An unprecedented decision by California’s Santa Clara County district attorney to reset the death penalty sentences in the county to life in prison sentences has been touted by the local bishop as “an important step toward respecting the sanctity of all human life.”
Facing more than 250 lawsuits alleging the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and other employees since the 1950’s, the Diocese of Sacramento, California, has filed for bankruptcy as a means to provide compensation to victim-survivors of the abuse.
A Catholic advocate against the death penalty was encouraged by an annual report, released Dec. 1, that shows that 29 states either abolished the death penalty or paused executions this past year.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on March 8 that the state will revoke its $54 million contract with Walgreens after the pharmacy giant stated it would not sell an abortion pill by mail in states that have outlawed its use.
After a series of defeats on abortion during this week’s midterm elections, Catholic leaders have emphasized their continued commitment to the pro-life cause and supporting mothers in need.
The California Catholic Conference “vehemently opposes” amending the state’s constitution “to enshrine the most extreme forms of abortion.”
Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, California, asked people to “invest” in being good neighbors and help restore peace after six people were fatally wounded in the worst mass shooting in California’s sixth largest city, which also left at least 12 people injured April 3.
Even as pro-lifers express optimism that this could be the year Roe v. Wade is overturned, leaders in the movement warn that the potentially groundbreaking victory doesn’t negate the essential work that still needs to happen at state and local levels.
California’s Catholic bishops slammed a new plan endorsed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to make the state a “sanctuary” for legal abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
California and New York Catholic conference leaders are emphasizing the need for pro-life advocates to redouble their efforts to advocate for abortion alternatives and walk with pregnant women after politicians in those states announced plans to expand abortion access.
