More Catholics are leaving the faith than ever before – more so than in any other religion – and a new study out this week is trying to help make sense of why so many young adults are leaving the faith at such an early age.
National News
March for Life President Uses ‘Big Tent’ Approach
Since becoming president of the March for Life, Jeanne Mancini, has expanded its Catholic base to promote inclusion and greater participation from pro-life advocates of all faiths, especially evangelicals.
Relevant Radio Launches Live, Interactive Family Rosary Program
A new live interactive program debuted Jan. 15 on Relevant Radio aimed at bringing together people across the U.S. to pray the rosary at the same time.
Bishops Oppose Removal of Protection from Salvardorans
The U.S. bishops have termed the Trump administration’s decision not to renew the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation to El Salvador as “heartbreaking” and pledged to stand with Salvadoran TPS recipients as they risk being separated from their families and homes in the United States.
Evangelization FOCUS: SLS Energizes and Equips Leaders to Share Gospel
One of the largest gatherings of Catholics around the topic of evangelization, SLS18: Inspire & Equip, hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), welcomed more than 8,000 participants to Chicago Jan. 2-6.
FEMA Can No Longer Exclude Churches from Federal Aid Funds
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is revising its policies to no longer exclude houses of worship from applying for federal aid to recover from damages caused by natural disasters.
Baltimore Pro-Life Centers Win Unfair Targeting Case
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit struck down a Baltimore, Md., ordinance that would have forced pro-life pregnancy centers in the city to post signs stating they do not provide or refer for abortions or contraceptives.
Marquette Cross Fuels Debate Over Religious Freedom in US
Following pressure from two secular advocacy groups, a township in western Michigan is holding a public hearing over whether to remove a large cross on the shores of Lake Michigan honoring local explorer and Jesuit Father Jacques Marquette – an effort that one religious liberty group has criticized as another example of “militant atheism” in the United States.
FEMA: Houses of Worship Now Eligible for Disaster Relief
After months of legal appeals and pressure from religious institutions devastated by recent hurricanes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that houses of worship are now eligible to receive federal relief.
The Year in Review
While the Church’s engagement in the public square is often what attracts major headlines – and 2017 did not disappoint – the behind-the-scenes internal workings, and indeed controversies of the U.S. Church are equally important to remember.