From Our Shepherds
Guidance from the Vatican and United States Bishops on important public policy issues that promote and protect the human rights of mankind.

Pastoral Statements: In the news

Most Recent Statements

U.S. BISHOPS URGE VOTERS TO GIVE PRIORITY TO LIFE DFWCatholic
Whom Can I Vote Fr. Martin Fox
Archbishop: Clergy should not endorse, contribute in partisan races
Cardinal: "The Church does not engage in politics, is not part of politics, but must form and educate for the social and political task."
Can Catholics Who Vote for Obama Still Receive Communion? LifeSiteNews
Don’t Tell Me How to Vote! Fr. Jonathan Morris
Person Seen as Top Priority for Politicians Zenit
Fr. Angelo addresses the misconception that the discipline of withholding communion from obstinate and notorious sinners is somehow uncharitable GodTube
Pushing the Envelope of Dissent The attempt by Doug Kmiec to malform the consciences of Catholics - Fr. Angelo
A Statement from Priests for Life at the Outset of the General Election Season Priests For Life
Archbishop disputes use of his words by Roman Catholics for Obama CathCatholic
Candidates, Voters Questioned on Gruesome Reality of Abortion by Priests for Life
Chicago cardinal asks Rev. Pfleger to step down Examiner
Prominent Catholic Canon Lawyer Switches Sides - Now Agrees Pro-Abortion Politicians Should be Denied Communion LifeSite
US Bishops Urge Voters to Give Priority to Life CatholicExchange
Catholic Archbishop Warns Pro-Life Voters on Supporting Pro-Abortion Candidates LifeNews
Archbishop Naumann Defends His Call for Pro-Abortion Politicians to Refrain from Communion LifeSite
U.S. Bishops Right to Make Abortion the Top Political Issue for Catholic Voters LifeNews
Catholics called to 'participate fully' in civic life by Madison Bishop Robert Morlino Madison
The denial of Holy Communion to pro-abortion politicians is an act of love for the Catholic politician - an act meant to call the politician back to the truth Catholic Online
Archbishop disputes use of his words by Roman Catholics for Sen. Obama CatholicReview
Once again, folks, it's not about being Democrat or Republican--it's about being CATHOLIC. Fr. Chris Heath
Thoughts on “Roman Catholics for Obama ’08” Archbishop Chaput
Denver archbishop calls on Catholics for Obama to face the senator’s views on abortion CNA
Kansas Archbishop Urges Pro-Abortion Gov. Sebelius to Skip Communion LifeNews
Public life cannot be 'God-free', says cardinal Guardian
Archbishop Wuerl Continues The Catholic Communion Controversy pewsiter
DC Prelate: Communion Issue Is Up to Local Bishops Zenit
Planned Parenthood and California Catholic Conference find common ground CalCatholic
How to deal with prominent pro-abortion politicians RenewAmerica
Archbishop answers critics on Communion for politicians CWN
Better Citizens, More Faithful Catholics By Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, First Things
Statement of Cardinal Egan on Giuliani's reception of the Eucharist Archdiocese of NY
“You don’t need a cardinal to answer that” Prelate says even a child can tell you whether pro-abortion politicians should be given Communion- CalCathollic
For Rome it is Very Clear - Pro-Abortion Politicians 'Must' be Denied Communion LifeSite
Non-negotiables Should be Voting Criteria, Says Prelate Non-negotiable values, like the dignity of human life and the protection of marriage, should be the criteria for discernment in political arenas, says the president of the Italian bishops' conference.

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco affirmed these criteria during his inaugural address Monday at the meeting of the episcopal conference's permanent council meeting.

The cardinal challenged the notion that elections are not "a field that is relevant to the Church as such," saying that bishops have the task of contributing "to a peaceful climate, to less hasty considerations, and to the harmony between people." Zenit 3.14
Kentucky bishops urge Catholic voters to look closely at life issues The claim political candidates have made that they are personally opposed to abortion but unwilling to impose their beliefs on others was condemned by the bishops as "an evasion," "a moral contraction" and "self-deception."

"No one can be excepted from the logical step to translate moral opposition into effective strategies," they added. "If there is a lack of public consensus to effect full legal protection (for the unborn), no one can be excused from working toward creating consensus as a first step." CNS 2/13
Archbishop Responds to Hillary's Appearnace at St. Mary's Archbishop Jose Gomez complained Wednesday about Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton's plans to rally at a Catholic university.

