From NCHLA – Recent action by the federal government allowing California to continue forcing health plans to cover abortions has prompted the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to call for an immediate federal remedy.  It is critical that you contact your representatives and ur

In a statement reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision to remand Zubik et. al. v. Burwell back to the courts of appeals, Bishop Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh released the following statement: “We are all grateful to God and the Supreme Court Justices that they have l

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joined twenty-five other major pro-life, religious, and health care organizations on April 19 urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Conscience Protection Act of 2016 (H.R. 4828). Signatories include ten medical groups repr

A resolution designating the week of May 2-8 as American Religious History Week has passed. The resolution recognizes the overwhelmingly positive impact of religious beliefs on America’s history. House Resolution 774   states, in part, “Be it further resolved that the Hous

On March 23, oral arguments will be heard in HHS Mandate cases before the Supreme Court.  As appellants in these cases, the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Erie have both asked for prayers for religious liberty, especially on March 23, when the bishops of both diocese will tr

The state-level policy arm for bishops evaluates legislation, informs Catholic voters on local issues By Patti Maguire Armstrong, OSV Newsweekly Voting is a serious responsibility for Catholics. Yet deciphering all of the spin from the political candidates is no easy task — particular

The General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) filed a brief amicus curiae, January 8, in the Zubik v. Burwell case now before the U.S. Supreme Court on the question of the contraceptive mandate of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The brief arg

In his recent address in Philadelphia. . . , Pope Francis noted that “various forms of modern tyranny seek to suppress religious freedom, or […] try to reduce it to a subculture without right to a voice in the public square.”  Powerful political and cultural leaders often

Bishop Ronald Gainer of the Diocese of Harrisburg recently reminded Pennsylvania’s lawmakers to look around the magnificent “office” they walk into every session day. During his keynote speech at the 2015 legislative breakfast, hosted by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Pe

The Catholic Church views protection of religious freedom as a “cornerstone of the structure of human rights” since it is rooted in the dignity of the human person. USCCB worked with other faith-based groups and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to pass the