National News

Calls to end immigrant family detention gain momentum

At least two major newspapers' editorial boards and a dozen members of Congress have joined the chorus calling for an end to jailing families whose immigration cases are pending as well as other reforms of immigrant detention.

Muslims, Christians urged to see they share values, face similar issues

Abdulaziz Sachedina is a professor of Islamic studies at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. He is a practicing Muslim who feels close to his Christian friends, he told Catholic News Service. Muslims and Christians do, in fact, share values, he said.

Vatican II’s approach to Jews, other Christians differs, professor says

"Vatican II introduced obvious changes in Catholic thought and practice, and the theological insight into those changes," said Michael Root in a May 21 address at a Catholic University-hosted conference, "'Nostra Aetate: Celebrating Fifty Years of the Catholic Church's Dialogue With Jews and Muslims."

Cardinal Dolan: Catholics, Jews find common concerns in dialogue

Thanks to "Nostra Aetate," "Jewish-Catholic friendship has never been stronger," Cardinal Dolan said in his address, "The Catholic Church's National Dialogue With Jews Since 'Nostra Aetate.'"

Cardinal, rabbi discuss progress, trials in Jewish-Catholic relations

A key turning point in the relationships between Catholics and Jews occurred 50 years ago with the Second Vatican Council document on interreligious relations, a cardinal and rabbi told a group of religious leaders May 20.

U.S. Islamic leader praises Vatican II tome on religious dialogue

During the "humble beginnings" of Islamic life in the U.S. in the 1960s, the "Catholic Church acted as a big brother" by understanding a religious minority, said a Muslim scholar.

Cardinal: Christians, Muslims ‘still don’t know each other well enough’

Speaking May 19 about Catholic-Muslim relations, Cardinal Tauran added, "Most of the problems we face are problems of ignorance."

Nebraska passes bill to repeal death penalty

The state legislature May 20 passed the measure with enough votes to override Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts' promised veto.

‘Positio’ for Father Peyton’s cause now with Vatican congregation

"We are very pleased to see progress in Father Peyton's cause," said Holy Cross Father Wilfred Raymond. "Many people regularly tell me we need a 'saint for families' and that Father Peyton is the appropriate candidate."

Group’s event to support San Francisco archbishop draws more than 500

"The Catholic Church has been under a coordinated attack from the power structure of San Francisco for at least the last 10 years," said Eva Muntean, who helped organize a group called San Francisco Catholics, which sponsored the event at the city's Sue Bierman Park.