This is an index of all files in the EWTN "Episcopal Documents" Document Library as of 6/14/2007 sorted by library and titleLIBRARY - FILENAME - TITLE AUTHOR DESCIPTION 1. Episcopal Documents - GEOJP2AL.HTM - Ad Limina Address of Cardinal-Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Francis George On 28 May 2004, Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago, addressed the Holy Father on behalf of the Region VII Bishops present for their ad limina visit. The Cardinal expressed his concern about the threat to the Church's mission, coming from courts and legislatures, aided by a biased media, working to erode institutional freedom for the sake of an individualist ethos elevated above the common good. POLITICS RIGHTS CULTURE SEX 2. Episcopal Documents - fin11syndbps.htm - 11th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: Final Message Synod of Bishops The following Message of the Synod of Bishops to the People of God was approved by the Synod Fathers during the 20th General Congregation held Friday, 21 October 2005, at the conclusion of the 11th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. It summarized interventions made by the Bishops on the theme of the Assembly, the Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church. LITURGY SECULARISM RELATIVISM PRIESTS DIVORCED AND REMARRIED HOLY COMMUNION EVANGELIZATION 3. Episcopal Documents - 14worldaysick.htm - 14th World Day of the Sick, 11 February: Adelaide, Australia Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán On 11 February 2006, in Adelaide, Australia, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, President of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care and Papal Envoy to the celebrations for the 14th World Day of the Sick, presided at Holy Mass in the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. In his homily, the Cardinal attributed much mental sickness in the world to "the negation of God and ethical-religious relativism." VALUES GLOBAL ETHICS MENTAL HEALTH DIGNITY FAMILY 4. Episcopal Documents - 3SUNEAST.HTM - 3rd Sunday of Easter, April 25, 2004 - Cathedral of St. Mary Bishop Samuel J. Aquila In view of Catholic politicians claiming to believe one thing while publicly supporting another, Bishop Aquila, of Fargo, North Dakota, presents the Church's teaching on the proper relationship between our faith and professional life. POLITICS MEDIA THEOLOGIANS KERRY ABORTION HELL PRO-CHOICE EVANGELIZATION EUCHARIST HOLY COMMUNION JUDGMENT 5. Episcopal Documents - zouelcan - A Bill That Will Profoundly Divide Canada Cardinal Marc Ouellet Here is the text of a brief on Canadian Bill C-38, the bill redefining marriage, sent by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec, to the members of the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. The brief was sent on 13 July 2005 on behalf of the Canadian bishops' conference. SAME SEX MARRIAGE EQUALITY DISCRIMINATION HOMOSEXUAL HETEROSEXUAL CHILDREN FAMILY NATURAL LAW PARENTING FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE RELIGION COMPLEMENTARITY 6. Episcopal Documents - ACALL.HTM - A Call to Vigilance: Pastoral Instruction on New Age Archbishop Norberto Rivera Carrera After being appointed ordinary of Mexico City, Archbishop Norberto Rivera Carrera issued a pastoral letter Jan. 7, 1996 on the New Age movement. Addressing "pastors...religious, missionaries, spiritual directors and confessors, teachers ant catechetical instructors, and all the lay faithful engaged in apostolates in the archdiocese," the primate of Mexico examines the origins and content of the New Age movement, the reasons for its rapid spread, its incompatibility with the Gospel, and the responsibility of all Catholics to counteract its influence. 7. Episcopal Documents - GRACIDA.HTM - A Dissent From the 'Interim Pastoral Statement on Artificial Nutrition and Hydration' Bishop Gracida issued by the Texas Conference of Catholic Health Facilities and Some of the Bishops of Texas.' Bishop Rene H. Gracida's statement of dissent appeared in the May 25, 1990 edition of the 'Diocesan Press.' GRACIDA NUTRITION HYDRATION DISSENT TEXAS 8. Episcopal Documents - docnoteomurchu.htm - A Doctrinal Note on the Book Reframing Religious Life. An Expanded Vision for the Future Spanish Bishops' Conference, Doctrinal Commission The Doctrinal Commission of the Bishops' Conference of Spain presents this Doctrinal Note in order to bring to public attention the seriously erroneous affirmations found in the book Reframing Religious Life. An Expanded Vision for the Future, by Father Diarmuid O'Murchu, M.S.C. According to Fr. O'Murchu, religious men and women "should leave the Church and take on a non-canonical status." He marginalizes Christian revelation and its ecclesial transmission, abolishes the need for redemption and proposes a non-Christian vision where the "Kingdom" or the "Reign" is a substitute for Jesus Christ and his Church. PANTHEISM PAGANISM REVELATION GNOSIS 9. Episcopal Documents - MYERPARN.HTM - A Fresh, Spiritual Way of Thinking Most Rev. Myers A Pastoral Letter on Chastity by Most Reverend John J. Myers, Bishop of Peoria. Issued to Parents, Pastors, and Other Adults in the Church & Community. See companion letter to Youth below. (MYERYOUT.HTM) Uploaded by Joseph Dockery-Jackson. MYERS CHASTITY PASTORAL LETTER 10. Episcopal Documents - MYERYOUT.HTM - A Fresh, Spiritual Way of Thinking Most Rev. Myers A Pastoral Letter on Chastity by Most Reverend John J. Myers, Bishop of Peoria. Issued to Youth. See companion letter to parents, pastors, and other adults above. (MYERPARN.HTM) Uploaded by Joseph Dockery-Jackson. MYERS CHASTITY PASTORAL LETTER YOUTH 11. Episcopal Documents - GUIDEPEN.HTM - A Guide to the Sacrament of Penance Pennsylvania Catholic Conference of Bishops Pennsylvania's Catholic bishops have released "A Guide to the Sacrament of Penance." The question-and-answer booklet addresses the need for the sacrament, the forgiveness of sins, and how to prepare for the sacrament of penance. Noting that many people have lost an understanding of sin, the guide explains mortal and venial sin, where the Church gets the authority to forgive sins, and the priest's role in forgiveness. The appendix includes an examination of conscience, an act of contrition, and a glossary of terms. CONFESSION RECONCILIATION 12. Episcopal Documents - zedwrdconf.htm - A More Pluralist World Than Edward the Confessor's Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor Here is the text of the homily given by the archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, at Festal Evensong at Westminster Abbey, 7 October 2005. The occasion was the festival of the 1,000th-anniversary commemoration of the birth of the abbey's founder, St. Edward the Confessor. ENGLAND PLURALISM TERRORISM 13. Episcopal Documents - CONSULTA.HTM - A Pastoral Letter on Consultation in the Parish Most Rev. John R. Keating On 17 September 1984, Bishop Keating, of Arlington, Virginia, wrote a Pastoral Letter to his diocese on the function of parish councils, in order to dispel false notions based on secular models, governmental, military, or corporate. "To design a consultative process for the Church on popular conceptions—or misconceptions—of secular backgrounds and models, can often lead to a confusion of roles, misguided agendas, mutual resentment and distrust, or outright dissension." CANON LAW PASTOR FATHER AUTHORITY 14. Episcopal Documents - KEATCOUR.HTM - A Pastoral Letter on Courage John R. Keating August 29, 1996 Bishop Keating, of Arlington, VA, challenges us to stand up for Christ and His Bride, the Church. 