During a recent TV interview, speaking about this year’s Gay Pride Parade, I used an analogy that is inflammatory.

I am personally distressed that what I said has been taken to mean that I believe all gays and lesbians are like members of the Klan. I do not believe that; it is obviously not true. Many people have friends and family members who are gay or lesbian, as have I. We love them; they are part of our lives, part of who we are. I am deeply …

The Catholic Bishops of the United States have long and consistently advocated for the reform of the American health care system. Their experience in health care and in Catholic parishes has acquainted them with the anguish of mothers who are unable to afford prenatal care, of families unable to ensure quality care for their children, and of those who cannot obtain insurance because of preexisting conditions.

Throughout the discussion on health care over the last year, the bishops have advocated a bipartisan approach to solving our national health care needs. They …

To put recent events in some perspective, I have asked Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor of St. Sabina’s Parish, to step back from his obligations there and take leave for a couple of weeks from his pastoral duties, effective today. Fr. Pfleger does not believe this to be the right step at this time. While respecting his disagreement, I have nevertheless asked him to use this opportunity to reflect on his recent statements and actions in the light of the Church’s regulations for all Catholic priests. I hope that this period …

Statement of Cardinal Francis George concerning remarks of
Fr. Michael Pfleger about Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton during
an address at Trinity United Church of Christ on Sunday May 25, 2008
The Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates. Consequently, while a priest must speak to political issues that are also moral, he may not endorse candidates nor engage in partisan campaigning.
Racial issues are both political and moral and are also highly charged. Words can be differently interpreted, but Fr. Pfleger’s remarks about Senator Clinton are both partisan and amount to a personal attack. …

On Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, several adults interrupted the Easter Mass being celebrated in the auditorium at Holy Name Cathedral Parish. This is a profoundly disturbing action.
The celebration of the Holy Mass is, in Catholic faith, the action of Jesus Christ through His Church that changes water and wine into Christ’s real Body and Blood. No one should be allowed or encouraged to use this sacred rite to voice protests or perform guerilla actions under any circumstances. It is a sacrilege that should be condemned by all people of …

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family of Representative Henry J. Hyde on his passing to eternal life today.
The death of Representative Hyde is a significant loss for our country. As a member of the House of Representatives for more than three decades, Henry Hyde contributed a great deal to the good of our nation and was a powerful champion for those who had no voice in the public square.

On Oct. 19 and 20, a conference for Catholic college faculty and administrators will be hosted at DePaul University on the topic of ministering to gay and lesbian students in Catholic colleges and universities. Called the “Out There Conference,” this program is coordinated out of Santa Clara University in California and has as its stated purpose to discuss how to be pastorally present to homosexually oriented young people.
That is a good purpose. Young people who identify themselves as gay and lesbian have particular challenges and special needs that call for …