Responding to telephone calls and e-mails from concerned Catholics, the archbishop released a statement noting that Clinton and some other presidential candidates' support of abortion rights and embryonic stem cell research were not in line with Catholic values.

"I was neither advised nor consulted by the university before the decision was made to have Sen. Clinton speak at the university," Gomez said in the statement released by the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
Catholic Archbishop Warns Pro-Life Voters on Supporting Pro-Abortion Candidates Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput says pro-life Catholics should only considering backing pro-abortion politicians in very limited circumstances -- such as cases when both candidates are pro-abortion. Even then, Chaput admonished Catholics to lobby the candidate to change his abortion views. LifeNews
Denver archbishop critiques assumptions behind social services bill as "enormously offensive"Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver is speaking out even more forcefully against House Bill 1080. In a submission to the journal “First Things,” he critiques the legislation for unreasonably assuming that “religious organizations will compromise the public good if they remain true to their religious identity while serving the poor with public funds.”
According to Archbishop Chaput, HB 1080 is being “pushed by the Anti-Defamation League after failing in a similar attempt last year” and “presents itself as an effort to bar discrimination.” CNA 2/7
Bishops say providing moral guidance is not meddling in political campaigns “The bishops don’t say who to vote for. We have given a series of moral criteria so that those who want to listen have an idea (…) It is some guidance on issues such as abortion or education,” Bishop Camino told the TV network Telecinco. CNA 2/4
What do these two days, Super Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, of the same week have in common? The answer is life! While there are many issues to sort out between the candidates, none is as important as the right to life. In short, this is our chance to elect someone who stands for life or for someone who stands for death for unborn children. In order to reverse, Roe, we will need to have elected officials who understand that human life is unique from conception. Fr. Timothy Sauppe
Party Platform Versus Catholic Faith Here is an excerpt of the address Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo gave Nov. 15 to Loyola College in Baltimore titled "The Sanctity of Human Life from Conception to Natural Death."
Catholics in the political arena must recognize that opposition to intrinsic evils, such as abortion, euthanasia, genocide, embryonic stem-cell research and same sex unions is always required by the faithful Catholic. Because these intrinsic evils are direct attacks on human life and marital dignity, they are nonnegotiable for every Catholic. Catholics must recognize, too, that in the other human life issues -- such as immigration, capital punishment, the economy, health-care and war -- the dignity of the human person must first and foremost be taken into consideration in seeking solutions to these questions. Zenit 01/25/2008
South Dakota Bishop: Pro-Life Catholics Can Vote for Revised Abortion Ban Bishop Paul Swain of the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese says that pro-life Catholics in the state can vote for a new abortion ban that may well appear on the November 2008 even though it has exceptions for rape and incest.
The Catholic leader said the measure would ban so many abortions that it's better to support it even though it doesn't entirely conform with Catholic teaching saying that such abortions are immoral. LifeNews 01/22/2008
Democracy Is More About Values, Says Pope ...an authentic democracy is not merely the result of a formal observation of a set of rules, but is 'the fruit of a convinced acceptance of the values that inspire democratic procedures: the dignity of every human person, the respect of human rights, commitment to the common good.'" Zenit 12/17/2007
Backing Abortion-Rights Candidates 'Borders on Scandal, Archbishop Says Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, saying the Democratic Party has been persistently hostile to opponents of abortion rights, asserted yesterday that the support of many Catholics for Democratic candidates "borders on scandal."

"However, when I challenge people about this, they say, 'Well, bishop, we're not supporting [abortion rights],' " he said. "I think there's a need for people to very actively dissociate themselves from those unacceptable positions, and I think if they did that, then the party would have to change."

