U.S. bishops

The chairmen of three U.S. bishops’ committees Aug. 21 welcomed a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor aimed at clarifying religious protections that may be invoked by federal contractors, including faith-based organizations.

The chairmen of two U.S. bishops’ committees said July 3 they oppose a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that they say would lead to separation or housing instability for many families.

Hard-fought legislation that gives President Donald Trump 55 additional miles of barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border, well short of what he requested, was on its way to his desk Feb. 15, 2019, after the House and Senate both passed the measure late Feb. 14.

The U.S. bishops Nov. 14 defeated a resolution to encourage the Vatican to release all documents related to the investigation of allegations of misconduct by Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick.

An independent lay-run board that would hold bishops accountable for their actions, a national day for Mass or prayers of reparation, and encouragement to parishioners to become more involved in their diocese are among steps suggested by prominent lay Catholics to right the U.S. church as it deals with a new clergy sexual abuse scandal.

A delegation of U.S. bishops traveled to the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, to learn more about the detention of immigrants, mostly Central Americans, at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Having seen what a community goes through after such large-scale killings, the Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said two things are needed: prayer for the families and anger to the lawmakers for doing so little to prevent these catastrophes.

On Jan. 21, Bishop Elizondo was among 10 Hispanic U.S. bishops visiting the Holy Land and meeting with Israelis and Palestinians to get a better understanding of the Holy Land situation and to advocate for “bridges not walls.”