15. Episcopal Documents - PASTORAL.HTM - A Pastoral Letter on Morality and Conscience Bishop John Keating Issued September 17, 1994 by Bishop Keating, the bishop of Arlington, VA. KEATING PASTORAL MORALITY CONSCIENCE 16. Episcopal Documents - KEATEUCH.HTM - A Pastoral Letter On Reverence for the Eucharist Most Rev. John R. Keating Issued on December 4, 1988 17. Episcopal Documents - HUMNBODY.HTM - A Theological Reflection on the Human Body Most Reverend John Joseph Myers In his Pastoral Letter for Advent 2002, Archbishop Myers, of Newark, recalls Church teaching on the human body, affirming truths about what it means to be a "bodily person." He emphasizes "the body's goodness and corrects certain false views of human existence." MORALITY PHILOSOPHY PERSON SEXUALITY WOMEN HOMOSEXUALITY ESCHATOLOGY MANICHAEISM FAMILY TECHNOLOGY IN VITRO FERTILIZATION MARRIAGE CONTRACEPTION ABORTION EUTHANIASIA PORNOGRAPHY 18. Episcopal Documents - HONESTY.HTM - A Time for Honesty The Most Reverend John J. Myers In a Pastoral Statement, printed in The Catholic Advocate (5 May 2004), the archdiocesan newspaper, Archbishop John Myers of Newark, wrote, "That some Catholics, who claim to believe what the Church believes, are willing to allow others to continue directly to kill the innocent is a grave scandal." Covered in his Statement were the personal and communal aspects of faith, the correct development of conscience and the nature of dissent, the meaning and purpose of the Eucharist, the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, and the grave injustice of abortion. POLITICIANS COMMUNION CLONING EUTHANASIA 19. Episcopal Documents - ZCLTDTH.HTM - Abortion and the Supreme Court: Advancing the Culture of Death U.S. Bishops' Pro-Life Office This is a statement released 15 November 2000 by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' pro-life office, on abortion and court decisions in the United States. ROE DOE CASEY STENBERG 20. Episcopal Documents - GRKORTH.HTM - Address and Letter to the Holy Father Metropolitan Panteleimon, Archbishop Christodoulos On 11 March 2002, Metropolitan Panteleimon of Attica, Greece, on behalf of a delegation from the Greek Orthodox Church, expressed to the Holy Father a desire for closer collaboration with the Catholic Church. He presented a letter to the Pope on the same theme from Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens. EUROPE DIALOGUE ECUMENICAL 21. Episcopal Documents - APRCRUEL.HTM - April Is the Cruelest Month Archbishop J. Francis Stafford Given on May 12, 1996 Springtime Reflections on Three Decisions Regarding Human Life and Dignity: the veto by President Bill Clinton of a partial-birth abortion ban; the invalidation of a Washington State law against assisted suicide by the U.S. Court of Appeals; and the veto of legislation by Gov. Roy Romer that would have prohibited same-sex marriages in Colorado. 22. Episcopal Documents - ZBUECSAR.HTM - Archbishop Buechlein on the Sex Abuse Report ZENIT Though troubled by the National Review Board's report (2004) on clergy sex abuse, Archbishop Daniel Buechlein hopes the Church will learn from its mistakes and make positive changes. He shared with ZENIT his thoughts on the importance of continuing the Church's "learning curve" on the issue and the factors that may have contributed to the crisis. HOMOSEXUALITY CHILD JOHN JAY STUDY BENNETT REPORT SEMINARIES MOTHER TERESA 23. Episcopal Documents - ZDOLJP2.HTM - Archbishop Dolan on John Paul II's Example ZENIT Every bishop has a threefold calling to teach, govern and sanctify, but few fulfill that office as well as John Paul II. So says Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who shared with ZENIT, in a two-part interview, how the Pope's example and recent writings on the role of a bishop have influenced the American prelate's own service to the Church. HOLINESS SACRAMENTS GOVERNANCE PRAYER DIVINE OFFICE EVANGELIZATION PRESENCE CULTURE 24. Episcopal Documents - LIFEPILG.HTM - Ash Wednesday Emphasizes That Life is a Pilgrimage Cardinal John O'Connor The text of Cardinal O'Connor's remarks and homily at Sunday Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral Feb. 18. 25. Episcopal Documents - ZIRAQWAR.HTM - Bishop Gregory's Statement on War With Iraq ZENIT In a statement of 19 March 2003, on the war of U.S.-led coalition forces against the government of Saddam Hussein, the president of the U.S. bishops' conference, expressed his brother prelates' regrets over the crisis, solidarity with our military, and with the long-suffering people of Iraq, while calling for the conduct of operations according to principles of a just war. UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS HUMANITARIAN COLLATERAL DAMAGE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION 26. Episcopal Documents - ZANICMED.HTM - Bishop Pavo Zanic's Orders Bishop Zanic This file contains the text of a letter from Bishop Zanic to Fr. Tomislav Pervan, of St. James parish in Medjugorje on March 25, 1985, an official document to the media made on July 25, 1987 and a press release dated January 9, 1987. 27. Episcopal Documents - scola11syndbps.htm - Building Eucharistic Amazement Cardinal Angelo Scola In his "report before discussion," Cardinal Scola, Patriarch of Venice, and General Relator of the 11th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops [October 2005], said that the most crucial issue for the Synod to rediscover was the "Eucharistic amazement" that helped to propel the Christian faith worldwide. In his report, the Cardinal recalled the most significant arguments of the instrumentum laboris, or working document, which included the issues the synod would address, relating to the theme "The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church." EVANEGELIZATION YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST REVELATION PASSOVER PASCHAL WORSHIP BISHOP TEMPLE PRIEST MYSTAGOGY SUNDAY VIRI PROBATI CELIBACY ADORATION CONFESSION PENANCE DIVORCED AND REMARRIED COMMUNION MARRIAGE CULTURE INCULTURATION 28. Episcopal Documents - COMGROUN.HTM - Called to be Catholic & A Response by Cardinal Law Cardinal Joseph Bernardin & Cardinal Bernard Law Prepared by the National Pastoral Life Center in consultation with a variety of U.S. Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin of Chicago. The statement, subtitled "Church in a Time of Peril," is the basis for the CATHOLIC COMMON GROUND PROJECT. Also includes Cardinal Law's "Response to 'Called to be Catholic'". 29. Episcopal Documents - LAWABOR.HTM - Cardinal Law's Statement Asking For A Moratorium on Pro-Life Demonstrations Cardinal Bernard Law This statement appeared in 'The Pilot' on January 6, 1995. LAW MORATORIUM DEMONSTRATIONS ABORTION PRO-LIFE VIOLENCE 30. Episcopal Documents - OCONFUNR.HTM - Cardinal O'Connor's Funeral in New York Cardinals Angelo Sodano and Bernard Law A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was held at St Patrick's Cathedral in New York, on 8 May 2000, for the late Cardinal John J. O'Connor, Archbishop of New York, who died on 3 May. Principal celebrant of the solemn liturgy was Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, the Holy Father's personal representative. Joining him was Cardinal Bernard F. Law, Archbishop of Boston, who preached the homily. LIFE CHAPLAIN 31. Episcopal Documents - OCONABOR.HTM - Cardinal O'Connor's Response to Violence at Abortion Clinics Cardinal O'Connor Violence at Abortion Clinics' Cardinal John Patrick's Cathedral in New York. OCONNOR VIOLENCE DEMONSTRATIONS ABORTION PRO-LIFE MORATORIUM 32. Episcopal Documents - SICK.HTM - Care of the Sick and Dying MCC A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of Maryland October 14, 1993 HEALTHCARE LIVING WILLS EUTHANASIA ILLNESS 33. Episcopal Documents - Trani.htm - Cause of Canonization of Luisa Piccarreta EWTN This page directs visitors to documentation provided by the Archbishop of Trani regarding the Cause of the Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta. 34. Episcopal Documents - zpoupindia.htm - Challenge of Witnessing the Faith in Indian Cultures Cardinal Paul Poupard ZENIT provides the text of the keynote address given by Cardinal Poupard, 21 Nov. 2006, in Goa, to a meeting of directors of Catholic Cultural Centers in India. The Cardinal reiterrates our responsibility of proclaiming Christ to all peoples by living Christ-like lives. INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE ST. THOMAS SOCIETY OF PILAR EVANGELIZATION INCULTURATION MISSION MOTHER TERESA 35. Episcopal Documents - SOUTBPS1.HTM - Challenges for the Criminal Justice Process in the South Bishops of the South The first of a series of six pastoral statements by U.S. Bishops of the South on the Criminal Justice process and a gospel response. "Our response to crime in the United States is a moral test for our nation and a challenge for our Church." PRISONS REHABILITATION EDUCATION CAPITAL PUNISHMENT DEATH PENALTY RACISM 36. Episcopal Documents - Christ-the-King.htm - Christ the King Abbey Bishop David E. Foley This statement of the Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama, clarifies the status of Christ the King Abbey located in Cullman County, Alabama, as a schismatic community, not in communion with the Pope and the Bishops of the Catholic Church. BENEDICTINE SCHISM GIARDINI 37. Episcopal Documents - CHRSMARR.HTM - Christian Marriage Bishops of Ireland In a Lenten Pastoral from 1969, the Irish Bishops explain the Catholic doctrine of marriage, as the bedrock on which Pope Paul VI's Encyclical Humanae Vitae is based. LOVE BAPTISM FAMILY CHILDREN CHURCH HUSBAND WIFE VIRGINITY EUCHARIST MARY DIVORCE CONTRACEPTION UNITIVE PROCREATION PRAYER 38. Episcopal Documents - MS122496.HTM - Christmas Statement by Jerusalem Patriarch Archbishop Michel Sabbah This statement appeared in Catholic World News December 24, 1996. 