Proposed bill aims to thwart Hobby Lobby decision

Supreme Court ruled Obama administration must accommodate the objections of employers

Pro-life demonstrators celebrate June 30 outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington as its decision in the Hobby Lobby case is announced. The high court ruled that owners of closely held corporations can object on religious grounds to being forced by the government to provide coverage of contraceptives for their employees. CNS photo / Jonathan Ernst, Reuters.

Thirty-five U.S. Senators have introduced legislation to strip religious freedom protections from businesses with objections to mandatory insurance coverage for contraceptives and abortifacient drugs. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Jack Valero, co-founder of Catholic Voices, speaks at the Crestwell Centre in Vancouver. In situations where the faithful have an opportunity to speak up, he tells them, "Never be afraid of criticism, and listen carefully, since your own values are being thrown at you." Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.
Catholic Voices hope to 'stand on shoulders of giants'

Jack Valero is the lay point man for the U.K. media. He leads Catholic Voices, an organization of trained volunteers who present the Church's view to the world. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Charismatic leaders pursuing unity will speak at Ottawa conference Aug. 28-31

Pope Francis speaks in a video recorded on an iPhone at the Vatican Jan. 14 by Bishop Anthony Palmer, international ecumenical officer for the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. CNS photo / YouTube.

Key people involved in June's historic meeting of evangelical leaders with Pope Francis will be speaking at the Fire and Fusion Conference here Aug. 28-31. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.