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Florida bishops continue to stress preservation of traditional marriage
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On November 21, 2014, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) filed an Amicus Curiae brief in a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The brief argues that the lower court erroneously ruled that Florida's definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman infringes upon a fundamental right. Citing a strong interest in protecting the traditional definition of marriage because of its benefits to families and society, the FCCB seeks to preserve the meaning and purpose of marriage as an institution that unites a man and a woman with each other and with any children born from their union. Click here to read the entire brief.
On Wednesday, December 3, the 11th Circuit rejected a request by Attorney General Pam Bondi to extend a stay on the lower court's ruling until the appeals process is completed. The FCCB is further studying this decision by the federal appeals court that could allow same-sex marriages to be performed in Florida as early as January 6, 2015. |
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U.S. bishops welcome President Obama's executive order on immigration; urge permanent reforms
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In a November 20 press release, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomed the news that the Obama administration will defer deportations for many undocumented immigrants and their families. At the same time, Church leaders emphasized the need for permanent change through Congressional action. Seattle's Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, M.Sp.S., chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, reminded the faithful of the Church's longstanding concern for "the poor, the outcast, the immigrant, and the disadvantaged."
Louisville, Kentucky's Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, president of the USCCB, stated the importance of maintaining and growing a "more humane view of immigrants" and the need for laws that respect human dignity and uphold human rights.
Additionally, at the annual Catholic Legal Services banquet in Miami, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and and Human Development, expressed support for the relief provided by the president's executive order while also encouraging Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
For more information on immigration issues, refer to the USCCB's
Justice for Immigrants (JFI) website, www.justiceforimmigrants.org. |
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Organization session for Florida legislators; special elections to be held for vacant seats
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Pursuant to the Florida Constitution, the Florida Legislature convenes 14 days following the general election for the purpose of organization, election of officers and adoption of rules. On November 18, Florida state senators and representatives gathered in Tallahassee for this Organization Session, during which new and re-elected lawmakers took their oaths of office and leaders were elected.
Sen. Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando) was elected as the President of the Florida Senate and Rep. Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island) was elected as House Speaker. Sen. Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) and Rep. Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach) were selected as minority leaders in their respective chambers.
More information on additional leadership positions and committee chair assignments can be found on the Florida Senate and House websites.
Special elections are scheduled for several vacant House seats and one Senate seat:
Senate District 6, House Districts 17 & 24 - primary Jan 27, 2015/general April 7, 2015
House District 13 - primary Dec 16, 2014/general Feb 17, 2015
House District 64 - primary Feb 10, 2015/general Apr 21, 2015
The regular legislative session is scheduled to begin March 3, 2015 and conclude May 1, 2015. |
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December 4, 2014
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Words of Wisdom
"Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned and if it employs morally licit means to attain it."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1903
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