BREAKING: Supreme Court Says It’s OK to Pray!

Last updated on: January 8, 2015 at 7:49 pm By Kathy Schiffer

In a narrow 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court this morning ruled that it’s OK to open government meetings with prayer–even if the prayers are overwhelmingly Christian, and even if citizens are encouraged to participate. The case of Town of Greece vs. Galloway has been wending its way through the courts since 2007, when residents Susan Galloway and Linda Stephens took the board of the small town near Rochester, New York to federal court, contending that its practice of offering prayers... Read more

The Uniform of the Swiss Guard: A 100-Year-Old Tradition

Last updated on: January 8, 2015 at 7:50 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Were the uniforms of the Swiss Guard designed by Michelangelo? I’ve always heard that; but today I read–on the Vatican’s own website–that Michelangelo had nothing to do with it! Instead, it was Commandant Jules Repond, inspired by the frescoes of Raffaello, who had the inspiration for the iconic uniforms which are worn by guards in Vatican City and at papal events. In any case, they are lovely, aren’t they? The bold blue, red and yellow stripes, the white of the collar... Read more

The Bible From the Titanic Goes on Display in Tennessee

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:53 pm By Kathy Schiffer

16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, 17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capemaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. 18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. 19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20 But he saith unto them, It... Read more

A Memory Walk (And a Big Blow-Out Party!) For Patheos@5

Last updated on: January 8, 2015 at 7:51 pm By Kathy Schiffer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PATHEOS! It’s been five years since Leo and Cathie Brunnick launched their digital areopagus, this place where people of different faiths can come together, discuss and engage. With some 100 faith traditions represented, Patheos has become the premiere host site for smart, serious and respectful conversations on controversial issues of religion, spirituality and ethics. Since its inception, Patheos has become a formidable presence on the Internet, attracting committed Christians, determined atheists and ardent evangelicals, both people with the... Read more

Dissent and Disagreement Persist Among LCWR’s Women Religious (UPDATED)

Last updated on: January 8, 2015 at 7:52 pm By Kathy Schiffer

The LCWR, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, has dug in its heels against the U.S. Bishops–selecting for its highest award a religious sister whose book has been called by the U.S. Bishops’ Conference “seriously inadequate as a presentation of the Catholic understanding of God.” At its Annual Assembly in Nashville in August 2014, which has as its theme “Holy Mystery Revealed in Our Midst,” the LCWR will honor Sister Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ with its 2014 Outstanding Leadership Award. According to... Read more

Will the Vatican Establish a Secretariat for Communications? And What Would That Mean for Bloggers?

Last updated on: January 8, 2015 at 7:53 pm By Kathy Schiffer

News this morning out of Rome: Giacomo Galeazzi, writing for Vatican Insider, reports that the Vatican is considering establishment of a Secretariat for Communications, which would be a dicastery of the Roman Curia having oversight responsibility similar to that of the newly established Secretariat for the Economy. If the Secretariat is established, it will be a centralized structure which would coordinate offices including the Vatican Press Office, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, CTV, Vatican Radio, and L’Osservatore Romano. The... Read more

Palin’s Baptism Comments: Not the First Time She’s Angered the Catholics

Last updated on: January 10, 2015 at 5:42 am By Kathy Schiffer

The Internet has been abuzz this week over Sarah Palin’s remarks about waterboarding and baptism. Palin’s opponents–those who don’t like her political positions, and those who just think she’s a loose cannon–have been quick to criticize this latest guffaw. Here at Patheos, our own Anchoress writes, “It’s simple, folks. She’s wrong.” “How dare she?” Elizabeth asks. “How does someone professing to be a follower of Christ Jesus take a sacramental action pronounced and instituted from the very mouth of the... Read more

In Rome, It’s Pedal to the Metal, Full Speed Ahead

Last updated on: January 10, 2015 at 5:43 am By Kathy Schiffer

Is it just me? I’m amazed lately by all of the reports coming out of Rome regarding new commissions and councils, and the heavy load they’re carrying. I know this is the Internet age and news is communicated quickly–but it certainly seems that Pope Francis has things rocking in the Eternal City! THE COUNCIL OF CARDINALS A statement has just been released, upon the conclusion of three days of meetings by the Council of Eight, the Cardinals (including our... Read more

Three New Members Appointed to National Review Board

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:53 pm By Kathy Schiffer

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has just named three new members to serve four-year terms on the National Review Board, the lay consultative body which advises the bishops regarding potential abuse by clergy. According to a release this morning from the USCCB: May 1, 2014 WASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has Named Judge Mary K. Huffman of Centerville, Ohio; Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald J. Schmid of Granger, Indiana,... Read more