lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Photographer who objects to taking pictures of same-sex ‘weddings’ sues state

NORFOLK , Virginia , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Wedding photographer Chris Herring is suing the state of Virginia over the so-called “ Virginia Values Act , ” which earlier this year added sexual orientation and gender identity to the state ’ s nondiscrimination law .
The lawsuit , filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia , argued that Herring ’ s refusal to take pictures of homosexual “ weddings ” has nothing to do with the homosexual persons themselves , but with the content of those pictures .
He “ can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter who they are — whether that be content promoting pollution , pornography , or certain views about marriage.
” However , the lawsuit continued , “ ( i ) t ’ s this last editorial judgment … that Virginia finds objectionable — threatening to fine Chris into bankruptcy for not creating photographs and blog posts he objects to.
” The state of Virginia interprets the “ Virginia Values Act ” to mean Herring would be forced “ to do more than serve LGBT clients ( which Chris already does ) .
Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagrees with — to create and convey photographs and blogs celebrating same-sex weddings because he does so for weddings between a man and a woman.
” “ The law even makes it illegal for Chris to hold a policy of photographing and blogging about weddings only between a man and woman or to post internet statements explaining his religious reasons for only creating this wedding content , ” the complaint added .
Appealing to the First Amendment , the lawsuit stated , “ Just as Virginia can not force atheist newspaper editors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to design church flyers condemning same-sex marriage , Virginia can not force Chris to convey messages he objects to.
” Jonathan Scruggs , senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom , a legal organization representing Herring in court , said , “ Artists shouldn ’ t be censored , fined , or forced out of business simply for disagreeing with the government ’ s preferred views.
” “ Because of Virginia ’ s new law , Chris faces an impossible choice : violate the law and risk bankruptcy , promote views against his faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summarized .
“ No matter one ’ s views on marriage , we all lose when bureaucrats can force citizens to participate in religious ceremonies they oppose , speak messages they disagree with , and stay silent about beliefs they hold dear.
” Herring , in turn , emphasized , “ It isn ’ t the state ’ s job to tell me what I must capture on film or publish on my website .
My religious beliefs influence every aspect of my life , including the stories I tell through my photography @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone to photograph a red-light district or promote drug tourism , I ’ m not your guy.
” “ Now Virginia is trying to intimidate creative professionals like me to change some of my other religious beliefs , ” Herring added .
“ I happily work with and serve all customers , but I can ’ t and won ’ t let the state force me to express messages that contradict my beliefs.
” Of all days , Democratic Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam had signed the “ Virginia Values Act ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
While progressive advocacy groups and some political observers applauded the move , claiming it will simply protect against discrimination in public employment , housing and credit on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity , Gregory S. Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom had warned about the bill in January .
“ Every Virginian deserves to be treated with dignity and respect .
Unfortunately , laws that elevate sexual orientation and gender identity to protected classes have a proven record of undermining both fairness and freedom for all citizens , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s delegates claim that their new legislation would stamp out such discrimination in public accommodations , housing , and employment , these bills actually promise to harm women and girls , undercut the First Amendment , and place a special burden on people of faith.
” “ Whether they intend to or not , Virginia lawmakers who support sexual orientation and gender identity bills are choosing to coerce uniformity of thought and speech on beliefs about marriage , sex , and gender , ” he said .
Previously , Gov .
Northam had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents from seeking counseling for their children who are experiencing unwanted same-sex attractions or gender confusion .
The law prohibits what it calls “ conversion therapy ” of people under 18 years of age .
The term “ conversion therapy ” is defined as “ any practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual ’ s sexual orientation or gender identity , including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender.
” At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ counseling that provides acceptance , support , and understanding of a person or facilitates a person ’ s coping , social support , and identity exploration and development , including sexual-orientation-neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices , as long as such counseling does not seek to change an individual ’ s sexual orientation or gender identity.
” The Family Foundation , a Virginia pro-family organization , explained the bill before it was passed as allowing “ licensed professionals to provide ‘ acceptance , support , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gender transition ’ or exploring unnatural sexual desires.
” “ That ’ s right – a counselor could encourage a young boy to ‘ transition ’ into a girl , but would be prohibited by law from helping that same boy understand and affirm his identity as a boy !
” the organization wrote .
Gov .
Northam has been heavily pushing in his state not only gender ideology but also abortion .
On Good Friday this year , he signed the so-called “ Reproductive Health Protection Act , ” loosening several protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been enacted .
“ We are deeply saddened and disappointed by his signature of this legislation , ” wrote Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the diocese of Richmond in a joint statement .
“ The legislation signed by the Governor repeals health and safety protections at abortion facilities , allows non-physicians to perform first-trimester abortions , and removes essential informed consent requirements , including the opportunity to view an ultrasound , ” they continued .
“ Over the past eight years , abortions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” they pointed out .
“ Tragically but undoubtedly , these changes to our state law will reverse that life-saving progress and increase the number of abortions.
” “ Governor Northam ’ s so-called Reproductive Health Protection Act has nothing to do with health or keeping women safe , ” declared March for Life in a tweet .
“ It ’ s simply another step from a pro-abortion governor seeking to make abortion as widespread as possible in Virginia.
” Northam had essentially supported infanticide in 2019 when he said , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mother is in labor , I can tell you exactly what would happen : The infant would be delivered ; the infant would be kept comfortable ; the infant would be resuscitated if that ’ s what the mother and the family desire , and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother .
”

The Virginia Values Act would force businesses to abandon their values and faith to comply.
NORFOLK, Virginia, July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Wedding photographer Chris Herring is suing the state of Virginia over the so-called “Virginia Values Act,” which earlier this year added sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s nondiscrimination law.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, argued that Herring’s refusal to take pictures of homosexual “weddings” has nothing to do with the homosexual persons themselves, but with the content of those pictures. He “cannot create some content for anyone no matter who they are — whether that be content promoting pollution, pornography, or certain views about marriage.”
However, the lawsuit continued, “(i)t’s this last editorial judgment … that Virginia finds objectionable — threatening to fine Chris into bankruptcy for not creating photographs and blog posts he objects to.”
The state of Virginia interprets the “Virginia Values Act” to mean Herring would be forced “to do more than serve LGBT clients (which Chris already does). Virginia instead requires Chris to promote content he disagrees with — to create and convey photographs and blogs celebrating same-sex weddings because he does so for weddings between a man and a woman.”
“The law even makes it illegal for Chris to hold a policy of photographing and blogging about weddings only between a man and woman or to post internet statements explaining his religious reasons for only creating this wedding content,” the complaint added.
Appealing to the First Amendment, the lawsuit stated, “Just as Virginia cannot force atheist newspaper editors to print op-eds promoting Christianity or LGBT artists to design church flyers condemning same-sex marriage, Virginia cannot force Chris to convey messages he objects to.”
Jonathan Scruggs, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal organization representing Herring in court, said, “Artists shouldn’t be censored, fined, or forced out of business simply for disagreeing with the government’s preferred views.”
“Because of Virginia’s new law, Chris faces an impossible choice: violate the law and risk bankruptcy, promote views against his faith, or close down,” he summarized. “No matter one’s views on marriage, we all lose when bureaucrats can force citizens to participate in religious ceremonies they oppose, speak messages they disagree with, and stay silent about beliefs they hold dear.”
Herring, in turn, emphasized, “It isn’t the state’s job to tell me what I must capture on film or publish on my website. My religious beliefs influence every aspect of my life, including the stories I tell through my photography. If you’re looking for someone to photograph a red-light district or promote drug tourism, I’m not your guy.”
“Now Virginia is trying to intimidate creative professionals like me to change some of my other religious beliefs,” Herring added. “I happily work with and serve all customers, but I can’t and won’t let the state force me to express messages that contradict my beliefs.”
Of all days, Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam had signed the “Virginia Values Act” on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.
While progressive advocacy groups and some political observers applauded the move, claiming it will simply protect against discrimination in public employment, housing and credit on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, Gregory S. Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom had warned about the bill in January.
“Every Virginian deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, laws that elevate sexual orientation and gender identity to protected classes have a proven record of undermining both fairness and freedom for all citizens,” Baylor said. “While Virginia’s delegates claim that their new legislation would stamp out such discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment, these bills actually promise to harm women and girls, undercut the First Amendment, and place a special burden on people of faith.”
“Whether they intend to or not, Virginia lawmakers who support sexual orientation and gender identity bills are choosing to coerce uniformity of thought and speech on beliefs about marriage, sex, and gender,” he said.
Previously, Gov. Northam had signed a bill into law that prevents parents from seeking counseling for their children who are experiencing unwanted same-sex attractions or gender confusion. The law prohibits what it calls “conversion therapy” of people under 18 years of age.
The term “conversion therapy” is defined as “any practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender.”
At the same time, the new law does not cover “counseling that provides acceptance, support, and understanding of a person or facilitates a person’s coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, including sexual-orientation-neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices, as long as such counseling does not seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The Family Foundation, a Virginia pro-family organization, explained the bill before it was passed as allowing “licensed professionals to provide ‘acceptance, support, and understanding’ to a minor undergoing ‘gender transition’ or exploring unnatural sexual desires.”
“That’s right – a counselor could encourage a young boy to ‘transition’ into a girl, but would be prohibited by law from helping that same boy understand and affirm his identity as a boy!” the organization wrote.
Gov. Northam has been heavily pushing in his state not only gender ideology but also abortion. On Good Friday this year, he signed the so-called “Reproductive Health Protection Act,” loosening several protective restrictions for unborn babies that had previously been enacted.
“We are deeply saddened and disappointed by his signature of this legislation,” wrote Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the diocese of Richmond in a joint statement.
“The legislation signed by the Governor repeals health and safety protections at abortion facilities, allows non-physicians to perform first-trimester abortions, and removes essential informed consent requirements, including the opportunity to view an ultrasound,” they continued.
“Over the past eight years, abortions have decreased by 42 percent in Virginia,” they pointed out. “Tragically but undoubtedly, these changes to our state law will reverse that life-saving progress and increase the number of abortions.”
“Governor Northam’s so-called Reproductive Health Protection Act has nothing to do with health or keeping women safe,” declared March for Life in a tweet. “It’s simply another step from a pro-abortion governor seeking to make abortion as widespread as possible in Virginia.”
Northam had essentially supported infanticide in 2019 when he said, “So in this particular example, if the mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen: The infant would be delivered; the infant would be kept comfortable; the infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desire, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.”
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--UK abortion lobby pushes amendments to decriminalize abortion