Abortion & the Unborn

Pope Links the Eucharist with the Right to Life LifeSite
Everyone has right to food, unborn have right to life, says pope CNS
Bishops call on Mexicans to bravely defend life CNA
Gov. Granholm Should Rise above Politics and Sign Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Fr. Frank Pavone
Catholic Conference Praises Pro-Life House for Passing Partial-Birth Abortion Ban MCC
Uganda Archbishop: 'Abortion Robs World of Geniuses' AllAfrica
The Unborn's Silent Suffering Fr. John Flynn
Abortion has solved nothing, only inflicted deeper wounds on society, Pope laments CNA
San Diego bishop leads prayer vigil at abortion mill CalCatholic
The time for saying “no” to Planned Parenthood is now. Archbishop John Vlazny, Catholic Sentinel
CA bishops pledged to endorse abortion notification and marriage protection initiatives CalCatholic
Australian Bishops: Lawful Abortion Is Still Wrong Zenit
Pope Decries the "Scandal Given by Catholics Who Promote an Alleged Right to Abortion"LifeSite
Fed up with public servants ... Fr. Frank Pavone, InsideCatholic
Arizona bishops denounce veto of partial birth abortion ban CNA
Conn. Bishops back bill to raise age for abortion counseling StanfordAd
Abortion Debate Intensifies Evidence Mounts About Negative Consequences Fr. John Flynn
Montana Catholic Conference won't back initiative saying life begins at conception Supporters of an anti-abortion ballot initiative that would establish conception as the beginning of life won't receive campaign help from the Catholic Church in Montana.
In an official statement released late last week, Montana bishops Michael W. Warfel of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, and George Leo Thomas of the Diocese of Helena, commended the objectives of Constitutional Initiative 100 but said they did not believe the effort, "is the most beneficial venue to pursue necessary change." GreatFallsTrib 2/29
Head of Pontifical Academy for Life Reconfirms Morning After Pill Cannot be Used Even in Cases of Rape Bishop Elio Sgreccia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, spoke with LifeSiteNews.com Tuesday on the subject of the use of the morning after pill in cases of rape. Catholic hospitals in several dioceses in North America are currently administering the pill (Plan B) to patients who claim to be victims of rape.

According to Bishop Sgreccia, however, the morning after pill may not be administered by Catholic physicians. The only Vatican opinion on the subject, absolutely prohibiting the use of the pill, was released by the Pontifical Academy for Life in 2000. Since then, however, the Catholic Health Association, advisor to many bishops conferences, has suggested that there is no moral impediment to using the pill in cases of rape. Several bishops conferences have followed the advice and permitted administration of the drugs in Catholic hospitals in cases where rape is asserted. LifeSite 2/29
Colorado bishops clarify stand on Human Personhood amendment Colorado’s Catholic bishops have denied a pro-life group’s claim that they have “personally expressed support” for an amendment to the state constitution that would define personhood as beginning at conception.

In a February 26 press release from Colorado for Equal Rights, Keith Mason claimed that the Catholic bishops of Colorado “have personally expressed support” for his organization’s proposed “Personhood Amendment.”

On Thursday, the Colorado Catholic Conference (CCC) suggested in a press release that Colorado for Equal Rights “seriously misrepresents” the views of the Catholic bishops of Colorado. It said Mason’s statement about episcopal support was “false.”

“No broad-based coalition of Catholic leaders has voiced support for Colorado’s Personhood Amendment,” the press release said.

The bishops, however, are not rejecting the amendment. “We commend the goal of this effort to end abortion. Individual Catholics may certainly choose to work for its passage,” they said. CNA 2/29
Arkansas Diocese Asks Catholic Groups to Stop Promoting Komen Foundation due to involvement with Planned Parenthood The Respect Life Apostolate of the Diocese of Little Rock acknowledges the beneficial work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, in the area of breast cancer detection, prevention, research and treatment.

Due to its policy allowing affiliates to offer financial support to abortion providing facilities and its endorsement of embryonic stem cell research, and the continued denial that abortion may well lead to the development of breast cancer, the Respect Life Apostolate neither supports nor encourages participation in activities that benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. DOLR 2/4
Mother Teresa's Successor Adds Voice to Vatican Call for Moratorium on Abortion Sr. Nirmala Joshi, the sister who succeeded the beatified Mother Teresa of Calcutta as head of the religious order the latter founded, has called for a moratorium on abortion to match a recently agreed UN declaration on the death penalty. Sr. Nirmala called abortion "the greatest destroyer of peace". Speaking to AsiaNews, Sr. Nirmala said, "The culture of life loves life and protects life, promoting love, beauty, joy and peace - says Sr. Nirmala - The culture of death destroys life and sows hatred, discord and unhappiness…..The choice is ours". LifeSite 1/29 read more
Roe v. Wade 'will not stand,' cardinal says at pro-life vigil Mass Roe v. Wade, the 35-year-old Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion virtually on demand, "will not stand," Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia said in his homily at a Jan. 21 evening Mass that opened the annual National Prayer Vigil for Life.

