The Equality Act of 2021 sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? And yet, the entire act is deeply flawed. It will be a great threat to religious freedom and will codify laws that will force beliefs that are entirely contrary to the Catholic Church’s beliefs on human sexuality and natural law.
As The Tablet Sees It
Papal Trip Needs to Bring More Attention to Persecuted Christians
This week, thank God for the success of our Holy Father, Pope Francis’ apostolic visit. He had much to do while there, praying for peace in the area, recognizing the common sonship of all monotheists under Abraham, and, perhaps most importantly, giving hope to the Christians of Iraq and indeed to all Christians in the Middle East.
An Island Desperately In Need of Help
Fifteen years ago, Puerto Rico’s economy entered a death spiral when the United State’s federal government phased out a provision of the Puerto Rican tax code that gave U.S. corporations in Puerto Rico tax exemptions. Many companies moved out of Puerto Rico and unemployment rates went through the roof. It was the beginning of a calvary that hasn’t ended.
Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving
On Ash Wednesday, Roman Catholics begin the holy season of Lent. This is a time to do exactly what we were exhorted to do when we had ashes sprinkled on our head — “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
Black History Is American History
In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month, stating that the celebration helped to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman said in 2011: “You’re going to relegate my history to a month? … I don’t want a black history month. Black history is American history.”
A Case for Collaboration When Crafting Important Messages
This past week saw a disagreement among our American bishops play out publicly in the media. On January 20, Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States. Mr. Biden, a church-going Roman Catholic, is only the second Catholic in U.S. history to be elected as president.
Where Does the Country Go From Here?
What was witnessed on January 6, 2021, was truly horrifying. This country has seen riots before — just look back to last May, June, and July. But we as a nation have never seen anything like the events that took place on a day when most Catholics throughout the world celebrate the Epiphany’s light.
The Challenges Catholics Will Face
We still don’t know exactly how Catholics voted in this election, but based on previous election cycles we can assume each candidate probably received more than 40 percent of the Catholic vote.
Pray for Peace in Our Nation
Pray for peace in our nation. This country is so much greater than a single presidential election. Pray that everyone can be women and men of peace and healing — of reconciliation — and that we can remember that we are called to be good citizens of this realm with our hearts and minds set on the world to come.
We Cannot Live Without the Eucharist
Let’s face it — everyone’s lives have changed since the start of the worldwide spread of the Coronavirus. Education, health-care, entertainment, and family life all have been affected, and not in ways that are positive, by and large. This is also true for the common worship of the Lord.
