Bishops To House: Keep Abortion Funding Out Of Health Care Reform, Make Health Care Available To Vulnerable
Washington—The U.S. bishops sent an urgent message to the U.S. House of Representatives November 6, as House members steeped themselves in debate over procedures related to abortion and the health care reform bill.
U.S. Bishops To Vote On Revision Of Ethical Directive On Nutrition And Hydration At November Meeting
WASHINGTON—The full body of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will take into account the most recent Catholic teaching on care for the chronically ill and dying when they vote on a proposed revision of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services at their November 16-19 general assembly in Baltimore. The proposed revision states more definitively the moral obligation to provide medically assisted nutrition and hydration to patients in a “persistent vegetative state.”
Orthodox-Catholic Consultation Responds To ‘Ravenna Document’
WASHINGTON—The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation finalized a joint response to the international dialogue’s 2007 “Ravenna Document” at their 77th meeting, held at Saint Paul’s College in Washington, October 22-24. Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh and Roman Catholic Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans presided over it.
Anglican-Catholic Theological Consultation Looks at Immigration, New Vatican Statement
WASHINGTON—The sixty-sixth meeting of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation in the United States (ARC-USA) took place at the Washington Retreat House in Washington, October 26 and 27. Bishop Thomas Breidenthal of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio and Bishop Ronald P. Herzog of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, co-chaired the meeting. It marked the third round of the dialogue focusing the theme, “Ecclesiology and Moral Discernment: Common Ground and Divergences."
Bishops to Hear Report about Defense of Marriage
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will hear a report highlighting U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) efforts to promote and protect marriage as the exclusive and permanent union between a man and a woman at their November 16-19 meeting in Baltimore.
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, who chairs the bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, will deliver the report. Report items include an update on the Committee’s work in catechesis/education and public policy. A key effort includes development of five seven-nine minute videos, to be rolled out with accompanying pamphlets and a related Web site in 2010.
Villa Stritch Dinner Time of Remembrance for Cardinal Foley
WASHINGTON—"Villa Stritch was truly a home for me in Rome," Cardinal John P. Foley told a gathering that celebrated the Villa Stritch’s more than 40 years of service to U.S. priests assigned to serve the Vatican.
The October 25 gathering took place at the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States in Washington and was hosted by Cardinal Francis George, OMI of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.
Document on Married Love and Reproductive Technology on Agenda for U.S. Bishops’ November Meeting
WASHINGTON—A proposed document from the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities looks at the relationship between sex and procreation and the moral issues surrounding various technologies for treating infertility, including in vitro fertilization, embryo adoption and surrogacy. The document,"Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology," will be debated and voted on by the full body of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at their November 16-19 meeting in Baltimore.
Bishops’ Conference Blankets Parishes with Inserts Against Expansion of Abortion Through Health Care Reform
WASHINGTON—In an extraordinary call to Catholics to prevent health care reform from being derailed by the abortion lobby, the United Sates Conference of Catholic Bishops has sent bulletin inserts to almost 19,000 parishes across the country.
"Health care reform should be about saving lives, not destroying them," the insert states. It urges readers to contact Senate leaders so they support efforts to "incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor of conscience rights" in health reform legislation.
Pope Names Pastor to be Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet in Illinois
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Father Joseph M. Siegel, 46, Pastor of Visitation Parish in Elmhurst, Illinois, as Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet in Illinois and titular Bishop of Pupiana.
Publication of the appointment was announced in Washington, October 28, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Bishops To Vote On USCCB Chairs-Elect Of Five Committees
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will vote on five United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) chairs-elect of five committees at their November 16-19 General Assembly in Baltimore.
Vatican Announces Worldwide Telecasts Information for Christmas, Day of Peace Ceremonies
WASHINGTON—The Pontifical Council for Social Communications has released information for broadcasters regarding worldwide telecasts of the ceremonies presided over by Pope Benedict XVI on Christmas and New Year's Day. All times are UTC/GMT (Coordinated Universal Time/Greenwich Mean Time).
Archbishop Dolan Named Bishops’ Moderator of Jewish Affairs, Succeeds Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop-Emeritus of Baltimore
WASHINGTON—Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York has been named Moderator of Jewish Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), succeeding Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop-emeritus of Baltimore, in that role.
Cardinal Francis George, USCCB president, made the appointment, which is effective November 11, and is for five years.
