Archive for Category: "Nation and World"

Anglican archbishop suspended after rape allegations found unproven

Anglican archbishop suspended after rape allegations found unproven

The governing body of the Traditional Anglican Communion has suspended Archbishop John Hepworth, whose allegations that he was raped more than 40 years ago as a young Catholic priest by three other clerics were found to be unsubstantiated by investigators.

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Federal lawsuits by Catholic dioceses, groups seek to stop HHS mandate

Federal lawsuits by Catholic dioceses, groups seek to stop HHS mandate

Forty-three Catholic dioceses, schools, hospitals, social service agencies and other institutions filed suit in federal court May 21 to stop three government agencies from implementing a mandate that would require them to provide contraceptives and sterilization to their employees.

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Franciscan University drops student health insurance plan

Franciscan University drops student health insurance plan

Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, is discontinuing its student health insurance plan in the upcoming school year in opposition to the Obama administration’s mandate requiring most religious employers, including colleges, to provide no-cost contraceptive and sterilization coverage in its health insurance plans.

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Georgetown criticized for having Sebelius speak at commencement event

Georgetown criticized for having Sebelius speak at commencement event

The Archdiocese of Washington issued a statement May 15 strongly criticizing Georgetown University for selecting Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius as a featured speaker at an awards ceremony during its commencement week ceremonies.

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Obama ‘accommodation’ offers no fundamental change, USCCB attorneys say

Obama ‘accommodation’ offers no fundamental change, USCCB attorneys say

Although the Obama administration’s proposed “accommodation” for religious employers to the mandate that contraceptives and sterilization be included in most health plans “may create an appearance of moderation and compromise,” it does not change the administration’s fundamental position, attorneys for the U.S. bishops said in comments filed May 15.

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European scholars: Church could be player in solving economic crisis

European scholars: Church could be player in solving economic crisis

While there is no roadmap to solving Europe’s economic crisis, the Catholic Church — with its history of serving the poor — can help in the face of government austerity measures, longtime observers said.

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Traditionalists and Rome strike contrasting notes on Jews

Traditionalists and Rome strike contrasting notes on Jews

Of all the controversies associated with the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, no topic provokes stronger reactions inside or outside the church than the question of the society’s attitude toward Jews.

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Bishops: Canadians experience ‘worrisome erosion’ of religious rights

Bishops: Canadians experience ‘worrisome erosion’ of religious rights

Canadian religious groups are “experiencing a worrisome erosion” of freedom of conscience and religious freedom — universal rights that face increasing threats around the world, said the Canadian bishops.

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Vatican, Benetton reach out-of-court settlement over kissing-pope ad

Vatican, Benetton reach out-of-court settlement over kissing-pope ad

“The Holy See didn’t want to ask for financial compensation, but instead wished to obtain moral compensation by (Benetton) recognizing the harm caused and to assert its determination to protect, even though legal means, the image of the pope,” Father Lombardi said.

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Catholic says nation in need of prayer, creates ‘Rosary for the USA’

Catholic says nation in need of prayer, creates ‘Rosary for the USA’

Yrique said he designed the Rosary for the United States of America through prayer, often waking in the middle of the night to compose the intentions.

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Catholic leaders reject Obama’s support for same-sex marriage

Catholic leaders reject Obama’s support for same-sex marriage

“We cannot be silent in the face of words or actions that would undermine the institution of marriage, the very cornerstone of our society,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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Bishops discuss marriage in Rome as N.C. voters go to polls

Bishops discuss marriage in Rome as N.C. voters go to polls

A few hours before voters in North Carolina were to go to the polls to vote on a referendum defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman, Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte, N.C., prayed with his brother bishops for the courage always to defend the Gospel.

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‘Supermoon’ rising

‘Supermoon’ rising

A “supermoon” creates a dramatic backdrop for the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro May 6.

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Federal budget debate brings new attention to church’s social teaching

Federal budget debate brings new attention to church’s social teaching

The emerging debate on the federal budget — and the distinct options being presented that will chart the country’s future — has brought renewed attention to the Catholic Church’s social teaching.

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Vanderbilt Catholic student organization readies for unofficial status

Vanderbilt Catholic student organization readies for unofficial status

As the fight over Vanderbilt University’s nondiscrimination policy continues to make national news, members of Vanderbilt Catholic are hoping their “15 minutes of fame” are almost over.

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