USCCB Sues Trump Administration Over Refugee Funding Freeze

USCCB Sues Trump Administration Over Refugee Funding Freeze

In a significant legal move, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its abrupt suspension of funding for refugee resettlement programs. This lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, highlights the ongoing tension between the administration and faith-based organizations over immigration policies.

Background of the Lawsuit

The controversy began on January 24, 2025, when the State Department issued a letter informing national resettlement agencies, including the USCCB, of an immediate suspension of funding pending a review of foreign-aid programs. This sudden halt in funding has had a profound impact on the USCCB's Migration and Refugee Services, which has been forced to lay off 50 employees, more than half of its staff. Additional cuts are expected in local Catholic Charities offices that partner with the national office.

Legal and Moral Arguments

The USCCB argues that the funding suspension is unlawful and violates various laws, including the federal Administrative Procedure Act and the constitutional provision giving Congress the power of the purse. The lawsuit also contends that the suspension prevents the church from fulfilling its moral and legal commitments to care for newly arrived refugees. Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the USCCB, emphasized the church's dedication to upholding the common good and promoting the dignity of the human person, especially the most vulnerable among us.

Impact on Refugee Resettlement Programs

The funding suspension has disrupted the lives of refugees already in the U.S., many of whom are struggling to access basic necessities such as housing and job placement. The USCCB has highlighted that it spends more on refugee resettlement each year than it receives in federal funding, making the programs financially unsustainable without the millions in federal support. The lawsuit notes that the resettlement program is a domestic initiative to help newly arrived refugees meet initial needs, not foreign aid.

Broader Implications

The lawsuit against the Trump administration is part of a broader battle between the administration and faith-based organizations over immigration policies. The administration's decision to pause the federal refugee resettlement program has been criticized for its potential to cause long-term damage to the program and the lives of refugees. The USCCB and other faith-based groups have urged the administration to reconsider the funding freeze, citing the crucial care the funding helps provide. The lawsuit has also brought about much criticism from the right-wing faction in the Catholic Church who say this lawsuit indicates the greed of the bishops for "free money."  

Conclusion

The USCCB's lawsuit against the Trump administration underscores the complex interplay between immigration policies, legal frameworks, and moral obligations. As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of refugee resettlement programs and the lives of thousands of refugees hang in the balance. The outcome of this lawsuit will have significant implications for the future of refugee resettlement in the U.S. and the role of faith-based organizations in providing humanitarian aid.

Bill Cosby Scandal

Billy Cosby, often described as "America's TV Dad" has been in the news for months. Several woman have come out alleging that Cosby drugged them and took advantage of them sexually.

Cosby has remained silent, for the most part, choosing to ignore the accusations. However, his accusers insist that they are telling the truth. Some of Cosby's former co-workers have defended him stating that these women are trying to tarnish his reputation. Despite this defense, Cosby has been taken to court for similar accusations and in one instance chose to settle with the accuser. He also requested that the records of this case be sealed. They were sealed until recently where a judge decided to reveal a disposition done in 2005. In it, Bill Cosby admits to buying Quaaludes in order to have sex with women. Quaaludes or its pharmaceutical name Methaqualone is a sedative and hypnotic that is a central nervous system depressant.

“When you got the quaaludes, was it in your mind that you were going to use these quaaludes for young women that you wanted to have sex with?” lawyer Dolores M. Troiani asked.
“Yes,” Cosby answered on Sept. 29, 2005.
“Did you ever give any of these young women the quaaludes without their knowledge?”
Cosby’s lawyer again objected, leading Troiani to petition the federal judge to force Cosby to cooperate. - http://bigstory.ap.org/article/6d90b1f473f147ed9f0048f9e9ac2287/apnewsbreak-cosby-said-he-got-drugs-give-women-sex

Cosby's lawyers fought hard to keep the details of the 2005-2006 case citing that they did not want this to be released because it would cause embarrassment on both sides. Judge Eduardo Robreno wrote in a memorandum stating the reason why he released the details:

"The stark contrast between Bill Cosby, the public moralist and Bill Cosby, the subject of serious allegations concerning improper (and perhaps criminal) conduct is a matter as to which the AP — and by extension the public — has a significant interest."

Bill Cosby is known for his "moral" personality on many programs. He even had two cartoons geared towards teaching children morals: "Fat Albert" and "Little Bill." His career grew more popular with his "The Cosby Show" sitcom involving a well-to-do African American family. Some criticized the show for not being realistic about how African Americans live and that he adopted a "White" social script. Others believed it gave a positive look to the African American family and inspired them to be ambitious. Cosby was given an honorary doctoral for his work and several awards.  However, after these ladies came forward, many of the awards he received were taken back. Shows for his comedy tour also suffered cancelation and he was even met with hecklers during shows that did go on as scheduled. Recently, Disney removed a statue of his bust.