LONDON , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — The UK ’ s largest abortion provider and pro-abortion politicians are attempting to decriminalize abortion through adding amendments to a domestic abuse bill currently going through Parliament .
BPAS urged their supporters via their website yesterday to “ ask your MP to support an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill to decriminalise abortion and protect pregnant women in abusive relationships.
” Abortion is permitted in England under exceptions to earlier laws that make it a criminal offence .
The Abortion Act 1967 allows abortions up to 24 weeks , providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor , that two doctors agree that the mother ’ s physical or mental health is at risk , or that the child will be seriously disabled .
Decriminalizing abortion means repealing sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act ( 1861 ) , and the Infant Life Preservation Act ( 1929 ) .
As UK abortion regulations presume that abortion is a criminal offence , this would make the Abortion Act exceptions irrelevant and deregulate the industry .
It would allow abortion-on-demand , in any place , for any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A new clause added by MPs today to the Domestic Abuse Bill would repeal sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act , thereby removing abortion from the criminal law .
A separate clause would make home abortions legal for domestic abuse victims , effectively meaning that the supposedly temporary law passed in response to the coronavirus crisis , which authorized women in England to kill their preborn children at home by using both pills for a chemical early abortion , would become permanent .
Antonia Tully , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unborn Children ( SPUC ) , said the amendments are a scandalous attempt to hijack a bill designed to protect women from domestic abuse and that they “ play straight into the hands of abusive men . ''
“ If they are passed unborn children will have no legal protection under the criminal law and dangerous home abortions will put vulnerable women at greater risk from coerced abortion , ” she added .
SPUC is asking its supporters to urge MPs with a pro-life voting record to lobby the Speaker in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendments to the Bill next week .
`` It 's the Speaker who selects which amendments are included in a bill , ” Tully explained .
“ We are urging supporters who live in a constituency with a pro-life MP to ask their MP to lobby the Speaker to throw out the abortion amendments . ''
“ This is a frankly desperate attempt by BPAS , ” said Alithea Williams , SPUC ’ s political assistant .
“ Their amendment is muddled and makes little sense .
However , it shows that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must be ready to fight back.
” Williams said the amendments show that the abortion lobby is “ not prepared to let go of the power to send women abortion pills in the post , which the government has said all along is a temporary measure.
” “ They are trying everything , even to the extent of hijacking such an important piece of legislation as the Domestic Abuse bill , ” she said .
“ Domestic abuse is a scourge on society , and it is appalling that BPAS are willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of abusers in order to pursue their radical abortion agenda , ” Williams concluded .

Unborn children would be left with 'no legal protection ... and dangerous home abortions will put vulnerable women at greater risk from coerced abortion,' the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children warns.
LONDON, July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — The UK’s largest abortion provider and pro-abortion politicians are attempting to decriminalize abortion through adding amendments to a domestic abuse bill currently going through Parliament.
BPAS urged their supporters via their website yesterday to “ask your MP to support an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill to decriminalise abortion and protect pregnant women in abusive relationships.”
Abortion is permitted in England under exceptions to earlier laws that make it a criminal offence. The Abortion Act 1967 allows abortions up to 24 weeks, providing it is carried out by a registered doctor, that two doctors agree that the mother’s physical or mental health is at risk, or that the child will be seriously disabled.
Decriminalizing abortion means repealing sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act (1861), and the Infant Life Preservation Act (1929). As UK abortion regulations presume that abortion is a criminal offence, this would make the Abortion Act exceptions irrelevant and deregulate the industry. It would allow abortion-on-demand, in any place, for any reason, and without medical supervision.
A new clause added by MPs today to the Domestic Abuse Bill would repeal sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act, thereby removing abortion from the criminal law.
A separate clause would make home abortions legal for domestic abuse victims, effectively meaning that the supposedly temporary law passed in response to the coronavirus crisis, which authorized women in England to kill their preborn children at home by using both pills for a chemical early abortion, would become permanent.
Antonia Tully, director of campaigns for the Society for Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), said the amendments are a scandalous attempt to hijack a bill designed to protect women from domestic abuse and that they “play straight into the hands of abusive men.”
“These amendments are totally toxic,” Tully said.
“If they are passed unborn children will have no legal protection under the criminal law and dangerous home abortions will put vulnerable women at greater risk from coerced abortion,” she added.
SPUC is asking its supporters to urge MPs with a pro-life voting record to lobby the Speaker in the House of Commons, who will select the amendments to the Bill next week.
“It's the Speaker who selects which amendments are included in a bill,” Tully explained.
“We are urging supporters who live in a constituency with a pro-life MP to ask their MP to lobby the Speaker to throw out the abortion amendments.”
“This is a frankly desperate attempt by BPAS,” said Alithea Williams, SPUC’s political assistant.
“Their amendment is muddled and makes little sense. However, it shows that the abortion lobby never gives up. And we must be ready to fight back.”
Williams said the amendments show that the abortion lobby is “not prepared to let go of the power to send women abortion pills in the post, which the government has said all along is a temporary measure.”
“They are trying everything, even to the extent of hijacking such an important piece of legislation as the Domestic Abuse bill,” she said.
“Domestic abuse is a scourge on society, and it is appalling that BPAS are willing to put abortion drugs into the hands of abusers in order to pursue their radical abortion agenda,” Williams concluded.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Catholic priest defends criticism of ‘pride’ celebrations: ‘This is about saving souls’

LAFAYETTE , Louisiana , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — A Catholic parish in the Diocese of Lafayette has stood by its criticism of the New Orleans Saints for celebrating the “ gay rights movement , ” despite being attacked for it on social media .
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath , Lafayette , responded to a Facebook post by the New Orleans Saints which publicized the team having lit up its stadium with the “ Pride ” rainbow colors .
“ Come on NOLA Saints .
We want to support you .
But this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do n't bow down to these pressure groups .
Kids have rights .
Children deserve to have a dad and a mom .
Plz dont support immorality .
Cancel the PC Culture , '' the parish ’ s post states .
The post by the parish attracted more than 500 comments , many of which were negative and accusing the parish of “ hatefulness ” and “ bigotry.
” Parish priest Father Andre Metrejean has now removed the post , but responded to the criticism by posting a recorded statement , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courage International , an apostolate which encourages Catholics who experience same-sex attractions to find happiness through greater closeness to Christ and in chaste friendships .
“ The Church is not full of hate .
In fact when people accuse us of hate or disdain because we preach the truth about sexuality and God ’ s plan for it , they are lying .
It ’ s a bully tactic .
This is what bullies do ; they accuse you of something that you in fact are not guilty of , ” Metrejean ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parish , my Church , my Bible , my Catholic tradition , my Lord , we don ’ t hate you , we love you .
That 's why we preach what we do .
This is not about exclusion , this is not about judging others , this is about saving souls and bringing people the power of the blood of Christ ” he adds .
KATC , a local ABC affiliate , reports that they contacted the diocese regarding the posts .
The diocese replied by referencing paragraph 2358 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Douglas Deshotel and the Diocese of Lafayette have been made aware of a recent social media post concerning the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Smoothie King Center .
In response , Bishop Deshotel references Paragraph 2358 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church : “ The number of men and women who have deep seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible .
They do not choose their homosexual condition ; for most of them it is a trial .
They must be accepted with respect , compassion , and sensitivity .
Every sign of unjust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These persons are called to fulfill God ’ s will in their lives and , if they are Christians , to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord ’ s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.
” There is no suggestion in the report that the diocese made mention of paragraphs 2357 or 2359 of the catechism , which state that “ [ h ] omosexual persons are called to chastity ” and that “ [ u ] nder no circumstances ” can homosexual acts be approved : 2357 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex .
It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures .
Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained .
Basing itself on Sacred Scripture , which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity , tradition has always declared that `` homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered . ''
They are contrary to the natural law .
They close the sexual act to the gift of life .
They do not proceed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under no circumstances can they be approved .
2359 Homosexual persons are called to chastity .
By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom , at times by the support of disinterested friendship , by prayer and sacramental grace , they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection .

