Texas bishops express gratitude for response to tragedy of Panhandle wildfires

March 18, 2024

AUSTIN – The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops opened their Spring meeting with a renewed expression of gratitude for all who are responding to wildfires in the state’s Panhandle, and prayers for those affected by the disaster.  For four weeks a series of deadly wildfires have caused suffering across the region, with loss of life and property. The blazes were over a million acres and have now been contained.  “We are grateful to the firefighters and first responders for their selfless work to save lives and contain the fires,” the bishops said. “We stand in solidarity with those who are suffering loss of life and livelihood in the Texas Panhandle.”  Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle reports it has sufficient donated items. Monetary gifts, through Catholic Charities USA or other local organizations, are preferred as they are more flexible and can be applied to emergent needs as they are identified.  “May those who are suffering physically and materially from the fires find comfort in our prayers and in the mercy and charity being offered to them,” the bishops said.   Monetary donations may be sent to Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle and Catholic Charities USA. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is the association of the Roman Catholic bishops of Texas. The TCCB represents 15 dioceses and 21 active bishops. Through the TCCB, the bishops provide a moral and social public policy voice, accredit the state’s  Catholic schools, and maintain archives that reflect the work and the history of the Catholic Church in Texas. 

‘Great tragedy’ in Texas Panhandle calls for response

March 1, 2024

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops recognizes the great tragedy unfolding in the panhandle region of Texas and Oklahoma, and asks for prayers and support for all. “Our Catholic brothers and sisters are united with all who are suffering from the tragic wildfires,” said Bishop Patrick Zurek of the Amarillo Diocese, where the wildfires are burning. “We are grateful to the firefighters and first responders for their work to save lives and contain the fires. The loss of life and livelihood for our families and neighbors in the Texas Panhandle is devastating, and we are blessed in the knowledge that our Catholic community is standing in solidarity with us.” Approximately 85% of the cattle raised in Texas, which provides food for the rest of the United States and the world, is being directly impacted by the fires. The Texas Catholic bishops encourage donations to Catholic Charities USA, which is coordinating with local agencies. Donate

Texas bishops express support of “people of faith” serving on the border

February 23, 2024

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops provides the following statement: The Texas bishops join Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso in expressing solidarity with ministry volunteers and people of faith who seek only to serve vulnerable migrants as our nation and state continue to pursue failed migration and border security policies. We recognize migrant ministry as “an example of our Catholic commitment to the poor, the Christian call to love one’s neighbor, and stepping into the breach to take action where many will not (Bishop Seitz).” Our border ministries are intended to be a stabilizing presence that protects both citizens and migrants. The Catholic Church in Texas remains committed to praying and working for a secure border, to protect the vulnerable and for just immigration solutions to protect all human life.

Bishops celebrate court’s affirmation of EMTALA protection of unborn

January 3, 2024

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB)  celebrates the decision on Jan. 2, 2024, by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the permanent injunction of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidance issued last summer. In its decision in State of Texas v. Becerra, the court held that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) does not require emergency room physicians to provide abortions. The full statement of the TCCB follows. We celebrate the decision by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the permanent injunction of the inappropriate Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidance issued last summer. The court’s decision affirms that this attempt to require abortions violates both the Texas Human Life Protection Act and the principles of the Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives for Healthcare. In the amicus brief submitted by the Texas bishops and the members of the Catholic Healthcare Leadership Alliance we stated, “To assert that abortion-which is the intentional termination of an unborn child’s life-is permitted, or even required, under EMTALA is contrary to the unambiguous text and intent of the statute.” We are gratified the justices upheld the clear text of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act ( EMTALA), which explicitly and intentionally protects unborn human life. Catholic hospitals, including in Texas, have been providing compassionate care for women and babies (born and unborn) for centuries without elective abortions, and in full compliance with EMTALA since its inception. The new law in Texas has not impacted their ability to provide consistent care for these families in accordance with the Ethical and Religious Directives approved by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. As the Church continues to accompany mothers…

Response to migration legislation

December 20, 2023

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops continue to uphold church teaching regarding migration. Most recently, in a letter to the Texas Attorney General in addressing the question of “whether Texas has the sovereign power to defend itself,” the bishops said “they reaffirm their commitment to continue the Church’s ministries of outreach and education, and to work responsibly to serve the common good of all people in the State of Texas while being especially mindful of the more vulnerable and marginalized among us.” Specific to the bill signed by Governor Abbott, in testimony against the bill, a witness explained, “We understand the situation at the border has become untenable, but HB 4 is not the solution. The Church will continue to work with civic leaders, especially our Texas legislators, to uphold the rights and dignity of every person and to foster the common good.”

