National News
Indiana OKs amended religious freedom law
The changes Indiana lawmakers made to the state Religious Freedom Restoration Act "raise concerns about the protection of religious freedom."
Pittsburgh Diocese waives all annulment application fees
Typically, those seeking annulments have paid up to $650 to the diocese, which covered about one-third of the costs. The policy is effective immediately.
Indiana bishops urge mutual respect in religious freedom debate
The bishops supported efforts in Indiana both to defend the dignity of all persons and the rights of people to be free from "undue burden from the government" in the practice of their faith.
After changes, Arkansas governor signs religious freedom law
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has signed into law a Religious Freedom Restoration Act that prohibits the state from burdening people's ability to practice their religion.
Christian leaders call for end to ‘profound evil’ of the death penalty
"Torture and execution is always a profound evil, made even more abhorrent when sanctioned by the government in the name of justice when other means of protecting society are available," said the statement released March 31.
Faith leaders call on U.S. to halt ‘inhumane’ family detention policy
Five Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran bishops traveled to the Dilley Detention Center in south Texas March 27 and visited with families -- young mothers with children from Central America -- who are being detained there.
Speakers propose ways to foster solidarity, fight ‘global indifference’
The causes of what Pope Francis has called the "globalization of indifference" are numerous: material prosperity that leads people to be unaware of the suffering around them, selfishness that causes people to ignore those in need, or a sense of hopelessness that paralyzes action.
Varied paths bring people into Catholic Church at Easter Vigil
Who was Jesus? How were we made by God? These are good questions that anyone considering becoming Catholic might ask. Thousands in the U.S. , including 650 in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, will do so this weekend.
Pence stands by Indiana law; critics say it discriminates against gays
Since Pence signed it March 26, critics across the state and around the nation have raised concerns that the Indiana law could be a vehicle of legal discrimination against gay people and others.
Senate confirms nomination of Boston priest as Army chief of chaplains
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Father Paul K. Hurley, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and a military chaplain for about 15 years, was confirmed March 27 as the U.S. Army chief of chaplains in a voice vote by the U.S. Senate. With the appointment comes a promotion in rank from colonel to major general. Father […]