National News
Statements on porn and politics OK’d by U.S. bishops
The U.S. bishops approved a formal statement on pornography, and an updated revision of a quadrennial statement on the intersection of Catholic teaching in the political arena as part of their Nov. 16-19 fall general meeting in Baltimore.
In debate on ‘Faithful Citizenship,’ bishops push for more about poverty
The U.S. bishops adopted a revised version of their quadrennial statement on political responsibility, but not without questions being raised by some bishops who said it should better reflect Catholic social teaching.
Bishop disturbed by calls to end resettlement of Syrian refugees in U.S.
"These refugees are fleeing terror themselves -- violence like we have witnessed in Paris," said Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, chairman of the migration committee.
Bishops elect Msgr. Bransfield as general secretary of USCCB
Msgr. Bransfield, a Philadelphia archdiocesan priest, will step into the position in 2016. His term will run for five years. The general secretariat oversees the work of the USCCB on behalf of the U.S. bishops.
High court to hear challenge to Texas law regulating abortion clinics
The 2013 state law requires the clinics to meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers when performing abortions and also requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a hospital near an abortion clinic.
Pray to lead with understanding hearts, credible voices, bishops told
At the opening Mass for the annual fall assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the USCCB president urged his brother bishops to pray for virtues that would help them be better spiritual leaders.
Diocesan-based healing ministry brings church’s mercy after abortion
The Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis is a particularly appropriate time to raise awareness about Project Rachel, the Catholic program that helps people heal in the aftermath of an abortion, three cardinals told their fellow bishops Nov. 16.
Bishops introduce statement on pornography at fall meeting
In introducing the pornography document. "Create a Clean Heart in Me," to the bishops, Bishop Richard J. Malone, of Buffalo, New York, chair of the bishops' Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, described pornography as a "dark shadow in our world today."
High court’s ruling prompts bishops’ pastoral plan for family, marriage
The pastoral plan, according to Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New York, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, will seek the input of the nation's Catholic bishops.
Archbishop appeals for more priests to serve as military chaplains
The head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services said there were only 217 Catholic priests serving the 1.8 million Catholics in the U.S. armed forces around the world, and the numbers would soon decline because of retirements and medical leaves.