Tag: Catholic News

New York Nuns Face Jail Over Free Cancer Hospice After Transgender Mandate Sparks Lawsuit

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For over a century, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne have operated a free cancer hospice in New York, caring for the terminally ill without government funding or insurance. But a new state law requiring long-term care facilities to comply with transgender ideology has put the sisters’ religious mission at risk, forcing them to sue the state to protect their right to operate according to Catholic teachings.

WHY IT MATTERS

This case highlights the growing tension between expanding LGBTQ rights and the ability of religious organizations to uphold their beliefs, especially when providing essential charitable services. It raises questions about the limits of state power to enforce ideological conformity, even on institutions that serve the most vulnerable populations at no cost to taxpayers.

THE DETAILS

New York’s 2024 LGBTQ Long-Term Care Facility Residents’ Bill of Rights mandates that all nursing homes and long-term care facilities in the state treat residents according to self-declared gender identity, use preferred pronouns, and structure operations around transgender ideology – regardless of the religious convictions of the providers. Facilities that refuse face escalating fines, license revocation, court orders, and even jail time for ‘willful’ noncompliance. In March 2024, the New York Department of Health sent the Dominican Sisters a ‘Dear Administrator’ letter outlining the state’s demands. On April 6, 2026, the Dominican Sisters filed a federal lawsuit seeking protection for their religious freedom and ability to continue their charitable hospice ministry.

Source: New York Nuns Face Jail Over Free Cancer Hospice After Transgender Mandate Sparks Lawsuit – Hawthorne Today

Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation.
Psalm 68:4-5

1st Palm Sunday Mass under New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks draws thousands to St. Patrick’s Cathedral

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branches of palm tree

Thousands of Catholics went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass and mark the start of 2026 Holy Week, the first under Archbishop Ronald Hicks.  Palms inside the Midtown Manhattan cathedral recall the story or Jesus entering Jerusalem, where crowds laid palm branches before him. For Hicks, who was installed in February following Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s retirement, celebrating his first Palm Sunday on Fifth Avenue served as a reminder of the transformation Holy Week stands for.  “What happened, these mysteries we celebrate, gives us the path to salvation, eternal life. It’s the greatest gift ever,” Hicks said. “We celebrated well today, with joy, with prayer, with a great sense of faith.”

Source: 1st Palm Sunday Mass under New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks draws thousands to St. Patrick’s Cathedral – CBS New York

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
John 1:12

Denver police arrest suspect accused of stealing statues outside church

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Police in Denver arrested a suspect wanted in connection with stealing statues outside a downtown Denver church earlier this month. A parish leader says the theft happened at Holy Ghost Catholic Church on California Street, the first week in March. 

Source: Denver police arrest suspect accused of stealing statues outside church – CBS Colorado

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:6

Statues at 2 Queens Catholic churches vandalized. Here’s reaction from each parish.

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The statue of St. Francis of Assisi in front of St. Rita’s Roman Catholic Church still had traces of blue paint on it Wednesday after being defaced early Saturday morning. Police said an arrow was spray painted on the statue’s pedestal — coming from the word “pagan” painted on the sidewalk. 

Source: Statues at 2 Queens Catholic churches vandalized. Here’s reaction from each parish. – CBS New York

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Recent News on Prominent Christian Figures & Cultural Impact (March 11 – March 18, 2026)

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two silver imac on table

The week brought poignant tributes to a civil-rights giant, urgent papal appeals for peace amid Middle East tensions, a major realignment in global Anglicanism, and ongoing signs of a “Quiet Revival” among younger generations. Reports continued to reference the lingering “Charlie Kirk Effect” from his 2025 assassination, while new data highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s unexpected draw for both Catholics and Protestants.