39. Episcopal Documents - ROLDIS.HTM - Church Roles and Church Dissent Archbishop Elden Curtiss Archbishop Curtiss's April 22, 1996 pastoral letter about Catholics who support abortion and euthanasia. 40. Episcopal Documents - IRISHLIF.HTM - Civil Law and the Right to Life IEC Statement by the Irish Episcopal Conference. The bishops have described the Supreme Court Judgement in the X Case as 'unjust' and 'a corruption of law' and they also strongly condemned the Abortion Information Bill, saying the 'services outside the state' were 'services' which directly and deliberately killed human beings. This document appeared in the July 21, 1995 issue of 'The Irish Family'. IRISH BISHOPS IRELAND CIVIL LAW RIGHT TO LIFE ABORTION 41. Episcopal Documents - WHATCRIS.HTM - Crisis in Vocations? What Crisis? Archbishop Elden Curtiss The Archbishop believes that "the vocation "crisis" in this country is more artificial and contrived than many people realize. 42. Episcopal Documents - DEATHISS.HTM - Death & Dying Issues Bishop James McHugh Letter by Bishop James McHugh of the Diocese of Camden, NJ given on March 11,1991. Published by the Castello Institute of Stafford (a division of American Life League.) EUTHANASIA MCHUGH HYDRATION NUTRITION SUICIDE LIVING WILL 43. Episcopal Documents - CAPPUNSH.HTM - Declaration on Execution of Timothy McVeigh Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein The Holy Father has called for an end to capital punishment at a time when society can achieve the goals of criminal punishment without falling back on the death penalty. Archbishop Buechlein cites principles from Cardinal Avery Dulles, in applying the Holy Father's teaching to the McVeigh case. REHABILITATION DETER RETRIBUTION LIFE PERSON 44. Episcopal Documents - GERMKUNG.HTM - Declaration on Hans Küng's Being a Christian German Episcopal Conference In 1978, the German Bishops were obliged to point out various defects in Professor Küng's "little Summa," particularly in his Christology and its implications for the doctrine of salvation. TRADITION MAGISTERIUM HYPOSTATIC UNION SACRIFICE 45. Episcopal Documents - zdisheart.htm - Distance From God Rooted in Heart ZENIT The causes of secularization can be found in the depth of the human heart, says the president of the Pontifical Councils for Culture and Interreligious Dialogue. Cardinal Paul Poupard affirmed this in an interview with ZENIT, while attending an international congress in Budapest from 14-16 Dec 2006, on the theme "Europe in a World of Transformation." TOTALITARIANISM MARXISM SECULARISM SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ISLAM MUSLIMS YOUTH 46. Episcopal Documents - ARMYMARY.HTM - Doctrinal Note/Note Doctrinale Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops The Canadian Conference of Canada Bishops (CCCB) has issued a doctrinal note concerning the Army of Mary, which has also been approved by the Holy See. The doctrinal note indicates “the Army of Mary’s on-going activities and teachings pose dangers for the Catholic Church in Canada and to the faith of its members." PRIVATE REVELATION REINCARNATION La Conférence des évęques catholiques du Canada (CECC) a rendu publique, avec l’approbation du Saint-Sičge, une note doctrinale concernant l’Armée de Marie. La note doctrinale indique que : « Les activités et les enseignements de l’Armée de Marie comportent des dangers réels pour l'Église catholique au Canada et pour la foi de ses membres." RÉVÉLATIONS PRIVÉES RÉINCARNATION 47. Episcopal Documents - ECPATENV.HTM - Ecumenical Patriarch's Address at Venice Patriarch Bartholomew I On 10 June 2002, at the closing ceremony of the Fourth International Environmental Symposium in Venice, His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I gave an address, emphasizing the "need for an ascetic spirit that can be summed up in a single key word: sacrifice. This exactly is the missing dimension in our environmental ethos and ecological action". EUCHARISTIC ASCETIC ASKESIS METANOIA ETHICS KENOSIS 48. Episcopal Documents - UNDRCHIN.HTM - Excerpts from the Underground Bishops' Pastoral Letter Chinese Bishops, Underground Given by the Chinese National Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops, in commemoration of the 700th anniversary of the mission of Blessed John of Monte Corvino, first Archbishop of Beijing, to all priests, religious, and faithful laity of China. This letter appeared in the April 1995 issue of 'The Catholic World Report. CHINA BISHOPS UNDERGROUND 49. Episcopal Documents - GAMBLING.HTM - Expanding Gambling: A Needless Gamble or a Good Idea? Pennsylvania Catholic Conference Public discussion of the prospect of riverboat gambling in Pennsylvania prompted the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference to review the moral and social issues related to the topic of gambling and to offer this statement (1995) as a guide to future deliberations on this issue. ORGANIZED CRIME ADDICTION LAW ENFORCEMENT MONEY GAMES OF CHANCE CHEATING TAXES REVENUE 50. Episcopal Documents - LIFLOV.HTM - God's Gift of Life and Love Archbishop Leonard Faulkner A Pastoral Letter to Catholics on Family Planning by the Chairman of the Bishop's Committee for the Family and for Life of Australia. 51. Episcopal Documents - HOSPSEX.HTM - Guidelines for Catholic Hospitals Treating Victims of Sexual Assault Pennsylvania Catholic Conference Moral principles guiding Catholic healthcare policies, including care for the victim and respect for human life. Appropriate means may be taken to prevent conception, but not to end it. RAPE ABORTIFACIENT ABORTION PREGNANCY ANTIOVULANT 52. Episcopal Documents - SEXEDU.HTM - Guidelines for Education in Human Sexuality in Schools Pennsylvania Catholic Conference According to this Statement of the Pennsylvania Bishops from 1990, "A proper understanding of human sexuality will focus on the dignity of the person, marriage and the family." It is the responsibility of parents to see that school based programs do not undermine that understanding. SECULARISM MATERIALISM SENSUALISM AIDS 53. Episcopal Documents - MCHUGHAB.HTM - Guidelines: Pro-Life Activity at Abortion Clinics Bishop McHugh Issued by Bishop James McHugh of Camden, N.J. on January 4, 1995. MCHUGH VIOLENCE DEMONSTRATIONS ABORTION PRO-LIFE 54. Episcopal Documents - LIFELOV.HTM - He Has Defended Life and Love Bishop John Wright This defense of Pope Paul VI, and his Encyclical Humanae Vitae, was written in 1968 by the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, when he was still the Bishop of Pittsburgh. He notes the unfairness of the attacks on Pope Paul, as if the Holy Father could teach other than he did. The Pope is not a theological referee between majority and minority opinions, but "the supreme teacher, under God, of the flock committed to him in Peter by Christ." CONTRACEPTION PAPACY 55. Episcopal Documents - HELTHCAR.HTM - Health Care of the Poor Pennsylvania Catholic Conference From 1989, a program proposed by the Pennsylvania Bishops to provide health care to the uninsured and underinsured, with the collaboration of government, business sector, and health care facilities. CATHOLIC CHARITIES MEDICAID ELDERLY PHYSICIANS HEALING 56. Episcopal Documents - trujill25ewtn.htm - Homily, EWTN 25th Anniversary Celebration, Birmingham Alfonso Cardinal López Trujillo Cardinal Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, presided at the Mass, in Birmingham, Alabama, 14 August 2006, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the founding of EWTN by Mother Angelica. In his homily, the Cardinal revealed the secret of Mother's success. It is confidence in the Lord, relying on Christ, the Bread of Life. EUCHARIST MEDIA MARRIAGE CULTURE TELEVISION 57. Episcopal Documents - DUCKFOX.HTM - How to Tell a Duck From a Fox Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. In his weekly column (14 April 2004) for the Denver Catholic Register, Archbishop Chaput warns Catholic voters that not all politicians claiming to be Catholic, act like Catholics in office, particularly in legislating against human life. ABORTION PLURALISM TOLERANCE PRO-CHOICE POLITICS 58. Episcopal Documents - USBPSHV.HTM - Human Life in Our Day The American Hierarchy In a collective pastoral letter, issued 15 November 1968, the American Bishops call on the Christian family to witness to the primacy of life by upholding "Humanae Vitae" (Pope Paul VI) in the face of contrary cultural forces. In particular, the unitive meaning of the marital relationship can not be divorced from its procreative meaning. Appeals to conscience are invalid where papal authority is ignored. CONTRACEPTION RHYTHM CHASTITY SEXUALITY DISSENT 59. Episcopal Documents - HLYCHRCH.HTM - I Believe in the Holy Church Cardinal Leo Suenens In a Pastoral Letter from 1978, Cardinal Suenens examined the nature of the Church in light of Vatican II, addressing