Bishop statement
Bishops 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 MoreBishop Vásquez: SB 4 Opposition Testimony
My name is Bishop Joe Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin. I am testifying today on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. We are opposed to Senate Bill 4. The Catholic Church has a long history of involvement in the immigration issue. Our experience in working with immigrants throughout the years compels us…
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 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…
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