1. Pope Leo XIV Issues Strong Peace Appeals and War Critique

  • In his March 15 Angelus address and recent general audiences, Pope Leo XIV lamented “atrocious violence” in the Iran-related conflict, called for an immediate ceasefire (“Let the roar of bombs cease!”), and urged Christian political leaders who initiate wars to “go to confession.” He also expressed concern over political violence broadly and offered prayers for the family of the late activist Charlie Kirk. Vatican observers noted his balanced approach, continuing Francis-era priorities on migrants and ecology while adopting a more traditional style. New Pew and Vatican data this week suggested his papacy has contributed to a measurable uptick in Catholic conversions and interest among Protestants. thedailybeast.com +2

2. Passing of Dr. John M. Perkins at Age 95

  • On March 13, beloved evangelical leader, author, and civil-rights pioneer Dr. John M. Perkins died peacefully in Jackson, Mississippi. Perkins founded the Christian Community Development Association and spent decades championing racial reconciliation, holistic gospel ministry, and community justice. Tributes from across the evangelical world (including Christianity Today and Religion News Service) underscored his influence on forgiveness after personal experiences of brutality and his model of “relocation, reconciliation, and redistribution.” religionnews.com

3. Historic Anglican Realignment at GAFCON G26 in Nigeria

  • Conservative Anglican leaders gathered in Abuja formally launched a new Global Anglican Council (replacing the former GAFCON Primates Council) and elected Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda as chairman. The body signaled a “principled disengagement” from Canterbury over doctrinal differences on LGBT issues, women’s ordination, and authority. Organizers described the gathering as a “kairos moment” representing the majority of the world’s practicing Anglicans. biblegateway.com

4. Signs of “Quiet Revival” and Gen Z Church Growth

  • The Bible Society and Albert Mohler highlighted record Bible sales in the UK (up over 130% since 2019) and sharp rises in church attendance among 18–24-year-olds the core of the ongoing “Quiet Revival.” In the U.S., King’s Church DC reported ~2,000% growth over seven years (largely Gen Z and millennials), while pastors continued crediting the “Charlie Kirk Effect” for increased Bible reading and first-time church visits among young conservatives. Broader Barna and American Bible Society data noted sustained spiritual interest amid secular trends, though nearly half of American Christians still report not attending services in the past six months. denisonforum.org +1

5. Other Notable Developments

  • Francis Chan publicly apologized this week for past endorsements of leaders later accused of misconduct (including Mike Bickle), acknowledging the hurt caused and clarifying he no longer supports those in “unrepentant immorality.”
  • A 1,000-person U.S. evangelical pastors’ delegation to Israel (largest since the nation’s founding) wrapped up follow-up activities, training “ambassadors” against antisemitism and producing related media.
  • Faith-based entertainment continued its cultural footprint: coverage of The Chosen’s impact and the Movieguide Awards spotlighted how such projects are reaching millions and sparking spiritual conversations.

These stories reflect Christianity’s ongoing global influence through leadership transitions, calls for peace and justice, institutional realignments, and pockets of cultural resurgence—amid persistent challenges. Organizations and media outlets across evangelical, Catholic, and Anglican spheres provided the primary reporting.

Source: Grok on X

For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.
Psalm 44:3

Scammers now use fake recall texts to steal your money

It’s one fast-moving text that some consumers could easily jump on. Who wouldn’t get a little worked up if they suddenly spotted a text that claimed to be from Amazon or another retailer and implied that a baby’s sleepsuit they just bought is being recalled for quality and safety issues? Scammers — who have flooded…

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Woman arrested on Easter Sunday outside St. Paul’s Cities Church, site of anti-ICE protest involving Don Lemon

Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, say officers arrested a woman who was “disrupting” Easter Sunday services at Cities Church, the site where an anti-immigration enforcement protest in January led to federal prosecutors charging dozens of demonstrators and some journalists. Police say several officers were “working contracted overtime” Sunday morning at the church, located off Summit…

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First Big Bear bald eaglet hatches as second egg sees a pip

Just days after the first pip of nesting season for Big Bear bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow, their first eaglet has hatched, and their second egg has a pip as Southern California fans of the duo anxiously await their newest family members. The eaglet hatched from its egg at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday,…

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Car slams into Louisiana Lao New Year parade, injuring about 15 people

An estimated 15 people have been injured in Louisiana’s Iberia Parish, after a car struck participants at a Lao New Year parade in the United States. According to a statement from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, some attendees were seriously injured. “Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an…

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2 men and teen held in U.K. custody over Jewish charity ambulance attack

Two young men and a boy were ordered Saturday to remain in custody after appearing in court on arson charges in the torching of four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity in London. The March 23 blaze in Golders Green, a north London neighborhood with a large Jewish population, destroyed four ambulances belonging to the volunteer…

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