News Updates, 12/11

American Maryknoll priest excommunicated for involvement in women's 'ordination'
An American priest has evidently been excommunicated because of his active support for the ordination of women, and his participation in ceremonies simulating ordination. Father Ray Bourgeois received a warning from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in December, informing him that if he did not recant his position supporting women's ordination within 30 days he would face excommunication; the Maryknoll priest replied that he would not change his stand. The Maryknoll Society has now confirmed that the Congregation has contacted that its leaders "did receive a confidential communiqué from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, and forwarded the contents of that communiqué to Father Bourgeois." Although the Society refused to discuss the contents of that message, citing confidentiality, a spokesman confirmed to the National Catholic Register that since the 30-day period had passed, it was logical to assume that the sentence of excommunication had been imposed...

And It Was Night. The Real Story of Original Sin
It is one of the most overlooked and rejected dogmas. But for Benedict XVI, it is "overwhelmingly obvious." He has talked about it three times in eight days. Without it, he says, Christian redemption "would lose its foundation"

The Failure of Our Pro-Life Leadership
Pro-life leaders must reconsider the failed "incremental steps only" strategy

We're taking your advice… we're getting out of here”
Pro-lifers save two babies outside San Diego abortion clinic

Bishop to laity: Destroy book by suspended priest
Chapter describes 'secret' Church tribunal proceedings

Human rights are safe only when all are protected, Pope says
The dignity of human beings will only be guaranteed "when all the fundamental rights are recognized, defended, and promoted," Pope Benedict XVI told a Vatican audience on December 11, after a concert celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights, the Holy Father said, "are a universal given, since they form part of the very nature of humanity." They are based upon natural law, which is "inscribed by the Creator in human consciousness," he added...

'Christmas is the pathway to hell'
Muslim lawyer's extraordinary rant at 'evil' celebration

Planned Parenthood Fires Abortion Center Staffer Covering Up Statutory Rape
The Planned Parenthood staff member in Indiana who appears in a recent undercover video covering up an alleged case of statutory rape has been fired...

Rudolph the Reindeer causes stir at school
Parent complains about religious reference in Christmas show

“No Question” of Cancelling Cherie Blair
Angelicum Conference Organiser Adds Fuel to Fire

Pro-Abortion Republican Activist Blames McCain Loss on Pro-Life Advocates
A leading pro-abortion Republican activist is blaming John McCain's loss to pro-abortion presidential candidate Barack Obama on pro-life advocates. Jennifer Blei Stockman, the head of the Republican Majority for Choice, makes the claim in a letter to the New York Times...
[Yes, the pro-life crowd is responsible-the clueless who voted for Hussein, notwithstanding. Stockman needs help.]

Georgetown announces largest gift in its history
Regent Bequeaths $75M to Jesuit university in D.C.

Chilean cardinal: Madonna rouses 'impure thoughts'
Criticized the flamboyant singer at Pinochet memorial

Puerto Rico bishops to shutter six Catholic schools
...in part because of the global financial crisis

Syracuse diocese receives $30 million bequest
Donation is largest single gift to Catholic church

Holy Smoke: Pope appoints 'Little Ratzinger'
...as head of Vatican's liturgy and worship office

Astronomers claim Jesus was born in June
By charting the appearance of the 'Christmas star'

Did Noah's Flood start in the Carmel?
Deluge swept the Land of Israel more than 7,000 years ago

British Authorities Prohibit Newspaper Ad Condemning Homosexual Behavior
Church founder Ian Paisley is defiant, says he will go to jail if necessary

Not seen until today: Smithsonian Honors Racist Planned Parenthood Founder Margaret Sanger — On Your Dime
[Murder-loving, racist-embracing bureaucrats! Pitchforks, tar and feathers will not be enough, I fear]