Articles by Kevin J. Jones
Iraqi Christians worry after car bomb hits third Kirkuk church
Aug 16, 2011 / 04:23 amIn less than two weeks, car bomb attacks have hit three churches in the northern Iraq city of Kirkuk. The city’s archbishop lamented that Christians’ security concerns are not a priority for the government.
New York City’s mandatory sex ed program draws fire
Aug 12, 2011 / 04:00 amThe City of New York’s new requirement that one semester of sex education be taught in all public middle and high schools continues a “failed experiment” and substitutes parents’ beliefs and values with those of the schools, Catholic leaders said.
Maryknoll order to dismiss priest who advocates women’s ordination
Aug 9, 2011 / 22:57 pmThe Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers have notified Father Roy Bourgeois he will be dismissed from their order unless he renounces his “defiant stance” against Catholic teaching on the ordination of women.
Priest makes bobblehead doll of Pennsylvania's Bishop Trautman
Aug 5, 2011 / 03:42 amBishop Donald W. Trautman of Erie, Pa., and every one of his priests, now has a bobblehead doll in his likeness thanks to one priest who wanted to show appreciation for his service.
Catholic scholars blast ‘aggressive’ US contraceptive mandate
Aug 2, 2011 / 17:55 pmA new federal requirement that employers’ health care plans must cover contraceptives is an “aggressive” approach that could hinder or shut down Catholic institutions because of inadequate and “impossibly narrow” religious exemptions, several Catholic commentators have said.
Archbishop Gomez: immigration helps recover Christian origins of America
Aug 2, 2011 / 03:33 amImmigration is an opportunity and a key to American renewal because it helps bring to light the Christian, Catholic missionaries’ “heritage of holiness and service,” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles told a gathering of Catholic leaders and laity.
Contraception mandate won't let most religious groups opt out
Aug 1, 2011 / 14:58 pmThe Obama administration has announced a requirement that all new insurance plans must cover contraceptives and sterilization. However, the religious exemptions are so narrow that they could force Catholic charities, health care providers and educational institutions to cover services they regard as sinful, Catholic leaders warned.
World Trade Center cross still consoles victims, priest says
Jul 29, 2011 / 08:55 amThe World Trade Center cross is still a “sign of comfort” to many people, says the Franciscan priest who describes himself as its “unofficial guardian.”
Release Fr. Ly immediately, US religious freedom commission urges Vietnam
Jul 29, 2011 / 04:03 amThe United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has condemned the Vietnamese government’s latest arrest of religious freedom advocate Fr. Nguyen Van Ly.
Pope remembers Cardinal Noe’s diligent work
Jul 26, 2011 / 10:59 amCardinal Virgilio Noe, archpriest emeritus of the Vatican Basilica, former vicar general for Vatican City, and president of the Fabric of St. Peter, died on July 24 at the age of 89.
World Youth Day organizers say Michael Voris catechesis not approved
Jul 26, 2011 / 07:47 amWorld Youth Day organizers said July 25 that the independent catechesis sessions offered by U.S.-based media producer Michael Voris during World Youth Day 2011 are not approved by the event. Voris responded with puzzlement that the announcement was made.
After abuse report, Vatican recalls nuncio to Ireland for consultation
Jul 25, 2011 / 15:46 pmThe Vatican has recalled its apostolic nuncio in Ireland to Rome for consultations after the release of the Cloyne Report on priests’ abuse of minors in the Diocese of Cloyne. The recall is a sign of the Holy See’s seriousness in addressing the issue, a Vatican spokesman said.
World Youth Day Madrid to counter secularized culture
Jul 22, 2011 / 00:08 amIn August Pope Benedict XVI will visit a Spain that faces aggressive secularism and controversies concerning abortion, sexual ethics and marriage. But World Youth Day organizers hope the event can trigger a revival of faith.
Step forward to defend DOMA from repeal, bishops' official urges
Jul 21, 2011 / 04:07 amFollowing President Barack Obama’s backing of a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), an official with the U.S. Catholic bishops’ conference says Catholics and others cannot take the legislation for granted but should be prepared to defend it.
Bishops oppose mandatory contraception and sterilization coverage
Jul 20, 2011 / 15:15 pmThe U.S. bishops “strongly oppose” a proposal to mandate coverage of surgical sterilization and all FDA-approved birth control in private health insurance plans nationwide. The mandate would undermine the good of women and children and the consciences of heath care providers, one leading bishop said.
Vatican strips media group of 'Catholic' label
Jul 20, 2011 / 04:01 amA Catholic media organization has lost its Vatican recognition because of its leaders’ “unacceptable lack of transparency and clarity.”
California LGBT curriculum is ‘indoctrination,’ critic says
Jul 16, 2011 / 05:39 amThe California governor has signed into law a bill that will not simply require a “gay history” curriculum. It requires a form of “indoctrination” that will label Christianity as being intolerant and bigoted, one critic says.
Sisters of Mercy financial group supports Call to Action
Jul 14, 2011 / 23:04 pmThe financial management system of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas supports a Catholic dissenting group and links to a California association of clinics which refers to abortion providers.
Ohio bishop endorses anti-cancer alternatives to Komen Foundation fundraising
Jul 13, 2011 / 04:08 am“Misgivings” about the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s association with Planned Parenthood and its “openness” to embryonic stem cell research were behind the Ohio Catholic bishops’ decision to direct fundraising efforts elsewhere, the Diocese of Toledo said.
Bishop Aquila urges sacrament of confirmation before First Eucharist
Jul 9, 2011 / 04:58 amBishop Samuel J. Aquila of Fargo in a recent lecture examined the sacrament of confirmation and explained his reasons for believing children should receive it before First Eucharist.