National News
USCCB official calls defense of fetal tissue research ‘deeply disturbing’
Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, made his comments defending fetal tissue research during a Dec. 13 meeting of an agency advisory panel, according to a Science magazine report.
Bishops’ retreat on role as shepherds may bring renewal, scholars say
The Jan. 2-8 retreat at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago comes as the bishops work to rebuild trust among the faithful as questions continue to revolve around their handling of clergy sex abuse.
Christmas Eve marks 200th anniversary of beloved carol ‘Silent Night’
Exactly 200 years ago this Christmas Eve the world heard for the first time a poem set to music that would one of the most beloved Christmas carols. The myth, truth and history of the carol have made it part of humanity's 'intangible cultural heritage."
Jesuits’ Maryland province releases lists of clergy with credible claims
The Maryland province of the Society of Jesus Dec. 17 released the names of Jesuits who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors since 1950. They include Jesuits from the province and other Jesuits who have served the province.
Diocese of Erie to launch Survivors’ Reparation Fund in February
Survivors of sexual abuse by clergy, lay employees or lay volunteers in the Diocese of Erie may file financial claims with a new compensation fund run by Kenneth Feinberg, who is leading similar funds in Pa.
After 25 years, Alaska priest still loves his Russian Far East mission
Father Michael Shields loves his ministry in the Russian Far East city of 100,000. Magadan and Anchorage are sister cities. The mission came into being in 1989 as the former Soviet Union was in its "glasnost" and "perestroika" era under Mikhail Gorbachev.
Archbishop Nienstedt’s ministry restricted in Minnesota archdiocese
Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis said Dec. 14 that until "all open allegations are resolved," his predecessor, Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, is not free to exercise public ministry in the archdiocese.
Faith advocates see victories in new farm bill
The farm bill that passed both houses of Congress by wide margins doesn't have money in it to protect endangered species, but it did preserve one that had been on the threatened list: bipartisanship.
L.A. archdiocese to seek charges against two nuns for embezzlement
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has changed its mind about not seeking charges against two women religious who were found to have "misappropriated" a "substantial amount" of money, perhaps up to half a million dollars, from one of its Catholic schools.
Religious freedom laws meant to be ‘shield, not sword,’ says speaker
Religious freedom is widely misunderstood, prone to being used only for political purposes and is identified by the public mostly with the Republican politicians. And its enshrinement in law requires constant vigilance on all sides.