Delegates taking part in the assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), which comprises most US female religious, authorised their officers to continue their dialogue with the Vatican without compromising its “authentic expression” of religious life.
The LCWR assembly expressed “deep disappointment” with the Vatican’s conclusions but showed willingness “to use this opportunity to explain to Church leaders the LCWR’s mission, values, and operating principles”.
“The assembly articulated its belief that religious life, as it is lived by the women religious who comprise LCWR, is an authentic expression of this life that must not be compromised.”
Economic collapse feared in Lebanon
The bishops of the Maronite Catholic Church of Lebanon have expressed fear that the country’s economy will grind to a standstill as a result of enormous debt and a grave energy crisis. In a message issued a few weeks before the Pope’s scheduled visit to Lebanon, the bishops warned of the risk of an “economic collapse”.
The bishops propose a number of measures to avert the disaster, including the creation of a special fund to manage the public debt, stronger ties between the public and the private sectors, as well as better tax and fee collection. They also appeal to bankers to be prudent in extending credit to the government.
Disagree, but without hostility – US bishop
In a pastoral letter urging voters in the US state of Washington to reject same-sex marriage, Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane emphasised that “the Catholic Church has no tolerance for the misuse of this moment to incite hostility towards homosexual persons”. The referendum will be held in November.
Bishop Cupich wrote that “my genuine hope is that we all can value the coming vote on Referendum 74 as an opportunity to have a substantial public debate regarding this critical issue, carried on with respect, honesty and conviction”.
He added: “When addressing issues of depth and passion – indeed, most importantly at such times – we should be committed to the proposition that our public dialogue must be marked by civility and clarity, and that it should generate light rather than heat”.
Less religiosity, more formation is needed
The result of the ‘Global Religiosity Index’ by WIN/Gallup International Association which found that only 47 per cent of Irish respondents identified themselves as religious caused quite a stir in that traditionally Catholic stronghold. Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said the results underline the need to educate all Catholics in the faith – adults as well as children.
He stressed: “The Church cannot presume that the faith will be passed from one generation to the next or be lived to the full by its members. This survey is just one further reminder of the need for strong on-going education in the faith.”
Christians jailed and deported for praying
Thirty-five Ethiopian Christians were deported from Saudi Arabia after serving a seven-month jail sentence for taking part in a prayer service in a private house in Jeddah.
Practising a non-Muslim religion is illegal in Saudi Arabia.
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)