National News
U.S. Chaldeans decry ‘genocide’ of Iraqi Christians, rally for aid
Shouting slogans such as "Obama, Obama, where are you? Iraqi Christians need you!" and "Stop the violence in Iraq!" about 150 protesters marched through the streets of downtown Detroit Aug. 1 to call awareness to the violent persecution of Christians in their native land.
Congress recesses without funds for migrant surge; actions ramp up
Members of Congress left Washington for their summer recess without approving funding to help manage the surge of unaccompanied minors and families that has been taxing the resources of federal agencies.
After court strikes down buffer zone, Massachusetts approves new law
Attorneys for pro-lifers in Massachusetts have decided not to do anything yet about the new buffer zone law around abortion facilities that Gov. Deval Patrick signed July 30. A pro-life group called the law "punitive, unnecessary, misdirected and vindictive."
Bill would protect faith-based adoption agencies against discrimination
Two lawmakers July 30 introduced a measure they say is needed to protect faith-based agencies that provide adoption and foster care services from discrimination based on their religious beliefs.
Bishop says saint’s remains have spiritual power to heal, move hearts
The mortal remains of St. Marianne Cope found a final resting place in Honolulu's Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace July 31, welcomed back in an exuberant two-and-a-half hour celebration of prayers, songs, gestures, reflections, dance, flowers and incense.
‘Great War’ brought Catholics, bishops into mainstream of U.S. society
World War I was dubbed "the Great War" because of the near-global scale of the fighting.
Archbishop says he won’t resign, points to progress on abuse claims
Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis said the archdiocese has made significant progress in improving procedures for addressing sexual abuse claims and he will not resign over past missteps on such cases.
Idaho campus ministers see colleges as ‘places of evangelization’
They are, without a doubt, an odd couple. One is a Jesuit with a history in campus ministry, taking over the reins at St. Paul Catholic Student Center in Boise. The other is a tattooed, earring-and-bandanna-wearing, lifelong youth minister stepping in at St. John Catholic Student Center in Pocatello.
Court overturns law requiring hospital privileges for abortion doctors
A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans July 29 overturned a 2012 Mississippi law requiring doctors at the state's only abortion clinic to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.
Federal appeals court overturns Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage
Virginia's Catholic bishops said in a July 28 statement that "those with same-sex attractions must be treated with respect and sensitivity," but reaffirmed the Catholic Church's teaching that marriage should be between one man and one woman.