Bishops’ statement
Texas bishops call for just and humane approach to migration
The bishops of Texas will continue to work with governmental officials and other people of good will to implement policies that recognize the dignity of every person, prioritize family unity, and address the root causes of forced migration, while respecting the right and responsibility of our country to secure its borders, regulate immigration in an orderly process, maintain the rule of law, and keep its communities safe and peaceful.
Read MoreTexas Roman Catholic Bishops’ guidelines for the use of sacramental wine in correctional institutions in Texas
Valid celebration of the Eucharist (Mass) requires the use of a small amount of wine. It need only be consumed by the priest. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops issued guidelines regarding the use of wine inside correctional institutions. Texas Roman Catholic Bishops’ guidelines for the use of sacramental wine in correctional institutions in Texas…
Read MoreTexas bishops express gratitude for response to tragedy of Panhandle wildfires
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…
Read More‘Great tragedy’ in Texas Panhandle calls for response
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…
Read MoreTexas bishops express support of “people of faith” serving on the border
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…
Read MoreBishops celebrate court’s affirmation of EMTALA protection of unborn
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…
Read MoreResponse to migration legislation
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…
Read MoreStatement on Texas Supreme Court’s Cox ruling
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…
Read MoreBishops address border tragedies
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…
Read MoreTexas bishops grateful for overturn of Roe v Wade
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…
Read MoreTexas bishops thankful Melissa Lucio’s execution is stayed
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…
Read MoreTexas bishops appeal to district attorney, state board and governor to spare the life of death row inmate Melissa Lucio
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…
Read MoreTexas bishops offer solidarity to Ukraine
AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops issued the following statement regarding the war on Ukraine: “We reaffirm the words of Pope Francis, who has been unceasing in his appeal to stop the war on Ukraine. It is a ‘senseless massacre where every day there is a repetition of slaughter and atrocities. There is…
Read MoreTexas bishops pray for those affected by wildfires
AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops expressed gratitude for all who are responding to wildfires in the state, and prayers for those affected by the disaster. As of March 20, more than 62,000 acres in the state are ablaze, from Spring to just west of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. The largest fire,…
Read MoreTCCB Statement on George Floyd
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops offers our prayers for George Floyd, his family and friends, and all those affected by his killing and the events that followed in Minnesota. As the US Bishops stated in their recent pastoral letter, “Open Wide Our Hearts,” the injustice and harm racism causes are an attack on the…
Read MoreStatement on Scarce Healthcare Resources
At this time of a highly contagious pandemic, our healthcare providers are performing heroic actions daily in serving our communities. We commend and are grateful for their efforts and ask the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions and provide them and their patients with wisdom, fortitude, and prudence. We also commend and are grateful for…
Read MoreAn Annunciation Message of Hope
Espanol On Wednesday, 25 March, the feast of the Annunciation, the bishops of Texas join Pope Francis, who has invited “the Heads of the Churches and the leaders of every Christian community, together with all Christians of the various confessions, to invoke the Almighty, the omnipotent God, to recite at the same time the prayer that Jesus,…
Read MoreUn mensaje de esperanza en la Anunciación
English En esta fiesta de la Anunciación del Señor, los obispos católicos de Texas ofrecemos palabras de fe viva y esperanza a nuestra gente en este tiempo extraordinario de ansiedad y enfermedad. Al enfrentar tantas incógnitas, podemos estar seguros de la fidelidad de Dios. La Anunciación del Señor es una fiesta de esperanza en la…
Read MoreTexas Catholic Bishops respond to Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to turn away refugees
Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to turn away refugees from the great state of Texas is deeply discouraging and disheartening. While the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops respects the governor, this decision is simply misguided. It denies people who are fleeing persecution, including religious persecution, from being able to bring their gifts and talents to our…
Read MoreTexas Bishops applaud Supreme Court’s stay of execution
The Catholic bishops of Texas applaud the decision of the US Supreme Court to stay the execution of Patrick Henry Murphy since he did not have access to a spiritual director of his faith. Our country was founded on the rights of each individual to exercise his faith, regardless of whether in prison or in…
