National News
Annual audit shows 4,400+ allegations of clergy abuse reported
A new report attributed 37% of the new allegations to lawsuits, victim compensation programs by dioceses, and bankruptcies. An additional 3% of allegations emerged after a review of clergy files.
Trump’s order on foster care backs civic-religious partnerships
President Donald Trump June 24 called for creating partnerships between state agencies and public, private, faith-based and community organizations to enhance the child welfare system.
Place to start for addressing racial injustice is apology, professor says
Referring to the sacrament of reconciliation, an educator believes there must be an apology "for taking so long to empathize ... with the suffering of Black Americans."
Uncertain times are a call to build a better world, bishop tells police
As tensions continue to mount in the U.S., police officers and first responders should work to better themselves in service to their local community, said a Texas bishop at a Blue Mass.
COVID-19 limits, rulings seen as latest challenges to religious liberty
Speakers at a recent forum described an uncertain path ahead as government authorities balance public health with congregations' needs for communal worship.
Directory called ‘fresh, focused tool’ to ‘enhance’ evangelization
Bishop Robert Barron welcomed the Vatican's updated "Directory for Catechesis," which will guide new teaching materials to include the local culture and the needs of Catholics at different ages and stages of life.
Syracuse Diocese files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The bishop cited the implications of more than 100 lawsuits alleging past child sexual abuse and the economic impact of the pandemic. He vowed to make reparations to victims.
Reaction positive to Supreme Court decision on bid to end DACA
The court June 18 rejected a Trump administration bid to revoke the program that allowed young people brought into the country illegally as minors to stay in the U.S.
Young immigrants hail high court’s decision on DACA
The prayers of thousands of young adults, brought as children to the U.S. by their parents, were answered when the justices voted to retain the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Georgetown forum examines transforming police work
Adopting a "use of force" standard, allowing civil suits against officers, and barring chokeholds and "no knock" raids were among the suggestions for police reform by a panel of police and civil rights activists.