Republican Senator Susan Collins sided with her own party, announcing she will vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. “Mister President I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh,” she said.
The most contentious confirmation of a supreme court nominee in decades has taken dramatic twists and turns.
Multiple women accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, prompting Kavanaugh to issue a passionate denial to the claims. The FBI also conducted an additional background check.
By the slimmest of margins senators advanced Kavanaugh’s confirmation to a final vote this weekend. But even with Collins’ decision, Kavanaugh’s fate isn’t sealed.
Some senators could change their minds in the final moments.
Sen. Jeff Flake was asked if he planned on voting yester tomorrow. “Yes. Unless something with big were to change. I don’t see what would,” he said. Vice President Mike Pence could be forced to break a tie.
If Kavanaugh is confirmed he will replace retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, often considered the swing vote on the Supreme Court.
The committed conservative would potentially shift the balance of the court to the right for generations.

The third and fourth meetings of the Synod have raised other social, political and religious issues that weigh on young people.

The Archbishop of Sydney, for example, explained the challenge for the Church to regain its credibility after the abuses and cover-ups.

“We are so ashamed of what happened in that terrible chapter in our history. Not just what the Church people did these terrible, harmful things to young people; but Church leaders often responded so poorly,” said Monsignor Anthony Colin Fisher.

Manuel Ochogavía, from Panama, gave examples of the cultural and even racial limitations that also affect members of the Church.

“For example, in my diocese, it is a majority ‘Afro-descendant’ diocese. In Latin America being young, female and black makes it even more difficult for decision-making,” said Monsignor Manuel Ochogavia.

In countries like Madagascar, the Church fails to attract young people who are disenchanted by the political and social crisis.

“We are currently facing lack of motivation and young people are looking for it in sects, especially in Madagascar where there are many and very varied sects. Therefore, from my point of view, I recognize that we have problems with the liturgy, with the homilies. It is necessary to change all that so people feel more attracted and young people are involved, accept responsibilities and are leaders in the Church and pastoral life,” said the President of Catholic Students, Tahiry Malala Marion.

The question of premarital relationships was addressed, which showed how difficult it is to explain morality without young people feeling judged. One of the Synod Fathers recalled that sometimes young people leave the Church because they don’t feel heard.

Currents News, Michelle Powers, is joined by the President of Catholic Extension, Father Jack Wall, to discuss the organization’s new campaign designed to highlight all the good reasons why people are proud to be Catholic.

As believers throughout the United States struggle with painful issues facing the Church today, Catholic Extension’s movement #WhyImCatholic hopes to join together people in order to change and grow stronger in love.

You, too, can participate in the movement by using the hashtag #WhyImCatholic. Anyone who does participate will receive a small gift from the Catholic Extension.

To learn more:https://www.catholicextension.org/whyimcatholic

Currents News anchor Liz Faublas is joined by the Secretariat for Evangelization for the Diocese, Theodore Musco, to discuss the upcoming Magnificat Day of Thanksgiving in Brooklyn.