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana, July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — A Catholic parish in the Diocese of Lafayette has stood by its criticism of the New Orleans Saints for celebrating the “gay rights movement,” despite being attacked for it on social media.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, Lafayette, responded to a Facebook post by the New Orleans Saints which publicized the team having lit up its stadium with the “Pride” rainbow colors.
“Come on NOLA Saints. We want to support you. But this kinda of stunt hurts society and souls. Don't bow down to these pressure groups. Kids have rights. Children deserve to have a dad and a mom. Plz dont support immorality. Cancel the PC Culture,” the parish’s post states.
The post by the parish attracted more than 500 comments, many of which were negative and accusing the parish of “hatefulness” and “bigotry.”
Parish priest Father Andre Metrejean has now removed the post, but responded to the criticism by posting a recorded statement, as well as sharing a documentary produced by Courage International, an apostolate which encourages Catholics who experience same-sex attractions to find happiness through greater closeness to Christ and in chaste friendships.
“The Church is not full of hate. In fact when people accuse us of hate or disdain because we preach the truth about sexuality and God’s plan for it, they are lying. It’s a bully tactic. This is what bullies do; they accuse you of something that you in fact are not guilty of,” Metrejean’s recorded statement says.
“My parish, my Church, my Bible, my Catholic tradition, my Lord, we don’t hate you, we love you. That's why we preach what we do. This is not about exclusion, this is not about judging others, this is about saving souls and bringing people the power of the blood of Christ” he adds.
KATC, a local ABC affiliate, reports that they contacted the diocese regarding the posts. The diocese replied by referencing paragraph 2358 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Bishop Douglas Deshotel and the Diocese of Lafayette have been made aware of a recent social media post concerning the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Smoothie King Center. In response, Bishop Deshotel references Paragraph 2358 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The number of men and women who have deep seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.”
There is no suggestion in the report that the diocese made mention of paragraphs 2357 or 2359 of the catechism, which state that “[h]omosexual persons are called to chastity” and that “[u]nder no circumstances” can homosexual acts be approved:
2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.” They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved. … 2359 Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Feds arrest Epstein ‘madam’ Ghislaine Maxwell on charges of grooming sex victims

July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Ghislaine Maxwell , the woman accused of grooming young girls for deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein to prey upon , was arrested Thursday morning as part of a federal investigation into Epstein ’ s crimes that continues beyond his death .
Epstein allegedly killed himself in his cell at New York ’ s Metropolitan Correctional Center ( MCC ) in August 2019 .
The billionaire was being held on charges of trafficking underaged girls to be raped by himself and wealthy associates , in a high-profile case that was believed to implicate many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was one of Epstein ’ s former girlfriends , was taken into custody on multiple counts of conspiracy to entice minors into sex acts , Fox News reports .
She is also the target of lawsuits by several of Epstein ’ s alleged victims .
From 1994 to 1997 , Maxwell “ assisted , facilitated , and contributed to Jeffrey Epstein 's abuse of minor girls by , among other things , helping Epstein to recruit , groom , and ultimately abuse victims known to Maxwell and Epstein to be under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say .
“ Moreover , in an effort to conceal her crimes , Maxwell repeatedly lied when questioned about her conduct , including in relation to some of the minor victims ... when providing testimony under oath in 2016.
” The authorities say Maxwell would start by trying to make girls comfortable with conversation about their families and school , and take them shopping and to see movies .
She would then move on to “ normaliz [ ing ] sexual abuse ” by discussing sex , undressing in victims ’ presence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrate what they wanted the girls to do .
Authorities further accuse Maxwell of encouraging victims to accept Epstein ’ s offers to pay for their education in exchange for sex , which made victims “ feel indebted ” to the pedophile , and that Maxwell also abused girls directly .
The Epstein case has been a source of intense curiosity for months , due to the mysteries surrounding the billionaire ’ s private Caribbean retreat , dubbed “ Pedophile Island ” by locals , as well as to the botched past prosecution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous crimes .
Last November , Project Veritas published leaked video in which ABC News anchor Amy Robach reveals that the network spiked a devastating exposé on Epstein that allegedly would have implicated former President Bill Clinton , who is known to have flown on Epstein ’ s private plane on dozens of occasions .

July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Ghislaine Maxwell, the woman accused of grooming young girls for deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein to prey upon, was arrested Thursday morning as part of a federal investigation into Epstein’s crimes that continues beyond his death.
Epstein killed himself in his cell at New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in August 2019. The billionaire was being held on charges of trafficking underaged girls to be raped by himself and wealthy associates, in a high-profile case that was believed to implicate many prominent figures around the world.
Maxwell, who was one of Epstein’s former girlfriends, was taken into custody on multiple counts of conspiracy to entice minors into sex acts, Fox News reports. She is also the target of lawsuits by several of Epstein’s alleged victims.
From 1994 to 1997, Maxwell “assisted, facilitated, and contributed to Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of minor girls by, among other things, helping Epstein to recruit, groom, and ultimately abuse victims known to Maxwell and Epstein to be under the age of 18,” prosecutors say. “Moreover, in an effort to conceal her crimes, Maxwell repeatedly lied when questioned about her conduct, including in relation to some of the minor victims… when providing testimony under oath in 2016.”
The authorities say Maxwell would start by trying to make girls comfortable with conversation about their families and school, and take them shopping and to see movies. She would then move on to “normaliz[ing] sexual abuse” by discussing sex, undressing in victims’ presence, and performing sex acts on Epstein to demonstrate what they wanted the girls to do.
Authorities further accuse Maxwell of encouraging victims to accept Epstein’s offers to pay for their education in exchange for sex, which made victims “feel indebted” to the pedophile, and that Maxwell also abused girls directly.
The Epstein case has been a source of intense curiosity for months, due to the mysteries surrounding the billionaire’s private Caribbean retreat, dubbed “Pedophile Island” by locals, as well as to the botched past prosecution and lax punishment for Epstein’s previous crimes.
Last November, Project Veritas published leaked video in which ABC News anchor Amy Robach reveals that the network spiked a devastating exposé on Epstein that allegedly would have implicated former President Bill Clinton, who is known to have flown on Epstein’s private plane on dozens of occasions.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--San Francisco threatens archdiocese with restraining order for offering indoor Masses