Pope Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, Bishop Francis X. Irwin
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation Bishop Francis X. Irwin from the office of auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. In January, Bishop Irwin reached the canonical age for retirement of bishops, 75. The acceptance of the resignation was made public by the Vatican October 20.
Latinos and education, U.S. future at stake
My grandfather pulled my mother out of school when she was fourteen. The reason: she clunked a geography test. The fact that the teacher went to my grandfather to explain many kids in her class had failed that test and to beg grandpa not to make the biggest mistake of his life did not make a difference. Unfortunately, my mother did not have her mother—who died four years earlier—around anymore to help persuade the old man.
Upcoming CCHD Collection Focuses On Aiding Struggling Families Amidst Economic Downturn
WASHINGTON—"Families are struggling. Faith is calling" is the theme of the 2009 Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), which will be held in most Catholic parishes the weekend of November 21-22.
Cardinal George Responds to Vatican Announcement on Anglican Groups Entering Catholic Church
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following statement, October 20, following a Vatican announcement of a new provision concerning Anglican groups coming into the Catholic Church. His statement follows:
"Today the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has received word of the new Provision in the form of an apostolic constitution issued by the Holy See for the reception into full communion with the Catholic Church of groups from the Anglican tradition. The USCCB stands ready to collaborate in the implementation of that Provision in our country.
Dialogue Statement, Vocations Topic Of Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Church Meeting
WASHINGTON—The new agreed statement of the international dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the fostering of vocations were the main topics of discussion at the 2009 meeting of the national dialogue between the two communions.
The meeting took place September 30-October 1 at the Passionist Spiritual Center in Riverdale, New York, and was co-chaired by Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, New York , and The Right Reverend Chor-Episcopos John Meno of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch.
In the first session, Paulist Father Ronald G. Roberson, Associate Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and a member of the international Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic dialogue, presented the new international agreed text, entitled “Nature, Constitution and Mission of the Church.” The document outlines broad areas of consensus on such topics as the Church as communion, the attributes of the Church, the bishops and apostolic succession, the relationship between synodality and primacy, the nature of councils, and the mission of the Church. It also identifies points that need further study. Members welcomed this step forward in our relationship and commented on the contents and significance of the document.
Pope Names Indianapolis Pastor Bishop Of Cheyenne, Wyoming
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Father Paul D. Etienne, 50, pastor of St. Paul Church in Tell City, Indiana, as Bishop of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Publication of the appointment was announced in Washington, October 19, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Bishop-elect Etienne succeeds Bishop David L. Ricken, who was named Bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin, July 9, 2008.
Liturgical Items At November Meeting Will Conclude U.S. Bishops’ Work On English Translation Of Roman Missal
WASHINGTON—Six years of intense work on the English translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal are drawing to an end with five action items set to be voted on by the U.S. Catholic Bishops at their meeting in Baltimore, November 16-19.
Bishops To Debate, Vote On Pastoral Letter On Marriage At November Meeting
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will vote on the approval of a pastoral letter on marriage at their November 16-19 fall general assembly in Baltimore. The letter, “Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” is an important component of the Bishops’ National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage that began in 2004 (see www.usccb.org/laity/marriage/npim.shtml).
Bishops' Conference Officials Voice Disappointment In Senate Finance Committee Health Care Vote
WASHINGTON—Spokespersons for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) voiced disappointment in the Senate Finance Committee vote to approve its health care reform bill without first fixing problematic provisions.
President Of U. S. Bishops’ Conference Congratulates President Obama For Nobel Peace Prize
WASHINGTON--Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following statement, congratulating President Barack Obama on being honored with the Nobel Peace Prize:
Bishop Hubbard Offers Administration Catholic Teaching, Experience For Policy In Afghanistan
WASHINGTON—Recognizing the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan is at a “critical juncture,” Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y. shared Catholic teaching and experience in a letter to the National Security Advisor. The goal of the letter is to help inform the policy choices under consideration by the Obama Administration regarding Afghanistan.
U.S. Bishops: Current Health Care Bills Violate Essential Principles; Will Seek Changes Or Have To Oppose
WASHINGTON—Three chairmen of the bishops’ committees working on health care reform urged the U.S. Congress to improve current health care reform legislation, expressing their “disappointment that progress has not been made on the three priority criteria for health care reform” cited in their previous letters.
USCCB Commends Advance Of Community Radio Act
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) commends the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet for marking up H.R. 1147, the Community Radio Act of 2009, and moving this important bill forward.
