The following are some recent news highlights...
* The Washington Post has published the "astounding - and completely unsupported - claim" (CatholicCulture.org) that Archbishop Burke was "'kicked upstairs' because of improper handling" of abuse allegations. The "reliably faithful prelate" - appreciated by many Catholics for his orthodox, conservative views - is presently serving as head of the Church's 'Supreme Court' and is widely expected to be made a Cardinal
* Lawmakers in Oklahoma have overridden their Governor's veto of two pro-life bills that are expected to reduce abortions. One of the new laws requires that women be given a chance to see an ultrasound before having an abortion, the other law prohibits "wrongful life" lawsuits from being brought against doctors for not suggesting abortion [Related: Catholic teaching against abortion]
* Caution: The Catholic news agency Zenit appears to be having trouble with their website. At present, it is being flagged as potentially dangerous by both search giant Google & the Firefox web browser. Readers may be advised to avoid this site (including any links that may appear herein) until the problem is resolved
* The Knights of Columbus have donated more than 1,000 wheelchairs to earthquake victims in Haiti
* Under fire over a same sex 'marriage' course to be led by a professor with connections to homosexual activist groups, Seton Hall University has issued a statement saying that they "fully anticipate that the Catholic position" regarding same-sex 'marriage' will be "robustly explored" in the course. [They "anticipate" that the "Catholic position" will be "explored"? How about promising that the (truthful!) teachings of the Catholic Church will be taught and defended?] Supposedly, the archdiocese was "unaware" of the course offering and finds it "troubling." [So stop it!]
* The Gingrich's new film on Pope John Paul II will be released next week. The film covers the late pope's visit to Poland in 1979
* No surprise here: Various U.S. bishops have condemned Arizona's anti-illegal immigration legislation, calling the new law "harmful", "mean spirited", "draconian", "inhumane", "un-American", etc. While certain bishops have forcefully condemned the legislation's possible negative effects on illegal immigrants, similar concern for U.S. citizens suffering due to illegal immigration - e.g. those suffering from violent crime, property damage, job loss, increased tax burden, closure of emergency rooms, etc. - was "almost absent." Also "noticeably missing" was mention of Mexico's significantly harsher anti-illegal immigrant policies, the duty of persons to obey lawful authority, concern for national sovereignty, safety concerns for U.S. citizens, etc. [Related: Civics 101: Breaking the law is not okay]
* Cardinal Bertone's comments that priestly celibacy is not "untouchable" have (rightly) raised many eyebrows. However, the prelate was not speaking of any planned change in the Church's discipline, a discipline called "one of the purest glories of the Catholic priesthood" (Pope Pius XI), "a brilliant jewel" (Pope Paul VI), and "a spiritual treasure" (Pope John Paul II). While the Church has occasionally permitted some exceptions to priestly celibacy, she has "from time immemorial" strongly praised & defended "this the purest and noblest glories of her priesthood" (Pope John XXIII), a discipline that is recommended in Holy Scripture [Note: For reasons for priestly celibacy, click here]
* Some abuse victims who previously met with Pope Benedict are hoping that thousands of other abuse victims will join them at St. Peter's Square on October 31 - the unfortunate anniversary day marking the beginning of Martin Luther's revolt - for a "healing moment"
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