Articles by Adelaide Mena
Bishops say concerns remain over final contraception mandate
Jul 8, 2013 / 17:13 pmAfter an initial analysis of the finalized HHS mandate, the U.S. bishops are warning that despite changes, the regulation still threatens the Church’s ability “to carry out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ.”
Panelists predict widespread impact of marriage rulings
Jul 3, 2013 / 16:13 pmAlthough the Supreme Court’s recent rulings on marriage were narrowly constructed, legal experts said, they will likely have far-reaching consequences for society.
Faith groups unite to stress need for HHS mandate exemptions
Jul 2, 2013 / 16:18 pmMore than 100 religious leaders from various faith backgrounds are asking the U.S. government to respect the beliefs of those who oppose the demands of the controversial HHS mandate.
Hobby Lobby gets temporary reprieve from mandate fines
Jul 1, 2013 / 16:57 pmA district court has ruled that the national craft chain Hobby Lobby may move forward with its lawsuit against the federal contraception mandate without being penalized for violating the regulation.
Religious freedom groups worried over final HHS mandate
Jun 28, 2013 / 16:31 pmDespite assurances from the Obama administration that the finalized version of the contraception mandate accounts for freedom of conscience, some religious liberty advocates are still concerned.
US bishops: court ruling cannot change essence of marriage
Jun 27, 2013 / 23:08 pmIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s rulings on DOMA and Proposition 8, the bishops of the U.S. are calling on the faithful to work to strengthen marriage and witness to its true meaning.
Marriage ruling raises questions of religious freedom
Jun 27, 2013 / 16:03 pmAfter the Supreme Court narrowly ruled that the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, religious leaders are highlighting the need to respect religious liberty in the United States.
'Gay marriage' is not inevitable, analysts say
Jun 26, 2013 / 16:50 pmDespite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on “gay marriage,” experts in law and sociology said they do not believe the national discussion on the matter is over.
Bishop urges US to respect rights of Guantanamo detainees
Jun 25, 2013 / 23:03 pmThe U.S. bishops’ international justice head told the U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel that detainees held on terrorism charges at Guantanamo Bay deserve a just trial and should not be held indefinitely.
Threat to one faith endangers freedom for all, warn leaders
Jun 25, 2013 / 16:44 pmNoting significant threats to religious liberty in modern U.S. society, speakers at a recent national conference stressed that all faiths are threatened by restrictions on the freedom of believers.
Catholics, Baptists come together over conscience rights bill
Jun 24, 2013 / 23:05 pmCatholic and Baptist leaders are collaborating to ask national legislators to support a bill that would offer conscience protections to healthcare workers across the country.
Religious freedom erosion threatens all rights, panel says
Jun 24, 2013 / 16:28 pmFederal lawmakers, archdiocesan representatives and leaders of companies and non-profit organizations came together at a Philadelphia forum to publicly support religious liberty from governmental threats.
Religion plays irreplaceable role in society, Archbishop Lori says
Jun 22, 2013 / 09:06 amOpening the 2013 Fortnight for Freedom, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore emphasized the unique contribution that religion brings to society, warning that it must be protected and allowed to flourish.
Diverse faith leaders unite over religious freedom concerns
Jun 22, 2013 / 05:01 amReligious leaders from a variety of faith backgrounds are speaking out against the declining role of religion in society, as well as threats to religious freedom for all faith groups.
Vatican rep at UN stresses family's role in development
Jun 21, 2013 / 16:00 pmFamily, education and work are central to economic development, the Vatican's representative to the United Nations told an assembly preparing sustainable development goals.
Bishops push State Department to help end Syrian civil war
Jun 20, 2013 / 16:00 pmTwo bishops have written to Secretary of State John Kerry urging that the United States work to end the Syrian civil war and promote humanitarian assistance to the country.
Activist's departure from NYU draws fear of Chinese pressure
Jun 19, 2013 / 16:22 pmAmid reports that blind pro-life activist Chen Guangcheng is being asked to leave New York University, some human rights defenders are worried that the decision was influenced by the Chinese government.
Obama threatens veto as fetal pain bill passes House
Jun 18, 2013 / 16:22 pmDespite passing the U.S. House of Representatives, a bill to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy faces an uncertain future as the Obama administration has suggested that he will veto it.
Bipartisan warning issued over religious freedom threats in health care
Jun 14, 2013 / 16:15 pmMembers of the U.S. House's Congressional Values Action Team gathered at a special order to voice their concerns over threats to religious freedom posed by the recent health care overhaul.
Worldwide protests push for human, religious rights in Iran
Jun 14, 2013 / 13:34 pmGrassroots activists gathered at the Iranian Embassies across the world on June 13 to protest human rights violations in Iran, particularly the imprisonment of American citizen, Pastor Saeed Abedini.