Read MoreTexas Catholic dioceses announce plan to release names of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors
Lists of clergy will include years 1950 to 2018 AUSTIN – The 15 Catholic dioceses in Texas and the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter made the decision on Sept. 30 to release names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor, going back at least to 1950. The statement…
Read MoreCardinal DiNardo leads delegation to border, holds press conference
WASHINGTON—On Monday, July 2, a delegation of bishops led by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, plan to meet with U.S. government officials and members of the Catholic community as part of a full day of visits with a focus on family unity. Immediately following the engagements, the bishops…
Read MoreBishops express gratitude for clemency for Thomas Whitaker
Governor’s decision to stop execution an example of restorative justice. AUSTIN – The Catholic bishops of Texas expressed gratitude for the decision of Governor Greg Abbott to grant clemency to Thomas Whitaker. Their full statement follows: “We offer prayers of thanksgiving that Thomas Whitaker was granted clemency and mercy has been shown. We are grateful…
Read MoreBishop James Tamayo comments on release of Rosa Maria Hernandez
“It is my prayer that people who find themselves in similar situations like the Hernandez family receive the charitable support necessitated by our nation’s current immigration policies,” Bishop Tamayo wrote. MORE
Read MoreArchbishop Garcia-Siller reacts to shooting at Baptist church in Sutherland Springs
“These Baptist brethren are our family, friends and neighbors who live among us in the archdiocese; just minutes away from our Wilson County parishes of Sacred Heart in Floresville, St. Ann in La Vernia, and St. Mary in Stockdale. We are committed to work in unity with all our brothers and sisters to build peace…
Read MoreAdvancing a Culture of Life
Recently, several single-issue groups in our country have made an effort to advance their political agenda by establishing coalitions with each other. One such example is Indivisible, the founder of which explains his goal as follows: “You might be an abortion rights advocate, an immigrant rights advocate, a racial justice advocate, but if you wait…
Read MoreBishops question detention of child with cerebral palsy
Enforcement of immigration laws should be humane, target criminals, not patients seeking surgery AUSTIN – The case of an undocumented 10-year-old who was stopped by federal agents on her way to emergency surgery highlights the need for clarification of local and federal law enforcement agents’ responsibilities in securing the United States’ borders. Rosa Maria Hernandez,…
Read MoreBishop Tamayo of Laredo statement regarding Rosa Maria Hernandez, immigrant child with cerebral palsy
“The local Catholic Church, through Catholic Charities-Diocese of Laredo, stands ready to assist Rosa Maria and the Hernandez family with immigration support,” said Bishop James Tamayo of the Laredo Diocese. MORE
Read MoreBishop Daniel E. Flores issues statement on Jane Doe
Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville offers prayers and practical support for Jane Doe, the unaccompanied minor who is pregnant and under federal custody in Brownsville. MORE
Read MoreBishops denounce ending DACA and urge lasting reform
Under DACA, more than 110,000 young people contribute to Texas society and well-being AUSTIN –The Texas Catholic bishops have issued the following statement in response to the decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). We say, first, to DACA youth: regardless of your immigration status, you are a child of God. You…
Read MoreCall for solidarity with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) president, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has called for prayers and solidarity with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Cardinal DiNardo also called on all people of good will to closely monitor future calls for assistance for victims and survivors in the days ahead. MORE
Read MoreTexas bishops disappointed by Texas attorney general’s request to terminate DACA
DACA termination would punish young adults brought to the U.S. as children AUSTIN — The Catholic bishops of Texas expressed disappointment in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s movement to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, forcing 117,000 young people to be deported from the United States. “These individuals contribute to the economy,…
Read MoreBishop Daniel Garcia statement on pro-life legislation
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is pleased to support this package of pro-life bills that provides incremental progress to reduce abortion in Texas. In 2015, more than 55,000 unborn children were killed by abortion in our state. Each one of them was made in God’s image. Each one of them was a precious child…
Read MoreUS Catholic bishops affirm issues around gender identity are best resolved locally
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued two statements regarding the federal government’s guidance on requiring schools to treat “a student’s gender identity as the student’s sex.” Recognizing the complexity of this discussion, the bishops recommend that decisions be made on the local level, in accord with President Trump’s withdrawal of earlier guidance by the…
Read MoreCapital Punishment: The death penalty does not fulfill justice
Each year during October the Church observes Respect Life Month. During this time, we pray and reflect on the precious gift of life and recommit ourselves to working toward a culture that truly welcomes and protects human life in our society, from conception to natural death. Catholic teaching on abortion and euthanasia is very clear,…
Read MoreBishops call for abolition of death penalty
AUSTIN — The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops has released astatementcalling for the abolition of the death penalty, denouncing its effects not only on victims and others immediately affected, but also on society. ——— versions of the statement suitable for bulletin inserts ——— “Capital punishment vitiates our hearts’ capacity for mercy and love,” the bishops…
Read MoreBishop Mulvey to Duval Co. commissioners: let the people talk
On Monday, the Duval County Commissioners voted to begin contract negotiations with Serco, an Australian for-profit contractor, in order to submit to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a proposal for a family detention facility in San Diego. Monday’s hearing did not follow the proper hearing disclosure procedures. Duval County Judge Ricardo Carrillo said the hearing…
Read MorePope Calls For Change Of Attitude Towards Migrants, Refugees
By Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, Archdiocese of San Antonio The cry to end the imprisonment of refugee children and their young mothers in detention centers is written on the heart and soul of the Catholic Church and the Gospel. “Whatever you did for these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” I ask you, my sisters…
Read MoreTCC Statement On Federal And State Investigations Of Planned Parenthood
Texas’ Catholic Bishops have expressed deep concern and moral disgust at recent videos showing executives of Planned Parenthood Inc. casually negotiating the sale of infant body parts that have been harvested from abortions. The two undercover videos by the Center for Medical Progress has awakened national attention to the atrocity of dismembering infants and then…
Read MoreBishops’ Chairmen Renew Push To End Death Penalty
WASHINGTON—The bishops chairing two committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) renewed the bishops’ opposition to the death penalty in a message, July 16. The message commemorated the 10th anniversary of the bishops’ Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty and their accompanying message,“A Culture of Life and the Penalty…
Read MoreArchbishop’s Statement on San Antonio Missions UNESCO Designation
By Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, Archdiocese of San Antonio I join with our civic leaders and Catholics across the archdiocese in celebrating the inclusion of the San Antonio Missions as a United Nations World Heritage site. It is a wonderful recognition of the cultural and historical treasures they are, not only to the city, but to…
Read MoreTCC Statement On SCOTUS Ruling On Abortion Center Medical Standards
The Texas Catholic Conference expressed disappointment at the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to suspend enforcement of one of the country’s most effective measures for protecting women’s health and safety against a predatory abortion industry. The Texas law (part of 2013’s landmark HB 2) required abortion clinics meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers…
Read MoreStatement by Texas Catholic Conference on Supreme Court ‘Same-Sex Marriage’ Ruling
The Texas Catholic Bishops expressed disappointment and dismay at a sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that “same-sex marriage” is somehow equal to the sacred, traditional bond between a man and a woman in marriage. We believe that the sexual difference between male and female is essential for marriage, because only man and woman can…
Read MoreReligious Freedom Vital To Our 21st Century World
By Most Rev. Michael J. Sis, Bishop of San Angelo Religious freedom is necessary for the health of a democratic society. However, it is being increasingly threatened around the world today, including in our own beloved country. The Fortnight for Freedom is being observed by Catholics in the U.S. from June 21 through July 4,…
Read MoreTexas Bishops Encourage Witnesses During Annual Fortnight For Freedom
For the third consecutive year, the bishops of Texas are joining their counterparts across the United States for the "Fortnight for Freedom". This 14-day period of prayer, penance, education, and action in defense of religious freedom opened on Sunday, June 21, 2015, and runs through the Fourth of July. The theme of this year’s observation…
Read MoreStatement By Texas Catholic Conference On HHS Mandate Ruling
The Texas Catholic Conference today expressed disappointment at the U.S. Fifth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals’ ruling Monday that would force religious institutions to violate their faith. Several Texas dioceses and churches have long objected to provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act that require religious employers to provide health insurance that covers contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortions unless…
Read MorePray for Charleston
ByMost Rev. Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin I, like many of you, was completely shocked by the act of violence in Charleston, S.C., at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Houses of worship should be places of comfort and peace. As people of God we abhor all acts of brutal…
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