National News
Orlando Diocese hosts annual summit for Small Christian Communities
Representatives of 26 Florida parishes came with a common purpose: to listen to God's voice speak within, prepare to respond and then go out to proclaim the Gospel.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to Arkansas abortion law
The Supreme Court's decision May 29 not to hear a case against an Arkansas abortion law, thus letting the state's restrictions on abortion-inducing drugs stand, will have broad impact, say those on both sides of the issue.
Hawaii parishioners displaced by lava ask for prayers
According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, 82 structures to date have been destroyed by lava in this latest outflow from Kilauea Volcano, erupting continuously since 1983.
Mass of support planned for Maryland town hit hard again by massive flood
For the second time in three years, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore will celebrate a Mass at St. Paul Church in the historic town of Ellicott City, where residents are again taking stock after another devastating flash flood.
State Department releases annual report on international religious freedom
UPDATED - Everyone has "a stake in this fight" for religious freedom, said the U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom, Sam Brownback.
Foothills of Ozarks resonate with Marian hymns at shrine on new feast day
Bishop W. Shawn McKnight offered Mass at the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, in Laurie, the Monday after Pentecost.
Christian crowd vows to ‘reclaim Jesus’ from polarized U.S.
A large crowd of national Christian leaders and members of their congregations vowed to "reclaim Jesus" from those who use his name for their political gain and reject the gentleness, kindness, love of neighbor, the poor and the truth that Christ embraced.
Passing a farm bill in 2018’s political climate a hard row to hoe
When the House voted on the farm bill May 18, the measure's merits were only partly considered. But what brought it down to a surprising defeat was not its content, but a vastly different subject: immigration.
Appeals court upholds decision overturning California assisted suicide
UPDATED - A California appeals court has denied Attorney General Xavier Becerra's request for an immediate stay on a lower court ruling that overturned the state's assisted suicide law.
Cardinal, other faith leaders, scientists urge action on climate change
"As a community of faith leaders, we have worked together to alleviate poverty, to fight racial and social injustice, and to defend human life. All of these social goods are negatively impacted by climate change, which devastates the most vulnerable and jeopardizes us all."