Tag: Catholic

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

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1 John 5:21

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

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
1 John 3:1

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

Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:6-8

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

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hand of a person spraying black paint on concrete wall

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

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.
Colossians 3:12

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 whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 8:35

Georgia Secretary of State opens investigation into voter registration mailers sent to deceased residents

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Thursday that his office has opened an investigation into Ready to Register and other third-party organizations after reports that voter registration mailers were sent to deceased Georgians and other ineligible recipients. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, election officials have received numerous complaints about voter registration solicitations…

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Shepherd Center makes hiking accessible for all, encouraging outdoor activities for better brain health

The Shepherd Center offered a free hiking and bird watching clinic at Panola Mountain State Park to encourage people with cognitive and physical impairments to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. The clinic is one of many events the neurorehabilitation hospital offers throughout the year. “We do biking, water, skiing, ski shooting, riflery, art, horticulture,…

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Fetterman and McCormick form bipartisan joint fundraising committee

Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators have teamed up to form a joint fundraising committee to raise money for their campaigns in an unusual display of bipartisanship — and one that may not actually be meant to generate funds. Common Ground PA filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Monday. The joint fundraising committee lists both…

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Meals on Wheels pleads for volunteers to assist North Texas seniors

Under the clearest, brightest blue skies– Meals on Wheels staffers are navigating a perfect summer storm: more demand and rising gas prices that could discourage potential volunteers. And in both Dallas and Tarrant County, the agencies are desperate for more helping hands. “The need is great,” shares Inga Wilson, Vice President of Meals on Wheels…

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Flash flooding, stormy weather returning to NYC, New Jersey

Stormy weather and flash flooding are expected to return to the New York City and New Jersey area on Friday. It’s a First Alert Weather Day for isolated downpours, scattered flash flooding and isolated severe thunderstorms across the region. The day starts off partly cloudy and muggy with temperatures around 70 degrees. Showers and storms…

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Supreme Court expands presidential firing power, overturning 90-year-old ruling

The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that removal protections for members of the Federal Trade Commission are unconstitutional and overturned a 90-year-old decision that allowed Congress to shield members of certain independent agencies from being fired by the president at will. The decision from the high court expands the president’s power over many independent boards…

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