National News
S.F. archbishop defends morality clauses for teachers
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone told a group of California legislators that he respects their right "to employ or not employ whomever you wish to advance your mission" and expects the same in return.
Interfaith working group calls for opposition to Pacific trade deal
An interfaith coalition Feb. 17 announced it opposes what it called "undemocratic" actions proposed by the Obama administration regarding the much-anticipated Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and called on other people of faith to do the same.
On Ash Wednesday, cardinal urges solidarity with persecuted Christians
Making an impassioned plea at the end of his Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington urged Catholics to offer prayers and speak out for Christians being persecuted throughout the world.
Bishops put high priority on fighting moves to allow assisted suicide
As New York lawmakers began to consider a bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide, the New York State Catholic Conference launched a new website "to offer Catholics moral clarity and guidance on the church's teachings regarding end-of-life decision-making."
Speakers weigh immigration trends amid changing U.S.-Cuba relations
Cuban parents who sent their unaccompanied children from Cuba to the United States in the early 1960s for fear of communist indoctrination under Fidel Castro made the right decision.
Work now underway on $400 million Museum of the Bible in Washington
On a gray and overcast morning in Washington, just a short walk from Capitol Hill, construction work began on a museum intended to promote engagement, education and discussion of the Bible.
Payday lending a top obstacle to financial independence for the poor
You've seen the ads that boast of zero percent interest on new-car loans? Well, how would you like to pay back a loan that has 400 percent interest?
Preaching must be engaging to be effective, archbishop says at congress
Soon after Sherry Weddell's new book, "Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus," was published, she was approached by a man who told her that until he had read her book, he didn't know it was possible to have a personal relationship with God.
Texas judge blocks Obama immigration plan
A little more than one day before an expansion was to take effect in a deferred deportation program known as DACA, a federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Obama administration's effort.
Pittsburgh bishop: Church is not free ‘to practice what we preach’
An appeals court reversed a decision by a federal judge last November to grant the Pittsburgh and Erie dioceses a temporary injunction against enforcement of the HHS contraceptive mandate.