Cardinal McCarrick Brings Catholic Bishops’ Perspective To Senate Hearing On Comprehensive Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, testified today in Congress before the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The hearing sought faith-based perspectives on immigration reform.
Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Patrick Cooney Of Gaylord, Michigan, Names Pittsburgh Priest His Successor
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick R. Cooney of Gaylord, Michigan, and named as his successor, Msgr. Bernard A. Hebda, 50, a Pittsburgh priest and Under-Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.
USCCB Web Page Follows Special Assembly For Africa Of The Synod Of Bishops
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a Web page on the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, which can be found at www.usccb.org/africasynod. The Synod, which began October 4 at the Vatican and will continue through October 25, will address issues facing the Church in Africa, including conflict and the promotion of peace and reconciliation, dialogue with Muslims, economic justice and the family.
Bishops Clarify Statement On Dialogue With Jewish Community, Plan To Excise Two Lines From Earlier Statement On ‘Doctrinal Ambiguities’
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and four other bishops issued on October 5, a "Statement of Principles for Catholic-Jewish Dialogue."
The cardinal and bishops also said in a letter that the June 18 document titled, "A Note on Ambiguities Contained in ‘Reflections on Covenant and Mission’” would be amended by removing two sentences that might lead to misunderstanding about the purpose of interreligious dialogue.
Bishops Express Support For Bridgeport Bishop Lori In His Diocese’s Appeal To U.S. Supreme Court
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has made public a statement in support of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., and its bishop, William E. Lori, in the Diocese's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding legal proceedings initiated by the New York Times and other newspapers in 2002.
The statement was issued at the request of the Administrative Committee of the USCCB.
Bishops’ Committee Heralds Leadership Conference Of Women Religious Exhibit On Sisters
WASHINGTON—A Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) traveling exhibit, “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in the United States,” drew praise from Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., of Boston, chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Cardinal O’Malley hailed the exhibit in an October 1 letter on behalf of the bishops’ committee that asked to be distributed to all LCWR members.
Senate Committee Addresses Some Issues On Affordability, Fails To Correct Abortion Problems And Immigration Concerns, Say Usccb Officials
WASHINGTON— Officials of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) saw mixed results when the Senate Finance Committee completed voting on amendment to its proposed health care reform bill this week.
In a recent letter to the Senate, the USCCB had called for improvements in the bill to meet the bishops’ key criteria for genuine health care reform: protecting life and dignity, affordability, and inclusion of immigrants. For the text of this letter see www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-09-30-healthcare-letter-senate.pdf.
Bishops To Meet Nov. 16-19, In Baltimore; Agenda Includes Votes On Liturgical Texts, Letter On Marriage, Document On Reproductive Technologies, Revision Of Item In Ethical And Religious Directives
WASHINGTON—The annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will be November 16-19, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
In a change from the usual schedule, the meeting will begin with Mass on Monday morning, followed by regional meetings. The public plenary session will not open until early Monday afternoon.
U.S. Bishops Raise Concerns Over Health Care, The Protection Of Life, Immigrants And Affordability In Letter To Senate
WASHINGTON—Three U.S. bishops raised their concerns over human life and dignity, immigrants and affordability in a September 30 letter to the U.S. Senate. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Bishop William Murphy and Bishop John Wester chair the Committees on Pro-Life Activities, Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Migration, respectively, for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
"Our Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human life and dignity," the bishops wrote. "These moral principles and our everyday experience lead us to work for three central priorities for health care reform."
USCCB Pro-Life Committee Chairman Releases Statement For Respect Life Sunday
WASHINGTON—In a statement to mark Respect Life Sunday, October 4, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia called attention to those who are most vulnerable in recent debates on health care reform – the unborn, the poor, the elderly and the immigrant – and called upon Catholics to “examine how well we, as a nation and individually, are living up to our obligation to protect the rights of those who, due to age, dependency, poverty or other circumstances, are at risk of their very lives."
Cardinal Rigali chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Cardinal Rigali noted that the lives of the unborn are those most at risk in America and “despite the opposition of 67% of Americans to taxpayer-funded abortion, all current health care proposals being considered by Congress would allow or mandate abortion funding, either through premiums paid into government programs or out of federal revenues."
USCCB Public Service Announcements Among Award Recipients In Annual Thoth Awards
WASHINGTON—Public service announcements developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in collaboration with Crosby Marketing Communications were among the winners at the annual Thoth Awards of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of American (PRSA).
Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists Mark Tenth Anniversary Of Historic Agreement
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will join other church leaders in downtown Chicago, October 1, to commemorate the signing of a joint agreement on the Doctrine of Justification, a matter that for centuries divided Christians.
New Survey: Most Americans Want Health Care Reform, Oppose Abortion Coverage, Support Conscience Protection Laws
WASHINGTON—A nationwide survey commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has found widespread public opposition to including abortion in health care reform and majority support for conscience rights protection – views shared by those who favor efforts to pass health care reform.
Bishop William Winter To Join Religious Leaders To Press For Action During G-20 Summit
PITTSBURGH—On the eve of the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Bishop William J. Winter, retired auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh, will join more than 25 Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious leaders for a Religious Leaders Summit to press for actions that will help hungry and poor people lift themselves out of poverty. This will include a press conference on Wednesday, September 23, at 9 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh.
USCCB, CRS Global Poverty Initiative Reaches Quarter Million Catholics
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) announced that they have reached over 250,000 Catholics through their Catholics Confront Global Poverty initiative, a renewed nationwide effort to address the root causes of global poverty through education and advocacy. In less than seven months, they have reached one quarter of their goal to mobilize one million Catholics.
Wichita Pastor To Lead U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat For Clergy, Consecrated Life, Vocations
WASHINGTON—Father W. Shawn McKnight, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wichita, Kansas, has been named head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.
Father McKnight, who is 41, will assume his USCCB position in July, succeeding Father David Toups, interim secretariat director.
Christian Unity A Goal, But Won't Happen Overnight, Says USCCB Official In Ecumenism, Interreligious Affairs
WASHINGTON—About 2.1 billion people claim the name Christian. These followers of Christ are divided among numerous religious groups including Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, Orthodox, and even those who do not associate themselves with any one Christian group.
Father Leo Walsh, Associate Director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Ecumenical and interreligious Affairs, notes that all Christians are called to be one but it won’t happen tomorrow.
Hispanic Bishops Meet with Latino Legislators, Others in Congress on Policy Issues Most Affecting Hispanics
WASHINGTON—At a series of meetings at Capitol Hill, a delegation of Hispanic Bishops discussed with Democrat and Republican legislators of both houses, four areas of deep concern and offered principles of Catholic social teaching to help in the current debates.
Archbishop José Gomez of San Antonio, Texas, led the September 17 delegation, representing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
“The bishops are keenly aware of the substantial contributions Hispanic communities make to the prosperity and well-being of the United States,” said Archbishop Gomez. “Yet those same communities suffer under the weight of a broken immigration policy, as well as lack of access to quality education, adequate medical care and economic opportunities.”
USCCB Officials Welcome President Obama’s Statements On Abortion, Care For The Poor In Response To Health Care Address
WASHINGTON—Calling it an important contribution to a crucial national debate, officials speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed President Obama's September 9 address on health care reform, particularly his statements regarding abortion and the uninsured.
"We agree that 'no one should go broke because they get sick,'" said Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB. "That's why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all. The Catholic Church provides health care for millions, purchases health care, picks up the pieces of a failing health system, and has a long tradition of teaching on ethics in health care. Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President's speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task."
Bishop Murphy Reflects On Economic Challenges And Dignity Of Work In U.S. Bishops’ Labor Day Statement
WASHINGTON—“This Labor Day, we should take a moment to pray for all workers and all those without work” said Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., in “The Value of Work; the Dignity of the Human Person,” the annual Labor Day statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He added, “We should also ask God’s help in living out the Church’s call to defend human life and dignity, to protect workers and their rights and to stand with the poor and vulnerable in difficult economic times.”
Pope Accepts Resignation Of Scranton Bishops
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Joseph F. Martino from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, for health reasons. The decision was announced August 31, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.
The pope has also accepted the resignation of Bishop John M. Dougherty, until now Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton, who has served past the mandatory retirement age for bishops. Cardinal Justin F. Rigali of Philadelphia, the Metropolitan Archbishop, has been appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Scranton.
U.S. Bishops get Vatican ‘Recognitio’ for Change in Adult Catechism
WASHINGTON—The Vatican has given its “recognitio” to a change in the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, which is set to go into a second printing.