SAN FRANCISCO , California , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In a lengthy seven-page letter , the city and county of San Francisco threatened the local archdiocese , headed by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone , with a temporary restraining order over its alleged noncompliance with coronavirus-related orders by Health Officer Tomás J. Aragón .
City Attorney Dennis J. Herrera demanded to confirm by the end of June “ that the Archdiocese will cease offering indoor religious services , except for funerals with up to 12 attendees and except for live streaming as described above ; and further that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Requirements of those orders will be followed at all outdoor services.
” The Archdiocese of San Francisco has not yet publicly reacted to the demand .
Father Joseph Illo , a priest in San Francisco , commented on his blog , “ Clearly some people in the city government and the news media find religion intolerable .
They hate religion.
” “ They may hate religion , and they may hate religious persons , ” he added .
“ They may not restrict our rights as free American citizens.
” The archdiocese ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which were published on June 6 , stated , “ In charity to all and in consideration of public health and safety , those attending Mass must wear a mask.
” Additionally , “ The six-foot distance rule must be strictly enforced , ” with each church preparing “ distanced pews in accordance with the social distancing guidelines.
” Churches are supposed to be sanitized after each Mass , and “ all Masses held inside of church should be kept short , not to exceed 30-40 minutes in duration.
” Music can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one cantor but no choir and without congregational singing.
” Holy Communion , the archdiocese advised , should be distributed outside of Mass .
“ The faithful receive Holy Communion in the normal way .
If the priest senses that his fingers have made contact with a person ’ s hands or mouth , he should pause , place the ciborium on the corporal , cleanse his fingers in the ablution bowl and dry them on the purificator , and then use hand sanitizer ( non-scented ) .
” All of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and county of San Francisco .
The letter criticizes that liturgical ministers are not required to wear masks .
It is unclear how the priest at the altar , which is removed more than six feet from the congregation , would infect any of the faithful with the coronavirus .
In any case , the local government stated that in its orders , there is “ no exception for liturgical ministers to not wear a face covering and , in fact , when indoor services do resume , it will be particularly critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ City guidelines also require singers to be in isolation booths or in a separate room from others while singing .
While the Archdiocese ’ s protocols admit to some limitations on singing , these would not adequately mitigate the heightened risks attendant to singing.
” Again , it is unclear how one cantor , by himself in the choir loft , would infect any other person with the coronavirus .
The letter gave no explanation for limiting attendance at outdoor Masses to 12 people , even though so-called social distancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be maintained in many church parking lots .
As far as indoor Masses are concerned , “ the Health Officer ’ s Order prohibits these indoor gatherings because they are unsafe , ” the City Attorney wrote , accusing the archdiocese of making “ San Franciscans less safe ” by having Mass inside .
City Attorney Herrera suggested , “ Religious services may continue to be live-streamed to congregants , as they have since the beginning of our sheltering in place , so long as the number of people involved in the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 people total , the place of worship is closed to the public and no congregants are involved , physical distancing is observed , and singers perform in isolation booths or in a room separated from others .
Parishioners without internet may also call into a service that can be placed on speaker phone.
” He seemed to be unaware that these alternatives are , for Catholics , no substitute for physical attendance at Holy Mass on Sundays , as well as receiving Holy Communion .
In the letter , the city and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people had snitched on Catholic parishes , and “ one of our investigators ” was directed “ to survey several Catholic Churches on Sunday June 21 and Sunday June 28.
” The list of things found by the investigator ended up to be more than harmless .
“ On Sunday June 21 , St. Mary of the Assumption located on 1111 Gough Street held indoor Mass , ” Herrera recounted .
“ On Sunday June 28 , St. Mary of the Assumption held indoor Mass and the investigator counted 23 people in attendance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face covering nor was the man who did the first reading.
” Father Joseph Illo , whose parish Star of the Sea was mentioned several times in the letter , pointed out that the “ free exercise of religion is an essential activity in America , guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution ( ‘ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ’ ) .
” He then explained how religious services seem to be specifically targeted by the local government .
“ Fifty people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside my door several hundred times a day , in the most unsanitary of conditions .
Groups of twenty people gather in Golden Gate Park without masks on every sunny day , four blocks from my door.
” “ Hundreds gather in Costco from 9-9 every day , ” Illo continued .
“ Dozens of people eat at restaurants on the streets around my church , without masks .
The mayor addresses hundreds of people in a protest at City Hall , many of whom wear no masks .
And the city is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a gathering of more than 12 people , outside , for an activity that is specifically protected by the Constitution ?
” In June , a Black Lives Matter mob in San Francisco ripped down a statue of St. Junipero Serra , a Catholic missionary canonized by Pope Francis in 2015 .
Illo also posted a picture on his blog of a nail poking into a wheel , writing , “ Somebody who clearly does n't want me around jammed a nail up against my scooter front tire the other day .
@

Archdiocese needs to 'cease offering indoor religious services, except for funerals with up to 12 attendees'
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – In a lengthy seven-page letter, the city and county of San Francisco threatened the local archdiocese, headed by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, with a temporary restraining order over its alleged noncompliance with coronavirus-related orders by Health Officer Tomás J. Aragón.
City Attorney Dennis J. Herrera demanded to confirm by the end of June “that the Archdiocese will cease offering indoor religious services, except for funerals with up to 12 attendees and except for live streaming as described above; and further that the Face Covering requirements and Social Distancing Requirements of those orders will be followed at all outdoor services.”
The Archdiocese of San Francisco has not yet publicly reacted to the demand.
Father Joseph Illo, a priest in San Francisco, commented on his blog, “Clearly some people in the city government and the news media find religion intolerable. They hate religion.”
“They may hate religion, and they may hate religious persons,” he added. “They may not restrict our rights as free American citizens.”
The archdiocese’s safety protocols for reopening public Masses, which were published on June 6, stated, “In charity to all and in consideration of public health and safety, those attending Mass must wear a mask.” Additionally, “The six-foot distance rule must be strictly enforced,” with each church preparing “distanced pews in accordance with the social distancing guidelines.”
Churches are supposed to be sanitized after each Mass, and “all Masses held inside of church should be kept short, not to exceed 30-40 minutes in duration.” Music can only be “provided by one musician and one cantor but no choir and without congregational singing.”
Holy Communion, the archdiocese advised, should be distributed outside of Mass. “The faithful receive Holy Communion in the normal way. If the priest senses that his fingers have made contact with a person’s hands or mouth, he should pause, place the ciborium on the corporal, cleanse his fingers in the ablution bowl and dry them on the purificator, and then use hand sanitizer(non-scented).”
All of these measures are not enough for the city and county of San Francisco.
The letter criticizes that liturgical ministers are not required to wear masks. It is unclear how the priest at the altar, which is removed more than six feet from the congregation, would infect any of the faithful with the coronavirus. In any case, the local government stated that in its orders, there is “no exception for liturgical ministers to not wear a face covering and, in fact, when indoor services do resume, it will be particularly critical that religious leaders wear them.”
Also, “City guidelines also require singers to be in isolation booths or in a separate room from others while singing. While the Archdiocese’s protocols admit to some limitations on singing, these would not adequately mitigate the heightened risks attendant to singing.” Again, it is unclear how one cantor, by himself in the choir loft, would infect any other person with the coronavirus.
The letter gave no explanation for limiting attendance at outdoor Masses to 12 people, even though so-called social distancing, even beyond six feet, could easily be maintained in many church parking lots.
As far as indoor Masses are concerned, “the Health Officer’s Order prohibits these indoor gatherings because they are unsafe,” the City Attorney wrote, accusing the archdiocese of making “San Franciscans less safe” by having Mass inside.
City Attorney Herrera suggested, “Religious services may continue to be live-streamed to congregants, as they have since the beginning of our sheltering in place, so long as the number of people involved in the service and streaming it is no more than 12 people total, the place of worship is closed to the public and no congregants are involved, physical distancing is observed, and singers perform in isolation booths or in a room separated from others. Parishioners without internet may also call into a service that can be placed on speaker phone.”
He seemed to be unaware that these alternatives are, for Catholics, no substitute for physical attendance at Holy Mass on Sundays, as well as receiving Holy Communion.
In the letter, the city and county of San Francisco revealed that several people had snitched on Catholic parishes, and “one of our investigators” was directed “to survey several Catholic Churches on Sunday June 21 and Sunday June 28.”
The list of things found by the investigator ended up to be more than harmless. “On Sunday June 21, St. Mary of the Assumption located on 1111 Gough Street held indoor Mass,” Herrera recounted. “On Sunday June 28, St. Mary of the Assumption held indoor Mass and the investigator counted 23 people in attendance. The priest was not wearing a face covering nor was the man who did the first reading.”
Father Joseph Illo, whose parish Star of the Sea was mentioned several times in the letter, pointed out that the “free exercise of religion is an essential activity in America, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution (‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof’).”
He then explained how religious services seem to be specifically targeted by the local government. “Fifty people crowd onto city busses [sic] outside my door several hundred times a day, in the most unsanitary of conditions. Groups of twenty people gather in Golden Gate Park without masks on every sunny day, four blocks from my door.”
“Hundreds gather in Costco from 9-9 every day,” Illo continued. “Dozens of people eat at restaurants on the streets around my church, without masks. The mayor addresses hundreds of people in a protest at City Hall, many of whom wear no masks. And the city is telling my church that we cannot have a gathering of more than 12 people, outside, for an activity that is specifically protected by the Constitution?”
In June, a Black Lives Matter mob in San Francisco ripped down a statue of St. Junipero Serra, a Catholic missionary canonized by Pope Francis in 2015.
Illo also posted a picture on his blog of a nail poking into a wheel, writing, “Somebody who clearly doesn't want me around jammed a nail up against my scooter front tire the other day.”
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Trump admin pushes new rule to protect women in shelters from gender-confused men

