USCCB Update

Here's an update on some of the documents coming out of the USCCB meeting this week in Baltimore.



US bishops issue pastoral letter on marriage, condemn contraception, homosexual unions

The bishops of the United States have issued a 60-page pastoral letter on marriage that offers an overview of Catholic teaching on the sacrament while addressing the challenges posed by contraception, same-sex unions, divorce, and cohabitation.

The draft of the document, which earned praise from pro-life and pro-family leaders, underwent nearly 100 changes before it was approved by a 180-45 margin. For example, in the section on contraception-- which cites Humanae Vitae seven times-- the sentence “this is an intrinsically evil action” was changed and expanded to:

This is objectively wrong in and of itself and is essentially opposed to God’s plan for marriage and proper human development. It makes the act of intercourse signify, or speak, something less than the unreserved self-gift intended in the marriage promises.


US bishops approve new directive on nutrition, hydration and ‘vegetative state’

By a 219-4 margin, the bishops of the United States have voted to revise their “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services” to reflect the language of a 2004 address by Pope John Paul II and a 2007 document of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. “As a general rule, there is an obligation to provide patients with food and water, including medically assisted nutrition and hydration for those who cannot take food orally,” according to the revised directive. “This obligation extends to patients in chronic conditions (e.g., the 'persistent vegetative state') who can reasonably be expected to live indefinitely if given such care.”


US bishops approve document on reproductive technologies, embryo adoption

The bishops of the United States have approved a 16-page document on moral issues associated with reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization, cloning, and embryo adoption. The document faithfully reflects the content of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s 2008 instruction Dignitas Personae but uses simpler language.


US Approval of New Missal Translation Completed

The U.S. bishops' conference completed its approval of the final portions of the new translation of the Roman Missal for use in its country. It now awaits the Vatican's confirmation.

The vote took place today at the conference's fall general assembly, which is under way in Baltimore through Thursday.

Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, New Jersey, chairman of the Committee on Divine Worship, explained today before the vote that this was the conference's last chance to send its recommendations to the Holy See. The Vatican has asked for the submission of all input by the end of this month.