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Eastern Catholic Bishops of the U.S. - A Cry for Peace and Justice
During their annual assembly in St. Louis, March 17-19, the bishops of the Eastern Catholic Church in the United States issued a joint statement addressing the suffering and assaults against human dignity many Eastern Catholics have endured amid wars and related violence overseas, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. Among the 16 bishops who signed the statement are three bishops in Ohio, Most. Rev. John Michael Botean, Bishop of the Romanian Catholic Eparchy of St. George in Canton, Most Rev. Bohdan Danylo, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, and Most Rev. Robert Pipta, Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy in Parma.
Read the full statement >
CCO-Support HB 84, Innocence Act, Passes House
A reworked version of House Bill 84, the Innocence Act, which is supported by the Catholic Conference of Ohio, has passed the House. While the original version of the bill to require age verification for pornography websites was passed in the state operating budget, the amended bill adds language to enable stronger enforcement and clarifies that certain entities hosting adult content are not exempt from age verification rules. Some large websites and hosts of obscene content had evaded enforcement of the bill on technicalities. The bill now goes to the Senate for review.
CCO Testified in Support of HB 393 to Senate Committee
The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in the Senate Addiction and Community Revitalization Committee in support of House Bill 393 (R-Click | D-Brewer) to require Community Based Correctional Facilities to assist inmates in obtaining ID cards prior to release. The bill, which already passed the House, is an expansion of previously enacted legislation that requires the State of Ohio's correctional facilities to do the same. "Providing applications for identification that assist a returning citizen in obtaining employment will yield manifold benefits, both for those involved in the justice system and beyond,” wrote the CCO. "HB 393 is a laudable step toward this kind of authentic reconciliation and justice by giving individuals greater access to the resources needed for their reintegration into our communities.”
Ukrainian Catholic Bishops in the United States Address the Fourth Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Catholic bishops in the United States, including Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, issued a joint pastoral letter on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the letter, they highlight the targeting of Ukraine’s social and spiritual infrastructure, where more than 600 churches and places of worship, representing various denominations, have been damaged or leveled. On behalf of the people of Ukraine, they state, "They thank Americans and all people of goodwill throughout the world for their prayers. Prayers move mountains. We may not know the name of the person whose life was saved because of our prayer, but people in Ukraine call out: 'Thank you for praying.' ... They are grateful to all who stay informed, who counter disinformation, and who advocate for justice, a truly just peace."
Read the full pastoral letter >
CCO Testifies in Support of HB 524 to Impose Penalties for AI Models Suggesting Harming Self or Another
The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in support of House Bill 524 (D-Cockley | R-Mathews), which would hold AI models accountable that suggest harming oneself or others. CCO stated, "The State of Ohio has a responsibility to ensure that the rapid development of these technologies serves the human person and does not encourage intrinsic harm to a user or violate the dignity of another.” The testimony continued, "Recently, Pope Leo XIV, in an address to the 2025 Builders AI Forum, exhorted developers of AI to ‘cultivate moral discernment as a fundamental part of their work — to develop systems that reflect justice, solidarity, and a genuine reverence for life.' We echo his call and encourage the Committee to pass this bill in the service of protecting human life and holding accountable those who neglect their great responsibility with this technology.”
CCO on Ruling to Maintain TPS for Haiti
The Catholic Conference of Ohio is grateful for the February 2 ruling postponing the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, originally set for February 3. Court appeals will likely continue to allow TPS to expire. Many Haitians who fled gang violence and instability have established homes and become an integral part of our Catholic parishes in Ohio. Families who have followed procedures and laws to work and live in peace should not have to live in constant uncertainty and be forced to make excruciating decisions to abandon their homes, employment, and schools while deplorable conditions persist in their home country. Less than six months ago, Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over the Haitian people “overwhelmed by despair” of the widespread violence and gang assaults in their country. We continue to pray for peace in Haiti and for peace in Ohio communities.
View USCCB's Call to Extend Protections for Haitians in the United States >
View recent Statements from the Bishops of Ohio & Resources on Immigration and the Catholic Church >
A Message from Bishop Earl K. Fernandes
Dispensation for Immigrants in the Diocese of Columbus
"The Catholic Conference of Ohio joins Bishop Fernandes' appeal for peace in Ohio communities during the Christmas season, when immigrant and non-immigrant families eagerly anticipate gathering to celebrate the joyous arrival of the Prince of Peace. A stop to active immigration enforcement, beyond targeting those posing an imminent threat to community safety, would show a decent regard for the many families simply wanting to worship God together during this sacred time, but now remain fearful of separation from loved ones during normal routines. We hope all of our brothers and sisters in Ohio can find ways to ease tensions, recognize the human dignity of all, including those tasked with enforcing policies, and understand the suffering of our immigrant neighbors who are trying to live in peace." Brian Hickey, Executive Director
View Bishop Earl K. Fernandes' video statement >
Walking with the poor - a Christmas Reflection: Bishop Edward C. Malesic
Cleveland.com Article
Bishop Edward C. Malesic of Cleveland wrote an Op-Ed featured on Cleveland.com and in The Plain Dealer on food insecurity and the call to serve the poor, both locally and abroad. Bishop Malesic gives thanks for the thousands of volunteers that help Catholic Charities serve meals and for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) who have responded to hunger for decades. He also urges policymakers to do their part with poverty-reducing support.
Access the article on Cleveland.com >
Bishops of Ohio Statement on Safety and Security of Ohio Catholic Diocesan Facilities
Ohio Dioceses enact matching policies on sale or raffle of firearms.
The Bishops of Ohio have released a statement on the safety and security of Ohio Catholic Diocesan facilities, reassuring the faithful that security of facilities across Ohio remains a high priority. "We all seek a welcoming environment where parishioners or visitors can enter a Church facility confident that they will encounter a peaceful space to encounter the Lord Jesus Christ," they state.
In addition, the Bishops highlight Pope Leo XIV's plead to stop the pandemic of arms and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops lament of the growing number of arms without widespread policies or solutions to safeguard the common good. To ensure the Catholic Church's ministries do not become associated with any proliferation of arms the Bishops of Ohio state, " in the exercise of our prudential judgment, each of us as bishop is implementing a new policy in our own respective dioceses prohibiting any Catholic parish or diocesan-affiliated organization or facility from (i) hosting a sale or raffle involving firearms or other weapons and (ii) accepting contributions directly or indirectly from a sale or raffle of firearms." Questions regarding each diocese's policy may be directed to the local diocesan chancery.
Read the full statement >
CCO Thanks Ohio Legislative Leaders for Protecting Families from Going Hungry
Brian Hickey, Executive Director for the Catholic Conference of Ohio, issued the following statement in response to the announcement of Ohio Leaders taking action to support food assistance during the Federal shutdown:
"Ohio families and children should not have to go without food they count on because of political circumstances beyond their control. Thank you to Governor Mike DeWine, Senate President Rob McColley, House Speaker Matt Huffman, and other Ohio leaders advocating for families in need for their efforts to provide up to $25 million in support for food assistance. This should aid more than 63,000 Ohioans, including 57,000 children. We are also grateful to our local parishes and Catholic Charities' food pantries for taking on additional responsibility to encounter and feed more people throughout Ohio. May God continue to bless their efforts.”
Learn more about the plan to support food assistance during the Federal shutdown: governor.ohio.gov