Louisiana’s bipartisan push to abolish the death penalty received an extra boost this week from Bishop Shelton Fabre of the diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
National News
New York Archdiocese Publishes List of Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse
The Archdiocese of New York published a list with 120 names that ‘have been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor or possessing child pornography,’ according to their website on April 26.
U.S. Religious Liberty Czar Says ‘No Signs’ of Change in China Since Vatican Deal
The U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom believes the United States and the Vatican should be partners in pursuing religious freedom, including in China.
New Memphis Bishop Notes ‘Challenge of Leadership’ in Troubled Diocese
Bishop David Talley has one word to describe his initial two weeks and three days on the job in Memphis: “joy.”
As Refugee Child, She Knew No English; Now As Teen, She’s Poetry Champ
Belise Nishimwe remembers what it’s like to feel voiceless. Born in a refugee camp in Tanzania, she came to Portland at age 5 unable to speak or understand English. She couldn’t pass her first year of kindergarten.
Justices Lean Toward Including Citizenship Question in Next Census
During more than one hour of discussion, the justices were unable to hear the crowds, primarily members of immigrant advocacy groups, assembled on the court’s steps during the warm, sunny morning stressing that the census needed an accurate count and that many people would not fill out the form with the added question.
Trump Hailed for Defending Religious Liberty at Catholic Prayer Breakfast
President Donald Trump’s Acting Chief of Staff says the principles of faith are “alive and well and well-respected” within the White House and “are driving many of our policies.”
Man Faces Charges for Trying to Walk into Cathedral with Flammables
A man arrested by New York police after he tried to walk through St. Patrick’s Cathedral in midtown Manhattan with flammables late April 17 has been charged with attempted arson, reckless endangerment and trespassing.
Man Apprehended After Entering St. Patrick’s Cathedral with Gas Cans and Lighter Fluid
Nearly two days into Holy Week after the historic Notre Dame Cathedral caught on fire, a man carrying two gas cans, lighter fluid and lighters entered St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan April 17, but was stopped by a security officer and taken into custody, according to an NYPD official.
Thousands of New Catholics Expected to Join Church at Easter Vigil
Tens of thousands of new Catholics are expected to join the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil liturgies in parishes throughout the United States the night of April 20.