National News
Archbishop orders internal investigation of claims made against him
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) -- Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis told priests and staff about recent allegations against him involving events alleged to have occurred a decade ago before he began serving in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, calling them "absolutely and entirely false."
Go and find disciples by following Christ’s example, archbishop says
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (CNS) -- Archbishop Gregory Wilton D. Gregory urged participants at the Atlanta Archdiocese's Eucharistic Congress to find candidates for discipleship by following "the example of Christ himself."
Christian-run college gets temporary relief from HHS mandate
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Supreme Court late July 3 granted Christian-run Wheaton College in Illinois temporary relief from complying with the Department of Health and Human Services' federal contraceptive mandate that is part of the Affordable Care Act.
Hundreds gather in Washington for Fortnight for Freedom closing Mass
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A deep appreciation for religious liberty brought people from the U.S. and throughout the world to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the July 4 closing Mass of the Fortnight for Freedom, two weeks dedicated by the U.S. bishops to prayer, celebration and awareness of religious freedom.
Summit looks at the workplace, ways to meet needs of working families
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- White House officials, business owners and parents are working together to redesign the workplace to address the needs of 21st-century families.
Pope names New Jersey auxiliary bishop to head Fall River Diocese
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop George W. Coleman of Fall River, Massachusetts, and appointed Auxiliary Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha of Newark, New Jersey, as his successor.
Religious, civic leaders ask for religious exemption in executive order
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Religious and civic leaders urged President Barack Obama to include a religious exemption in the planned White House executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Brooklyn bishop ordains 13; says number is ‘true abundance of harvest’
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (CNS) -- Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn ordained 13 new priests during a Mass June 28 at the newly renovated and consecrated Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Supreme Court moves six cases after Hobby Lobby ruling
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A day after the Supreme Court said closely held for-profit companies could be exempted from some requirements of the Affordable Care Act because of the owners' religious beliefs, it kicked back to lower courts six related cases involving companies whose Catholic owners have similar objections.
Federal judge strikes down Kentucky’s ban on same-sex marriage
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A U.S. District Court judge July 1 struck down Kentucky's ban on same-sex marriage, saying that the prohibition violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.