Catholic Conference of Ohio
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Issues - Catholic Conference of Ohio

Peace

2304. "Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity."

2308. "All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war. However, "as long as the danger of war persists and there is no international authority with the necessary competence and power, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed."

2309. "The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:
- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
- all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
- there must be serious prospects of success;
- the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine.
The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good." The Catechism of the Catholic Church

USCCB Office of International Justice & Peace

 

Faithful Invited to Fast and Pray Rosary this Friday, May 13th

In the midst of current tensions Catholics are fasting and praying the Rosary

In response to the leak of a draft opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, some abortion advocates are calling for nationwide demonstrations, disruptions of church services, and the personal intimidation of specific Supreme Court justices. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities invited the faithful to unite in fasting and prayer.

Catholic Conference of Ohio joins calls for Prayers for Peace in Ukraine

The Catholic Conference of Ohio joins the Most Reverend Bohdan Danylo of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma and the Holy Father in calls for peace in Ukraine.  

The Holy Father Pope Francis encourages believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, echoed the call from the Holy Father for prayer and fasting to end the war in Ukraine. 

To donate to the Eparchy’s aid drive visit https://stjosaphateparchy.com/support-ukraine/ 

About the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma
The St. Josaphat Eparchy in Parma is a Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church eparchy with parishes in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, western Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. There are 10 parishes located throughout Ohio serving Akron, Austintown, Cleveland, Rossford, Solon and Youngstown with St. Josaphat Cathedral located in Parma. In large part because of Ohio’s over 80,000 person Ukrainian population, both immigrants and descendants, the Catholic Eparchy of Saint Josaphat in Parma was established in 1983 by Pope John Paul II. As one of the nine Catholic Bishops of Ohio, Bishop Danylo serves on the board of directors for the Catholic Conference of Ohio. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is a Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic church in full communion with the worldwide Catholic Church. 

 

Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine

The USCCB joined Pope Francis in urging Catholics in the U.S. to pray for peace in Ukraine. As concerns grow over the massive build-up of Russian military forces and equipment on Ukraine's border, the Catholics bishops of Ukraine and Poland called on the international community to 'actively support those under threat in all possible ways.' The U.S. Bishops' Chariman for International Justice and Peace appealed to all leaders to respect the territorial integrity and political independence of Ukraine. We pray that constructive dialogue may produce a just peace for the people of Ukraine.   

Protesters Attempt To Disrupt Respect Life Mass

Bishop Brennan, Columbus, and Bishop Malesic, Cleveland, Praise Pro-Lifers' Respectful And Prayerful Responses

Statement of Bishop Brennan, Diocese of Columbus:

"Today [January 22, 2021] during our Respect Life Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, a group of protesters entered this sacred space in an attempt to disrupt our worship.  I am deeply thankful to the Columbus Police, assisted by Diocesan staff, for the quick response without injury to anyone present.  I want to express my great admiration and thanks to all those attending the Mass whose respectful and prayerful response reflects the joy, hope, and mercy that marks our pro-life witness.  I also apologize to the families present whose children were exposed to this.  On this day, in remembrance of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision, I ask all to continue to pray for the unborn who died, for all those who have experienced the pain of abortion, and for those who cannot understand our divine and steadfast calling to champion this cause."


Bishop Malesic, Diocese of Cleveland, attended the Respect Life Mass and Witness Rally in Columbus. Commenting on the protest disturbance during the sacred Liturgy he lamented that "it was sad that children had to witness that display of violence."  During the Rally he urged gatherers to side with life. "May we side with beauty and peace and love and non-violence, including verbal non-violence. May we listen to each other and accompany each other so that in the end we will find ourselves where the Lord came to bring us: to a kingdom of peace and justice.” (Read More)

Bishop Chairmen Call for Better Police Formation and Accountability

Letter sent to all members of the U.S. Congress regarding police accountability and reform

 Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington, chairman of the Committee on Migration; and Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, have sent a letter to all members of the U.S. Congress to offer reflections and principles for police accountability and reform.

"...Law enforcement officers perform a great and needed service; they serve to promote justice and the common good in society. But it is clear that there have been too many failures in serving everyone, with tragic consequences. There must be better practices for formation and accountability for police, certainly in the use of lethal force, but also in patterns of discrimination and prejudice, so that real accountability can happen before more lives are lost..."

"...Several policy proposals currently before you appear to take steps in the right direction. These include collection of data on use-of-force, training towards de-escalation, work to end racial profiling, doing away with chokeholds, using body cameras, greater accountability and means of redress regarding those who exercise public authority, and a commission to study the issue further and make additional recommendations. It is clear that long term commitment is needed to prevent further tragedies, especially greater accountability in bad uses of force as well as greater emphasis on promoting the common good of all..."

U. S. Bishops Approve Additions to Teaching Document on Political Responsibility

A short introductory letter and five short video scripts approved to supplement "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship"

An introductory letter  addressing current issues of the day and references to the teachings of Pope Francis was approved by USCCB to supplement  the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' existing document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. The letter affirms the "richness" that our faith brings to the public square, and addresses challenges that have become more pronounced:

"Pope Francis has continued to draw attention to important issues such as migration, xenophobia, racism, abortion, global conflict, and care for creation. In the United States and around the world, many challenges demand our attention.