Comedian and actor Whoopi Goldberg insists he is 'innocent until proven guilty' despite the revelation of what he said in the disposition. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations has run out so most likely these women accusing him will not be able to file a criminal case against him.  However, a defamation case is possible.









Source:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/07/us/bill-cosby-quaaludes-sexual-assault-allegations/

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/6d90b1f473f147ed9f0048f9e9ac2287/apnewsbreak-cosby-said-he-got-drugs-give-women-sex

http://defamer.gawker.com/report-disney-world-to-remove-bill-cosby-bust-from-the-1716428079

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/bill-cosby-scandal/womans-lawyer-may-ask-judge-unseal-more-bill-cosby-testimony-n388356

http://www.people.com/article/raven-symone-talks-bill-cosby-sex-scandal-view

http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/07/opinions/kohn-bill-cosby-quaaludes/

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/bill-cosby-testimony-drugging-woman-made-public-article-1.2284532

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2015/07/07/whoopi-goldberg-on-bill-cosby-hes-innocent-until-proven-guilty/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-bill-cosby-rape-20150707-story.html

Fr. Rosica Sues Blogger Vox Cantoris

According to Michael Voris' Church Militant TV and other bloggers, Father Thomas Rosica who is a spokesman for Pope Francis and the Vatican and also president of Salt & Light TV in Canada filed a lawsuit against a Catholic blogger David Anthony Domet who blogs at Voxcantor.blogspot.ca.

According to the lawsuit, Domet posted "...various entries... that are false, defamatory, or both."  Fr. Rosica is even seeking damages for "damages to his reputation, work, and service to the church" as well as damages for Domet's encouragement of Catholics to unsubscribed from Salt & Light Television.

I first became aware of this story from Catholic Pro-life blogger Suzanne who blogs at bigbluewave.ca.  The whole story is just mind boggling on many levels.  Why would a priest sue another Catholic?  I understand that priests are protected under civil law as well, but as priests they must be more charitable and do things the "Christian" way, not man's.  Granted if a serious crime was committed, a priest should have equal protection under the law even against another priest or Catholic; however, if this is really all about something as silly as a blog post, then I do not see the reason to take it so seriously.

Nevertheless, I reserve judgment on the issue until I learn all the facts. From what I have read from the lawsuit papers, Rosica really does not have a strong case. Domet from Voxcantor was just giving his take on certain events in the Church that happened to entail Fr. Rosica. How can someone get sued for giving an opinion?

Moreover, if Fr. Rosica is doing this to save his reputation and save Salt & Light TV from bleeding subscribers, then I am afraid it will backfire. His actions have already disgusted several Catholics in the Catholic blogosphere. I can imagine how many in Canada have or are about to take Salt & Light out of their lineup.  These kinds of lawsuits often backfire in that manner.

Here are the lawsuit papers: http://www.churchmilitant.tv/documents/spec-2015-02-19.pdf

Here is what VoxCantor wrote that offended Rosica: http://voxcantor.blogspot.ca/search/label/Rosicanisms




Source:
http://www.catholicanada.com/2015/02/19/blog-round-up-of-reactionnews-re-fr-rosica-lawsuit-against-vox-cantoris/

http://www.bigbluewave.ca/2015/02/blog-round-up-of-reactionnews-to-fr.html

http://www.lepantoinstitute.org/uncategorized/fr-rosicas-ironic-lawsuit/

http://throwthebumsoutin2010.blogspot.com/2015/02/blogosphere-coverage-of-fr-rosicas.html

http://throwthebumsoutin2010.blogspot.com/2015/02/pope-francis-spokesperson-fr-rosica.html

http://restore-dc-catholicism.blogspot.com/2015/02/vatican-spokesman-suing-faithful.html

http://eponymousflower.blogspot.com/2015/02/vatican-suing-bloggers.html






UPDATE 3/5/15

Fr. Rosica has agreed to drop the lawsuit against David Domet who blogs at Vox Cantoris.  He wrote in a statement that "it was never my intention to sue, but rather to issue a letter to “cease and desist” the frivolous calumny."  He also claims that he is "not a high-ranking Vatican official nor a member of the hierarchy of the Church.."