WASHINGTON , D.C. , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The Trump administration ’ s Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD ) proposed a new federal regulation Wednesday that would allow single-sex homeless shelters to truly remain single-sex , to the chagrin of transgender activists .
The proposed rule would allow single-sex homeless shelters to turn away gender-confused individuals of the opposite sex , consistent with the “ religious beliefs of shelter providers , ” The New York Times reported .
The administration says the rule will be consistent with the principle that shelters “ must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transgender status.
” The administration argues that the rule , which would reverse an edict from the Obama administration , will allow shelters to protect actual women from the various challenges of being forced to share close quarters and intimate facilities with men , including men ( such as abusive ex-partners ) who aren ’ t actually gender-confused and merely claim trans status to get close to potential victims .
LGBT activists are outraged by the measure , which LaLa Zannell of the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ) claims “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brown transgender women who face extraordinarily high rates of unemployment and homelessness at any time , and particularly in this economic crisis.
” “ Transgender people should get the same rights as everyone else , but they don ’ t get to change things for everybody else , ” HUD Secretary Ben Carson declared last year , relaying conversations with shelter operators and women ’ s groups who didn ’ t want “ big , hairy men ” sharing space with vulnerable women .
“ If you have a women 's shelter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you get to decide how you 're going to run it , the federal government does n't need to be telling people who is a man and who is a woman.
” As LifeSiteNews covered when former President Barack Obama handed down the previous rule change in 2016 , and has covered when similar concerns have been raised about locker rooms and restrooms , the dangers of diluting sex-segregated facilities is not theoretical .
In 2012 , Christopher Hambrook assaulted multiple women at a Toronto shelter by claiming to be transgendered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue mission overheard someone on the street saying , ‘ Dude , if you go down to the rescue mission and tell them you ’ re transgender , you can sleep in the women ’ s dorm and even shower with them , ’ ” John Ashmen , president of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions , told LifeSiteNews at the time .
Implementation of the regulation may be complicated , however , by the U.S. Supreme Court ’ s recent decision to reinterpret “ sex discrimination ” in Title VII of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual orientation and gender identity , ” which could force shelters to regard “ trans women ” as if they were actually women .

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on 'sex discrimination' in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act could make the rule difficult to enforce.
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The Trump administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposed a new federal regulation Wednesday that would allow single-sex homeless shelters to truly remain single-sex, to the chagrin of transgender activists.
The proposed rule would allow single-sex homeless shelters to turn away gender-confused individuals of the opposite sex, consistent with the “religious beliefs of shelter providers,” The New York Times reported. The administration says the rule will be consistent with the principle that shelters “must not discriminate based on sexual orientation or transgender status.”
The administration argues that the rule, which would reverse an edict from the Obama administration, will allow shelters to protect actual women from the various challenges of being forced to share close quarters and intimate facilities with men, including men (such as abusive ex-partners) who aren’t actually gender-confused and merely claim trans status to get close to potential victims.
LGBT activists are outraged by the measure, which LaLa Zannell of the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) claims “would be particularly dangerous for the black and brown transgender women who face extraordinarily high rates of unemployment and homelessness at any time, and particularly in this economic crisis.”
“Transgender people should get the same rights as everyone else, but they don’t get to change things for everybody else,” HUD Secretary Ben Carson declared last year, relaying conversations with shelter operators and women’s groups who didn’t want “big, hairy men” sharing space with vulnerable women. “If you have a women's shelter and you’ve been operating well, you get to decide how you're going to run it, the federal government doesn't need to be telling people who is a man and who is a woman.”
As LifeSiteNews covered when former President Barack Obama handed down the previous rule change in 2016, and has covered when similar concerns have been raised about locker rooms and restrooms, the dangers of diluting sex-segregated facilities is not theoretical.
In 2012, Christopher Hambrook assaulted multiple women at a Toronto shelter by claiming to be transgendered. “One of the guests at a rescue mission overheard someone on the street saying, ‘Dude, if you go down to the rescue mission and tell them you’re transgender, you can sleep in the women’s dorm and even shower with them,’” John Ashmen, president of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, told LifeSiteNews at the time.
Implementation of the regulation may be complicated, however, by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to reinterpret “sex discrimination” in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include “sexual orientation and gender identity,” which could force shelters to regard “trans women” as if they were actually women.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Could this be America’s last birthday before a civil war or democratic secession?

PETITION : Urge U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference to defend Catholic heritage and statues !
Sign the petition here .
July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Radical leftists have escalated the culture wars to new heights in recent weeks .
With each passing day , the out-of-control mob is growing ever more insane as it tears down statues of America ’ s Founding Fathers and increases its attacks on Christianity .
LifeSite ’ s Director of Advocacy and Outreach , Gualberto Garcia Jones , sat down with George Mason Law Professor F.H .
Buckley recently to discuss the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
“ I think it ’ s more likely now , ” Buckley said of a possible U.S. breakup .
“ It ’ s all a question of who wins and who loses.
” “ If Trump did win [ in 2020 ] , if the left thought that after all of its years pretending that he ’ s an illegitimate president , if they ’ re faced with another four more years of Trump , then God knows what could happen.
” Buckley is the author of American Secession : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He points to Czechoslovakia as an example of where secession movements have succeeded in the past .
He believes that secession is not a bad thing and that as a democratic tool it is preferable to war .
The recent Supreme Court ruling in favor of transgenderism was also discussed during the interview .
Buckley noted that social conservatives are essentially being told they are “ barbarians ” for their beliefs and that this is not good for the country .
“ Part of our problem is we ’ ve got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ] doesn ’ t work for the entire country….same-sex ‘ marriage ’ laws…abortion laws.
” Many of these laws are becoming irreversible , he said , and “ that makes people in more conservative parts of the country feel not merely that they ’ re not represented but it ’ s communicated to them that they are barbarians for even objecting .
That ’ s got to fray the sense of nationhood.
” Buckley concluded that , “ our sense of being American at this point , June 2020…is so weak that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] ‘ this is not working.
’ ” The questions Americans must now ask themselves are : Are we at a place in American history where secession is likely ?
Even probable ?
What should patriotic American citizens do in response to these riots ?
How can the U.S. ever recover and unite itself again ?
Scripture speaks of there being a time for peace and a time for war .
Which period is the U.S. in right now ?
What ’ s the way forward ?

“our sense of being American at this point, June 2020…is so weak that I can easily see people [saying] ‘this is not working,’” said F.H. Buckley.
PETITION: Urge U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference to defend Catholic heritage and statues! Sign the petition here.
July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Radical leftists have escalated the culture wars to new heights in recent weeks. With each passing day, the out-of-control mob is growing ever more insane as it tears down statues of America’s Founding Fathers and increases its attacks on Christianity.
LifeSite’s Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Gualberto Garcia Jones, sat down with George Mason Law Professor F.H. Buckley recently to discuss the possibility of secession actually taking place in the United States.
“I think it’s more likely now,” Buckley said of a possible U.S. breakup. “It’s all a question of who wins and who loses.”
“If Trump did win [in 2020], if the left thought that after all of its years pretending that he’s an illegitimate president, if they’re faced with another four more years of Trump, then God knows what could happen.”
Buckley is the author of American Secession: The Looming Threat of a National Breakup. He points to Czechoslovakia as an example of where secession movements have succeeded in the past. He believes that secession is not a bad thing and that as a democratic tool it is preferable to war.
The recent Supreme Court ruling in favor of transgenderism was also discussed during the interview. Buckley noted that social conservatives are essentially being told they are “barbarians” for their beliefs and that this is not good for the country.
“Part of our problem is we’ve got a culture being imposed legally from Washington [that] doesn’t work for the entire country….same-sex ‘marriage’ laws…abortion laws.”
Many of these laws are becoming irreversible, he said, and “that makes people in more conservative parts of the country feel not merely that they’re not represented but it’s communicated to them that they are barbarians for even objecting. That’s got to fray the sense of nationhood.”
Buckley concluded that, “our sense of being American at this point, June 2020…is so weak that I can easily see people [saying] ‘this is not working.’”
The questions Americans must now ask themselves are: Are we at a place in American history where secession is likely? Even probable? What should patriotic American citizens do in response to these riots? How can the U.S. ever recover and unite itself again? Scripture speaks of there being a time for peace and a time for war. Which period is the U.S. in right now? What’s the way forward?
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Supreme Court orders Indiana abortion laws be reconsidered in light of its new pro-abort ruling

URGENT PETITION : Tell the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade !
Sign the petition here .
WASHINGTON , D.C. , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The U.S. Supreme Court ’ s decision to strike down Louisaiana ’ s law requiring admitting privileges for abortion facilities is already impacting other abortion cases working through the legal system , with the Supreme Court ordering Thursday that two lower-court decisions on Indiana pro-life laws be vacated and reconsidered in light of the days-old precedent .
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals had previously blocked a pair of Indiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which required that women be offered ultrasounds before going through with abortion and another that required parental notification before minors ’ abortions , even when the minor is seeking a judicial bypass .
On Thursday morning , the Supreme Court ordered that both rulings be vacated and returned to the Seventh Circuit “ for further consideration in light of June Medical Services L.L.C .
v. Russo , ” this week ’ s 5-4 decision claiming it ’ s unconstitutional to require abortion facilities to establish admitting privileges with nearby hospitals in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justices ruled was not released , but only four justices are required to grant a writ of certiorari , meaning the court ’ s four Democrat appointees would have been enough to grant Planned Parenthood ’ s request .
The court also let stand a third ruling , which allowed the abortion provider Whole Woman ’ s Health a provisional license to open an abortion facility in South Bend , Indiana ; and denied pro-life petitions to review “ buffer zone ” laws keeping pro-life protesters and sidewalk counselors away from abortion facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania .
The order notes that Justice Clarence Thomas would have heard the Chicago case .
“ The justices have now considered the [ ultrasound ] case at six conferences – three in May and three in October – without ruling on it , ” SCOTUSblog ’ s Amy Howe notes .
While Thursday ’ s orders technically invalidate two rulings that favored the abortion industry , the fact that the Seventh Circuit is being ordered to apply another pro-abortion ruling when they start over indicates the outcome will most likely be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling in the Louisiana case was widely panned by pro-lifers and originalist commentators , and provided conservatives with their latest bullet point against the controversial Chief Justice John Roberts , who has sided with liberals on several key occasions despite being appointed by former Republican president George W. Bush .
On the other hand , both of President Donald Trump ’ s nominees , Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh , joined the conservative dissenters .

