We recognize that gambling can be a legitimate recreational activity in an atmosphere of moderation and control, and we appreciate the assistance that some of our charities and institutions have received from casinos over the years. However, gambling becomes morally unacceptable when it deprives someone of what is necessary to provide for his or her [...]
The Iowa Catholic Conference supports the reform of our immigration system in a just and humane way. We believe that persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland, in addition to a right to migrate to support and protect themselves and their families. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in collaboration with [...]
The Catholic bishops of Iowa released a letter on gun legislation on Dec. 6, 2018. The bishops said, “We believe that weapons increasingly capable of inflicting great suffering in a short period of time are simply too accessible. The right to bear arms as found in our Constitution must be balanced against the safety and [...]
In May of 1980, Catholic bishops from eleven Midwestern and Plains states issued a regional statement on land issues called “Strangers and Guests: Toward Community in the Heartland.” The bishops who signed and issued the statement on May 1, 1980 represented Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. [...]
With the passage of Senate File 481, the state of Iowa has changed the relationship of local law enforcement with the Immigration Control Enforcement agency. The bishops of Iowa opposed the legislation, known as the "anti-sanctuary city" bill, and encourage Catholics throughout Iowa to learn more about their own Fourth Amendment rights and how they [...]
By Joan Thompson The Catholic Church opposes all abortions, no matter the method, but when abortions are taking place, the safety and informed consent of the women involved should be among our chief concerns. Women and girls in the United States have been legally entitled to end their pregnancy through abortion for over 40 years. [...]
We, the Catholic Bishops of Iowa, have voiced principled opposition to Senate File 481 and are profoundly disappointed that it was passed by the Legislature. We ask Governor Reynolds to do the right thing and veto the bill. This is the right thing to do, because Iowans should be looking to help immigrants, not to harass them. [...]
Bills to bring back the death penalty in Iowa have failed to advance. Keep an eye on our Action Center at www.votervoice.net/icc/home for any action alerts if proposals "come back to life". Click here to download a quick fact sheet on the issue. The Catholic bishops of Iowa have issued a statement in opposition to the [...]
The Iowa Senate and House will be negotiating on tax reform provisions during the next several weeks on the 2018 session. The bishops of Iowa have said there are two basic moral principles that should govern the collection and distribution of taxes as they benefit the State of Iowa and its people. Legislators should practice [...]
This week the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee may consider HF 2405, a bill that will prevent a cause of action that allows a parent to bring a lawsuit claiming a child should have been aborted because of a disability. The “wrongful birth” claim did not exist in Iowa before it was created by the Iowa [...]