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Here’s top news from Catholic Information Radio.
I’m Bryan Douglas in Philadelphia, and at this hour….
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Lead:
Repeating Catholic teaching on the invalidity of attempts to ordain women, the Bishop of Davenport, Iowa has said a local woman’s intention to simulate ordination by a breakaway group damages the unity of the Church and has asked people not to participate in the ceremony.

In a recent statement published in The Catholic Messenger, Bishop Martin Amos asked those of the Diocese of Davenport to prayerfully to reconsider their participation in the so-called ordination ceremony, which is an excommunicable offense.
Mary Kay Kusner, a married mother of four, intends to participate in the simulated rite by the dissident Womanpriest group at the First Christian Church in Coralville, Iowa on June 13.

Bishop Amos’ statement noted that the Church has held the role of women “in high regard” for “centuries.” He added that this absolutely vital role extends to all women through the example of the Blessed Mother, and reiterated the May 2008 decree from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which stated those who attempt to ordain women are excommunicated, as are the women who claim to be ordained.

The bishop explained that the purpose of excommunication is always to bring the person back into communion and to help them discover the unity of the Church.
I’ll be back with more after this.
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Story 2:
Pope Benedict XVI expressed deep regret and "great trepidation" over the Israeli raid on the so called "Freedom Flotilla," during his weekly public audience on June 2. The Pontiff said quote “I repeat, with heavy heart, that violence does not resolve conflict but only increases its tragic consequences and generates more violence" unquote and urged all international leaders to redouble their efforts at finding a solution to the problems of the Middle East. He also noted that the Lord sustains the efforts of those who never tire of working for reconciliation and peace.

Story 3:
Ten of Europe’s 47 states have joined Italy in petitioning the European Court of Human Rights to overturn its decision in the Lautsi case, in which the court ruled that the display of a crucifix in a classroom is contrary to parents’ right to educate their children in line with their convictions and to children’s right to freedom of religion. No European state intends to file an amicus curiae brief in support of the decision. In addition to Italy, however.

Story 4:
Almost 50 organizations funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development remain involved in activities directly opposed to Catholic moral and social teachings, according to a June first statement by Reform CCHD Now. The coalition announced that a detailed report documenting these activities has been mailed to every bishop and diocesan pro-life director in the United States.

Story 5:
Miami's Archbishop Thomas Wenski said that Catholics should advance Church social teachings "coherently and unapologetically" in public affairs at his installation Mass yesterday.

The new archbishop warned that quote "a radically secular world view wishes to reduce faith toe the realm of the private and the subjective" unquote. Catholics must resist that pressure, he said, and put forward arguments that, while founded on the Christian Scriptures, is also accessible to human reason. While admitting that Catholic social teaching can seem complex, Archbishop Wenski said that its fundamental thrust can be simply summarized by the phrase: "Man is not the problem."

This is Catholic Information News.

Story 6:
The archbishop of New York is urging priests to remember that their vocation is an identity, not simply a career, and thus it must be lived with holiness. Archbishop Timothy Dolan affirmed this in a lecture he gave last Thursday at St. Patrick's College in Maynooth, marking the Year for Priests, which will end June 11. The conference is also offering on its Web site a special feature video with an additional interview with Archbishop Dolan, excerpts of the address, and other images from the event.

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And that’s top news of the hour.
I’m Bryan Douglas, CIR NEWS, for Catholic Information Radio.