National News
Contraception feeds violence against women, papal theologian says
The introduction of the birth control pill nearly 60 years ago has led to what the priest called a demographic winter in many countries and to a lack of interest in marriage and fatherhood among men.
Erie bishop backs transparency; redacted report could be released Aug. 8
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court July 27 cleared the way for the August release of a redacted version of a grand jury report on clergy sex abuse that has been termed by one of the state's Catholic bishops as "graphic" and "sobering."
In the reunification scramble, church groups raced to help families
Catholic humanitarian organizations rushed to collect material help, bishops loudly denounced the separation policy, and groups such as Catholic Extension established a fund to shelter, feed and defend some of the separated immigrant families.
Pew: Most Americans skeptical of benefits of gene editing for babies
A new Pew Research Center study found that a majority of Americans supported the use of gene-editing technology in babies if the goal is "delivering direct health benefits for babies."
Jews saved by ‘righteous’ Dutch Catholic family included author’s wife
A second edition of "Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust," details the story of how a Dutch Catholic couple protected more than two dozen Jews at their farm in rural southern Netherlands during World War II.
Attorney general asks pope’s help on release of abuse report
In June the court had put a hold on the full report being released because it said it needed to review challenges filed by "many individuals" named in the report.
Dioceses using Twitter, social media to be ‘salt and light’ in world
One example: the Pittsburgh Diocese tweets two- to five-minute videos where someone reflects on a Gospel reading. "Imagine what St. Paul could have done with a Twitter account," said a St. Louis communicator.
U.S. diplomats slow in learning how to assess faith in consular efforts
U.S. diplomats are only lately learning how to incorporate faith issues in their assessment of politics in the nations and regions to which they're assigned.
Path to vocation varies, especially when sisters start out non-Catholic
A small, steady stream of men and women -- including one Evangelical engaged to be married -- choose first to become Catholic and then, in perhaps an even larger leap of faith, choose religious life.
Bill to repeal Oregon’s sanctuary law on November ballot
Oregon prohibits state and local police officers from enforcing federal immigration law if a person's only crime is being in the country illegally. "These are not simply immigrants; they are refugees," said a Catholic leader.