For the past several months, the bishops of Alaska have been discussing how we might best exercise our role as teachers. There are a growing number of social issues today that need to be addressed from a faith perspective, and yet require more than a ‘sound byte’ to adequately outline the theological principles which underpin our beliefs and teachings. At the same time, as we looked at the numerous issues we wished to address, we realized that what is fundamentally at the heart of each of the issues is the need for a proper understanding […]
For the second year in a row, the Diocese of Cheyenne invited legislators and other government officials to gather at the Cathedral of St. Mary with faith community leaders for an interfaith prayer service. Our crowd grew from last year to this year, and once again a tremendous amount of gratitude was expressed for the opportunity to bring the community together as an expression of unity and faith. Rabbi Larry Moldo from Mt. Sinai Congregation in Cheyenne represented the Jewish community, Dr. Mohamed Salih from the Southeast Wyoming Islamic Center in Cheyenne represented our Islamic […]
On this day of the March for Marriage, enjoy the video below.
Most of this readership who reside in Wyoming know that there is presently a bill (SF 0115) making its way through the Wyoming legislature regarding expansion of our anti-discrimination laws. You may click on the bill above to read the bill in its present form. It essentially is adding sexual orientation and gender identity to groups already protected from discrimination by state anti-discrimination law. Though the bill does include a religious exemption, it also limits constitutional rights to religious freedom for religious institutions and especially businesses owned and operated by people of faith. As many of you […]
+ January 30, 2014 Defending Religious Freedom in Court Dear Friends, Today, the Diocese of Cheyenne along with five other Catholic institutions filed a lawsuit to challenge the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate which requires religious organizations to violate their conscience and the Church’s teaching. As you may be aware, the mandate requires employers to provide their employees with access to contraception, sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs through their group health plans, even if doing so violates their religious beliefs. Joining the diocese in this lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court […]
Today’s first reading continues from the Book of Exodus. In today’s selection, we see Moses erect the Dwelling of the LORD, as God commanded. In this Dwelling Moses placed the Ten Commandments, and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. (Exodus 40) Notice how the Ten Commandments serve for the Israelites as the very presence of God in their midst. The stones or tablets containing the Commandments of God are treated with the utmost reverence, treated as if they are not a cold word chiseled into stone, but as a Living Word that continues […]
In this month of October, the Church renews its defense of life, the human person, and its challenge to any efforts that would diminish the basic dignity and inherent sanctity of human life. As I write this entry, I am mindful of the many voices I hear from concerned Catholics, indeed, concerned citizens of this great nation, as a very significant presidential election draws ever nearer. Some believe the Church and its bishops should disregard the IRS tax code that prohibits a non-profit organization such as the Church from advocating for or against any political candidate […]