News
Appellate panel reverses decision that favored pro-life pharmacists
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals July 23 reversed a lower court ruling that had granted some pro-life pharmacists at a Ralph's grocery store pharmacy in Washington state the right on religious grounds to refuse to stock emergency contraception or fill such prescriptions.
Reauthorization of education law said to put ‘needs of children first’
In reauthorizing the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the House and Senate have made "significant improvements for providing equitable services for students and teachers in religious, private and independent schools," said a U.S. archbishop.
Chicago Archdiocese to benchmark all of its buildings for energy efficiency
"While it is a considerable undertaking, we have to set an example that it can be done and must be done if we are to fulfill our sustainability goals," Archbishop Cupich said of the benchmarking goal.
Church leaders want Israel to step up protection of Christian sites
Although Israeli officials have publicly criticized the June arson attack that seriously damaged the Benedictine Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha, anti-Christian violence is not new, said a representative of the religious order.
Road closure rumors are false, mayor says
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter debunked speculation on the Internet of closures for streets, bridges and highways in the city during the visit of Pope Francis in September. The rumors had “no basis in fact,” he said, and vowed official information would come next week.
Cardinal Baum, longest serving U.S. cardinal, witnessed and made history
Cardinal William W. Baum, the archbishop of Washington from 1973 to 1980, died July 23 at the age of 88 after a long illness. He was a cardinal for 39 years -- the longest such tenure in U.S. church history.
Tide may be turning against harsh prison sentences
Readers of the Bible may recall the passage in Chapter 4 of Luke that presages the start of Jesus' public ministry, in which Jesus said, in part: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives."
Pro-Life Summit in Philadelphia taps family theme
As Philadelphia gears up for the World Meeting of Families in September, an archdiocesan event last week featured prayerful witness, a Mass and talks on issues for families.
Lafayette bishop offers prayers in wake of theater shooting
"On behalf of the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of Lafayette, we offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the shooting at the Grand Theater in Lafayette," Bishop Jarrell said in a July 23 statement.
‘Walk with Francis’ service pledge drive launched in honor of visit
In anticipation of Pope Francis' September visit to Washington, the Archdiocese of Washington and its Catholic Charities arm have launched an effort that challenges members of the local community to reach out to those in need.