The state legislative session concluded last month, and April 2 was the deadline for Governor Inslee to take action on bills passed by the legislature. Thank you for your advocacy throughout the session! Click below for details on bills the WSCC worked on during the 2022 session:
The WSCC congratulates Bishop-elect Frank Schuster on his appointment as the new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Seattle! Bishop-elect Schuster will join the bishops of Washington state on the WSCC's executive board. Read more about Bishop-elect Schuster and his appointment here.
In December the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, and a decision is expected in June. The Supreme Court will have the opportunity to overturn Roe v. Wade and allow states to determine their own laws on abortion and protecting the unborn. Click here for additional background on the case. Prayer resources for individual and parish ministry use may be accessed atPrayforDobbs.com.
In anticipation of the Dobbs decision, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued this statement affirming the Church's commitment to serving vulnerable populations, including mothers and children in need. The bishops urge dioceses, parishes, and Catholic agencies and institutions to redouble efforts to accompany women and couples facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies. Be sure to read the statement for more on how the Church and the faithful are called to serve women and families.
In Washington we can particularly heed this call to serve by participating in and contributing to the Pregnancy and Parent Support Program, or PREPARES. This program provides meaningful, local, sustainable support to mothers, fathers, and families as they nurture their children. As we await the Dobbs decision, now is the time to join or start this ministry in your parish.
If Roe is overturned, abortion will remain legal in Washington due to state law. Abortion was legalized in Washington in 1970, prior to the Roe decision. Additionally, HB 1851, a bill affirming access to abortion, was passed into law last month. The new law also expanded who may perform abortions. A physician is no longer necessary to perform an abortion; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other health care providers will now be authorized to perform the procedure. The WSCC opposed HB 1851.
Last month the Supreme Court ruled in favor of John Ramirez, who requested that his pastor be permitted to lay hands on him and pray aloud during his execution in Texas. This request was originally denied by the Texas prison system. In this statement, the USCCB affirms the Supreme Court decision, which upholds religious liberty. At the same time, the bishops condemn state-sanctioned executions, which undermine the dignity of human life. The USCCB and the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops submitted this amicus brief in support of John Ramirez. The Texas Catholic Conference also issued this statement. Visit Catholic Mobilizing Network for more information on opposing the death penalty.
One way that Catholics can promote our value of respecting life is by advocating for ethical research. For example, some medical and pharmaceutical researchers use cell lines originally derived from an abortion. However, alternatives to abortion-tainted cell lines do exist and can be employed. The USCCB encourages the faithful to use these sample letters and write pharmaceutical companies that use abortion-derived cell lines. Urge them to use other cell sources in their work. Additional information on promoting ethical research may be found on the USCCB website.
Last month Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.US bishops throughout the nation joined Pope Francis in the consecration prayer. The consecration prayer may be accessed here, and additional coverage of this event may be found here.
See the USCCB's Justice For Immigrantsresource page and Catholic Relief Services to learn more about the invasion into Ukraine, how the Catholic Church is responding, and how you can help.
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