National News
Catholic leaders, groups urge all Americans to confront ‘sin of racism’
From religious communities to 15 diocesan bishops to a group of Christian thinkers, the condemnation of white supremacy and the evil of racism rang out across the United States in the wake of the Charlottesville protests.
Texas governor signs bill restricting insurance coverage of abortions
Texans "will not be forced" to pay for abortions through their insurance plans, making Texas the 11th state to restrict such coverage. Meanwhile in Oregon, a new law requires health insurers to cover abortion on demand.
Syriac Catholic patriarch says West has ‘betrayed’ Christian minorities
The head of Syriac Eastern-rite Catholics, speaking near San Diego, called out the United States and European nations for not doing enough to protect Christian minorities.
Genocide of Christians continues in Middle East, says new report
A U.S. State Department report cites atrocities by Islamic State militants against religious minorities. Over the past 15 years, the number of Christians in Iraq has fallen from up to 1.4 million to 250,000 today.
Conference offers a journey of hope to divorced Catholics
A gathering in South Carolina that began to address the loneliness that divorced people feel ended with groups of people laughing and sharing stories. A ministry for those going through divorce and separation is needed, organizers said.
Catholics on Guam pray for peace amid threats by North Korea
Archbishop Michael Byrnes asked all priests to promote prayers of peace at all Masses as tensions continue, following threats by North Korea to attack the American territory in the Marianas Islands.
Law-abiding migrants now at greater deportation risk, experts say
Stories are emerging of migrants deported despite their regular contact with immigration authorities and lack of criminal records. The Trump administration's goal, say experts, "is not to legalize 11 million undocumented persons but to get rid of them."
Bishops ask for peace after white nationalist rally turns deadly
"Only the light of Christ," said a Virginia bishop and a former Philadelphia priest, "can quench the torches of hatred and violence." Bishop Francis DiLorenzo condemned the violence of a protest that left one person dead and almost two dozen injured.
Sister Helen Garvey, former LCWR president, dies at 82
Sister Helen Maher Garvey, former president of both the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and of her order, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died Aug. 6. She was 82.
Mariachi musicians know where credit goes for their talent: to God
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (CNS) — Miguel Grima and his nephew Jonathan Grima may be accomplished musicians in an area mariachi band, but both know where the credit goes for their talent. “Every night, I pray and thank God for my music,” Jonathan stressed, during a break while performing at at a wedding reception. Miguel expressed […]