Heart of Jesus Area Faith Community

WASHINGTON – In advance of Monday’s Senate vote on H.R. 8404, the “Respect for Marriage Act” (RMA), Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, and Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, issued a joint letter and analysis urging Congress to oppose the measure. 

“Our opposition to RMA by no means condones any hostility toward anyone who experiences same-sex attraction. Catholic teaching on marriage is inseparable from Catholic teaching on the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. To attack one is to attack the other. Congress must have the courage to defend both.

WASHINGTON - Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Robert C. Evans, 75, from the Office of Auxiliary Bishop of Providence. At the same time, Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Richard G. Henning, currently auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre, as Coadjutor Bishop of Providence.  

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on November 23, 2022, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

WASHINGTON - On November 16, 2022, the United States Senate voted 62–37 to advance the Respect for Marriage Act.  In response, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty, issued the following statement:

“It is deeply concerning that the U.S. Senate has voted to proceed toward potential passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would essentially codify the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell that found a constitutional right to same-sex civil marriages.