problems that arose from an incomplete reading of the Council's Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium. ECCLESIOLOGY SCRIPTURE TRADITION SACRAMENTS HOLY SPIRIT HOLINESS 60. Episcopal Documents - MCCWRLD.HTM - If the World Loves You Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick In a statement dated 13 May 2004, Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington DC, demonstrates the impropriety of "pro-choice" Catholic politicians receiving Holy Communion, while placing the responsibility on them not to approach the Sacrament. POLITICS EUCHARIST MASS ABORTION 61. Episcopal Documents - DARMJESU.HTM - In Jesus Christ Everything in the Universe Reaches Fulfilment Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja, S.J. This pastoral letter written by Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darnmatmadja, S.J., Archbishop of Jakarta, Indonesia, concerns preparation for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. The letter was read at all the Sunday Masses in the Archdiocese on the weekend of 28-29 June 1997. JESUS CHRIST JUBILEE 62. Episcopal Documents - PUNTOLAN.HTM - In Response to Inquiries Concerning the Lady of All Nations Apparitions Bishop Josef Marianus Punt On May 31st, 2002, Bishop Josef Punt of Haarlem/Amsterdam, Holland, approved the apparitions to Ida Peerdeman of Amsterdam as being of "supernatural origin". In his letter Bishop Punt offers the usual cautions which the Church normally gives regarding apparitions and private revelations, citing the Commentary of Cardinal Ratzinger on the message of Fatima. MEDIATRIX CO-REDEMPTRIX COREDEMPTRIX, ADVOCATE 63. Episcopal Documents - DIVCATH.HTM - In Truth and Love Pennsylvania Bishops Conference Pastoral Letter released July 29, 1994 Addresses the use of the so-called 'internal forum solution' for cases of divorced and remarried persons who are personally convinced that their previous marriage was invalid is unacceptable, unnecessary and pastorally unsound. MARRIAGE PENNSYLVANIA DIVORCE INTERAL FORUM INVALIDITY 64. Episcopal Documents - ZIRBNICE.HTM - Irish Bishops' Statement on Treaty of Nice ZENIT The Irish Bishops' Conference issued a statement, 31 May 2001, evaluating the Treaty of Nice, which would enlarge the European Union, as well as a Charter of Fundamental Rights adopted at Nice. SUBSIDIARITY SOLIDARITY DEFENSE CLONING PERSON 65. Episcopal Documents - KNEESLOV.HTM - Knees to love Christ Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted Bishop Olmsted, of the Diocese of Phoenix, reflects on the meaning of liturgical posture. "In three liturgical postures at Mass, our knees play a central role: kneeling, standing, and genuflecting." Each helps to express, in a different way, what we believe. EUCHARIST PRAYER GIRM REVERENCE HOLY COMMUNION 66. Episcopal Documents - AUSCATEC.HTM - Launching The Catechism For Australia Archbishop Hickey An address by Archbishop Hickey at the National Press Club, 22nd June 1994. Here is the full text of Archbishop Hickey's address to mark the launch of the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for Australia at the National Press Club in Canberra. AUSTRALIA HICKEY CATECHISM 67. Episcopal Documents - HEENCLRG.HTM - Letter of Cardinal Heenan of Westminster to the Clergy of His Diocese In this letter of 1968, the English Cardinal reminded his clergy that though they had pastoral problems applying Pope Paul's Humanae Vitae, they were still obliged to uphold it. Those who refused would lose their faculty to hear confessions. VICAR OF CHRIST CANONICAL OBEDIENCE 68. Episcopal Documents - ARCHATL.HTM - Letter on The Passion of the Christ Most Reverend John F. Donoghue In connection with the Season of Lent 2004, Archbishop Donoghue urges all Catholics, and "people of good faith," in the Archdiocese of Atlanta to see the Mel Gibson film and ponder its meaning. In particular the Archbishop draws attention to the love of Christ revealed in this dramatic re-creation, and our own responsibility, as sinners, for His death. JEWS ART MEDIA 69. Episcopal Documents - zzimbabwe - Letter on the Poor Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference Late in May 2005, the Zimbabwean government began Operation Murambatsvina ("Clean Up the Filth"), when police destroyed the shantytown of Hatcliff, including a large orphanage. The Operation has since spread to a number of localities, resulting in an estimated 1 million people left homeless. The response of Zimbabwe's Bishops is noteworthy for its clear summation of Catholic social doctrine in a few simple points. DIGNITY RIGHTS COMMON GOOD OPTION FOR THE POOR SUBSIDIARITY SOLIDARITY 70. Episcopal Documents - GENOAG8.HTM - Letter to the Faithful of Liguria Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi A letter, written by the Archbishop of Genoa, with the Bishops of the region, raises concerns about the effect of globalization on the poorer nations of the world. MORALITY HUMAN RIGHTS SUBSIDIARITY ECONOMIC CULTURE PROPERTY SOLIDARITY 71. Episcopal Documents - CURTISHR.HTM - Liturgy of the Hours in Our Lives of Prayer Archbishop Elden Curtiss The Archbishop of Omaha writes to his priests about the importance of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office, Breviary) in his and their lives. PRIESTHOOD SPIRITUALITY 72. Episcopal Documents - LVNGTGTH.HTM - Living Together Pennsylvania Catholic Conference From 1999, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference adopts a question and answer format to present and explain the Church's moral teaching on a sexually active relationship between a man and a woman outside of marriage. MATRIMONY DIVORCE COHABITATION BIRTH CONTROL CONTRACEPTION SEX SCANDAL 73. Episcopal Documents - LOVELIFE.HTM - Love is for Life IEC A Pastoral Letter issued on behalf of the Irish Hierarchy in Lent of 1985. "There are few things in life more beautiful and more exalting than the experience of love between man and woman. When a young man and woman are attracted to each other, their love arouses the deepest emotions, the highest expectations, they have ever known. For them, nothing seems to matter but their love. Nothing seems impossible to their love. For each of them, the other is 'the only you there is. 74. Episcopal Documents - LOVELIFE.ZIP - Love is for Life IEC A Pastoral Letter issued on behalf of the Irish Hierarchy in Lent of 1985. "There are few things in life more beautiful and more exalting than the experience of love between man and woman. When a young man and woman are attracted to each other, their love arouses the deepest emotions, the highest expectations, they have ever known. For them, nothing seems to matter but their love. Nothing seems impossible to their love. For each of them, the other is 'the only you there is. 75. Episcopal Documents - mauthausen - Mauthausen — Remembrance and Reflections Cardinal Christoph Schönborn Transcription of the speech given by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, 8 May 2005, at the remembrance celebration on the sixtieth anniversary of the liberation of the former concentration camp Mauthausen, in Austria. The Cardinal reminds us that we are all a responsible part of history, and that only by listening to the voice of God in our hearts can we prevent such things as perpretrated by the Nazis from happening again. NATIONAL SOCIALISM HOLOCAUST 76. Episcopal Documents - zfoleymedia.htm - Media: Well Worth the Church's Effort Archbishop John Foley Here is an excerpt, adapted by ZENIT, from an address, 23 September 2006, to new bishops, meeting at the Regina Apostolorum university. The address was given by Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. RADIO TELEVISION SECULAR MEDIA EVANGELIZATION 77. Episcopal Documents - EXTRCONS.HTM - Message of the Cardinals Gathered Together in Consistory Cardinals At the end of a three day meeting of the Cardinals, at noon on Ascension Thursday, 24 May 2001, issued a message of communion with the Holy Father and the whole Church in the unity of faith and love. Communion means solidarity with those who are in greatest need, especially those who are caught in the crossfires of ongoing wars and conflicts. The Cardinals invite those in conflict to replace their arms with ploughs. EVANGEL ECUMEN SOLIDARITY 78. Episcopal Documents - XSYNOD.HTM - Message of the World Synod of Bishops Synod During the 23rd General Congregation, held 25 October 2001, the Synod Fathers approved the Message of the Synod of Bishops to the People of God, at the conclusion of the Tenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. TERRORISM POVERTY COMMUNION COLLEGIALITY MISSION EVANGEL LAITY INCULTURATION YOUTH 79. Episcopal Documents - SCHOOLS.HTM - Moral Considerations in Reviewing Public School Curricula Pennsylvania Catholic Conference