Statement on Texas Supreme Court’s Cox ruling

December 13, 2023

Jennifer Carr Allmon, the executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the Texas Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Kate Cox, who has challenged Texas’ ban on abortions. The Texas Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Kate Cox, a pregnant woman who challenged the abortion ban in Texas based on the diagnosis of a fetal abnormality, states that the law explicitly allows for abortion procedures when the life of the mother is at risk. Mrs. Cox’s doctor did not assert that her life was at risk.    Mrs. Cox’s baby has been diagnosed with Trisomy 18, which is a chromosomal disorder that poses no risk to the life of the mother. While this diagnosis will be life limiting for the baby, there is nothing in Texas law that allows a mother to abort her child due to a disability or difficult fetal diagnosis, nor should there be.     We know the compassionate response to a mother facing a difficult fetal diagnosis is to offer perinatal palliative care, typically associated with specialized children’s hospitals which are staffed with professionals trained to support the family of an unborn child with a serious illness. Programs vary, but services usually include advance care planning, sibling support, care coordination, and anticipatory grief work. The perinatal palliative care team remains involved with the family from time of referral, through pregnancy, and into the delivery and postpartum period. This type of care respects the dignity of the life of the baby and provides compassionate care for the family. It is a fundamental work of Christian mercy to accompany those mourning the loss of a loved one. Continuing the development and increasing the availability of palliative care…

Bishops address border tragedies

July 20, 2023

The TCCB has issued the following statement in response to recent reports of inhumane actions on the border: Recent media reports present a disturbing account of horrific tragedies occurring along the Rio Grande on the Texas/Mexico border. These reports stir our hearts again for the plight of our sisters and brothers who are seeking a better life. These mothers, fathers, children, and others are doing what anyone would do to find a better life. They have moved to secure honest work and a safe community. The fact that they were born in a place which could not provide these basic human rights does not give anyone the right to treat them inhumanely. For decades, the United States’ migration policies have failed to address sufficiently the root causes of migration. They have failed to uphold our country’s principle to welcome all who seek a life free of tyranny. We have a responsibility, as faithful citizens, to work with our government officials to ensure the dignity of all, an ideal enshrined on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” We ask all people of goodwill to join us in this work, and to join us in praying for our brothers and sisters experiencing the harsh realities of this journey, and for all who encounter them. The Texas Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops includes 21 active bishops, who lead approximately 8.5 million Catholics in Texas, approximately 30% of the state’s population.     Informes recientes de los medios de comunicación presentan un relato inquietante de tragedias de horror que ocurren a lo largo del Río Bravo en la frontera entre Texas y México. Estos informes nuevamente conmueven nuestros corazones por…

Texas bishops grateful for overturn of Roe v Wade

June 24, 2022

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops issued the following statement on the decision by the Supreme Court of the United States regarding Dobbs v Jackson: We celebrate with grateful hearts the historic decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn Roe v. Wade. The state of Texas will again have the ability to protect and defend children in the womb at all stages. We are grateful the Texas Legislature and Governor Greg Abbott have already passed a law prohibiting elective abortion, which will become effective 30 days after the final ruling is issued. We pledge to redouble our efforts to work with Texas legislators and all others of good will to reinforce current support systems for pregnant mothers with insufficient support, their families, and children in need of adoption or foster care. This decision ends a very dark chapter in American history, and is the fruit of the prayers, sacrifices, and advocacy of countless Americans from every walk of life. We share their joy and are grateful to them. This decision begins a new chapter of light in American history with the end of legal elective abortion in Texas. It requires that we become intentionally more aware of the needs of pregnant mothers and fathers of the unborn in our own parishes and communities by listening to them, seeking understanding, and helping them obtain the necessities of life for themselves and their children. May we continue to lovingly support mothers and fathers in welcoming and caring for God’s gift of life. There are several initiatives in which volunteers can participate and through which mothers and fathers can seek support. These include Walking with Moms in Need, the Texas Pregnancy Care Network, Catholic Charities, diocesan pro-life…

Texas bishops thankful Melissa Lucio’s execution is stayed

April 25, 2022

AUSTIN – The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops thank and commend the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for intervening at this late hour to spare the life of Melissa Lucio, a mother of 14 and a grandmother, who was scheduled for execution on April 27. Their full statement follows: Since her imprisonment 14 years ago for the death of her daughter Mariah, Melissa Lucio has become a new person in Christ. Her conversion is a profound witness to the power of God’s love and mercy. We are grateful she has the opportunity to continue her personal conversion and to heal relationships with her children and grandchildren, relationships that have been strained by her imprisonment and the circumstances of her life. Melissa’s case highlights the serious flaws in our justice system that allowed her to be condemned to death on the basis of a dubious conviction. We continue to pray for Melissa Lucio, her family, her community, and all who have been affected by the devastating loss of Mariah. May Melissa’s story be a catalyst for our civic leaders to consider more deeply the need for reform of our laws and practices regarding criminal justice.

Texas bishops appeal to district attorney, state board and governor to spare the life of death row inmate Melissa Lucio

March 22, 2022

Bishops seek a withdrawal of execution date, stay of execution and clemency AUSTIN – The 21 Catholic bishops in active ministry in Texas have written Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and Gov. Greg Abbott to spare the life of Melissa Lucio, a mother of 14 and a grandmother, who is sentenced to die April 27. The bishops join a broad coalition, including the Innocence Project, domestic violence and battered women’s organizations, former prosecutors, bipartisan legislators and others, who call for a stay of execution to conduct a meaningful review of her case. The letter, signed by every bishop and auxiliary bishop in Texas, can be found here.