Human Rights

US Bishops: Fighting Racism
Is a Long-term Battle
But a Critical One
BALTIMORE, MD, November 13, 2017 -- Dialogue to foster conversion of hearts is the goal of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, said the group’s chairman in his first address to the bishops’ conference Monday.

How Do We Heal Racial Tensions? 
Start by admitting errors, US bishop says
WASHINGTON, DC, September 27, 2017 -- To address the longstanding racial divide within the United States – and within the Catholic Church in the country – Catholics should learn more about the history of that divide, and honestly engage with that history, and with others attempting to tackle similar issues themselves.

How Should a Catholic
Evaluate Health Care Policy?
WASHINGTON, DC, September 26, 2017 -- Another effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act seems on the verge of failure, after three Republican senators stated that they would not support a pending Senate bill. As next steps for health care reform are considered, how should Catholics approach health care policy, according to Church teaching?

US State Department
Recognizes ISIS Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC, August 15, 2017 -- Religious freedom advocates were heartened by the State Department recognizing in its annual religious freedom report released Tuesday the genocide of Christians by the Islamic State.

Vatican Official, at UN,
Emphasizes ‘Right to Remain in One’s Homeland'
NEW YORK, July 25, 2017 -- A Vatican official addressed a UN meeting on migrants and development and emphasized “the right to remain in one’s homeland in dignity, peace, and security.”

Indonesian Christian Governor
On Trial for Blasphemy
JAKARTA, December 7, 2016  -- The Christian governor of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama ["Ahok"] will be taken to trial on December 13 by the North Jakarta District Court for the case of alleged blasphemy against him, and that last month caused mass demonstrations by his opponents and supporters in Indonesia. 

Think the Human Person is
Nothing Special?
Think Again, Says Archbishop
KANSAS CITY, KS, August 5, 2015 -- Too many social trends treat the human person as nothing sacred, but Catholic pro-life efforts are part of an effort to change that, Los Angeles’ Archbishop Jose Gomez said last Wednesday.

Husband of Condemned
Sudanese Woman
Reiterates Commitment
KHARTOUM, Sudan, May 31, 2014 -- The husband of Meriam Ibrahim, a Sudanese Christian woman sentenced to death for allegedly abandoning Islam, says his wife is standing by her faith despite possible execution.

Vatican Analyst Warns of
Global 'War' Against Christians
DENVER, CO, October 6, 2013 -- In his new book “The Global War on Christians,” Vatican analyst John Allen, Jr. details anti-Christian abuse worldwide, drawing light to the tremendous scale of violence against the world’s most persecuted religion.

German Raid on
Home-Schooling Family
Draws Condemnation
FRANKFURT, Germany, September 4, 2013 -- German officials’ seizure of four home-schooled children last week prompted strong objections from American home-schooling advocates who say the country’s ban on the educational practice violates human rights.

Be Not Afraid Of Immigrants,
Archbishop Gomez Encourages
LOS ANGELES, CA, June 28, 2013--In a new book marking Independence Day, the archbishop of Los Angeles addresses immigration reform in the context of the American Dream, seeking to stir the consciences of national Catholics.

LA Archbishop Says Immigration
Tests America's Identity
DENVER, CO, June 25, 2013--The American Dream is at stake in the debate over immigration reform, Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles told a group of journalists, saying the issue provides a chance for the nation to renew its soul.

Cardinal Dolan Praises Immigration
Bill As Step Forward
NEW YORK CITY, NY, June 10, 2013--Stressing that immigration reform is needed to “correct injustices,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said that the proposed bill in the U.S. Senate makes serious progress in efforts to balance humanitarian and security concerns.

US Bishops Praise Immigration
Bill's Advance in Senate
WASHINGTON DC, May 23, 2013--The U.S. bishops welcomed a U.S. Senate committee's passage of a major immigration bill as an “important step,” urging the full senate to consider the bill as soon as possible.