Bishops’ Statements on Current Issues
Illinois’ six diocesan bishops occasionally make statements on current issues important to the Church, either as a group or as individuals. When the statement is issued as a group, it reflects the view of the Church statewide. Individual bishops may choose to make a statement on issues of specific interest to their dioceses.
Illinois Catholic leaders urge HHS to rescind rules mandating contraceptives coverage, criticize narrow exemption for religious employers
Leaders of Illinois' six Catholic dioceses today called for Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to revoke new rules mandating insurance coverage of contraceptives and sterilization that also create an extremely narrow definition of religious organizations eligible for exemption.
The bishops wrote a letter to Sebelius, and also issued a press release.
Senate Bill 3539: Statement from Illinois Bishops to senators; legislation passes Illinois Senate
Senate Bill 3539, legislation to end the use of the death penalty in Illinois, passed the Illinois Senate today by a vote of 32-25, with two present votes. After passing the Illinois House last week, the bill goes next to the Governor for his consideration.
The Bishops of Illinois, through CCI, sent this statement to Senators, urging them to vote in favor of the bill.
Bishop Paprocki of Springfield issues statement on passage of civil unions
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield has issued a statement on the passage of Senate Bill 1716, authorizing civil unions for same-sex couples in Illinois.