Introduction A few days ago, I met with a physician who works in a Catholic hospital. We were discussing a document called The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care, nicknamed the ERD’s. It is published by the Bishops’ Conference as a resource, to help bishops ensure that Catholic hospitals follow the Church’s teaching...Read More

This weekend, our church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life. As the name suggests, it is a time to highlight those who have consecrated themselves to God and to their countless good works “by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.” Though I am not a member of a religious institute, nor a member of an...Read More

More than 4,000 people provided more than 60,000 comments and responses to the nearly 40 questions contained in the document issued by the Vatican in preparation for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family, called for by Pope Francis to be held this October. The pope called for the synod, whose theme is “Pastoral Challenges to...Read More

Pope Francis recently reaffirmed that religious freedom is “a fundamental human right” and warned against the impulse to “relegate [religions] to the enclosed precincts of churches, synagogues or mosques.” The freedom of religion cannot be reduced to the freedom of worship. This resonates with the rich tradition of religious liberty in our country, which has...Read More