The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed. At the same time, we cannot dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty and the death penalty."

Introductory Letter

Introductory Letter References to Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation Rejoice and Be Glad #25, #101

Church Statements on the Synagogue Tragedy in Pittsburgh

Chairman of U.S. Bishops' Committee for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs:

"...Anti-Semitism is to be condemned and has to be confronted by our nation. The Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stands with our Jewish brothers and sisters during this time of great distress. May God grant peace to the dead, healing to the injured, and comfort to the families of those hurt and killed and to all the Jewish Community." More

President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

"...We condemn all acts of violence and hate and yet again, call on our nation and public officials to confront the plague of gun violence. Violence as a response to political, racial, or religious differences must be confronted with all possible effort. God asks nothing less of us. He begs us back to our common humanity as His sons and daughters..." More

Pope Francis:

"...May the Almighty welcome the deceased in His peace, console their families and support the injured. In reality we are all wounded by this inhuman act of violence. May the Lord help us to extinguish the outbreaks of hatred that develop in our societies, reinforcing the sense of humanity, respect for life, moral and civil values, and the holy fear of God, Who is Love and the Father of all." More

Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Whole World

Pope Francis Invites All to Participate on Friday, February 23, 2018

Pope Francis has launched a special Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace for war-torn nations, in particular for the Democratic Republic of Congo and for South Sudan that are suffering protracted conflict, and he has invited all men and women, regardless of their religious denomination, to join.

USCCB President And Domestic Justice Chairman Call For Prayer And Unity In Response To Deadly Charlottesville Attack

We stand against the evil of racism, white supremacy and neo-nazism

August 23, 2017 statement

In His Image

As Sacred Scripture teaches, each one of us is made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-27). The mission of the Church is to teach and to witness to the intrinsic dignity of the human person. Marches by hate groups such as the KKK and Neo-Nazis are outrageous to the sensible mind and directly challenge the dignity of human life. It is time for us to recommit ourselves to eradicating racism...

I am today announcing the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. I am grateful to Bishop George V. Murry, SJ of Youngstown for accepting the chairmanship of this Ad Hoc Committee...

Prejudice can lurk unnoticed in the soul. Without prayerful reflection, it can feed on the fear of what is different. It can grow into overt racism. But self-reflection is not enough. It must lead to action. May the work of the USCCB serve as a call to conversion for those hiding behind white hoods and Nazi symbols. The vile chants of violence against African Americans and other people of color, the Jewish people, immigrants, and others offend our faith, but unite our resolve. Let us not allow the forces of hate to deny the intrinsic dignity of every human person. Let the nation and world see the one body of Christ move to the defense of our sisters and brothers who are threatened.

May today be a new beginning.

August 13, 2017 statement

 "As we learn more about the horrible events of yesterday, our prayer turns today, on the Lord's Day, to the people of Charlottesville who offered a counter example to the hate marching in the streets. Let us unite ourselves in the spirit of hope offered by the clergy, people of faith, and all people of good will who peacefully defended their city and country. 

We stand against the evil of racism, white supremacy and neo-nazism. We stand with our sisters and brothers united in the sacrifice of Jesus, by which love's victory over every form of evil is assured.  At Mass, let us offer a special prayer of gratitude for the brave souls who sought to protect us from the violent ideology displayed yesterday. Let us especially remember those who lost their lives.  Let us join their witness and stand against every form of oppression."

August 12, 2017 statement

"On behalf of the bishops of the United States, I join leaders from around the nation in condemning the violence and hatred that have now led to one death and multiple injuries in Charlottesville, Virginia. We offer our prayers for the family and loved ones of the person who was killed and for all those who have been injured. We join our voices to all those calling for calm.

The abhorrent acts of hatred on display in Charlottesville are an attack on the unity of our nation and therefore summon us all to fervent prayer and peaceful action. The bishops stand with all who are oppressed by evil ideology and entrust all who suffer to the prayers of St.Peter Claver as we approach his feast day. We also stand ready to work with all people of goodwill for an end to racial violence and for the building of peace in our communities.

Last year a Task Force of our Bishops Conference under Archbishop Wilton Gregory proposed prayers and resources to work for unity and harmony in our country and in our Church. I am encouraging the bishops to continue that work especially as the Feast of St. Peter Claver approaches."

 

World Day of Peace, January 1, 2017

Pope Francis Issues Letter: Nonviolence: A Style of Politics for Peace

"On this occasion, I would like to reflect on nonviolence as a style of politics for peace. I ask God to help all of us to cultivate nonviolence in our most personal thoughts and values. May charity and nonviolence govern how we treat each other as individuals, within society and in international life. When victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become the most credible promotors of nonviolent peacemaking. In the most local and ordinary situations and in the international order, may nonviolence become the hallmark of our decisions, our relationships and our actions, and indeed of political life in all its forms."