The U.S. bishops will conduct their annual fall general meeting virtually in November rather than meet in person as has been the bishops’ practice.
USCCB
Rising Gun Violence Amid Pandemic Points Up Bishops’ Call for Commonsense Gun Laws
When Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, prayed for the dead on the first anniversary in early August of the mass shooting at a Walmart in his city, he made that solemn tribute in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, which has kept much of the U.S. public in social-distancing mode.
Harris Seen as Progressive Partisan Who Can Pivot
Kamala Harris’s campaign positions on immigration reform, aid to refugees, and poverty, align with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. But some Catholics won’t approve of her stance on abortion. Some advocates of religious freedom claim Harris has been openly hostile to their beliefs.
Portland Archbishop Urges End To Violence, Return To Campaign For Justice
As the national spotlight landed on his city and its ongoing protests, Portland Archbishop Alexander K. Sample July 24 made a plea for citizens to leave violence behind and return to a campaign for racial justice.
Archbishop Coakley: Loans Keep ‘Essential Ministries’ Going During National Emergency
The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ domestic policy committee said the federal emergency “bridge loans” that dioceses, parishes and other Catholic entities applied for provided a lifeline, allowing “our essential ministries to continue to function in a time of national emergency.”
Mississippi Bishops Aim to Follow Thea Bowman’s Lead on Racism
Pointing to the late Sister Thea Bowman as an “icon of hope,” the bishops of both Mississippi dioceses have pledged to “liberate the Church from the evil of racism that severely compromises our mission.”
St. Petersburg Diocese Urges Catholics to ‘Take the Pledge’ in Videos
It was an elongated production schedule that would have rivaled any James Cameron epic, but the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, has finally issued a pair of “Civilize It” videos with more than 30 Catholics in the diocese taking part in the civility pledge to have an open mind, open ears and a civil tongue this election season.
Bishops Urge Congress to Address Better Police Training, Accountability
The chairmen of three U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ committees have called for “better practices for formation and accountability for police” in a joint letter to all members of Congress.
Archbishop Wenski Named Acting Chair of Bishops’ Religious Freedom Efforts
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami has been appointed the acting chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty.
Catholics Urged to Pray, Reflect, Act to Safeguard Religious Freedom
The U.S. bishops are urging Catholics to “pray, reflect and take action” on religious liberty in the United States and abroad during Religious Freedom Week June 22-29.