USCCB - (Office of Media Relations) - June 1997 Press Release Archives

June 1997 Press Release Archives

Catholic Bishops Call for Life, Not More Death, in Oklahoma Bombing (97-115)
June 5, 1997
The Chairman of the Domestic Policy Committee, United States Catholic Conference, released a statement saying: "We as bishops believe that to execute Mr. McVeigh could tragically perpetuate a terrible cycle of violence, further diminish respect for life and, perhaps most significantly, cannot truly ease the pain of those who have suffered so much loss."
Bishop Urges Adherence to Budget Agreement, Rejection of Chairman's Proposal for Legal Immigrants (97-116)
June 5, 1997
A legislative proposal for implementing aspects of the landmark balanced budget agreement which affect elderly and needy legal immigrants fails to meet "minimally acceptable standards" and should be rejected, according to Bishop John S. Cummins of Oakland (CA).
Liturgy, Youth, Communications, Home Missions on Bishops' Agenda (97-113)
June 6, 1997
A revised edition of the Lectionary for Mass, a statement on Catholic youth ministry, a pastoral plan for communications, establishment of a collection for the home missions, and the restructuring of their conferences will be on the agenda for the spring meeting of the Catholic Bishops of the United States.
Hispanic Ministry Leaders to Gather in Denver (97-118)
June 9, 1997
Diocesan Hispanic ministry leaders will continue their preparations for the Millennium at a three-day meeting at the University of Denver June 23 to June 26.
Bishops Urge Resumption of Direct Humanitarian Flights to Cuba (97-119)
June 9, 1997
Transportation costs for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Cuba have skyrocketed following the prohibition on direct flights from the United States to Cuba nearly 18 months ago, and two U.S. Bishops are urging President Clinton to lift the suspension.
Bishop Mulvee Succeeds Bishop Gelineau in Providence (97-120)
June 11, 1997
Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop Louis E. Gelineau of Providence. Most Reverend Robert E. Mulvee, Coadjutor Bishop of Providence since 1995, succeeds Bishop Gelineau.
New Catholic Campaign to Ban Landmines Launched (97-121)
June 12, 1997
The U.S. Catholic Conference today announced a Catholic Campaign to Ban Landmines involving a wide variety of organizations in renewed efforts to educate and advocate for a global ban on anti-personnel landmines.
State Department Meeting to Be Chaired by Archbishop McCarrick (97-122)
June 12, 1997
Several international figures will address a regional meeting of the U.S. State Department's Advisory Subcommittee on Religion and Conflict Resolution, chaired by Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, which will meet next week in New York City to begin defining its agenda.
U. S. Anglican-Catholic Dialogue on Track to Study Exercise of Authority Within Church (97-124)
June 13, 1997
Bishop Frank Griswold, Episcopal Bishop of Chicago, and Bishop John Snyder, Catholic Bishop of St. Augustine (FL), serving as Co-Chairmen of the Anglican/Roman Catholic Consultation in the United States (ARC-USA), have issued a statement giving the expected general direction of the next few years of dialogue.
USCC, Other Groups, File New Brief in Oregon Assisted Suicide Case (97-125)
June 13, 1997
In a brief filed in the U.S. Supreme Court, the United States Catholic Conference and many other religious groups asked the high court to agree to review a case brought by those who say their fundamental rights, including the right of religious liberty, have been violated by Oregon's assisted suicide law.
U.S. Bishops React to Sentencing of Timothy McVeigh (97-126)
June 13, 1997
On behalf of the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Conference, we wish to express our regret at the sentence of death for Mr. Timothy McVeigh. The crime for which he has been found guilty is a horrible and brutal tragedy. We cannot fathom the loss and grief of the survivors of those who died and who live with the consequences of his terrible crime. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them.
Bishops Approve National Pastoral Plan for Communication (97-132)
June 20, 1997
The Catholic Bishops of the United States have adopted a multi-level plan for use of the mass media to promote community and parish life, spiritual growth, the proclamation of the Gospel, and Church participation in the life of the nation.
U.S. Catholic Conference Applauds Court Decision, Cites Help for Needy Students in Church-Affiliated Schools (97-133)
June 23, 1997
The U.S. Catholic Conference applauded the June 23 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to allow public school teachers to provide remedial education to needy children in religiously affiliated schools, including Catholic schools.
