Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago speaks Nov. 13 during the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

Can the ‘seamless garment’ approach to pro-life issues make a comeback in the Catholic Church?

by Michael J. O’Loughlin November 17, 2017

Cardinal Bernardin’s consistent ethic of life could be helpful as the church grapples with issues like migration, health care and even taxes, some bishops say.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., points to boxes of petitions supporting the Republican tax reform bill that is set for a vote later this week as he arrives for a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Dispatches, Faith

Bishops (again) object to G.O.P. tax plan’s effects on the poor

by Michael J. O’Loughlin November 15, 2017

“No tax reform proposal is acceptable that increases taxes for those living in poverty to help pay for benefits for wealthy citizens.”

Bishops listen to a speaker Nov. 13 during the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore (CNS photo/Bob Roller).

Dispatches, Faith

Bishops take up Pope Francis’ family teaching, encourage broader reading of ‘Amoris Laetitia’

by Michael J. O’Loughlin November 14, 2017

Bishop Richard Malone told bishops that the plan would “encourage a broader reading of ‘Amoris Laetitia’ and seek to advance more conversation” around “strengthening marriage and family life.”

Dispatches, Faith

Bishops choose Naumann over Cupich for pro-life chair in bellwether vote

by Michael J. O’Loughlin November 14, 2017

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann beat Cardinal Blase Cupich, a proponent of the “consistent ethic of life” approach to pro-life issues.

Bishop George V. Murry of Youngstown, Ohio, chair of the U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, speaks on Nov. 13 during the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

News, Politics & Society

Catholic Church must do more to combat racism, says bishop

by Rhina Guidos - Catholic News Service November 14, 2017

Though the Catholic Church has responded to racism for many years, some leaders and church institutions have at times been part of the problem.

Sanctuary-city activist Felix Cepeda of New York City is seen during the first day of the U.S. bishops' fall general assembly in Baltimore on Nov. 13. He planned to pray and fast for the next three days in hopes the Catholic Church would offer its church properties as places of sanctuary to keep families intact if a family member faces deportation. (CNS photo/Rhina Guidos)

News, Politics & Society

Protesters at bishops’ gathering ask for sanctuary, anti-war stance

by Rhina Guidos - Catholic News Service November 14, 2017

As the U.S. bishops were beginning their fall assembly in Baltimore, also marking their 100th anniversary as a conference, a couple of nonviolent protesters gathered nearby.