Articles by Jonah McKeown
Black Catholic worship is unique — but majority-Black parishes are rare, survey says
Mar 16, 2022 / 16:00 pmA new survey of Black Catholics in the United States sheds light on what makes Black expressions of Catholicism unique, but also highlights the fact that Black Catholics remain a minority in the country as a whole, and in most parishes.
British doctor allowed to continue 'abortion pill reversal' treatment after licensing body investigation
Mar 15, 2022 / 17:00 pmA Catholic doctor will again be allowed to offer a treatment known as “abortion pill reversal,” after a British medical licensing body concluded that the treatment was not dangerous, and dismissed all charges brought against him March 7.
Here's what you need to know about consecration of Russia and Ukraine by Pope Francis
Mar 15, 2022 / 12:06 pmThe Vatican's surprise announcement March 15 that Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary later this month raises a host of questions. To begin with, what does "consecration" mean? We've got answers for you.
What's in Colorado's abortion bill? Here's why pro-lifers are alarmed
Mar 14, 2022 / 17:24 pmColorado lawmakers are debating The Reproductive Health Equity Act, a piece of legislation which would codify Colorado’s place as one of the most permissive states in the U.S. when it comes to abortion.
What do Colorado and Africa have in common? Ask St. Joseph
Mar 14, 2022 / 11:13 amThis week on the podcast, we'll tell you about an unexpected connection that continues to this day.
Pope Francis: In the name of God, 'stop this massacre' in Ukraine
Mar 13, 2022 / 07:19 amPope Francis called for an end to the “harrowing war” in Ukraine on Sunday, condemning Russia's reported attacks on pregnant women and children in the eastern city of Mariupol.
Colorado abortion bill dehumanizes the unborn, public testifies
Mar 10, 2022 / 17:14 pmFollowing a marathon public hearing on a proposal to codify unrestricted abortion into Colorado law, a state committee passed the bill in the early hours of March 10, sending the bill one step closer to a debate in the full House.
Ukrainian, Polish Knights of Columbus marshal resources to help care for refugees
Mar 8, 2022 / 15:23 pmPolish and Ukrainian Knights of Columbus have been working together to provide aid to the millions of refugees fleeing Ukraine amid Russia’s assault on the country, the organization said Tuesday.
EWTN documentary highlights devotees to St Joseph, past and present
Mar 7, 2022 / 16:32 pmA new documentary about St. Joseph, set to air on EWTN this month and available to watch online now for free, focuses on Catholics who have had their spiritual lives enriched through learning about St. Joseph and asking for his prayers.
Florida bishops welcome advancement of 15-week abortion ban
Mar 4, 2022 / 14:00 pmThe Florida senate on Thursday passed HB 5, a bill introduced by State Rep. Erin Grall, which would ban abortions after 15 weeks gestation. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Federal officials condemn Texas' investigations of child transgender therapies
Mar 3, 2022 / 17:00 pmThe Biden administration this week issued condemnations of a Texas policy whereby parents who facilitate gender transition medical treatments for children can be investigated for child abuse.
British education secretary praises Catholic schools for 175 years of service
Mar 2, 2022 / 14:49 pmThe British secretary for education recently praised Catholic schools on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic Education Service, a body of the English and Welsh bishops that supports Catholic schools.
Appeals court: Navy service members requesting religious exemption to COVID vaccine should not be punished
Mar 1, 2022 / 14:48 pmA federal appeals court on Monday ruled to keep a lower court order in place, temporarily preventing the Navy and the Department of Defense from taking adverse action against a group of three dozen service members who object to the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds.
What do abortion laws look like in Latin America? Here's a country-by-country map
Feb 28, 2022 / 15:35 pmAfter Colombia’s Constitutional Court ruled 5-4 last week to decriminalize abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, abortion advocates hailed the ruling as part of a broader trend of abortion legalization among countries in earth’s most predominantly Catholic continent.
How "The Bible in a Year" podcast changed the world
Feb 28, 2022 / 13:04 pm“The Bible in a Year” podcast with Father Mike Schmitz touched hundreds of thousands of lives beginning in 2021. We speak with the creators of the hit podcast, as well as with several people whose lives were forever changed by listening.
Holy Family statue stolen from Texas parish
Feb 22, 2022 / 16:25 pmA statue depicting the Holy Family was stolen from outside a parish in San Antonio, Texas last week, and parishioners are praying for its safe return.
Iran is squeezing Christians and other minorities out of the Middle East, researcher says
Feb 22, 2022 / 11:16 amA researcher with the Philos Project told journalists today that Iran is using incremental strategies to squeeze non-Muslims out of the country and in nearby states such as Iraq and Syria, and that the plight of Christians in the Middle East is “truly misunderstood” by most in the West.
A doctor begged a religious sister for help. Last week, she and her family escaped Afghanistan.
Feb 17, 2022 / 16:00 pmWhen Sister Deirdre "Dede" Byrne picked up the phone in December 2021, a young man on the other end of the line told her something disturbing — and difficult to believe.
Lord Alton commemorates bravery, solidarity of the 21 Coptic Orthodox martyrs
Feb 15, 2022 / 16:00 pmA British human rights campaigner on Tuesday commemorated the seventh anniversary of the martyrdom of 21 men, known as the Coptic martyrs, by the Islamic State.
Indian court bans all religious clothing amid dispute over hijabs
Feb 14, 2022 / 15:25 pmAmid widespread protests over a ban on hijabs in schools, an Indian court has temporarily prohibited all forms of religious dress in schools while it considers a legal challenge to the hijab ban.