At a time when the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Trump administration is marked by particular tension over the decision to end the DACA program, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan headlined the 72nd annual Al Smith dinner on Thursday night in Manhattan. The dinner is one of the most prominent fundraising events held by the Catholic Church in the United States.
In a rare triumph for religious freedom and the liberty of the conscience, the Trump Administration was able to issue rules, albeit interim, concerning the exemption for religious organizations who do not wish to supply contraception and abortifacients for their employees.
The Trump administration announced an interim rule on Friday that would provide greater religious exemptions to the federal contraceptive mandate. While groups affected by the mandate will still have to seek formal relief in court, advocates for religious freedom are hailing today’s announcement as a significant victory.
Following the shooting in Las Vegas last night, the deadliest in American history, Pope Francis has sent a telegram assuring the victims and their families of his prayers, and entrusting the dead “to the merciful love of almighty God.” The pontiff also commended the efforts of those police and emergency services personnel who were the first responders.
President Trump has until Oct. 1 to set a deadline as to how many refugees the U.S. will allow this coming fiscal year. The president is reportedly looking to cap the number at 50,000. The USCCB is advocating to admit at least 75,000 refugees.
The United States bishops are urging caution on the proposed Graham-Cassidy healthcare bill that is currently scheduled for a Senate vote next week. Four bishops from pro-life, migration, religious liberty, and justice and human development committees sent on a letter on Thursday rejecting the partisan bill and its rushed timeline.
Bishop Edward Braxton says the debate over Confederate and Civil War monuments is not a black and white issue, but one that should be engaged via local and communal discussions.
Dear Editor: I think there is some misconception about President Trump’s action regarding DACA.
Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew’s joint message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation comes just three months after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement, and some experts suspect the two developments may be related.
Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew’s joint message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation comes just three months after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement, and some experts suspect the two developments may be related.
