National News
Tax reform bill called ‘unacceptable,’ some provisions ‘unconscionable’
UPDATED - In a Nov. 9 letter to U.S. House members, three bishops called for amendments to the current draft of the tax reform bill "for the sake of families" and "for those struggling on the peripheries of society who have a claim on our national conscience."
Parish leaders share recommendations for Hispanic ministry, outreach
Increased vocations, Spanish-speaking priests and faith formation opportunities were some of the recommendations made by Hispanic Catholics attending the Diocese of Green Bay's encuentro at the diocesan chancery.
Texas shooting draws focus on security at churches
An expert advises churches, where violence has increased in recent years, to form volunteer security teams. Properly trained volunteers can be the “eye and ears” of the church -- and armed.
Participants at Trenton encuentro share faith, best ministry practices
The daylong event, conducted in Spanish and sponsored by the diocesan Office of Pastoral Life and Mission and Hispanic Ministry Initiatives, drew more than 150 parish-level Hispanic ministry leaders, including many encuentro delegates.
Court lifts stay of construction on Pennsylvania natural gas pipeline
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ended the stay Nov. 8 because the parties opposed to the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline that filed the motion "have not satisfied the stringent requirements for a stay pending court review."
Worsening natural disasters prompt greater awareness of climate change
More frequent and intense storms are impacting charities such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. "Instead of 100-year floods, we're seeing 1,000-year floods," said the society's CEO, and she expects more in the years ahead.
You say you’re ‘spiritual but not religious’: What does that mean?
Despite how often people state their either/or preference (18%), they are outnumbered by people who are both spiritual and religious (29%) and by people who are neither (31%), says a new survey. "Interest in spirituality is increasing," said a Pew researcher.
Groups urge passage of law protecting conscientious objection to abortion
Rep. Chris Smith, the New Jersey Republican who co-chairs the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, made another push Nov. 8 for passage of the Conscience Protection Act.
Young immigrants at Dreamers Symposium offer heartfelt plea for support
During a Dreamers Symposium at Trinity Washington University, some of the more than 100 Dreamers attending the school shared their stories of growing up as immigrants living in the United States without documents.
Advocates decry Homeland Security’s TPS decision for Nicaraguans
UPDATED - Immigration advocates decried a Department of Homeland Security decision to end Temporary Protected Status for 2,500 Nicaraguans who have been living in the United States for nearly 20 years.