National News
Iraq archbishop, Pence meet to discuss plight of persecuted Christians
Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda of Irbil, Iraq, met with Pence Dec. 4. The visit came during an extended visit the prelate made to the United States. Part of his trip included several events during and after the Week of Awareness for Persecuted Christians Nov. 26-Dec. 2.
Some see crunch time, others negotiation time, for immigration woes
Supporters of youth who came to the U.S. without documents as children descended on Washington, risking arrest and seeking attention from lawmakers during what they believe is the last window of opportunity this year to pass legislation to help the youth stay in the country.
Rubio: U.S. foreign policy must be ‘infused’ with religious, other values
Sen. Marco Rubio stopped short of specific legislative proposals but spoke openly of religious faith as he offered support for beleaguered Christian communities under threat of Islamic State terror in the Middle East.
Religious freedom bill hearing spurs talk on Muslim-majority nations
A House subcommittee hearing on a U.S. law to improve U.S. religious freedom diplomacy efforts globally prompted a discussion on how to expand those freedoms for religious minorities, particularly for those in Muslim-majority countries.
Mother of three Dreamers holds fast on Hill for passage of DREAM Act
Antonia Alvarez, the mother of three DACA recipients and one U.S. States citizen, began a 10-day fast Dec. 4 outside of the Capitol in Washington to advocate for the passage of the DREAM Act.
Gregorian chant called seminarian to Catholicism
As Gabe Bouck enters Advent, a season in which Catholics are urged to answer God's call for conversion, the seminarian is reminded of the melodic voice that inspired him to become Catholic.
Speakers: U.S. needs to spread religious liberty, conscience protection
U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, both spoke openly of their own Christian beliefs while addressing the third Archon International Conference on Religious Freedom.
March for Life announces location, tentative speakers
"Love saves Lives" is the theme of the 2018 march, said Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, adding that the group also wants to focus on the sacrifice involved with bringing life into the world but also in the interactions with one another.
Opioid crisis gripping West Virginia worries church, health care leaders
Ellen Condron wanted to start a conversation about what is happening in her beloved state of West Virginia, where the opioid crisis claimed the lives of more than 880 people last year.
Catholics urged to fight world’s apathy on persecuted Christians
New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said Catholics should learn from their "Jewish elder brothers and sisters" how to urge politicians to aid the persecuted Christians in the Middle East. A Jewish leader warned against indifference.