National News
Three new laws affirm North Dakota’s commitment to life, says bishop
BISMARCK, N.D. (CNS) — North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple’s signature on three pro-life bills “affirms our state’s commitment to the protection of all human life,” Bishop David D. Kagan of Bismarck said March 26. Protecting life “from the moment of conception to natural death is the primary purpose of government,” the bishop said in a […]
Young woman’s disability makes her perfect volunteer to cheer the elderly
Residents are happy when Alexa Bucci, a volunteer at South Philadelphia’s St. Monica Manor, stops in to see them. She’s warm and friendly, always there with a smile and always wanting to do something for them. “I love it there; when you go in if you are in a bad mood they pick you up,” Alexa said. “I usually just talk to them or help them with their meals. The patients light up when they see me, because they like to be around people, and they tell me everything. I don’t feel like I have something wrong with me when I’m with them.”
North Dakota lawmakers OK bill defining life starts at conception
BISMARCK, N.D. (CNS) -- The North Dakota Catholic Conference applauded the state Senate's passage March 15 of a bill that would ban abortions for the purpose of sex selection or genetic abnormality and another bill that would ban abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, which could be as early as six weeks.
Colorado governor signs bill to legalize same-sex civil unions
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper March 21 signed into law a civil unions bill for same-sex couples that Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila said “harms families, civil liberties and the natural rights of all Colorado’s children.” The measure was approved by the state House March 12 and went to Hickenlooper for his signature. The Senate had […]
Archbishop: U.S. risks losing soul by ignoring immigrants’ humanity
The archbishop of Los Angeles called upon the United States to remember the humanity of men, women and children in the country illegally or risk losing its soul. Addressing the city's Jewish community March 19, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said the time has come for the U.S. to adopt comprehensive immigration to provide undocumented immigrants with a path to citizenship.
Maryland House OKs death penalty repeal; governor pledges to sign bill
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (CNS) — The Maryland House of Delegates passed legislation March 15 to repeal the state’s death penalty, an act the Maryland Catholic Conference called “a historic moment.” The conference advocates for public policy measures on behalf of the state’s Catholic bishops, who are longtime supporters of repealing the death penalty. The House passed […]
Western Pa. university mourns death of coach, her unborn child in crash
GREENSBURG, Pa. (CNS) -- Seton Hill University in a statement said the school community is "deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident" the morning of March 16 that took the life of the head coach of the women's lacrosse team and her unborn child, and also killed the driver and injured 13 players.
U.S. responsibilities to Iraq many on 10th anniversary of 2003 invasion
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The top political leaders in Iraq, themselves rivals, joined to support the new Chaldean Catholic Archbishop in Baghdad. But the religious leaders in that region of the Middle East placed the problems confronting Iraq squarely on the shoulders of the United States. "The U.S. invaded and occupied, so they're responsible for the situation," agreed Bishop Richard E. Pates, representing the U.S. Catholic bishops.
Diocese, other Catholic entities withdraw appeal of ruling on lawsuit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) -- The Diocese of Nashville and seven other Catholic entities operating in the diocese have withdrawn their appeal of a judge's dismissal of their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal government's mandate to provide health insurance coverage for artificial contraception and other services the church teaches are immoral.
Arkansas law on fetal heartbeat breaks new ground, supporters say
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS) -- Six days after passing a ban on abortions after 20 weeks' gestation, the Arkansas Legislature approved an even stricter ban. The House of Representatives and Senate voted March 5 and 6 to override Gov. Mike Beebe's veto to approve the Arkansas Human Heartbeat Protection Act, just as they did Feb. 27-28 to override his veto of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. While the fetal pain bill went into effect immediately, the heartbeat bill banning most abortions at 12 weeks will take effect this summer.