Phoenix, Ariz., Oct 22, 2012 / 13:35 pm
The Diocese of Phoenix clarified over the weekend that a hospital working on certifying its Catholic identity has not been stripped of its Catholic status.
"Contrary to reports in the media, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has not been stripped of its Catholic status," the diocese said in an Oct. 20 statement.
"The hospital is in the process of renewing its status and ensuring its compliance with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. This renewal process was necessary following the corporate reorganization of its parent company in January."
The renewal is needed because Mercy Gilbert's parent company, Catholic Healthcare West, was reorganized as a secular company under the name Dignity Health on Jan. 23.