This paper from 1995 provides guidelines to public school board members, parents and teachers who are Catholics, on the values they should insist on in school curricula, lest Catholic children be impeded in their proper goal of becoming "faith-filled disciples of Jesus." PLURALISTIC SOCIETY OUTCOME-BASED EDUCATION COMMUNICATIONS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY MATHEMATICS ABORTION CONTRACEPTION QUALITY OF LIFE ENVIRONMENT ECOLOGY CITIZENSHIP ARTS HUMANITIES SEX ECONOMICS 80. Episcopal Documents - BCDANEN1.HTM - Moral Principles Concerning Anencephaly (3 documents) Various The newspaper of the Holy See recently published, a sign of approval, three texts dealing with children born with anencephaly, the lack of all but the most rudimentary part of the brain. It is becoming more common to dehumanize such human persons in order to justify euthanizing them. The U.S. Bishops Committee on Doctrine, its staff and moral theologian Fr. Benedict Ashley, O.P. address this evil practice. ANENCEPHALY BRAIN BIOETHICS EUTHANASIA 81. Episcopal Documents - MORATHEO.HTM - Moral Theology: Recent Developments, Implications Irish Bishops Conference The Irish Bishops' Conference, in this notification, summarizes principles of moral theology, describes the change in the Church's moral emphasis since Vatican II (from concentration on sin, to the "work of the Holy Spirit and of grace"), and warns against departures from the Church's moral tradition in the work of some recent theologians. NATURAL LAW REVELATION CONSCIENCE CATECHISM MAGISTERIUM RELATIVISM PROPORTIONALISM 82. Episcopal Documents - TVMASBHM.HTM - Norms for Televised Masses in the Birmingham Diocese Bishop David Foley These norms, enacted by Bishop Foley, 22 February 2000, "are based upon guidelines for televising the liturgy which were approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in November 1996 and have been expanded to meet the needs of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama." They cover such matters as the arrangement of liturgical furniture, liturgical music, the use of Latin, and purification of vessels. EWTN LITURGY ORIENTATION MISSAL LECTIONARY GESTURES HOMILY EUCHARIST 83. Episcopal Documents - BURKENOT.HTM - Notification Bishop Raymond Burke In this Canonical Notification, the Bishop of La Crosse, Wisconsin, calls upon Catholic legislators who have given support to procured abortions or euthanasia to publicly repent of these actions, or else be excluded from receiving Holy Communion. See also Bishop Burke's On the Dignity of Human Life and Civic Responsibility. EXCOMMUNICATION SCANDAL CANON LAW POLITICIANS POLITIC 84. Episcopal Documents - NUTRHYDR.HTM - Nutrition and Hydration: Moral Considerations Pennsylvania Catholic Conference From 1999, the Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania examine the question of when, if ever, a decision to discontinue treatment should extend to withholding basic needs from the patient, such as food and water. MEDICAL EUTHANASIA MAGISTERIUM BIOETHICS BRAIN DEATH COMA PVS PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE PSYCHIATRIC PSEUDOCOMA LOCKED-IN LIVING WILL 85. Episcopal Documents - CHAPUTHV.HTM - Of Human Life Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM A pastoral letter to the people of God of northern Colorado on the truth and meaning of married love. This pastoral letter, dated 22 July 1998, comes on the 30th anniversary of Pope Paul VI's encyclical "Of Human Life" (Humanae Vitae). BIRTH CONTROL SEX PILL CONTRACEPTION CONJUGAL LOVE MARRIAGE 86. Episcopal Documents - PROSELYT.HTM - Offsetting the Proselytism of Sects By Commitment to New Evangelization CEDES Pastoral Communique from Bishops of El Salvador May 3, 1990. 87. Episcopal Documents - MEXINDIO.HTM - On Canonization of the First Native American Mexican Bishops' Commission for Indigenous Peoples On 3 July 2002, the Mexican Bishops' Commissions for Indigeneous Peoples and for Social Welfare published a Message regarding the Pope's fifth visit to Mexico for the Canonization of Juan Diego 31 July and the Beatification of the Martyrs of Oaxaca, Juan Bautista and Jacinto de los Angeles on 1 August. The Bishops called for the inclusion of indigenous peoples in the social and economic developments underway in Mexico. INCULTURATION CULTURE EVANGELIZATION INDIAN GUADALUPE 88. Episcopal Documents - zconscauthor.htm - On Conscience and Authority Bishop Anthony Fisher This is the text that Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, of Sydney, Australia, delivered at the conference sponsored by the Pontifical Academy for Life and held in the Vatican 23-24 February 2007. The theme of the conference was "The Christian Conscience in Support of the Right to Life." In his address, Bishop Fisher explained the meaning and function of conscience, as against the subjective notion used by many to justify departure from the mind of the Church. MAGISTERIUM OBEDIENCE SITUATIONISM PROPORTIONALISM COMMUNITARIANISM 89. Episcopal Documents - CONSVOTE.HTM - On Conscientious Voting Most Reverend John F. Donoghue In a Letter, dated 16 September 2004, to the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Archbishop Donoghue encouraged all citizens, especially Catholics, to vote their conscience in the General Election, and in all elections, and to form their conscience in light of the Word of God. In particular, there must be no formal cooperation with evil, by voting for a candidate who supports abortion (or other policy violating human life) precisely because he/she supports abortion. POLITICS EUTHANASIA 90. Episcopal Documents - zchristunity.htm - On Reaching Christian Unity Bishop Brian Farrell Here is a homily delivered 18 January 2007, in Dublin, by Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, at the opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme for the week was Mark 7:31-37, in which the Lord healed a man deaf with a speech impediment. "Jesus brings the person back to his normal condition, in which he can, without hindrance, seek his fulfillment in contact and communion with others." ZENIT presents the Bishop's homily in two parts. ECUMENISM HIV AIDS AFRICA ORTHODOX PROTESTANTS 91. Episcopal Documents - RELPEAC.HTM - On Religions and World Peace ZENIT At a Men and Religions meeting in Milan, (9/7/04), Bishop Anthony Lobo of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, in Pakistan, gave an analysis of religions and world peace. He covered three topics: 1) a common anthropology (humanism) underlying all religions, 2) the roots of violence and wars, and 3) religions as the healer of violence. INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE DIVINE IMAGE VIOLENCE GENTLENESS GANDI 92. Episcopal Documents - BURKECIV.HTM - On the Dignity of Human Life and Civic Responsibility Bishop Raymond L. Burke On 8 Jan 2004 Bishop Raymond L. Burke of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, published a pastoral letter to Catholics in his Diocese on their political responsibility in upholding the value of human life. The Bishop also issued a canonical notification that Catholic lawmakers who continue to support procured abortion or euthanasia may not receive Holy Communion. See also Bishop Burke's Notification. POLITICS POLITICIANS MORAL LAW PERSON DIGNITY CULTURE 93. Episcopal Documents - CAPOLVOT.HTM - On the Duties of Catholic Politicians and Voters Most Reverend Michael J. Sheridan In a Pastoral Letter to his Diocese (1 May 2004), Bishop Sheridan of Colorado Springs clearly states that not only Catholic politicians who advocate abortion, illicit stem cell research, euthanasia, and/or homosexual marriage, but those who vote for them, "jeopardize their salvation" and may not receive Holy Communion until they have repented of their sin and confessed it in the Sacrament of Penance. POLITICS CONSCIENCE RIGHT TO LIFE FAMILY 94. Episcopal Documents - PENANCE.HTM - On the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation The Most Reverend Thomas G. Doran, D.D., J.C.D. In accordance with the Holy Father's emphasis on the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, as the "Year of the Lord's favor, a year of the remission of sins," Bishop Doran addresses a Pastoral Letter to Clergy, Religious and Faithful Laity of the Diocese of Rockford, drawing attention to the wonders of this Sacrament. CONVERSION METANOIA CONFESSION CATECHISM 95. Episcopal Documents - ZPELLNEW.HTM - On True and False Conscience Cardinal George Pell Australian Cardinal George Pell delivered an address to members of the Lumen Christi Institute at the University of Chicago in the fall of 2004, on the "primacy of truth" vs. the "primacy of conscience," in light of the teaching of Cardinal John Newman. ZENIT offered this synopsis of the Sydney archbishop's