The court also let stand a third ruling, which allowed the abortion provider Whole Woman’s Health a provisional license to open an abortion facility in South Bend, Indiana and denied pro-life petitions to review 'buffer zone' laws.
URGENT PETITION: Tell the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade! Sign the petition here.
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Louisaiana’s law requiring admitting privileges for abortion facilities is already impacting other abortion cases working through the legal system, with the Supreme Court ordering Thursday that two lower-court decisions on Indiana pro-life laws be vacated and reconsidered in light of the days-old precedent.
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals had previously blocked a pair of Indiana pro-life laws, Reuters reports, one of which required that women be offered ultrasounds before going through with abortion and another that required parental notification before minors’ abortions, even when the minor is seeking a judicial bypass.
On Thursday morning, the Supreme Court ordered that both rulings be vacated and returned to the Seventh Circuit “for further consideration in light of June Medical Services L.L.C. v. Russo,” this week’s 5-4 decision claiming it’s unconstitutional to require abortion facilities to establish admitting privileges with nearby hospitals in the event of life-threatening complications.
How individual justices ruled was not released, but only four justices are required to grant a writ of certiorari, meaning the court’s four Democrat appointees would have been enough to issue the order.
The court also let stand a third ruling, which allowed the abortion provider Whole Woman’s Health a provisional license to open an abortion facility in South Bend, Indiana; and denied pro-life petitions to review “buffer zone” laws keeping pro-life protesters and sidewalk counselors away from abortion facilities in Chicago, Illinois and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The order notes that Justice Clarence Thomas would have heard the Chicago case.
“The justices have now considered the [ultrasound] case at six conferences – three in May and three in October – without ruling on it,” SCOTUSblog’s Amy Howe notes.
While Thursday’s orders technically invalidate two rulings that favored the abortion industry, the fact that the Seventh Circuit is being ordered to apply another pro-abortion ruling when they start over indicates the outcome will most likely be the same at best.
Monday’s ruling in the Louisiana case was widely panned by pro-lifers and originalist commentators, and provided conservatives with their latest bullet point against the controversial Chief Justice John Roberts, who has sided with liberals on several key occasions despite being appointed by former Republican president George W. Bush. On the other hand, both of President Donald Trump’s nominees, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, joined the conservative dissenters.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Parents teach their kids by their actions

Formerly Heart to Heart with Mother Miriam , Mother Miriam Live brings you inspiration and solutions for life ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Miriam is a Catholic nun on a mission to bring hope to a world that @ @ @ @ @ let her share that hope and joy with you !
To tune into Mother Miriam @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page here every Monday to Friday at 10am .

To help keep this and other programs on the air, please donate here.
Watch Mother Miriam's Live aired on 7.02.2020. In today’s episode, Mother speaks about the importance of home education. She reminds parents that children learn from their example, not just from their words. Children will learn charity, love, and kindness if parents exhibit those traits.
You can tune in daily at 10 am EST/7 am PST on our Facebook Page.
Subscribe to Mother Miriam Live here.


lifesitenews--2020-07-02--‘Soft despotism’ emerging against Catholics in the US: Archbishop

Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world : Feed your flock !
Sign the petition here .
UNITED STATES , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski has told Catholic media that a “ soft despotism ” is emerging in the country and described those pushing religious and anti-Catholic intolerance as “ new Jacobins.
” Wenski , the recently appointed head of the U.S. bishops ’ religious freedom committee , told Catholic News Agency ( CNA ) earlier this week that “ we ’ re not second-class citizens because we are people of faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholicism is “ treating us as somehow less worthy of full participation in the benefits of American life.
” According to CNA , Wenski referenced attempts to force the Little Sisters of the Poor to provide contraceptives , as well as the recent ousting of 21-year-old Catholic student Jack Denton from his position as student senate president at Florida State University as evidence that a new wave of religious intolerance is forcing believers and belief out of public life .
Denton was removed for his position when his comments on a private chat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his statement that Catholics should not to support Black Lives Matter were leaked publicly .
Denton is now being advised by the Alliance Defending Freedom ( ADF ) and is appealing to the university ’ s supreme court to get his job back on the grounds that his removal violated the university ’ s nondiscrimination policy , Student Government Association ( SGV ) policy , and the First Amendment , according to ADF spokesperson Ellie Wittman .
Wenski said that events such as Denton ’ s removal are “ becoming more common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and told CNA that Catholics are increasingly becoming ostracized , ridiculed , or even denied jobs because of their religious beliefs .
He said that the cases of both Denton and the Little Sisters of the Poor “ really deal with the freedom to serve ” and for Catholics to be able to live out their faith in public .
Wenski also highlighted the “ disparate treatment ” by some U.S. officials in supporting mass anti-racism and anti-police protests , while keeping churches closed during the coronavirus lockdowns .
The U.S. Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the hypocrisy of New York City Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio for vigorously enforcing restrictions on religious gatherings , but himself marching in large in-person political gatherings following the death of George Floyd .
Wenski said that the suspension of public Masses by the bishops was done because COVID-19 was understood as “ a real public health threat.
” “ When you see that disparate treatment , then you have to ask whether that is because of some religious animus , and that ’ s where we have to be very careful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly expressed concern that a “ hard despotism ” in the Middle East and China sees Christians being imprisoned , tortured , and killed for their faith .
The archbishop said that the U.S. Supreme Court had “ got it right ” in its Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue decision this week , when it ruled that states may not deny tuition grants to religious schools if they would award those same grants to secular private schools .
Referring to Monday ’ s June Medical Services LLC v. Russo Supreme Court ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic medical precautions in the event of abortion complications Wenski noted that “ a lot of people were not happy with the decision.
” In April it was Wenski who forbade any sort of parish “ drive through ” services despite the fact that the governor of Florida ’ s coronavirus “ stay-at-home ” order deemed religious services “ essential activities ” and permitted public participation as long as “ social distancing guidelines ” were followed .
The former chair of the bishops ’ religious freedom committee , Archbishop William Lori , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Archdiocese of Baltimore from administering sacraments to the faithful unless individuals were “ in danger of dying.
” Lori had previously warned in 2016 that a “ bloodless ” and “ polite ” persecution had manifested itself in public schools , courts , laws , and “ policies that seek to manage and put limits on religion .
”

