Shannon Levitt

50 years later, statement on Catholic universities still inspires, divides
- Church in the US
- September 8, 2017
In July 1967, a group of leaders in Catholic higher education gathered in Wisconsin, led by Father Theodore Hesburgh of Notre Dame, and issued a landmark document called the “Land O’Lakes Statement.” In some ways it was a post-Vatican II declaration of independence, and a half-century later, its impact is still debated.
READ MORE
After Charlottesville, largest group for African-American Catholics ramps up
- Church in the US
- September 5, 2017
In tandem with a new committee launched by the U.S. bishops to tackle racism, the nation’s largest organization for African-American Catholics is ramping up its efforts — working on a new pastoral plan for its life, contributing to a forthcoming bishops’ letter on race, and offering a series of online webinars as resources for a national conversation. Bishop John Ricard said that after Charlottesville, it’s urgent to act now.
READ MORE
Colorado case spotlights divorce dilemma on frozen embryos
- Church in the US
- August 29, 2017
After Sofia Vergara’s court battle over frozen embryos made news, other cases are coming to light. In Colorado one woman is fighting to keep her embryos for future implantation while her ex-husband wants them to be destroyed.
READ MORE

Maryland official, African American Catholic: ‘It’s about time’ Taney statue came down
- Church in the US
- August 25, 2017
When the statues of Robert B. Taney, the first Catholic on the Supreme Court, came down in Baltimore and at the Maryland State House, it had been a long time coming according to a Maryland state official and African American Catholic who said, “It’s about time.”
READ MORE
Catholics mobilize as deadline looms on shield for young immigrants
- Church in the US
- August 18, 2017
As a Sept. 5 deadline nears for a demand issued by ten state attorneys general to the Trump administration to scrap a law that provides protection from deportation and work permits for the children of undocumented immigrants, Catholic leaders across the country are mobilizing in defense of DACA, the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” program, as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
READ MORE
After Charlottesville, black priest asks hierarchy, ‘What next?’
- Church in the US
- August 17, 2017
After the violence in Charlottesville at an alt-right rally, the question for the Church is what next? A priest suggests one thing that seems simple but is actually quite difficult and absolutely necessary is for the hierarchy to start talking about the issue of race.
READ MORE