speech. FREEDOM LAW MORAL THEOLOGY 96. Episcopal Documents - ANREDMIS.HTM - One Lord and One Church for One World: Tenth Anniversary 'Redemptoris missio' Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I. Cardinal George's address, on 20 January 2001, the 10th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Redemptoris missio, reflects on the crisis of faith targeted by the encyclical, in which the Holy Father insists on the continuing need to evangelize unbelievers. ECUMENIC INDIFFERENT DOMINUS IESUS CHRIST REDEMPTOR HOMINIS EVANGELII NUNTIANDI MISSION TRINITY 97. Episcopal Documents - letterbpsuganda.htm - Open Letter to the Government and People of Uganda Catholic Bishops' Conference of Uganda The Bishops of Uganda, faced with a protocol legalizing abortion, which had already been ratified by 16 African countries, urged legislators not to yield on this point, and the people to ask candidates their stance on abortion before voting for them in the next election. The Bishops' letter was dated 19 January 2006. RIGHTS OF WOMEN MAPUTO PROTOCOL 98. Episcopal Documents - hlywkrhoades.htm - Open Wide the Doors to Christ the Redeemer Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades In this personal reflection for the Paschal Season, 2007, Bishop Rhoades, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, invites us to enter fully into the observance of Holy Week, and especially of the Triduum. "As we observe Holy Week each year, we enter anew into the mystery of our redemption in Christ." GOOD FRIDAY HOLY SATURDAY EASTER SUNDAY PASSION RESURRECTION 99. Episcopal Documents - OURCOM.HTM - Our Common Vision Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua Statement published August 22, 1996 in response to Joseph Cardinal Bernardin's "Common Ground" project. 100. Episcopal Documents - BET_PIO.HTM - Pastoral Instruction on the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin in Finca Betania Archbishop Pio Bello Ricardo Given November 21, 1987, This letter by the Bishop of Los Teques gives his official approval to the apparitions of Our Blessed Mother in Bethania and declares that they are in his judgement authentic and of a supernatural character. He officially approves the place as a sacred site for pilgrimages. 101. Episcopal Documents - PL1919.HTM - Pastoral Letter of 1919 NCCB (Hierarchy of the United States) Issued September 26, 1919, by the Hierarchy of the United States (today the NCCB). This Pastoral Letter established "the theoretical foundation of American Catholic social analysis for the next half-century." It attacked secularism. It stated the "only remedy was to recognize God as the source of justice and the author of our being." It rejected both collectivism and individualism as offshoots of secularism. "The authority and logic of papal social teaching based on the natural law served as the basis for social commentary." 102. Episcopal Documents - PL1919.ZIP - Pastoral Letter of 1919 NCCB (Hierarchy of the United States) Issued September 26, 1919, by the Hierarchy of the United States (today the NCCB). This Pastoral Letter established "the theoretical foundation of American Catholic social analysis for the next half-century." It attacked secularism. It stated the "only remedy was to recognize God as the source of justice and the author of our being." It rejected both collectivism and individualism as offshoots of secularism. "The authority and logic of papal social teaching based on the natural law served as the basis for social commentary." 103. Episcopal Documents - FLAVIN.HTM - Pastoral Letter on Contraception Bishop Glennon Flavin 1991 Bishop Flavin of Lincoln, NE issued this pastoral letter on contraception to Catholic couples and physicians. It shows rare courage and solicitude for souls. FLAVIN CONTRACEPTION COUPLES PASTORAL BIRTH CONTROL DOCTORS PHYSICIANS 104. Episcopal Documents - DAILY.HTM - Pastoral Letter on Homosexuality Bishop Thomas Daily August 22, 1993 105. Episcopal Documents - PL1926.HTM - Pastoral Letter on Mexico NCCB (Bishops of the United States) Pastoral Letter of the bishops of the United States (today called the NCCB) issued on December 12, 1926. ". . . reasons for the issuing of this pastoral arise out of the higher considerations of duty to those principles upon which all just government must be founded, principles which guard rights conferred upon man, not by States, but by God Himself. None, much less bishops of the Church that holds the spiritual allegiance of almost the entire Mexican population, can be indifferent when these vital principles are attacked as boldly and as cruelly as is being done in Mexico today." 106. Episcopal Documents - bishpsmalaw.htm - Pastoral Letter: Bishops of Malawi Fr. Gianfranco Grieco, O,F.M, Conv. The Pastoral Letter: Renewing Our Lives and Society with the Power of the Holy Spirit, was published by the Bishops of Malawi on the Solemnity of Pentecost 2006. The document consists of six sections: the content of the first four is doctrinal and concerns the action of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, while the fifth and sixth sections address themes relevant to the social life of the Malawian People. COMMON GOOD ABORTION INCULTURATION ENVIRONMENT 107. Episcopal Documents - SUNCOM.HTM - Pastoral Message of Kansas Bishops on Sunday Communion without Mass KCC Issued by the bishops of Kansas on June 18, 1995. In this message the bishops restrict the reception of Holy Communion outside of Sunday Mass. One of the implications that gave them 'pause' is 'a blurring of the need for priests and therefore a blurring of the continual need for vocations' BISHOPS KANSAS COMMUNION MASS SUNDAY 108. Episcopal Documents - DIVORCE.HTM - Pastoral Ministry to the Divorced and Remarried Most Rev. Gracida A Pastoral Letter from The Most Reverend Rene H. Gracida, D.D., Bishop of Corpus Christi, given on May 22, 1994 explaining Church teaching on divorce and remarriage. The pastoral was prompted by recent proposals of an internal forum solution to divorce. GRACIDA DIVORCE PASTORAL SACRAMENTS 109. Episcopal Documents - VIETFREE.HTM - Petition presented by the Vietnamese Bishops to Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet CEVN Sept 29, 1995. This petition requests greater freedom of activity for the Church in Vietnam. 110. Episcopal Documents - POLETCOM.HTM - Politicians and Communion Bishop Thomas Wenski Bishop Wenski, the coadjutor bishop of Orlando Florida, has published a pastoral statement in which he compares the position of some Catholic politicians, (personally opposed to abortion, but don't want to impose their views on others,) to the stance of Pontius Pilate, who was personally opposed to Christ's crucifixion. POLITICS HOLY COMMUNION EUCHARIST 111. Episcopal Documents - christianunity.htm - Prayer for Christian Unity: The Deaf Hear and the Mute Speak Bishop Brian Farrell The Secretary for the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Bishop Brian Farrell, was invited by the Archbishop of Dublin, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, to inaugurate on 18 January [2007] this year's "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" in Ireland. The following is Bishop Farrell's reflection for the occasion. ECUMENISM ANGLICANS PROTESTANTS ORTHODOX BAPTISM 112. Episcopal Documents - BEVIPRIE.HTM - Priests' Continuing Formation Cardinal Bevilacqua Address of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua to the Oct. 23-28, 1995 international symposium at the Vatican marking the 30th anniversary of 'Presbyterorum Ordinis.' 