National News
Vaccines preserve ‘moral health’ of communities, say church experts
As measles, chicken pox and other diseases rebound, moral theologians and bioethicists have joined medical professionals in countering claims that inoculations cause autism or even death. Catholics should keep up with vaccinations "despite a distant association with abortion" in order to protect public health.
‘Minds, hearts’ shaken by fire at Florida co-cathedral, says rector
An investigation led officials to determine the cause was arson. On June 7, Jimmy Patronis, Florida state fire marshal, announced Seth Johnson, 32, was arrested and charged with first-degree felony arson.
Listening, mentoring key to keeping young adults, say church workers
Professors, youth ministers and lay theologians across the country give different reasons for why young people are leaving the church, but they all agree that listening and mentoring are key to developing and maintaining faith.
Educational program lifts up immigrant women and their families
Founded by a group of Catholic laywomen in Mexico more than 40 years ago, the educational program for immigrant women teaches English and provides classes on spiritual development, health exams and other topics.
Lifetime film called an ‘extraordinary story of power of bravery, faith’
Based on a true story, "Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story," a Lifetime film by Emmy-winning actor and director Vondie Curtis-Hall, was honored with a Christopher Award May 23 for affirming "the highest values of the human spirit."
Georgetown panel discussion examines ‘a wounded church and divided nation’
An air of resignation and frustration overtook Georgetown University's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life panel as it discussed the ongoing clergy sexual abuse crisis. It was the seventh time the initiative had focused exclusively on it.
California dioceses ask Catholics to urge lawmakers reject confession bill
S.B. 360 -- which passed in the California Senate May 23 in a 30-2 vote -- would force priests to disclose information about child sexual abuse that they learn when they are hearing another priest's confession or when hearing the confession of a co-worker.
Judge: Missouri’s only abortion clinic can stay open at least until June 21
If it closes, Missouri would be the first state without an operating abortion facility since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on Roe v. Wade in 1973. Women who want an abortion would have to go to the neighboring state of Illinois.
Southern Baptist Convention wrestling with sex abuse crisis of its own
The Southern Baptist Convention has been rocked by recent media reports that revealed pastors, church employees and volunteers sexually abused more than 700 people, mostly children, over the last two decades.
Bishops’ actions at spring meeting called a ‘work in progress’
In 2002 the spring bishops' meeting in Dallas was almost entirely devoted to the sex abuse crisis. Where that meeting focused on misconduct by priests, this year's meeting looked at responding to the misconduct of some bishops and the failure of some bishops to properly address abuse.