"Roe v. Wade is incompatible with human dignity," said Cardinal Rigali, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities. "It must not stand. It cannot stand. It will not stand." CNS 01/22/2008
Italian cardinal says it's logical to support moratorium on abortion
Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicar for Rome, said the vast majority of Italians who hailed the U.N. General Assembly's support for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty should think about extending the moratorium to abortion. CNSNews 01/03/2008
Bishops’ Conference Official Praises Senate Introduction Of “Pregnant Women Support Act” “The Pregnant Women Support Act is truly a common-ground initiative to reduce the number of abortions in the United States,” Ms. McQuade said, “Everyone can agree that no woman should choose abortion under financial duress or because she is threatened by domestic violence during her pregnancy.” USCCB 12/14/2007

Stem Cell Research & Cloning

US Bishops: Stem Cell Issue Not Science vs. Religion Zenit
Science, religion not in conflict, bishops say in stem-cell document CNS
New York’s $600 Million Question Will non-embryonic stem-cell research get its fair share of the funding pie? Fr. Thimas Berg, NRO
Stem Cell Research Must Serve All, Sacrifice None Wisconsin Catholic Conference
Cardinal Rigali Welcomes Proposed Human/Animal Hybrid Ban USCCB
NY Diocese begins stem-cell-education program As New York state prepares to allocate $600 million in funding for stem-cell research, the Diocese of Rochester is rolling out a program to educate Catholics about the differences between adult and embryonic stem cells. CathCourier
Aim of science to help not the same as respect for life, pope says
The Catholic Church supports scientific research aimed at helping people, but the destruction of human embryos or their use as "biological material" demonstrates that a desire to help does not always coincide with respect for every human being, Pope Benedict XVI said. cns 1/31
Vatican official condemns cloning of human embryos by US company A Vatican official condemned the reported cloning of human embryos and said the idea of using them to produce "personalized" therapeutic stem cells was morally illicit and pointless.

Such cloning represents "the worst type of exploitation of the human being," Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, told Vatican Radio Jan. 18. CNS 01/19/2008
MA BISHOPS’ STATEMENT ON ADVANCES IN STEM CELL RESEARCH The four Catholic bishops of Massachusetts have called upon the state Legislature and Gov. Deval L. Patrick to revise biotechnology and stem cell research plans for the state by using recently announced scientific advances that can allow human skin cells to be turned into cells that are very similar, but not identical to embryonic stem cells. Telegram 12/20/2007

Drug-Assisted Suicide

U.S. Bishops Move Towards Strengthening Stance on Artificial Nutrition/Hydration
Euthanasia similar to Hitler’s racial purging, says Nuncio in Spain CNA
Archbishop, “No state can legally claim the right to kill” CalCatholic
Benedict XVI Discusses Euthanasia's Spread Zenit 3.10
Euthanasia violates human dignity, Pope says Noting that many elderly people die alone, the Pope said that social and economic pressures are moving society toward acceptance of euthanasia, "especially when a utilitarian view of people has been established." The faithful must fight against this attitude, he said, reiterating "the firm and constant ethical condemnation of all forms of direct euthanasia, in keeping with the centuries-long teaching of the Church." CWNews 2/25
Suicidal people ‘need support , not lethal aid' People with suicidal inclinations need medical, psychological and human support, not lethal injections, says Bishop Anthony Fisher, Episcopal Vicar for Life and Health.

“The euthanasia doctors have been shown in the past to be poor diagnosticians of depression and even worse at treating it,” he said.
“Already far too many people, including many young people who have their whole lives ahead of them, take their lives in Australia.
“It is a national tragedy. The last thing we need in this situation are suicide zealots parading as doctors.” Catholic Weekly 2/24
Bishop Sgreccia: Dying Have Right to Know A doctor should prepare the incurably ill for death by avoiding any "conspiracy of silence" and proclaiming a "life that does not die," said the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
the prelate underlined the salvific value of suffering and the importance of accompanying the sick in the terminal phase of life: "The dying contribute maturity and value even to those who are at their side. [...] They become teachers of life," he said. Zenit 01/16/2007
Infirm elderly need loving support, Pope says The elderly and infirm "need to be helped to follow the last stage of their earthly lives consciously and humanly, to prepare themselves serenely for death which - we Christians know - is the passage to the embrace of the heavenly Father, full of tenderness and mercy," the Pope said. Those who are suffering terminal illness, he continued, need "understanding, comfort, and constant encouragement and accompaniment." CWNNews 11/17/2007

