U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Refugee groups fight Trump travel ban — and for their own survival
By Jack Jenkins and Emily McFarlan Miller — February 16, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — For the six faith-based agencies authorized to settle refugees in the U.S., the battle over the travel ban is also a fight to protect their ministries — and, by extension, the refugees they serve.
Catholic bishops side with labor unions in Supreme Court case
By Jack Jenkins — January 20, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops equated the effect of a potential ruling against public sector unions' rights to collect fees from nonmembers to landmark decisions that legalized abortion and same-sex marriage.
Catholic cardinal condemns ‘forces of division’ and fear
By Rachel Zoll — November 13, 2017
(AP) — 'The forces of division prey on our fear of the unfamiliar, the different. But fear is not of God,' said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, in an address to the bishops' fall meeting in Baltimore.
Catholic bishops take on racism in society and the church
By Thomas Reese — November 13, 2017
(RNS) — “Christ wishes to break down the walls created by the evils of racism,” Bishop George Murry of Youngstown told the U.S. Catholic bishops who are in Baltimore for their annual November meeting.
Papal loyalists become dissidents
By Thomas Reese — November 8, 2017
(RNS) — What is remarkable about the critics of Pope Francis is that during the papacies of John Paul and Benedict, they harshly criticized as dissidents and heretics anyone who questioned papal teaching. It is clear that their loyalty was not to the successor of Peter but to their own theological opinions.
Churches are usually reluctant to push tax reform. But Catholic bishops are trying.
By Thomas Reese — November 3, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Churches are reluctant to get involved in tax reform because it is complicated and they fear the impact of reform on themselves and their donors. So it was surprising to see the U.S. Catholic bishops grapple with this controversial topic.
US bishops’ consultant resigns after penning letter critical of pope
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 2, 2017
(RNS) — The letter and the writer's subsequent departure as a longtime top adviser to the bishops are the latest salvos in a struggle that pits traditionalists against the pope's fans.
Catholic leaders decry Dems’ questioning of judicial pick
By guest — September 12, 2017
(AP) — Democrats focused on whether Amy Coney Barrett's personal views would override her legal judgment, especially with respect to the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.
US Catholic bishops committee dismayed over Trump’s new direction on Cuba
By Lauren Markoe — June 20, 2017
(RNS) The U.S. Catholic bishops want President Trump to consider 'ordinary Cubans' as he scales back on what he calls a one-sided deal with the island nation.
Catholic bishops urge Congress to preserve health care coverage
By David Gibson — January 18, 2017
(RNS) In a shift from past opposition, the hierarchy is warning the GOP-controlled Congress not to repeal Obamacare without providing a replacement that provides as much coverage.
Trump’s rise and GOP economics may shift Catholic Church’s priorities
By David Gibson — January 13, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) A conference featuring leading voices from the U.S. hierarchy may be a preview of a new agenda that opposes Republican plans.
Catholic bishops follow Trump’s election with a message of their own
By David Gibson — November 15, 2016
(RNS) The bishops put a Mexican-born archbishop in line to become the first Latino to lead the American hierarchy. But they seemed hesitant to fully endorse Pope Francis' approach.
Top Catholic bishops criticize Biden for officiating at gay marriage
By David Gibson — August 7, 2016
(RNS) But the three officials were circumspect in their critique and did not mention the vice president by name. Two factors may explain their relative reticence.
The weaponization of religious liberty
By guest — June 8, 2016
(RNS) How did something as fundamentally American as religious freedom become a culture war weapon against LGBT people and their families?
Applause, dismay, confusion over pope’s words
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — April 8, 2016
(RNS) “Joy of Love” is getting a mixed reaction from U.S. Catholics and others.
