US bishops extend mandate of committees on religious liberty, immigration reform
June 15, 2017
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has chosen to extend the life of two committees: an ad hoc committee on religious liberty and a working group on immigration.
The ad hoc committee on religious liberty was formed in 2011 for a 3-year period and then extended for another 3-year term. The motion to make the committee permanent, recommended by its chairman, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, passed by a 132- 53 vote after a lively debate. Archbishop Lori had argued that “religious liberty remains under challenge,” and predicted that the Church will face tougher challenges in coming years.
Bishop Christopher Coyne of Burlington, Vermont, objected to the proposal, saying that the “optics” of an extension were not good, because it might give the impression that religious liberty was a higher priority for the USCCB than immigration. Cardinal Joseph Tobin agreed. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago and Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego questioned the source of funding for the committee’s work. But the motion passed despite the reservations of the liberal prelates.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston, the president of the USCCB, resolved concerns about the bishops’ stance on immigration by announcing that he would extend the mandate of the working group on immigration. That group, chaired by Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, is leading the bishops’ fight for immigration reform.
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Further information:
- Fireworks at U.S. Bishops’ meeting as Francis-appointed Cardinals oppose permanent religious liberty committee (LifeSite News)
- USCCB President Extends Bishops’ Working Group On Immigration (USCCB)
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Posted by: feedback -
Jun. 15, 2017 6:08 PM ET USA
After many years spent in courts by Little Sisters of the Poor and many other Catholic entities fighting for their religious freedom, one would think that our Bishops should unanimously support forming a permanent committee on liberty. The attacks are v. likely to resume in the future with change of the White House administration. It's disappointing to see over 1/4 of the Bishops and two new Cardinals, Cupich and Tobin, opposing the committee.
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Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Jun. 15, 2017 5:44 PM ET USA
Their first priority should be cleaning their own house. 1- Their fellow bishops and the sex abuse scandal. 2- The Campaign for Human Development. 3- Catholic Relief Service. And I am sure there are other rocks that need to be turned over and exposed to the light of day.
