National News

U.N. official, panels address issue of torture at Washington conference

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.N. special rapporteur on torture encouraged torture survivors and advocates to "look to a torture-free world within our lifetimes" during a conference at The Catholic University of America.

Supreme Court strikes down ‘buffer zones’ at abortion clinics

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In a June 26 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that 35-foot buffer zones around abortion clinics -- meant to keep demonstrators away -- violates First Amendment rights.

Leader says Life Teen’s goal to ‘completely transform’ youth ministry

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (CNS) -- The goal of Life Teen "is to completely transform the idea of what youth ministry is in our church and what it can be," said the director of events for the Mesa-based organization.

Archbishop hopes settlement brings victims closure, chance to heal

Updated - SEATTLE (CNS) -- Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain said June 24 that he hopes the settlement of 30 claims of sexual abuse will bring victims "closure and allow them to continue the process of healing."

EWTN appeals judge’s ruling denying network protection from HHS mandate

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Eternal Word Television Network has appealed a court ruling against the network in its challenge to the federal mandate requiring most employers, including religious employers, to provide coverage of contraceptives, sterilizations and some abortion-inducing drugs in employee health care plans.

Texas diocese responds to immigrants’ need in surge of children

McALLEN, Texas (CNS) -- Scared, tired and hungry, immigrants, mostly mothers with their children, have been arriving at the McAllen and Brownsville bus stations at odd hours.

Pro-life lawyer says HHS mandate not part of ‘real women’s agenda’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CNS) -- Based on her own research and interviews with women, including many post-abortive women, Helen Alvare said women today have a host of concerns that need attention from government and society, and getting freeing contraceptives is not among them.

High court won’t rule on abortion doctors, juvenile sentencing

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Supreme Court declined June 23 to get involved in a case over a Wisconsin law that requires abortion clinic doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The law remains blocked from being implemented while it is being challenged in a lower court.

Archbishop: Catholics should be free to serve with ‘eucharistic heart’

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- The Eucharist conforms Catholics to "the pattern of Christ's self-giving love" and compels them to see the dignity of the poor and perform acts of mercy, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said at the June 21 opening Mass for this year's Fortnight for Freedom.

Marchers feel encouraged in their stance for traditional marriage

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Father Rick Kosisko found a lot to be thankful for during the March for Marriage. Joined by hundreds of supporters of traditional marriage at the U.S. Capitol June 19, the pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, told Catholic News Service he was pleased to know that others felt it was important to show up in Washington to share their views about the sacredness of the bond between one man and one woman.