Marriage and Family Life

Bishop confronts New York governor for undercutting democratic process on gay 'marriage' CNA
LA Bishops : "Church Cannot Approve of Redefining Marriage" Zenit
Oakland bishop calls for defeat of same-sex marriage CCTimes
Statement on 'Same-Sex Marriage' NY Catholic Bishops
The Lay Catholics' Moment on Marriage Fr. Roger Landry
Marriage Debate: Disingenuousness and Clarity Fr. John Neuhaus
Bishop Vigneron calls on the faithful to stand in defense of marriage CalCatholic
Pope restates gay marriage ban after California vote Reuters
A constitutional amendment to defend the traditional institution of marriage is urgent Fr. Angel Sotelo
Catholic Bishops React to CA Supreme Court Decision on Gay Marriage CaCatholicConf
Archbishop says Church only supports authentic and complete sexual education CNA
Pope Benedict praises Vatican teaching against birth control IHT 5.14
Benedict XVI: Divorce and Abortion Leave Wounds Zenit 4.7
Divorce, abortion an offence to God, pope says AFP 4.6
California bishops support bill that would undo SB777 CalCatholic
"Gay Marriage" and Father Keenan (Once Again) Georg Weigel 3.25
Family cannot be made equal with homosexual unions, bishop warns Lamenting that same-sex couples have become more prevalent and that the mentality of many is that these unions and traditional marriage “are the same,” Bishop Frassia responded that “in no way are they the same, because they do not conform to natural law,” which “is not dependent upon the whims of the moment and of life.” CNA
Feminist formula makes Baptism invalid, Vatican rules The Vatican has warned that Baptism is not valid when the celebrant uses a popular new formula.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) released a statement on February 29 saying that a baptism "in the name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier," is not a valid Christian sacrament. CWN 2/29
The New Marriage-Wrecker Internet Pornography Burrows Deeper Into Culture - Fr. John Flynn
“Pornography defames the intimacy of the marital act and injures the dignity of viewers and participants,” the guidelines observed. “Christians are to shun all participation in pornography as producers, actors, consumers or vendors." 2/25
Bishops' survey looks at U.S. Catholics' practices, views on marriage Although nearly three-quarters of American Catholics say they are somewhat or very familiar with church teachings on marriage, many mistakenly believe that a non-Catholic spouse must promise to raise the couple's children as Catholic and that church teaching accepts divorce in cases of marital infidelity. CNS 2/11
CATHOLIC BISHOPS PRAISE EFFORTS TO PROTECT MARRIAGE IN PENNSYLVANIA The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) today praised Senator Michael Brubaker of Lancaster and the 16 co-sponsors who join him in introducing Senate Bill 1250 – The Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment.
“Marriage is the foundation of the family. The family, in turn, is the basic unit of society. Thus, marriage is a personal relationship with public significance,” said Dr. Robert J. O’Hara, Jr., Executive Director of PCC. “Marriage is being renamed and redefined by courts in states around us to include something other than the union between one man and one woman. Pennsylvania cannot avoid this debate. Senate Bill 1250 starts the process that will allow the voters of Pennsylvania to decide the fate of marriage here.” read more PCC 2/8
Kentucky Bishops support bill on abuser Leaders of Kentucky's Roman Catholic churches, which have been rocked by sexual-abuse scandals in recent years, have endorsed a state House bill that would toughen penalties for sexual abuse of minors and for those who fail to report it.
Kentucky's four Roman Catholic bishops said the bill "will effectively protect young people from sexual predators and … will encourage public and private institutions to be vigilant in protecting children entrusted to their care." 2/5 LCJ
Cardinal: Church Does Not Reject the Divorced Milan's Archbishop Addresses Letter to Couples he Church has not forgotten nor rejected those who are divorced and have entered into another union, affirmed Milan's archbishop.

Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi affirmed this in a pastoral letter directed to the divorced and remarried titled "The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted."

