HHS rules finalized; religious groups get 5-month extension
The federal Department of Health and Human Services today finalized revised rules issued in February regarding the department's mandate requiring religious organizations to join other employers in offering insurance coverage of abortion-inducing drugs,...
CCI issues statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down federal Defense of Marriage Act
The Catholic Conference of Illinois today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling invalidating the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The Act barred the federal government from recognizing same-sex unions as marriage. The...
“Fortnight for Freedom” begins Friday
A nationwide "Fortnight for Freedom" will begin Friday, as U.S. bishops call for a period of prayer and fasting to raise awareness of challenges to religious liberty. The two week period beginning June 21 and running through July 4 echoes an observance held...
CCI Radio Hour: June 17, 2013
June 17, 2013 show Kim Daniels, spokeswoman for the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, talks about the upcoming “Fortnight for Freedom” set to run from June 21-July 4. Jim Geoly of Burke, Warren, MacKay and Serritella speaks about the...
CCI issues statement on House adjourning without voting on redefinition of marriage legislation
The Catholic Conference of Illinois tonight issued a statement after the Illinois House adjourned its spring session without considering redefinition of marriage legislation. Senate Bill 10 calls for the state to change its legal definition of marriage from...
CCI pens response to Chicago Tribune editorial supporting redefinition of marriage
The Catholic Conference of Illinois today sent a letter to the editor to the Chicago Tribune in response to their editorial advocating for final passage of redefinition of marriage legislation. The letter can be viewed here. The Tribune published our letter --...
CCI Radio Hour: May 20, 2013
May 20, 2013 show Mark Fleming of the National Immigrant Justice Center joins Bob to talk about the current push for comprehensive federal immigration reform, as outlined in the Senate's "Gang of Eight" legislation. Next, Margie Manczko Breen of the...
Call, e-mail lawmakers for Textbook Block Grant funding!
Attention principals, teachers and parents of children in grades K-12: Some hope exists that funding for the Textbook Block Grant program may make it into the budget for the new fiscal year set to begin July 1. This program has provided secular textbooks,...
Education Newsletter April 2013
The school year may be winding down but the legislature is finally getting down to business in its final month of session. Funding for the textbook block grant may have a chance, and CCI is ready with legislation in case some monies become available. Rep. Kelly Burke,...
CCI Radio Hour: April 15, 2013
April 15, 2013 show Bishop Lance Davis of the African-American Clergy Coalition joins Bob to talk about the fight against redefinition of marriage efforts in the form of Senate Bill 10. Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran adds to the discussion by telling how he sees the...