News
Father Luke Chow, Phila. priest and native of China, dies at 90
His family converted to Catholicism by the efforts of a saintly missionary. After the communist takeover, Father Chow went to the Philippines and to Philadelphia, where he served since 1977.
For a century, Puerto Ricans have shared faith, citizenship
The mostly Catholic residents of the Caribbean island have lived in Philadelphia since the early 20th century, bringing their Catholic faith and cultural traditions into the city's mix of peoples.
Impact of legalized marijuana needs greater study, Vatican official says
Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson said that while scientific studies on the therapeutic uses of marijuana must be evaluated, the ongoing "lively" debate on its legalization for possible therapeutic uses "tends to neglect any ethical judgement of the substance, in itself negative like with any other drug."
Philippine bishops’ head warns Catholics against fake news
Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan said misinformation is hampering sound decision-making, "many times with disastrous long-term consequences to persons and to communities."
South Sudan churches decry warring factions for ignoring people’s needs
The heads of the member churches of the South Sudan Council of Churches criticized the country's political leaders "on all sides" for placing political and personal interests above the needs of ordinary people, which they said has led to economic decline, famine and ongoing violence.
Court says church school can’t be barred from state funds for playground
In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court June 26 said a Lutheran preschool should not be excluded from a state grant program to refurbish its playground surface just because it is a religious entity.
Supreme Court to hear Colorado baker’s appeal in wedding cake case
The U.S. Supreme Court said June 26 it will hear arguments next term on whether a Denver baker unlawfully discriminated against a same-sex couple in declining to make them a wedding cake.
To ease tensions, Indonesian Catholics help Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Jakarta's recent tumultuous election -- which saw hard-line Muslim groups orchestrate the defeat of a Christian governor -- as well the discovery of several terror plots have increased fears of growing intolerance in the country.
Supreme Court will hear travel ban, allow some limits on immigration
The ban "may not be enforced against foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States," the court said, but "all other foreign nationals are subject to the provisions of (the executive order)."
Auza: At heart of human rights is respecting inherent dignity of all
Archbishop Bernardito Auza said, "the right to life of the unborn, of migrants in search of safety, of victims of armed conflicts, of the poor, of the handicapped, of the elderly and the right to life of those facing the death penalty continues to be ignored, dismissed and debated rather than prioritized."