National News
Faith leaders call for ‘Day of Mourning and Lament’ for victims of virus
Catholic sisters will join over 100 national faith leaders from Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions for prayers June 1 for those who have died from COVID-19.
Maryland county withdraws restriction on Eucharist
After opposition by the Baltimore Archdiocese, Howard County withdrew its prohibitions on food and drink, including Communion, at religious services.
Churches seek fair treatment as states reopen for business
The coronavirus pandemic highlights the question of balancing the right to worship and the responsibility of government to protect the public from harm.
House passes bill condemning China’s treatment of religious minorities
The U.S. House passed a bill condemning the Chinese Communist Party for forcing Muslim minorities into indoctrination camps in what Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey called an "ongoing genocide."
Knights ‘praying for years’ for founder’s beatification, says Anderson
After a miracle healing attributed to his intercession, Father Michael McGivney will become the first American parish priest to be beatified. He died in 1890 from the coronavirus outbreak of his time.
Donated filters help Navajo Nation access safe water amid pandemic
A group from Kentucky is helping Navajo Native Americans, who face the highest rate of coronavirus infection in the U.S., enjoy safe drinking water. A third of their homes have no running water.
Buffalo initiative will assess diocesan resources, ‘bring about renewal’
Among the "urgent priorities" of the diocese is to make decisions about the long-term viability of parishes and schools, and programs carried out at the diocesan level.
Congress urged to make the poor a priority for next stimulus
Congress needs to remember the needs of "people on the margins" when considering new pandemic economic relief packages, said the top U.S. bishop for domestic policy.
Minnesota archbishop calls for justice in death of George Floyd
Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis called for "a full investigation" after a video showed a white officer kneeling on the neck of a black suspect, who died.
Trump calls for ‘essential’ houses of worship to reopen
Saying America needs "more prayer, not less," President Donald Trump May 22 directed the country's governors, although he lacks the authority to do so, to reopen churches, synagogues and mosques.