforts
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami has been appointed the acting chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty.
Catholics Urged to Pray, Reflect, Act to Safeguard Religious Freedom
The U.S. bishops are urging Catholics to “pray, reflect and take action” on religious liberty in the United States and abroad during Religious Freedom Week June 22-29.
U.S. Supreme Court to Soon Rule on Louisiana Abortion Case
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to soon rule on its first abortion case to be argued at the court since Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh were appointed to the Supreme Court by President Trump.