"The fact that these relationships are frequently lived with a sense of responsibility and with love among the couple and for the children is a reality that the Church and its pastors take into account," the cardinal wrote. "It is an error to think that the norm regulating access to Eucharistic Communion means that divorced and remarried couples are excluded from a life of faith and charity, lived within the ecclesial community." Zenit 01/24/2008
Maryland Bishops Issue Statement on Protecting Marriage Maryland should preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman because of that relationship's unique capacity to create new life, the bishops of Maryland said in a statement released January 5 and distributed to the state's 281 Catholic parishes. 01/13/2008
Pope Links Racy Media to Abuse of Women Benedict XVI says the scourge of trafficking of women and children in Southeast Asia is caused in part by the trivialization of sexuality in the media and entertainment.
...It must also be acknowledged that the decline in moral values, fueled by the trivialization of sexuality in the media and entertainment industries, leads to the degradation of women and even the abuse of children. 12/18/2007 Zenit

Death Penalty

Catholic Bishops of Florida Urge Governor Crist to Halt Executions
Bishops to Gov. Crist, ‘set a new standard of respect for life’ Florida Catholic 6.26

Media

Italian bishops condemned for urging actors to shun erotic scenes A row has erupted over “Vatican interference” after the Italian Synod of Bishops appealed to actors to exercise their consciences and refuse to take part in “vulgar and destructive” erotic scenes in films.

The appeal follows public condemnation by the bishops of an explicit sex scene in Caos Calmo, starring the Italian actor and director Nanni Moretti, which has just been released. In the film, directed by Antonello Grimaldi, Moretti plays a television executive who experiences a mid-life crisis after the death of his wife in the course of which he has a torrid affair with a woman he saves from drowning. TimesO 2/15

Education

Connecticut parents seek tax breaks, textbook funding for Catholic schools The Connecticut Catholic Conference will also assist the legislative effort. A Connecticut parents’ organization is lobbying the state legislature to pass two laws that would assist Catholic schools’ scholarship funds and textbook acqusition, the Hartford Courant reports.

The Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents is lobbying for a tax credit for businesses that donate to private school scholarship funds. The federation also advocates an initiative that would allow municipalities to subsidize textbooks for private schools. CNA 2/5

Immigration

Bishops Urge Respect for Humanity of Migrants Zenit
Pope Urges the Welcoming of Immigrants, Life Zenit
The Immigration Myth Interview With Director of US Bishops
Church moves to help families after Iowa's largest immigration raid CNS
Connecticut Bishops Issue Statement on Immigration CTCatholicConf
Pope Benedict’s immigration comments earn Mahony’s praise but Tancredo’s censure CalCatholic
Pope is right to urge humane treatment for immigrants SLTrib
Bishops call for end to 'exploitation' of undocumented farmworkers CNS Expressing "deep concern for the men and women" who labor in the fields of southwestern Arizona and northern Mexico, the bishops of Tucson and Mexicali, Mexico, have issued a joint statement calling for legislation to end "exploitation of the undocumented farmworker."
USCCB Migration Committee Meets With Top Enforcement Official To Discuss Immigration Raids, Concern For Children 3.13 “We wanted to communicate our desire to work with the government to minimize the use of raids and to reduce the negative impact of the raids on immigrant families,” said Bishop Wester. “We felt that the Assistant Secretary was willing to work more closely with us to prevent the separation of families and to protect children.” USCCB
Catholic bishop to file brief in illegal-immigration lawsuit TulsaWorld
U.S. Bishops Respond To Anti-Immigrant Tax Provision, Raids "The decision to prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving tax rebates in the stimulus bill highlights the injustice in our immigration system. It proves that these workers pay into the tax system and help support our economy. It also reveals the hypocrisy of our laws. With one hand our government attempts to deport these workers, but with the other it holds tight the taxes they pay into the system. This perpetuates an underclass of workers without full rights. We should not accept the fruits of the labor of these workers at the same time we refuse to provide them the protection of our laws. As a democratic and free nation protective of human rights, we cannot have it both ways. Congress must mend a broken system and show the courage to enact comprehensive immigration reform." 2/7 USCCB
US Bishops: Immigration Laws Hypocritical "The decision to prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving tax rebates in the stimulus bill highlights the injustice in our immigration system," he wrote. "It proves that these workers pay into the tax system and help support our economy. It also reveals the hypocrisy of our laws. With one hand our government attempts to deport these workers, but with the other it holds tight the taxes they pay into the system. This perpetuates an underclass of workers without full rights. USCCB
Immigration In the 21st Century: Its Root Causes and the Obligations of Catholic Social Teaching Archbishop Jose Gomez, Archbishop of San Antonio
Religious groups ask Colorado legislature for respectful immigration debate According to the Rocky Mountain News, the pledge reads, “As a legislator representing the people of Colorado, I believe that regarding matters where we are not of one mind, our humble respect for each other and all of God’s children can draw us together to be of one heart. Therefore, I pledge that as I take positions and enter into dialogue on the issue of immigration that the tone of my discourse and the choice of my words will reflect the respect I have for the sacred humanity of those about whom I am speaking and with whom I may disagree.” 2/6 CNA
Missouri Bishops' letter on immigrants changes debate Missouri Catholic bishops changed the nature of the debate about illegal immigration in this state this week by sending a passionate letter to the governor and lawmakers urging the politicians to stop their pandering attempts to look tough on immigration. The letter warns lawmakers that various proposals put forth primarily by Republican lawmakers seek to punish individuals rather than solve a problem. 1/31 NLeader
Arizona Bishops on Immigration Policy: Reform, Not Sanctions
A little more than two years ago, we communicated our concerns about the moral dimensions of the immigration crisis in Arizona.

