U.S.
Washington state bill making clergy mandatory reporters has no confession exception
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Legislation that would require clergy to report child abuse or neglect in Washington state was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson May 2. While some have argued the bill closes an important omission from the state’s list of mandatory reporters, others have expressed concern that without exceptions for clergy-penitent privilege, the law could place Catholic priests at odds with civil law in order to uphold Church law regarding the seal of the confessional. The legislation, Senate Bill 5375, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Noel Frame of Seattle, will make members of the clergy mandatory reporters, or people required by law to report suspected or known instances of child abuse or neglect, without an exception to the requirement for sacramental confessions. Other mandatory reporters in Washington state include school personnel, nurses, social service counselors and psychologists. Similar bills failed in the Legislature in the two previous years after lawmakers could not reach consensus on whether to make a confession exception. (OSV News)
Trump establishes religious liberty commission including Cdl. Dolan, Bp. Barron
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on May 1 signed an executive order creating a religious liberty commission during an interfaith event marking the National Day of Prayer in the White House Rose Garden. Those named to the commission included Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. The White House said the commission, which will advise its Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council, is tasked with producing “a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, strategies to increase awareness of and celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism, current threats to religious liberty, and strategies to preserve and enhance protections for future generations,” and that some of its areas of focus include school choice and conscience protections. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was named as the commission’s chair and Dr. Ben Carson as its vice chair. Ryan Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, the Rev. Franklin Graham, Pastor Paula White and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw are among its other members, according to Patrick’s office. (OSV News)
U.S. Supreme Court to hear arguments on Catholic charter schools
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on April 30 heard oral argument in a case concerning the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City’s effort to establish the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which would be the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school if it survives the challenge. If the high court ultimately sides with the school, the case could result in allowing public dollars to directly fund religious schools. In more than two hours of argument, lawyers arguing in favor of a state school board’s 2023 vote to approve an application by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City to establish the St. Isidore of Seville Virtual School argued the proposed Catholic school met all criteria for approval as a charter school and should not be discriminated against for its religious identity. But a lawyer for the state of Oklahoma argued it would be a violation of both constitutional separation of Church and state, and Oklahoma state law. In a joint statement released in response to the arguments, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City and Bishop David A. Konderla of Tulsa said, “We are grateful that the U.S. Supreme Court heard our case and now entrust it to their wisdom.” (OSV News)
WORLD
Pope Francis’ popemobile will be transformed into mobile clinic for children
JERUSALEM — In a final gesture of compassion, Pope Francis donated his 2014 popemobile to Caritas Jerusalem — repurposing it into a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza. The vehicle, once used during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, is being outfitted with medical supplies including vaccines, oxygen and diagnostic tools. It will serve as a “Vehicle of Hope,” delivering care amid a collapsing health system and blocked aid corridors. Caritas officials say it could be operational as soon as the humanitarian corridor reopens. Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius helped secure the pope’s blessing, and Caritas leaders say this act reflects Francis’ enduring concern for Gaza’s most vulnerable. In his final Easter message, the pope called for a ceasefire and urgent aid. (OSV News)