113. Episcopal Documents - PUBLDISS.HTM - Public Dissenters Should Themselves Refrain From Communion Most Reverend John Vlasny In the 6 May 2004 issue of the Catholic Sentinel, Archbishop Vlasny, of the Portland, Oregon, addressed the problem of "reception of Holy Communion by those who stand in public opposition to church teaching" on abortion and other moral issues. They should themselves refrain from receiving Communion, rather than approaching the altar, since they are not living in communion with the Church. POLITICS POLITICIANS VOTERS EUCHARIST MASS PRO-CHOICE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DIVORCED REMARRIED 114. Episcopal Documents - PUBEDU.HTM - Public Education and Student Conscience: A Dilemma for Concerned Citizens Pennsylvania Catholic Conference In their 1976 Statement, the Bishops of Pennsylvania examined a moral dilemma in public education: How are the religious rights and the rights of conscience of children and parents who do not accept the secularistic view of human nature and destiny to be respected in an educational system where only secularistic values are allowed? SUPREME COURT VALUE CLARIFICATION FREEDOM OF RELIGION CHURCH STATE SEPARATION 115. Episcopal Documents - bakredempt.htm - Redemption of Our Bodies Most Reverend Robert J. Baker, S.T.D. In his Pastoral Letter of 29 May 2006, Bishop Robert J. Baker, of the Diocese of South Carolina, summarizes the teaching of Pope John Paul II on Theology of the Body. It is this teaching which provides the context in which many of the Church's positions on current issues can be more fully understood, particularly those relating to human sexuality. EUCHARIST CONTRACEPTION HOMOSEXUALITY SAME-SEX MARRIAGE MATRIMONY CELIBACY HOLINESS COMMUNION OF PERSONS MALE FEMALE MASCULINITY FEMININITY TRINITY IMAGE OF GOD 116. Episcopal Documents - AMCONOPN.HTM - Second American Missionary Congress: Opening Address Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe At the Second American Missionary Congress, held in Guatemala City, 25-30 November 2003, Cardinal Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, gave the opening address. He evokes the teaching of John Paul II, that even after 2000 years, the Church's mission to evangelize the world is only at its beginning. VATICAN II NEW EVANGELIZATION MISSIONARY INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE INCULTURATION VOCATIONS SECTS 117. Episcopal Documents - PCHLYLND.HTM - Seek Peace and Pursue It: Questions and Answers on Justice and Peace in Our Holy Land Michael Sabbah, Patriarch of Jerusalem In a question and answer format, the Latin Patriarch sheds theological light on the political situation in the Holy Land, and the way to reconciliation. Written 15 September 1998. PERSON DIGNITY PALESTINIAN JEW RIGHTS TERRORISM VIOLENCE RELIGION 118. Episcopal Documents - OCCULT.HTM - Spiritual Warfare: The Occult Has Demonic Influence Most Rev. Montrose A Pastoral Letter by Most Rev. Donald W. Montrose, Bishop of Stockton, CA warning Christians of the different occult practices that are prevalent today. This file may be ordered in pamphlet form at .50 per copy from: World Apostolate of Fatima, P.O. Box 976, Washington, NJ. 07882-0976. MONTROSE OCCULT DEMONIC WITCHCRAFT HOROSCOPES REINCARNATION HYPNOTISM NEW AGE 119. Episcopal Documents - EUTHANAS.HTM - Statement Against Proposed Legislation on Assisted Suicide Dutch Roman Catholic Bishops' Conference This statement was issued in October 1999 by the Dutch Bishops' Conference in reaction to the proposed legislation concerning the investigation of termination of life on request and assisted suicide, and to the emendation of the Dutch Penal Code. DOCTOR NETHERLANDS LIFE DIGNITY PERSON WILL LAW DEATH 120. Episcopal Documents - BRUSKWTZ.HTM - Statement issued on Membership in Forbidden Organizations and Groups Bishop Bruskewitz Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz Published in Southern Nebraska Register, March 22, 1996. All Catholics who do not comply with Bishop Bruskewitz's order to terminate membership in these groups will suffer the penalty of excommunication. This file also contains a reply from Call to Action. PLANNED PARENTHOOD SSPX LEFEBVRE HEMLOCK CALL TO ACTION FREEMASON MASON JOB'S DAUGHTERS DEMOLAY EASTERN STAR RAINBOW GIRLS ABORTION CHOICE 121. Episcopal Documents - EPSCHV.HTM - Statement of Episcopal Conferences on Humanae Vitae Episcopal Conferences of Ireland and India In 1968, Episcopal Conferences in Ireland and India express their support for Pope Paul VI's controverted Encyclical, encouraging the faithful to live the "whole Catholic teaching on marriage and the family", and to propagate the norms of the encyclical "without ambiguity". MARRIAGE BIRTH CONTROL FAMILY PLANNING 122. Episcopal Documents - INFOHWY.HTM - Statement on the 'Information Highway' CCCB by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' This statement was prepared for public hearings in Ottawa and presented to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission in March 1995. CANADA BISHOPS INFORMATION HIGHWAY 123. Episcopal Documents - STAFFORD.HTM - Statement on the CDF Responsum Regarding Ordination of Women Archbishop Stafford Archbishop J. Francis Stafford Denver, Colorado November 17, 1995 124. Episcopal Documents - ZSYNODS.HTM - Synods Since Vatican II ZENIT A review of what a synod of bishops is, the history of the institution since Vatican II, its purpose, various kinds of synods, and the subjects discussed over their short history. EPISCOP 125. Episcopal Documents - GARABAND.HTM - The Alleged Apparitions at Garabandal Bishop Jose Vilaplaua In response to continuing inquiries about the alleged Marian apparitions at Garabandal, Spain, the local bishop, Msgr. Jose Vilaplaua of Santander, released this statement Oct. 11, 1996, on the 36-year-old event. 126. Episcopal Documents - KERRDILE.HTM - The Candidacy of John Kerry: A Dilemma for Catholics Most Reverend Elden F. Curtiss In a pastoral letter of 7 May 2004, Archbishop Curtiss refuted the specious argument that a Catholic politician may have personal moral beliefs based on Church teaching, and yet support legislation directly to the contrary, as if that were required by the "separation of Church and State." POLITICS ABORTION HOLY COMMUNION EUCHARIST 127. Episcopal Documents - CHRCDAY.HTM - The Church in our Day The Bishops of the United States Lengthy excerpts (compiled from eight issues of L'Osservatore Romano)of a November 1967 collective pastoral letter by the U.S. Bishops reflect on the nature of the Church, as revealed in Vatican II's Lumen Gentium, and address the challenges facing the American Church. PELAGIANISM GNOSTICISM ECCLESIOLOGY PRIESTHOOD LAITY CONCILIARISM RENEWAL NEWMAN 128. Episcopal Documents - ABORTION.HTM - The Church, Public Policy & Abortion Pennsylvania Catholic Conference In a Statement from 1990, the Pennsylvania Bishops address the issue of abortion "not as a narrow sectarian concern, but as a fundamental human issue that touches every person of any or no creed." FREE SPEECH POLITICIANS CHOICE 129. Episcopal Documents - OXFORD.HTM - The Claims of the Primacy and the Costly Call to Unity, Several Articles in Response Quinn, O'Connor, McHugh, Weakland Lecture on the Occasion of the Centennial of Campion Hall, Oxford June 29, 1996 by Archbishop John R. Quinn. Included in this file are: "Reflections on Church Governance" by Cardinal John O'Connor, "What Is the 'New Situation'"? by Bishop James McHugh and "The Local Churches and the Church of Rome" by Archbishop Rembert Weakland. 130. Episcopal Documents - DETHPEN.HTM - The Death Penalty: Choose Life Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania A Statement (February 2001) from the Pennsylvania Conference of Bishops echoes the call of Pope John Paul II for a reexamination of society's use of the death penalty as contributing to a "culture of violence." CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 131. Episcopal Documents - zdictrelat.htm - The Dictatorship of Relativism Cardinal George Pell Here is the text of an address delivered by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, 21 September 2005, at the National Press Club in the Australian capital, taking, as his point of departure, Cardinal Ratzinger's homily at the pre-conclave Mass, warning against the rise of "a dictatorship of relativism." FUNDAMENTALISM EDUCATION SECULARISM 132. Episcopal Documents - PRCURTIS.HTM - The Formula That Works Is Based on Fidelity to the Church's Magisterium Archbishop Curtiss Archbishop Elden F. Curtiss, Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska. VOCATION PRIESTHOOD 133. Episcopal Documents - CURFIDEL.HTM - The Formula That Works Is Based On Fidelity To The Church's Magisterium Archbishop Elden Curtiss Elden F. Curtiss, Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska. May 22, 1995 Archbishop Curtis says that the vocation 'crisis' in this country is more artifical and contrived than many people realize. When dioceses and religious communities are unambiguous about ordained priesthood and there is strong support for vocations, and a minimum of dissent about the male celibate priesthood loyal to the magisterium: when b 134. Episcopal Documents - MAGISTER.HTM - The Magisterium of the Vicar of Christ Cardinal Norman Gilroy In a document from 1968, a former Archbishop of Sydney reflects on the teaching authority of the Pope, showing how Catholics are bound to accept his teachings not only in the extraordinary exercise of his magisterium, but in its ordinary exercise as well. EX CATHEDRA INFALLIBILITY 135. Episcopal Documents - MAGPAST.HTM - The Magisterium, Biblical and Pastoral Aspects Most Rev. John F. Wealon An address by the Most Rev. John F. Whealon, Archbishop of Hartford, to a Symposium on the Magisterium which was held in Philadelphia January 6-8, 1978. See also The Magisterium, the Bishops, and the Theologians. ECUMENICAL INFALLIBILITY TEACHING AUTHORITY POPE BIBLE THEOLOGIAN PRIESTS BISHOPS LAITY 136. Episcopal