In "You Welcomed Me," our pastoral letter to Catholics in our dioceses, we stated that the Catholic Church speaks up about immigration because it is committed to the protection of the rights and dignity that all persons are entitled to from conception to natural death. AZRepublic 01/03/2008
USCCB migration chairman expresses concern about direction and tone of national immigration debate (USCCB)
“The immigration reform debate, while provoking informed analysis and thoughtful discussion, also has generated harsh rhetoric against migrants in this country, particularly those without legal status,” said Bishop Barnes. “Fanned by talk radio and anti-immigrant organizations, this rhetoric has inflamed fears and misunderstanding among some portions of the American public, leading to a polarized and vitriolic atmosphere.” USCCB 09/27/2007

Religious Freedom

When did the Bible become 'hate speech'? Fr. Raymond De Souza
Conscience Rights Under Threat Fr. John Flynn
Religious Freedom Must Be Upheld in Contraceptive Mandate Debate, Says Michigan Catholic Conference MCC
Bishops Olmsted and Kicanas: Freedom of conscience AZ Catholic Conference
Father Raymond J. De Souza: Getting religious liberty wrong First, religious liberty requires that the state not intrude upon the religious beliefs of its citizens, demanding of them what they cannot do in good conscience. The Catholic adoption agency is a case in point; the state was forcing Catholics to do what Catholic teaching cannot countenance. Nat'l Post
Archbishop Burke addresses Catholic identity Anyone who still has an easy confidence about the Catholic “place” in American life had better wake up. STLReview
Vatican cardinal sides with Denver archbishop in debate over Catholic Charities At a press conference today on the Pope’s Lenten Message, Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes offered his support for Archbishop Charles Chaput’s recent stand against a potential Colorado law. The bill would eradicate Catholic Charities’ ability to ensure its employees follow Catholic beliefs when working on state funded projects. CNA 1/30 read more
Denver archbishop warns legislation endangers Catholic Charities
A proposed Colorado law restricting religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws could threaten the Catholic character of charitable organizations that receive government funds.
Archbishop Chaput believes HB 1080 would hinder Catholic non-profits from hiring or firing employees based on the religious beliefs of the Catholic Church. Though recognizing that many non-Catholics work at Catholic Charities, Archbishop Chaput said the bill would remove the ability of the non-profit to maintain a Catholic leadership. CNA 01/23/2008

Poor and Vulnerable

Bishops Of G8 Nations Urge Their Leaders To Address Global Poverty And Climate Change At July G8 Summit USCCB
Men and Women Join Against Trafficking Zenit
Bishop Wenski Calls For Priority For The Poor In Senate Climate Change Debate USCCB
Indonesia Bishops Aims For Collaborative Action To Fight Human Trafficking UCAN
Catholic Bishops Welcome New Bill For Global HIV/AIDS Relief Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Florida, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, both affirmed key provisions in the bill.