’s covenant with the Jews. The first version, in explaining relations with the Jews, stated, “Thus the covenant that God made with the Jewish people through Moses remains eternally valid for them.” The revised text states, “To the Jewish people, whom God first chose to hear his Word, ‘belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ.’ (Romans 9: 4-5; cf. CCC, no 839)
Delegation of U.S. Bishops to Visit Church in Zimbabwe and South Africa
WASHINGTON—Two U.S. Catholic bishops, Bishop John H. Ricard of Pensacola, Florida, and Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, Utah, will visit Zimbabwe on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), August 26-28. They will be joined by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, retired Archbishop of Washington, in South Africa from August 28-September 6. The bishops are members of the Subcommittee on Africa and will be visiting Church officials and projects funded by the Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa.
“As we saw clearly during Pope Benedict’s recent trip to the Cameroon and Angola, the Church in Africa is not only growing rapidly. It is also fully alive and rich in vocations,” said Patrick Markey, executive director of the USCCB Office of National Collections who is organizing the trip. “The Church in Africa also faces many challenges and for that reason Catholics in the U.S. have so generously responded to a call from the bishops to give them a hand.”
Committee on Divine Worship Introduces Roman Missal Formation Website
WASHINGTON—A new Website from the U.S. Conference of Catholic will educate Catholics about the forthcoming English translation of the new Roman Missal.
The site, www.usccb.org/romanmissal, launched August 21, includes background material on the process of development of liturgical texts, sample texts from the Missal, a glossary of terms and answers to frequently asked questions. Content will be added regularly over the next several moths. The bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship hopes the site will be a central resource for those preparing to implement the new text.
Pope’s Strong Witness to Marriage and the Family Is an Example for All
WASHINGTON—“Marriage and the family are institutions that must be promoted and defended from every possible misrepresentation of their true nature, since whatever is injurious to them is injurious to society itself.” This is just one of many of Pope Benedict’s decisive statements on the unique good of marriage and the family, recently gathered into a new volume of USCCB Publishing’s “Pope Benedict XVI – Spiritual Thoughts Series,” this time on the “Family.”
The timely publication of this new volume collects in one place the Pope’s strong teaching and witness to the unique value and truth of marriage and the family. The pope addresses the range of teaching on marriage and strategically zeroes in on the unique nature of marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
U.S. Bishops Launch Web Site on Health Care Reform, Their Position and Concerns
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched a Web page promoting its support of “truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity.” The page, www.usccb.org/healthcare, includes letters from bishops to Congress, videos, facts and statistics, frequently asked questions, and links for contacting members of Congress.
Letters to Congress include an August 11 letter by Cardinal Justin Rigali, the bishops’ Pro-Life chairman, criticizing abortion provisions in the House version of health care legislation and a July 17 letter from Bishop William Murphy, the bishops’ Domestic Social Justice chairman, outlining the bishops concerns and priorities for health care reform as a whole.
Delegation of U.S. Bishops to Visit Church in Cuba to Follow Up on Hurricane Relief Aid
WASHINGTON—A delegation of three U.S. Catholic bishops will visit Cuba on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), August 17-21. Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., of Boston, Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, Fla., and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu of San Antonio will join Father Andrew Small, OMI, director for the Church in Latin America at the USCCB, on the journey to meet with Cuban Church leaders and visit parishes.
ABORTION PROVISIONS IN HOUSE’S HEALTH CARE BILL UNACCEPTABLE, SAYS CARDINAL IN LETTER TO HOUSE
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia urged preservation of “longstanding federal policies that prevent government promotion of abortion and respect conscience rights,” and called current House health care legislation “seriously deficient” on the issue of mandated coverage and funding of abortion. He cited his concerns in an August 11 letter to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Cardinal Rigali, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, reaffirmed the bishops’ position that genuine health care reform that respects life and dignity is urgently needed. He also welcomed provisions in America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200) that do not preempt state laws regulating abortion or current federal conscience laws on abortion. But he criticized the bill for delegating to the Secretary of Health and Human Services “the power to make unlimited abortion a mandated benefit in the ‘public health insurance plan’ the government will manage nationwide.” He called this a “radical change” since federal law excludes most abortions from federal employees’ health benefits, and no federal health program mandates coverage of elective abortions.
Respect Life Program Packet for 2009-10 Now Available
WASHINGTON—The 2009-10 Respect Life Program is now available in preparation for Respect Life Sunday, October 4. This year’s theme—“Every Child Brings Us God’s Smile”—comes from a homily of Pope Benedict XVI (January 7, 2007, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord).
The Respect Life flyer explores this theme and provides a fascinating timeline of fetal development along with photos showing the humanity of unborn children.