The bishops are back and their agenda is stacked.
Everything from abortion to the war in Ukraine will be discussed this week. But who will guide the bishops in these matters moving forward? It’s an election year for them too. The conference will choose a new president and second in command, plus they’ll vote for the new leaders of six committees.
With midterm madness still all around the United States, the bishops are set to discuss how to help Catholics vote with their conscience. Do they need to make some revisions to their faithful citizenship document? That’s a big question this year.
Another big question, how should the church respond to the overturning of Roe v. Wade? The bishops will brainstorm ways they can further help mothers, babies and families.
The bishops will also hear the cases for three American women and possible new saints. They’ll decide if their causes for sainthood should continue.
Lastly, 2022 is the 20th anniversary of the USCCB’s adoption of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The bishops will spend a lot of time praying and reflecting on the American Church’s response to clergy sex abuse.