National News
Protesters take to streets of downtown Washington on Inauguration Day
The Inauguration Day protests were scattered throughout large areas in downtown Washington, where diverse crowds of young and old turned out to make their displeasure, ire, or sorrow heard.
Trump presidency receives words of hope, prayers for civility
As civil and religious leaders congratulated President Trump, advocates urged immigration reform, care for the poor and support of Middle East Christians. Women and men religious called for healing of the country's political divisions.
‘We will be protected by God,’ Trump declares in inaugural address
After being sworn in at the Capitol, President Donald Trump called for solidarity in his inaugural address and described the ills he sees in America and around the world. "From this day forward, it's going to be only America first," he said.
Pope offers prayers for Trump as he becomes 45th U.S. president
In his message asking God to grant the new president, his family and all Americans "every material and spiritual prosperity," Pope Francis said humanity faces "grave humanitarian crises" that demand "far-sighted and united political responses."
On eve of inauguration, L.A. archbishop stresses immigrants’ dignity
"People do not cease to be human ... just because they have an irregular immigration status," said Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, home to 1 million undocumented immigrants. They are brothers and sisters. Our family."
‘9 Days for Life’ campaign urges prayer, action to build culture of life
"We're praying for a lot of things this month, including racial harmony, Christian unity and the protection of all human life," Cardinal Dolan said in a Jan. 19 statement inviting Catholics and others to take part in "9 Days for Life."
Faith groups urge Trump to embrace duty to protect environment
Catholic groups were among dozens mobilizing to prevent any rollback of laws and international agreements protecting the environment in response to President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promises to undo directives that he believes hinder business development.
Speakers: Aim for truth with love to help those with same-sex attraction
Sponsored by the Diocese of Phoenix and Courage International, more than 200 clergy, religious and laypeople heard practical and pastoral advice on sharing the Catholic Church's teaching to men and women with same-sex attraction at the three-day conference.
Orange diocesan priest to take USCCB ecumenical-interreligious post
Father Alfred Baca, a priest of the Diocese of Orange, California, has been named the new executive director of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.
Theologian: Christian unity possible but not a ‘call to ignore realities’
Disagreements among Christians have existed from the beginning, but there is a way to live in unity until disagreements can be resolved, said Michael Root, a member of the U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue.