Bishops 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 MoreFEMA allows houses of worship to receive hurricane relief funding
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has changed its Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide to add as eligible “activities of community centers or houses of worship open to the general public, without regard to their secular or religious nature,” effect for any major disaster declared on or after Aug. 23, 2017. Thanks for your prayers…
Read MoreBrownsville Diocese receives its first auxiliary bishop
Pope Francis has named Oratorian Father Mario Alberto Avilés, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Hidalgo, as auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Brownsville, a first for the diocese of about one million Catholics. MORE
Read MoreTexas bishops express sorrow for victims of Sutherland Springs shooting
AUSTIN — The Catholic bishops of Texas express their deep sadness for the loss of life at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday. Their full statement follows: Our hearts ache for those suffering from the terrible loss of life at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on Nov. 5. We open our…
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 MoreBishops reiterate opposition to legislation targeting “sanctuary cities”
Courts encouraged to overturn unconstitutional law, SB4 AUSTIN — As major cities and smaller communities throughout Texas join together in a lawsuit in federal court to oppose state legislation targeting “sanctuary cities,” the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops reiterates its opposition to Senate Bill 4, the law which threatens to drive a wedge between law…
Read MoreLos obispos reiteran su oposición a la legislación dirigida a las “ciudades santuario”
Se anima a los tribunales a revocar la inconstitucional ley SB4 AUSTIN — Mientras las principales ciudades y comunidades más pequeñas de Texas se unen en una demanda en una corte federal para oponerse a la legislación estatal dirigida a las “ciudades santuario”, la Conferencia Católica de Obispos de Texas reitera su oposición al Proyecto…
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 MoreLos obispos cuestionan la detención de una niña con parálisis cerebral
La aplicación de las leyes de inmigración debe ser compasiva, enfocarse en los delincuentes, no en pacientes que esperan cirugía AUSTIN – El caso de una niña de 10 años, indocumentada, que fue detenida por agentes federales en su camino a una cirugía de emergencia, resalta la necesidad de aclarar las responsabilidades respecto de la…
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