I admit it. I read obituaries in the newspaper, not out of morbid curiosity, but because I’m reminded that every single human life matters. Some died tragically in their youth; others lived lengthy and apparently …

Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, …

Elections in odd numbered years are sometimes described as “off year.” Instead of voting for a prominent national office, governor, Congress or the state legislature, we elect municipal officials and “lesser known” statewide offices. On …

A recent legislative initiative in Harrisburg proposes something new and innovative for a government program – hope.The Reliable Educational Assistance for College Hopefuls (REACH) bill (HB 1722) aims to provide financial support to every exceptional …

Many people are embarrassed to talk about sexuality, yet our culture surrounds us with references, jokes and outright displays of sexual behavior. The media portrays sex as recreational and impersonal, and homosexuality as “not that …

This time of year there is a lot of talk about taxing and spending here in Harrisburg. The state legislature and the governor just agreed upon a $27.5 billion spending plan for the 2007-2008 budget, …

Each year in July, we get a day off to celebrate our country – the land of the free and home of the brave; but what is freedom? In particular, what is religious freedom? When …

Never say “never.” We’ve all heard that one before.
Religious liberty was once sacrosanct in the public policy debate. Many laws included a conscience exception to preserve constitutional integrity. It was absurd to think a law …

by Francis J. Viglietta and Rev. Sandra Strauss
It’s time to re-examine the death penalty in Pennsylvania.
Fifteen diverse, faith-based, legal, and civil rights organizations, including the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, form …

Do we really need government to take more decisions away from parents? This question is being considered right now in Harrisburg.
Governor Ed Rendell proposes $75 million on his “Pre-K Counts” initiative for pre-kindergarten education …