The Supreme Court refused to get involved in the national debate over same-sex marriage on Oct. 6, leaving intact lower court rulings that will legalize the practice in 11 additional states. The unexpected decision by the justices, announced without further explanation, immediately affects five stat

The California Catholic Conference has filed a federal civil rights complaint protesting a state ruling mandating the inclusion of voluntary direct abortion -- including gender selection and late-term abortion -- in California health insurance policies."This is a coercive and discriminatory act

The author of a controversial proposal to make it easier for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion says he believes Pope Francis backs the measure but would not apply it without support from bishops at two upcoming synods on the family."I had the impression the pope is o

The "freedom of expression" that characterized preparations for the Synod of Bishops on the family—especially in responses to a Vatican questionnaire—"will also characterize the synod assembly, which certainly will take place in a climate of respect for every position, mut

Faith community looks at money, power and public policy

He was first African-American diocesan priest.