Articles by Michelle La Rosa
Havana holy sites attract pilgrims prior to papal visit
Mar 26, 2012 / 16:04 pmIn the days leading up to Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to Cuba, pilgrims to the country are gaining glimpses into the Church’s joys and sufferings through visits to holy sites in the capital city of Havana.
Pope calls for shift in Cuban 'cultural and moral direction'
Mar 26, 2012 / 14:32 pmShortly after arriving in Cuba, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the nation to embrace moral values that will contribute to building “a better future.”
Contraception mandate violates federal law, say legal experts
Mar 24, 2012 / 05:05 amLegal experts believe that the Obama administration’s contraception mandate fails to meet requirements needed to limit freedom of religion under federal law.
Americans speak up for religious freedom at nationwide rallies
Mar 23, 2012 / 17:04 pmMen and women of all ages raised their voices in support of religious liberty in the nation’s capital on March 23, speaking out against the federal contraception mandate and joining with those who participated in the Rally for Religious Freedom in locations across the country.
Religious liberty group calls new mandate proposals inadequate
Mar 22, 2012 / 11:48 amA legal group that works to defend religious freedom says new government recommendations on implementing the federal contraception mandate fail to address religious groups' concerns.
Rule applying mandate to student health plans draws criticism
Mar 21, 2012 / 09:30 amRepresentatives of Catholic colleges voiced disappointment in a new federal rule finalizing the requirement to include student health plans in a controversial new contraception mandate.
Abortion funding still required under health care law
Mar 21, 2012 / 03:06 amA federal regulation requiring Americans to fund elective abortions under the health care reform law has yet to change and continues to spark outrage from pro-life advocates across the country.
US bishops launch prayer campaign for religious freedom
Mar 19, 2012 / 17:09 pmThe U.S. bishops have launched a nationwide prayer campaign to defend religious liberty against recent threats such as the federal contraception mandate.
HHS announces comment period on mandate accommodation
Mar 16, 2012 / 16:52 pmAfter repeatedly stating that it will not back down on its controversial contraception mandate, the Obama administration has announced a 90-day comment period on possible ways to implement its Feb. 10 accommodation.
Under international pressure, Iran shifts charges against Christian pastor
Mar 16, 2012 / 01:17 amIran has acknowledged to the international community that an imprisoned Christian pastor has been charged with faith-related crimes rather than rape and extortion, as the regime had previously claimed.
First secular business files lawsuit over HHS mandate
Mar 15, 2012 / 15:36 pmA Missouri business owner has become the first employer of a for-profit, secular company to bring a lawsuit challenging the Obama administration’s contraception mandate.
Cardinal Wuerl stresses right to public faith in new book
Mar 15, 2012 / 10:55 amFor Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C., the Church’s ongoing battle for religious freedom in America highlights the need for Catholics to bring their faith into the public square.
Bishops say mandate fight is about government defining religion
Mar 14, 2012 / 16:20 pmThe U.S. bishops are emphasizing that their opposition to the Obama administration’s contraception mandate is not about birth control or health care, but about the government’s attempt to impose its narrow definition of religion on the country.
Analyst sees religious tension as root of Nigerian conflict
Mar 14, 2012 / 01:09 amA U.S. advocate for international religious freedom says an attack on a Catholic church in Nigeria shows how religious tension should be acknowledged as the cause of recent violence in the country.
Women's support for Obama drops in wake of HHS mandate
Mar 13, 2012 / 16:19 pmA recent poll shows that President Barack Obama's approval ratings dropped 12 percentage points among women voters, despite claims that a federal contraception mandate would help his bid for re-election.
Priest at center of Communion denial placed on leave
Mar 12, 2012 / 17:03 pmA Maryland priest who recently denied Communion to a woman because of her lesbian relationship has been “placed on administrative leave with his priestly faculties removed” amid investigations of “intimidating behavior.”
Lesbian woman denied Communion identifies as Buddhist
Mar 11, 2012 / 15:08 pmInformation published online by a Maryland woman who was recently denied Communion because of her lesbian relationship suggests that she is actually a Buddhist and an active “gay rights” supporter.
Catholic woman would rather risk life than follow HHS mandate
Mar 10, 2012 / 06:10 amA missionary serving at a Nebraska college says she is willing to risk her finances, her health and even her life to avoid violating her conscience by adhering to the Obama administration’s contraception mandate.
Catholic leaders call for farming policies that help poor
Mar 8, 2012 / 02:12 amLeaders of multiple Catholic organizations are asking a U.S. Senate committee to develop legislation that serves the needs of the poor and hungry, helps vulnerable farming communities and encourages sustainable stewardship of natural resources.
Bishops urge diplomacy with Iran versus military action
Mar 7, 2012 / 00:00 amThe U.S. bishops are calling for diplomatic efforts rather than military action in addressing concerns over the possible development of nuclear weapons in Iran.