Documents - MAGSTRM.HTM - The Magisterium, the Bishops, and the Theologians Most Rev. David M. Maloney An address by the Most Rev. David M. Maloney, Bishop of Wichita, Kansas (USA) to a Symposium on the Magisterium which was held in Philadelphia January 6-8, 1978. See also The Magisterium: Biblical and Pastoral Aspects. ECCLESIOLOGY SCRIPTURE TRADITION INERRANCY INFALLIBILITY SENSUS FIDELIUM 137. Episcopal Documents - zdiffsac.htm - The Most Difficult Sacrament Bishop Philip Boyce Here is an excerpt from a homily delivered by Bishop Philip Boyce, formerly Bishop of Raphoe, during the Raphoe Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Marian shrine at Knock, August 2006. The excerpt focuses on the sacrament of reconciliation. PENANCE CONFESSION FORGIVENESS 138. Episcopal Documents - BC1792.HTM - The Pastoral Letter of 1792 Bish. John Carroll The Bishop Carroll instructs Catholics on the necessity of a Christian education for the young. He also discusses vocations to the priesthood and the founding of St. Mary's Sulpician Seminary, Baltimore. This Pastoral Letter is the first document of this nature in the history of this Church in the United States. CARROLL PASTORAL LETTER BALTIMORE 1792 139. Episcopal Documents - ordsacinit.htm - The Restored Order of Sacraments of Initiation Diocese of Phoenix On 15 May 2005 Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted promulgated a new Policy concerning the restoration of the order of Sacraments of Initiation in the Diocese of Phoenix. The new policy restored the ancient order, in which Confirmation was administered between Baptism and First Eucharist. This article gives 28 responses to questions on the meaning of Confirmation and the reasons for this change of policy. CATECHESIS CATECHISM HOLY SPIRIT CHILDREN PARENTS YOUTH 140. Episcopal Documents - VOCAMARR.HTM - The Vocation of Marriage in God's Plan Archbishop J. Francis Stafford One year after serving as host for World Youth Day, the Archbishop of Denver traveled to Lima, Peru, where he delivered this remarkable address to the International Congress on the Family. STAFFORD MARRIAGE FAMILY PERU CONGRESS 141. Episcopal Documents - TIMEACT.HTM - Time for Catholics to Act Bishop John J. Myers An article by Bishop Myers on President Clinton's veto of the ban on partial birth abortions. Appeared in the April 28, 1996 issue of "The Catholic Post." 142. Episcopal Documents - zanglepscwom.htm - To Anglicans on Episcopal Ordination of Women Cardinal William Kasper Here is the address Cardinal William Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, gave to the Church of England bishops' meeting June 5, on the question of ordaining women as bishops. The Cardinal said, "Ecumenical dialogue in the true sense of the word has as its goal the restoration of full Church communion. That has been the presupposition of our dialogue until now. That presupposition would realistically no longer exist following the introduction of the ordination of women to episcopal office." CYPRIAN UNITY ECUMENISM KOINONIA 143. Episcopal Documents - LIVEDIE.HTM - To Live and Die in a Compassionate Community CCCB Text of Canadian Bishops Conference position paper issued on October 26, 1994. CANADIAN BISHOPS EUTHANASIA LIFE DEATH AGING 144. Episcopal Documents - YOUTHSEX.HTM - To Love and Be Loved Pennsylvania Catholic Conference In a Statement from 1989, the Pennsylvania Bishops address youth, and those who influence the formation of youth, on the right use of sexuality in an environment "at odds with Catholic-Christian values." RELATIONSHIPS COMMITMENT PARENTS EDUCATORS CLERGY MEDIA 145. Episcopal Documents - zglobgood.htm - Toward a Global Common Good Archbishop Diarmuid Martin Here is the text of the keynote address given by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin at Villanova University on 25 September 2006, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the encyclical "Laborem Exercens." According to the Archbishop, "When the dignity of the person fades from its central position in the realities of work, then upheavals and insecurity inevitably emerge in society." This is no less true in our era of globalization. RERUM NOVARUM LABOR CAPITAL SOCIAL TEACHING BUSINESS IRELAND ECONOMY TRADE FAMILY MIGRATION MARKET ETHICS 146. Episcopal Documents - USBPSPOL.HTM - U.S. Bishops Address Catholic Politicians and Voters Bishops, Various An index page linked to a number of episcopal instructions, addresses and homilies on the issue of Catholic politicians whose public policy gravely conflicts with the moral teaching of the Church. POLITICS POLITICIANS MORAL LAW PERSON DIGNITY CULTURE EXCOMMUNICATION SCANDAL CANON LAW ABORTION PLURALISM TOLERANCE PRO-CHOICE CONSCIENCE RIGHT TO LIFE FAMILY HOLY COMMUNION EUCHARIST MASS CLONING EUTHANASIA SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DIVORCED REMARRIED 147. Episcopal Documents - POLVOTIN.HTM - U.S. Bishops Address Catholic Politicians and Voters Various This index page gives a list of of addresses by U.S. Bishops on the responsibilities of Catholic politicians and voters with regard to upholding the inviolability of innocent human life. Also addressed is the question of whether Catholic politicians and voters who disregard the Church's position on human life should receive Holy Communion. NATURAL LAW CONSCIENCE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE PERSON EUTHANASIA ABORTION PLURALISM RELATIVISM RIGHT TO LIFE EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH FAMILY HOMOSEXUAL SAME-SEX MARRIAGE EXCOMMUNICATION PENANCE CONFESSION 148. Episcopal Documents - ZFLAGS.HTM - U.S. Bishops' Document on Display of Flags in Church USCCB On the display of American flags in Catholic churches, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops suggests that they not be placed in the sanctuary, but leaves the decision of placement to the local bishop. LITURGY PATRIOT 149. Episcopal Documents - ZPRSBUSH.HTM - U.S. Bishops' Letter to President Bush ZENIT In a letter to President Bush, dated 19 Sept 2001, the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed support for efforts "to seek out and hold accountable" those responsible for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, while expecting our military response to be in accord with "sound moral principles". JUST WAR MUSLIM ARAB 150. Episcopal Documents - KOSOVO.HTM - War in Kosovo: Letters to Presidents Clinton and Milosovec U.S. Cardinals hrough the courtesy of the Communications Office of Cardinal Maida of Detroit we are able to bring you the correspondence of the Cardinals of the United States to the President of the United States and the President of Yugoslavia concerning the War in Kosovo. 151. Episcopal Documents - ENOUGH.HTM - We Have Dialogued Enough! We Have Experimented Enough! Bishop James Timlin An Address delivered to the Synod of Bishops in Rome on the subject of Consecrated Life. This article appeared in the November 1994 issue of 'Religious Life'. TIMLIN RELIGIOUS LIFE 152. Episcopal Documents - LEVADA.HTM - Whoever Is Not With Me Is Against Me Archbishop Levada This letter by Archbishop William J. Levada of the Archdiocese of Portland, OR, appeared in 'The Catholic Sentinel' on June 2nd, 1995. The Archbishop addresses the issue of pro-choice 'Catholic' politicians. LEVADA POLITICS ABORTION PRO-CHOICE 153. Episcopal Documents - ZSUBSIDI.HTM - Why Subsidiarity Doesn't Apply to Episcopal Power ZENIT AT the 2001 Synod of Bishops a key topic was the relationship of bishops and the episcopal conferences with the Pope and the Curia. Some bishops suggested that the principle of subsidiarity be applied to the government of the Church. This article shows how it would be inappropriate. COLLEGIALITY SOCIAL PETRINE UNITY 154. Episcopal Documents - TRUTHFRE.HTM - You Will Know the Truth and the Truth Will Set You Free Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, D.D. In a Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota, Bishop Aquila, observes that many Catholics are more influenced by popular culture than by the teachings of Jesus Christ, an anomaly reflected in their conduct as voters and public officials. They have an inadequate understanding of the Faith, which the Bishop hopes to remedy by addressing "five areas of confusion in the hearts and minds of some of the faithful." POLITICIANS POLITICS CATECHETICS CATECHESIS CATECHISM MATERIALISM DUALISM EUTHANASIA ABORTION RELATIVISM SECULARISM CONSCIENCE 155. Episcopal Documents - ONCAMPUS.HTM - Your Catholic Faith on Campus Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania In a Statement from 2001, the Bishops of Pennsylvania urge university students, in the face of contrary influences, to live their Faith on campus, remaining close to Jesus Christ and His Church. EDUCATION |