Two Auxiliaries Are Named for the Archdiocese of Miami (97-134)
June 23, 1997
Pope John Paul II has named two auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Miami. They are Father Gilberto Fernandez, Spiritual Director of St. John Vianney College Seminary, and Father Thomas Wenski, archdiocesan Director of Catholic Charities.
Bishop McAuliffe Resigns, Msgr John Gaydos Named as Successor (97-135)
June 24, 1997
Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael F. McAuliffe of Jefferson City, Missouri, and named Monsignor John R. Gaydos, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, as his successor.
Judge's Decision Barring Deportation of Nicaraguans Hailed (97-136)
June 24, 1997
A Federal Court judge's decision to block the removal of Nicaraguans, many of whom had the protection of the United States government, was hailed today by Bishop John S. Cummins, the Chairman of the Bishops' Migration Committee.
More than 500 Religious Orders Gain from Retirement Collection (97-137)
June 25, 1997
A total of 504 orders of men and women religious were awarded basic grants ranging from $910,184 to $404, as part of their share of the more than $24.5 million collected in the 1996 Religious Retirement Collection.
U.S. Bishops Decry Supreme Court Decision on Religious Freedom Restoration Act (97-138)
June 25, 1997
The U.S. Bishops decried the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court declaring as unconstitutional the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. "The action of the Supreme Court to declare the Religious Freedom Restoration Act unconstitutional is deeply disappointing and potentially damaging to the rights and sensibilities of our religious citizens," said Mark Chopko, General Counsel of the U.S. Catholic Conference.
USCC Official "Disappointed" by Vote to Renew China's Trading Status (97-139)
June 25, 1997
An advisor to the Bishops on international affairs today expressed disappointment that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a one-year extension of Most Favored Nation status for China and criticized the Clinton Administration and Congress for failing adequately to address religious persecution in China.
Cardinal Law Applauds Court for Protecting Terminally Ill (97-140)
June 26, 1997
Cardinal Bernard Law, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, lauded the June 26 unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding laws against assisted suicide.
Conference President Issues Statement on Archbishop Murphy's Death (97-141)
June 26, 1997
Bishop Anthony M. Pilla of Cleveland, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/U.S. Catholic Conference, issued a statement today on the death of Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy of Seattle.
Bishops' Counsel Says Assisted Suicide Decision 'Benchmark' (97-142)
June 26, 1997
Mark Chopko, General Counsel for the U.S. Bishops, called the June 26 Supreme Court decision denying a right to assisted suicide a "benchmark" to guide legislation in end-of-life issues.
Court Internet Decision Underscores Need for Laws Protecting Children from Indecency in Cyberspace (97-143)
June 26, 1997
The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold freedom of speech even if it means indecent materials may reach minors underscores the need for "the development of legislation that effectively and constitutionally protects children from unsuitable and dangerous material," said Mark Chopko, General Counsel for the U.S. Bishops, June 26.
New Priestly Life and Ministry Director Named (97-144)
June 27, 1997
The Reverend J. Cletus Kiley of the Archdiocese of Chicago has been named Executive Director of the Secretariat of Priestly Life and Ministry of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops as of August 1. He succeeds Father Thomas R. Bevan who is returning to his home archdiocese of Baltimore as a pastor.
Face/off Debuts on Catholic Movie Review Line (97-145)
June 27, 1997
With the summer movie season firmly underway, film-goers have a variety of action adventures to choose from, although some are not suitable for all viewers.
Bishop Smith Succeeds Bishop Reiss; Msgr. Brucato Is New York Auxiliary (97-146)
June 30, 1997
Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop John C. Reiss of Trenton, New Jersey. Most Reverend John M. Smith, Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton since 1995, succeeds Bishop Reiss.
Letters Urge Veto of Russian Religious Freedom Bill Detrimental to Catholics (97-147)
June 30, 1997
A newly passed law awaiting Russian President Boris Yeltsin's action poses the potential for "hardship for Russian Catholics" and should be vetoed, according to two letters sent to the Russian ambassador recently.