Author Archive
Church in Congo suspends sacraments during Ebola outbreak
IMAGE: CNS photo/Kenny Katombe, Reuters By Jonathan Luxmoore OXFORD, England (CNS) — The Catholic Church in Congo said emergency measures will remain indefinitely in place in parishes at risk of Ebola, and urged effective action against the disease by the government of President Joseph Kabila. “Although Masses are continuing, sacraments …
After raid, Ohio bishop says immigration system contributes to suffering
By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — The bishop of Cleveland said a recent immigration raid at an Ohio gardening and landscape company “makes clear that our current immigration system contributes to the human suffering of migrants and the separation of families.” In a June 6 statement from the Diocese of …
Maryland parishioners urged to help one another in flood aftermath
By Christopher Gunty ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (CNS) — In the immediate aftermath of the flood that washed through Main Street and other parts of historic Ellicott City May 27, St. Paul Church, perched on the hill above the floodwaters, was able to serve folks in little ways. The church acted …
Gossip destroys Holy Spirit’s gift of peace, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Peace is a gift that can easily be destroyed through petty gossip and speaking ill of others, Pope Francis said. People who receive and give the sign of peace “should be men and women of peace” and not …
Panel looks at how Catholic social teaching can address polarization
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Julie Asher WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sister Teresa Maya grew up hearing her “abuela” say, “People understand each other by speaking to one another.” In her grandmother’s wisdom, she said, lies a way to address the polarization that seems to affect every aspect of U.S. society …
Pope prays for victims of Guatemala volcano disaster
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Luis Rolando Sanchez, CRS By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis sent condolences to Guatemala after a horrific volcanic eruption left more than 60 people dead. In a June 5 telegram addressed to Archbishop Nicolas Thevenin, apostolic nuncio of Guatemala, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican …
Women at conference speak up about #MeToo movement, sexual revolution
IMAGE: CNS photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard By Emma Vinton Restuccia WASHINGTON (CNS) — Mary Rice Hasson, director of the Catholic Women’s Forum and fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, said at a May 31 conference that “it’s no secret that for many months the #MeToo movement has sparked …
Update: High court rules in favor of baker in same-sex wedding cake case
IMAGE: CNS photo/Rick Wilking, Reuters By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a 7-2 decision June 4, the Supreme Court sided with a Colorado baker in a case that put anti-discrimination laws up against freedom of speech and freedom of religious expression. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, writing for the majority, …
Pope: Seek Christ in ‘abandoned tabernacles’ of the poor, the lonely
By Junno Arocho Esteves ROME (CNS) — As he did with his disciples at Passover, Jesus asks all Christians to prepare a place for him, not in “exclusive, selective places” but rather in uncomfortable places that are “untouched by love, untouched by hope,” Pope Francis said. “How many persons lack …
Annual audit of church’s abuse allegations shows cautious improvement
IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The 15th annual report on the implementation of the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” shows a decrease in allegations of clergy sex abuse from the two previous years but also indicates the need for continued …