'We’re not second-class citizens because we are people of faith,' said Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock! Sign the petition here.
UNITED STATES, July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski has told Catholic media that a “soft despotism” is emerging in the country and described those pushing religious and anti-Catholic intolerance as “new Jacobins.”
Wenski, the recently appointed head of the U.S. bishops’ religious freedom committee, told Catholic News Agency (CNA) earlier this week that “we’re not second-class citizens because we are people of faith,” but that hostility to public Catholicism is “treating us as somehow less worthy of full participation in the benefits of American life.”
According to CNA, Wenski referenced attempts to force the Little Sisters of the Poor to provide contraceptives, as well as the recent ousting of 21-year-old Catholic student Jack Denton from his position as student senate president at Florida State University as evidence that a new wave of religious intolerance is forcing believers and belief out of public life.
Denton was removed for his position when his comments on a private chat regarding Catholic teaching on abortion and transgenderism and his statement that Catholics should not to support Black Lives Matter were leaked publicly.
Denton is now being advised by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and is appealing to the university’s supreme court to get his job back on the grounds that his removal violated the university’s nondiscrimination policy, Student Government Association (SGV) policy, and the First Amendment, according to ADF spokesperson Ellie Wittman.
Wenski said that events such as Denton’s removal are “becoming more common [than] remarkable, unfortunately,” and told CNA that Catholics are increasingly becoming ostracized, ridiculed, or even denied jobs because of their religious beliefs.
He said that the cases of both Denton and the Little Sisters of the Poor “really deal with the freedom to serve” and for Catholics to be able to live out their faith in public.
Wenski also highlighted the “disparate treatment” by some U.S. officials in supporting mass anti-racism and anti-police protests, while keeping churches closed during the coronavirus lockdowns.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently called out the hypocrisy of New York City Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio for vigorously enforcing restrictions on religious gatherings, but himself marching in large in-person political gatherings following the death of George Floyd.
Wenski said that the suspension of public Masses by the bishops was done because COVID-19 was understood as “a real public health threat.”
“When you see that disparate treatment, then you have to ask whether that is because of some religious animus, and that’s where we have to be very careful,” he said.
Wenski also reportedly expressed concern that a “hard despotism” in the Middle East and China sees Christians being imprisoned, tortured, and killed for their faith.
The archbishop said that the U.S. Supreme Court had “got it right” in its Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue decision this week, when it ruled that states may not deny tuition grants to religious schools if they would award those same grants to secular private schools.
Referring to Monday’s June Medical Services LLC v. Russo Supreme Court ruling to strike down a Louisiana law requiring basic medical precautions in the event of abortion complications Wenski noted that “a lot of people were not happy with the decision.”
In April it was Wenski who forbade any sort of parish “drive through” services despite the fact that the governor of Florida’s coronavirus “stay-at-home” order deemed religious services “essential activities” and permitted public participation as long as “social distancing guidelines” were followed.
The former chair of the bishops’ religious freedom committee, Archbishop William Lori, also locked his churches and forbade priests of the Archdiocese of Baltimore from administering sacraments to the faithful unless individuals were “in danger of dying.” Lori had previously warned in 2016 that a “bloodless” and “polite” persecution had manifested itself in public schools, courts, laws, and “policies that seek to manage and put limits on religion.”
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Iowa Gov. Reynolds signs 24-hour abortion waiting period into law, despite lawsuit

URGENT PETITION : Tell the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade !
Sign the petition here .
DES MOINES , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Iowa has formally enacted a law this week requiring women to wait at least 24 hours before aborting their babies , although it has already been delayed by a lawsuit from the abortion lobby .
An amendment to House File 594 requires mothers to wait at least 24 hours after their initial appointment before going through with an abortion .
The language was passed as an amendment to a bill that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a child without the parents ’ consent .
“ I am proud to stand up for the sanctity of every human life , ” Republican Gov .
Kim Reynolds declared after signing it Monday , We Are Iowa reports .
“ Life is precious , life is sacred , and we can never stop fighting for it .
I applaud the Iowa lawmakers who had the courage to stand strong and take action to protect the unborn child.
” Last month , Planned Parenthood North Central States ( PPNCS ) and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) filed a lawsuit against the legislation , claiming it ’ s about “ burden [ ing ] ” and “ shaming ” patients with “ arbitrary barriers.
” In 2018 , the Iowa Supreme Court struck down a three-day waiting period on abortion as a supposed violation of “ due process and equal protection.
” However , current U.S. Supreme Court precedent expressly upholds shorter one-day waiting periods .
“ The waiting period helps ensure that a woman 's decision to abort is a well-considered one , and rationally furthers the State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in unborn life , ” the nation ’ s highest court ruled in 1992 ’ s Planned Parenthood v. Casey .
“ It may delay , but does not prohibit , abortions ; and both it and the informed consent provisions do not apply in medical emergencies.
” The requirement was slated to take effect yesterday , July 1 , but The Gazette reports that Sixth District Judge Mitchell Turner granted Planned Parenthood a temporary injunction the day before , based on a different reason .
He concluded the abortion giant was likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by tacking two different issues together , the amendment violated the state ’ s single-subject rule .

In 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court struck down a three-day waiting period on abortion as a supposed violation of 'due process and equal protection.' However, current U.S. Supreme Court precedent expressly upholds shorter one-day waiting periods.
URGENT PETITION: Tell the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade! Sign the petition here.
DES MOINES, July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Iowa has formally enacted a law this week requiring women to wait at least 24 hours before aborting their babies, although it has already been delayed by a lawsuit from the abortion lobby.
An amendment to House File 594 requires mothers to wait at least 24 hours after their initial appointment before going through with an abortion. The language was passed as an amendment to a bill that ensures courts cannot withdraw life-sustaining care from a child without the parents’ consent.
“I am proud to stand up for the sanctity of every human life,” Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds declared after signing it Monday, We Are Iowa reports. “Life is precious, life is sacred, and we can never stop fighting for it. I applaud the Iowa lawmakers who had the courage to stand strong and take action to protect the unborn child.”
Last month, Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS) and the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the legislation, claiming it’s about “burden[ing]” and “shaming” patients with “arbitrary barriers.”
In 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court struck down a three-day waiting period on abortion as a supposed violation of “due process and equal protection.” However, current U.S. Supreme Court precedent expressly upholds shorter one-day waiting periods.
“The waiting period helps ensure that a woman's decision to abort is a well-considered one, and rationally furthers the State's legitimate interest in maternal health and in unborn life,” the nation’s highest court ruled in 1992’s Planned Parenthood v. Casey. “It may delay, but does not prohibit, abortions; and both it and the informed consent provisions do not apply in medical emergencies.”
The requirement was slated to take effect yesterday, July 1, but The Gazette reports that Sixth District Judge Mitchell Turner granted Planned Parenthood a temporary injunction the day before, based on a different reason. He concluded the abortion giant was likely to prevail in its argument that, by tacking two different issues together, the amendment violated the state’s single-subject rule.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In response to the crisis unfolding in our world and in the Church , LifeSite is offering Catholics throughout the world a chance to be united daily in prayer , in the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade .
Catholics from all over the world—from Israel , Uganda , Italy , France , Germany , Ireland , Pakistan , Singapore , the Philippines , India , Indonesia , Australia , New Zealand , Thailand , the United Kingdom , the U.S. , Canada , Brazil , and other countries—are gathering daily to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Pillari , J.C.L.
, an American priest currently studying in Italy .
Our goal is , by means of this daily rosary and by embracing and living out the message given by the Virgin Mary at Fatima , the triumph of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Heart .
To help obtain that goal , Bishop Athanasius Schneider graciously composed the following prayer for this worldwide rosary crusade : O Immaculate Heart of Mary , you are the holy Mother of God and our tender Mother .
Look upon the distress in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are living because of the spread of materialism and the persecution of the Church .
In Fatima you warned against these errors , as you spoke about the errors of Russia .
You are the Mediatrix of all graces .
Implore your Divine Son to grant this special grace for the Pope : that he might consecrate Russia to your Immaculate Heart , so that Russia will be converted , a period of peace will be granted to the world , and your Immaculate Heart will triumph , through an authentic renewal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purity of the Catholic Faith , of the sacredness of Divine worship and of the holiness of the Christian life .
O Queen of the holy Rosary and our sweet Mother , turn your merciful eyes to us and graciously hear this our trusting prayer .
Amen .
+ Athanasius Schneider , Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana To learn more about the urgency of responding to Our Lady ’ s message at Fatima , and about what you can do , please read Cardinal Burke ’ s 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //voiceofthefamily.com/full-text-cardinal-burkes-historic-call-for-consecration-of-russia/ ) .
As St. Padre Pio once said , “ The rosary is the weapon for these times.
” Through prayer , God can shape history , change the world , and bring about a great time of renewal and peace for the Church and for the world , through the triumph of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Heart .
Join us today !
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [ email protected ]

(LifeSiteNews) — In response to the crisis unfolding in our world and in the Church, LifeSite is happy to promote Regina Angelorum Press’s Daily Rosary, which is offering Catholics throughout the world the chance to be united daily in prayer, in the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade.
Catholics from all over the world — from Israel, Uganda, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and other countries — are gathering daily to pray the Rosary, led by Father Pillari, JCL, MCL, STL, an American priest currently studying in Italy.
The Daily Rosary is being offered each day at 12noon EST through Regina Angelorum Press’ YouTube Channel to which you can subscribe HERE.
The goal is, by means of this Daily Rosary and by embracing and living out the message given by the Virgin Mary at Fatima, the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart.
To help obtain that goal, Bishop Athanasius Schneider graciously composed the following prayer for this worldwide Rosary crusade:
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, you are the holy Mother of God and our tender Mother. Look upon the distress in which the Church and the whole of humanity are living because of the spread of materialism and the persecution of the Church. In Fatima you warned against these errors, as you spoke about the errors of Russia. You are the Mediatrix of all graces. Implore your Divine Son to grant this special grace for the Pope: that he might consecrate Russia to your Immaculate Heart, so that Russia will be converted, a period of peace will be granted to the world, and your Immaculate Heart will triumph, through an authentic renewal of the Church in the splendor of the purity of the Catholic Faith, of the sacredness of Divine worship and of the holiness of the Christian life. O Queen of the holy Rosary and our sweet Mother, turn your merciful eyes to us and graciously hear this our trusting prayer. Amen. + Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana
To learn more about the urgency of responding to Our Lady’s message at Fatima, and about what you can do, please read Cardinal Burke’s 2017 address at the Rome Life Forum.
As St. Padre Pio once said, “The Rosary is the weapon for these times.” Through prayer, God can shape history, change the world, and bring about a great time of renewal and peace for the Church and for the world, through the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. Join us today!
If you would like to follow along with the prayers said during this Rosary, you can access them HERE. The document also includes a brief F.A.Q. pertaining to the daily Rosary.
You can send your prayer requests to https://reginangelorumpress.com/prayer-intentions/
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lifesitenews--2020-07-02--Arizona Catholic diocese suspends Mass again after local ‘spike’ in coronavirus cases

Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world : Feed your flock !
Sign the petition here .
ARIZONA , July 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — The Diocese of Tucson in Arizona has become the first Catholic diocese in the U.S. to suspend public worship once more , following a reported “ spike ” in coronavirus cases in the state .
“ I wish to inform you that after a careful review of the medical situation , and hearing the recent concerns of our Governor and civic leaders on television , I have been advised by Diocesan leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edward Weisenburger wrote in a statement published yesterday .
Weisenburger said that he agreed with the advice and that suspension of public worship was going into effect immediately .
“ This returns us temporarily to those protocols we were following just prior to the reopening of our parishes .
You should anticipate a suspension of approximately four weeks but the matter will be reviewed daily and the suspension could be for a shorter or longer duration , ” he continued .
Arizona ’ s state governor , Republican Doug Ducey , has ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gyms , cinemas , and water parks and banned gatherings of more than 50 people , with media reporting that the state recently recorded nearly 4,000 new cases of COVID-19 in a single day .
Ducey told a press briefing earlier this week that the “ expectation is that our numbers next week will be worse ” and that the state would not be “ going back to normal any time soon . ''
Weisenburger also published a video announcing the suspension of public services in the diocese , where he removed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put it back on again at the end of his address , despite seemingly being indoors and alone .
The bishop advised Catholics in the diocese to “ join with your local parish for televised or internet Masses , or log onto the Diocese of Tucson web page and join me for daily Mass.
” Some provision for the faithful to receive the sacraments will continue , with Weisenburger explaining that “ where it is safe , pastors will arrange for an outdoor distribution of Holy Communion after members of the faithful have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be heard only out-of-doors .
The only public Masses will be funerals and weddings , and with a limit of ten persons in the congregation.
” “ Let us pray that this suspension is brief and that we can soon be in one another ’ s company .
Let us also be unified in our resolve to lead the way in battling this pandemic .
The witness and example of our lives and the intensity of our prayers will surely help to heal the world , ” Weisenburger concluded his message .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ WORSHIP IN THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON , ARIZONA , EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST , 2020 I wish to inform you that after a careful review of the medical situation , and hearing the recent concerns of our Governor and civic leaders on television , I have been advised by Diocesan leadership to suspend public worship .
I agree with their recommendation and the suspension of public worship is effective as of today , July 1 st , 2020 .
This returns us temporarily to those protocols we were following just prior to the reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suspension of approximately four weeks but the matter will be reviewed daily and the suspension could be for a shorter or longer duration .
Those who follow national news are aware that the State of Arizona has been referenced across the nation for our substantial spike in Covid-19 cases .
When the pandemic began I stressed that a primary factor on reopening would be the ability of our hospitals and medical personnel to respond adequately to the sick .
Members of the medical community—who daily place themselves at great risk to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a crisis point .
I believe that we owe it these noble men and women to do our part in bringing the pandemic under control .
For now let us be committed to journeying in solidarity with the sick , the suffering , the unemployed , the frightened , and the healthcare workers who must daily face this pandemic without flinching .
Join with your local parish for televised or internet Masses , or log onto the Diocese of Tucson web page and join me for daily Mass .
The protocols we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our reopening were sensible , thorough , and implemented with care and sensitivity .
When we are able to open up once again these protocols will be reinstated .
But for now , where it is safe , pastors will arrange for an outdoor distribution of Holy Communion after members of the faithful have observed a Mass via technology .
Confessions will be heard only out-of-doors .
The only public Masses will be funerals and weddings , and with a limit of ten persons in the congregation .
I wish to express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parish ministers who have responded so very well throughout the pandemic .
They are extraordinary men and women and their fidelity to you and intense desire to be of service is a witness to the grace of their vocation .
Let us pray that this suspension is brief and that we can soon be in one another ’ s company .
Let us also be unified in our resolve to lead the way in battling this pandemic .
The witness and example of our lives and the intensity of our prayers will surely @ @ @ @ @ @

The bishop advised Catholics in the diocese to 'join with your local parish for televised or internet Masses, or log onto the Diocese of Tucson web page and join me for daily Mass.'
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock! Sign the petition here.
ARIZONA, July 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — The Diocese of Tucson in Arizona has become the first Catholic diocese in the U.S. to suspend public worship once more, following a reported “spike” in coronavirus cases in the state.
“I wish to inform you that after a careful review of the medical situation, and hearing the recent concerns of our Governor and civic leaders on television, I have been advised by Diocesan leadership to suspend public worship,” Bishop Edward Weisenburger wrote in a statement published yesterday.
Weisenburger said that he agreed with the advice and that suspension of public worship was going into effect immediately.
“This returns us temporarily to those protocols we were following just prior to the reopening of our parishes. You should anticipate a suspension of approximately four weeks but the matter will be reviewed daily and the suspension could be for a shorter or longer duration,” he continued.
Arizona’s state governor, Republican Doug Ducey, has ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, gyms, cinemas, and water parks and banned gatherings of more than 50 people, with media reporting that the state recently recorded nearly 4,000 new cases of COVID-19 in a single day.
Ducey told a press briefing earlier this week that the “expectation is that our numbers next week will be worse” and that the state would not be “going back to normal any time soon.”
Weisenburger also published a video announcing the suspension of public services in the diocese, where he removed a face mask before he began speaking and put it back on again at the end of his address, despite seemingly being indoors and alone.
The bishop advised Catholics in the diocese to “join with your local parish for televised or internet Masses, or log onto the Diocese of Tucson web page and join me for daily Mass.”
Some provision for the faithful to receive the sacraments will continue, with Weisenburger explaining that “where it is safe, pastors will arrange for an outdoor distribution of Holy Communion after members of the faithful have observed a Mass via technology. Confessions will be heard only out-of-doors. The only public Masses will be funerals and weddings, and with a limit of ten persons in the congregation.”
“Let us pray that this suspension is brief and that we can soon be in one another’s company. Let us also be unified in our resolve to lead the way in battling this pandemic. The witness and example of our lives and the intensity of our prayers will surely help to heal the world,” Weisenburger concluded his message.
FULL STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF PUBLIC WORSHIP IN THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON, ARIZONA, EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST, 2020
July 1, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I wish to inform you that after a careful review of the medical situation, and hearing the recent concerns of our Governor and civic leaders on television, I have been advised by Diocesan leadership to suspend public worship. I agree with their recommendation and the suspension of public worship is effective as of today, July 1 st, 2020. This returns us temporarily to those protocols we were following just prior to the reopening of our parishes. You should anticipate a suspension of approximately four weeks but the matter will be reviewed daily and the suspension could be for a shorter or longer duration.
Those who follow national news are aware that the State of Arizona has been referenced across the nation for our substantial spike in Covid-19 cases. When the pandemic began I stressed that a primary factor on reopening would be the ability of our hospitals and medical personnel to respond adequately to the sick. Members of the medical community—who daily place themselves at great risk to serve us—are now telling us that we are at a crisis point. I believe that we owe it these noble men and women to do our part in bringing the pandemic under control.
For now let us be committed to journeying in solidarity with the sick, the suffering, the unemployed, the frightened, and the healthcare workers who must daily face this pandemic without flinching. Join with your local parish for televised or internet Masses, or log onto the Diocese of Tucson web page and join me for daily Mass. The protocols we instituted for our parishes at the time of our reopening were sensible, thorough, and implemented with care and sensitivity. When we are able to open up once again these protocols will be reinstated. But for now, where it is safe, pastors will arrange for an outdoor distribution of Holy Communion after members of the faithful have observed a Mass via technology. Confessions will be heard only out-of-doors. The only public Masses will be funerals and weddings, and with a limit of ten persons in the congregation.
I wish to express my deep gratitude for the clergy and parish ministers who have responded so very well throughout the pandemic. They are extraordinary men and women and their fidelity to you and intense desire to be of service is a witness to the grace of their vocation.
Let us pray that this suspension is brief and that we can soon be in one another’s company. Let us also be unified in our resolve to lead the way in battling this pandemic. The witness and example of our lives and the intensity of our prayers will surely help to heal the world.
May God bless you abundantly,
+Edward J. Weisenburger
Bishop of Tucson
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