News
South Sudan churches decry warring factions for ignoring people’s needs
The heads of the member churches of the South Sudan Council of Churches criticized the country's political leaders "on all sides" for placing political and personal interests above the needs of ordinary people, which they said has led to economic decline, famine and ongoing violence.
Court says church school can’t be barred from state funds for playground
In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court June 26 said a Lutheran preschool should not be excluded from a state grant program to refurbish its playground surface just because it is a religious entity.
Supreme Court to hear Colorado baker’s appeal in wedding cake case
The U.S. Supreme Court said June 26 it will hear arguments next term on whether a Denver baker unlawfully discriminated against a same-sex couple in declining to make them a wedding cake.
To ease tensions, Indonesian Catholics help Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Jakarta's recent tumultuous election -- which saw hard-line Muslim groups orchestrate the defeat of a Christian governor -- as well the discovery of several terror plots have increased fears of growing intolerance in the country.
Supreme Court will hear travel ban, allow some limits on immigration
The ban "may not be enforced against foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States," the court said, but "all other foreign nationals are subject to the provisions of (the executive order)."
Auza: At heart of human rights is respecting inherent dignity of all
Archbishop Bernardito Auza said, "the right to life of the unborn, of migrants in search of safety, of victims of armed conflicts, of the poor, of the handicapped, of the elderly and the right to life of those facing the death penalty continues to be ignored, dismissed and debated rather than prioritized."
Don’t fear ridicule, persecution from sharing the Gospel, pope says
Christians must never be afraid and must keep on going since "Jesus never leaves us on our own because we are precious to him," the pope said before praying the Angelus June 25.
Vatican calls on China to let bishop exercise his ministry
Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin had been coadjutor bishop of Wenzhou and should have taken over leadership of the diocese in September when his predecessor died. Instead, officials took him to northern China "on a trip."
Communicators must recognize value, importance of words, author says
Words are not there to be manipulated but to provide an opportunity of grace, said Michael Higgins, a Canadian author and distinguished professor of Catholic thought at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Circle of Protection mobilizes to change nation’s budget priorities
Faith leaders in the Circle of Protection group have pledged to organize their congregations to contact Congress to head off proposed deep spending cuts in vital social service programs.