The reauthorization increases current funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to $50 billion over five years and provides assistance to additional countries in the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe. USCCB
Archbishop to UN: Economics must help poor Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the apostolic nuncio leading the Holy See’s permanent observer mission to the United Nations, addressed the U.N. Economic and Social Council on the importance of providing full employment and decent work to all people.
Archbishop Migliore stressed that a lack of employment and poor-quality employment offend human dignity. He said that people, especially the young, “discover meaning and confidence in the future when they find long-term work with the opportunity for a deserved promotion.” CNA 2/10
Pope: Pray the the mentally handicapped not be margnalized Zenit
U.S. Bishops Urge Priority For Poor Families In National Response To Economic Stress U.S. Catholic bishops urged Congress and the Bush Administration to work together quickly to shape and pass effective economic “measures to help our nation and our people respond to growing economic stress.” The bishops also expressed “our strong conviction that poor families and their children as well as low wage workers receive priority consideration in developing these plans and carrying them out.” USCCB 01/28/2008
Pontiff: Time Has Come to Eliminate Hunger Addresses U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization "All forms of discrimination, and particularly those that thwart agricultural development, must be rejected since they constitute a violation of the basic right of every person to be 'free from hunger.' These convictions are in fact demanded by the very nature of your work on behalf of the common good of humanity," said the Pontiff. Zenit 11/22/2007
U. S Bishops urge congress to make changes to “Material Support” statute affecting refugee and asylum seekers
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) urged members of Congress to correct the unintended consequences of recent changes in immigration law language relating to the issue of “material support.” “Congress should revise these definitions to exclude groups that are no threat to the United States and do not meet the criteria for designation as foreign terrorist organizations,” Bishop Wenski said. USCCB 09/21/2007

War, Conflict and Terrorism

Religious leaders among officials calling on president to ban torture CatholicExplorer

Benedict XVI Urges Ban on Cluster Bombs Zenit

USCCB Official Testifies That U.S. ‘Should And Must’ Do More To Address Iraqi Refugee Crisis USCCB

Prayers for soldiers and those left behind Fr. Gregory Elder

Pope on Iraq: Enough With the Bloodshed Benedict XVI made a strong appeal for peace in Iraq today, in the wake of the kidnapping and death of the archbishop of Mosul.

The Pope led the praying of the midday Angelus in St. Peter's Square after he celebrated Palm Sunday Mass. He began his pre-Angelus address with a tribute to Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul. Zenit 3.18

Pope to seek U.S. help for Iraqi Christians Pope Benedict XVI, during his upcoming visit to Washington, plans to seek President Bush's help in stopping the flight of Christians from Iraq, Vatican sources said yesterday. 3.13 WashTimes

Kids in Conflict Calls For an End to Child Soldiers
It's time to penalize those who use children in conflicts, the U.N. Security Council was told in a recent debate. On Feb. 12 the council held a daylong session on the question of child soldiers.

In his address to the meeting the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for children and armed conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, complained about the lack of action against those who use children as combatants during wars, reported a U.N. press release Feb. 12.

He recommended the council consider such measures as travel restrictions on leaders, arms embargoes and limitations on military assistance for offenders. During the course of the debate, speakers representing dozens of nations spoke out on the plight of children obliged to take up arms in conflicts. Zenit

Anti-Trafficking Efforts Need to Focus on "Beneficiaries" Vatican Urges Keeping Human Rights at Center of Strategies To combat human trafficking, attention needs to be given to those who demand or benefit from it, said a Vatican official.

Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, affirmed this at the Vienna Forum to Fight Human Trafficking, which ends Friday.

"The Holy See appreciates the efforts undertaken at various levels to combat human trafficking, which is a multidimensional problem, and one of the most shameful phenomena of our era," he said. "It is well known that poverty, as well as the lack of opportunities and of social cohesion, push people to look for a better future despite the related risks, making them extremely vulnerable to trafficking. 2/14 Zenit

Holy See: Cluster Bombs Never Acceptable Both military and financial excuses to defend the use of cluster bombs are unacceptable, the Holy See says. In his address, published Tuesday by the Vatican press office, Archbishop Tomasi recognized that "experience shows us how the prohibition of certain categories of arms in a good faith negotiation with international organizations has never placed states' national security in danger." 1/30 Zenit

Pope warns of terrorists getting nuclear weapons "A joint effort on the part of states to implement all the obligations undertaken and to prevent terrorists from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction would undoubtedly strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime and make it more effective," he said. Reuters 01/07

Benedict XVI Mourns Benazir Bhutto Benedict XVI urged Pakistan to build a climate of "trust and respect" in the wake of the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of the nation.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state, sent a message Friday on the Holy Father's behalf to the president of Pakistan's episcopal conference, Archbishop Lawrence John Saldanha of Lahore. The letter said that the Pontiff considered the assassination a "brutal terrorist attack." Zenit 01/01/2008