Rosica wrote:

"As the CEO of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and Television Network, I am not a high-ranking Vatican official nor a member of the hierarchy of the Church as erroneously claimed in several recent blogs.  In addition to my work at Salt and Light, I have had the privilege of serving since 2013 in a volunteer capacity as English language assistant to the Holy See Press Office.  I relate on a daily basis to hundreds of English language journalists around the world.  I know that this daily service has been encouraged and appreciated by the Vatican and by hundreds of journalists all over the world.
I fully support the teaching of the Church and welcome Pope Francis’ invitation to the whole Church to reflect seriously on the foundations of our faith. The recent Extraordinary Synod of Bishops has invited us to mature, honest dialogue and conversation and to find new ways and a new language to communicate the ancient story of the Church and our beautiful, unchanging doctrine to future generations.
Mature expressions of differences are welcome.  It is one thing to have differing opinions on church matters. However, there is fine line between difference of opinion and blatant destruction of person’s lives and reputations. Having been strongly advised to respond, as an individual and in no institutional capacity to the Vatican or to my place of work, to the continuous false, slanderous statements of a blogger over a long period of time that resulted in gross distortion, misinformation, many phone calls, letters and clear threats from callers based on the repeated false information contained in the blog, it was never my intention to sue, but rather to issue a letter to “cease and desist” the frivolous calumny. A legal firm, offering its service pro bono to us, issued a letter to cease and desist. No lawsuit was ever launched against the blogger! The matter is now closed.
Popes Benedict XVI and Francis have taught clearly that the Internet and blogs can be of tremendous service to the up-building of the Church and of humanity. They have never taught that blogs and social media should be used, in the name of fidelity, to engender slander, hatred, reviling and destroying.
In a world torn apart by hatred, terror and violence, often through the gross distortion of religion, we must be much more attentive to our use of social media and how it is used to unite rather than destroy humanity. Many in the Catholic blogosphere have contributed enormously to the spread of the faith, the defense of all that is good and beautiful about our faith and our Church, and the opening of dialogue among strangers. They are to be congratulated and encouraged. Others have chosen to turn the blogosphere into a black hole of vitriol, anger and profound sadness. As Catholics, the great privilege and freedom of expression and access to social media also have certain obligations of decency, integrity, honesty and charity that reveal who we really are as a faith community.
Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB
CEO, Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation" - http://saltandlighttv.org/blog/fr-thomas-rosica/a-message-from-fr-thomas-rosica-csb

I had stated that his "lawsuit/cease and desist" would not be successful because free speech is a right and would backfire on him because he is a priest and it just does not look right for a priest to sue a Catholic lay person.  There are better ways of handling situations like these especially within the Catholic Church.  Moreover, Catholic bloggers have a right to their own opinions and also a duty to voice their concerns to their pastors:

Canon Law 212
§3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.

 

It is absurd for a Catholic priest or leader to sue or threaten to sue a Catholic writer for doing just that.  To my knowledge, no death threats were made.  No serious threats were made to warrant legal action.  While I understand Rosica's concern for his reputation, I think he hurt it more with this theater.

Moreover, he blocked me on Twitter.  What the heck did I do to him?

I really do not understand what is this man's problem.  Not once did I attack him or side with anyone. I simply found it disturbing to learn of a priest suing another Catholic.  He apparently has some spiritual and psychological issues to work on based on my observation and opinion.  Perhaps he should reconsider his vocation.  Let us pray for him and all those involved.  

Source:

http://saltandlighttv.org/blog/fr-thomas-rosica/a-message-from-fr-thomas-rosica-csb

http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2015/03/04/priest-who-does-vatican-pr-says-he-wont-sue-conservative-blogger/

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2015/03/fr-rosica-it-was-never-my-intention-to-sue/

http://www.churchmilitant.tv/platform/index.php?vidID=news-2015-03-05

http://www.pewsitter.com/view_news_id_197741.php

Daughter Sues Parents

"I brought you into this world and I can take you out!"

How many times have we heard parents - maybe our own - say this in an attempt to reinforce their authority?

At one point in time this would often settle an argument. However, the times have changed.  Children are being raised by the "village" instead of parents.  Their egos are inflated to the point that they feel entitled.

Psychologists often describe the generation of youth today as the "me" generation.  They are self-centered, egotistical, materialistic, reckless, socio-pathic; the list goes on.

A New Jersey teenager is suing her parents claiming that her parents stopped making her high school tuition payments, kicker her out of their home at 18 and refused to fund her college.  Rachel Canning, the plaintiff is suing to get the court to force her parents Sean and Elizabeth Canning to pay up and care for her needs.

Seriously?

The parents who are the defendants clarified that they set rules to be followed by Rachel which she refused to abide by.  These rules were to do chores, get rid of a boyfriend who was leading her down a wrong path as well as other typical parental rules. Rachel refused and was "emancipated" by her own choice and due to the fact that she turned 18.

The judge in the court during the hearing refused her request which asked for $624 a week for child support, $5,300 for tuition for her Catholic high school, $13,000 legal fees and access to her college fund.  The judge made the right choice.  Rachel has no right to make these silly demands especially how she refused to obey her parents and is of legal age.  Times are changing.  Our youth are stray far and far.  The Fourth Commandment which calls us to 'honor our father and mother' is being pushed aside.







Source:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/daughter-18-sues-parents-for-support/2014/03/06/75beb836-a49e-11e3-84d4-e59b1709222c_story.html

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=157&sid=28957925

Lesbian Teacher Lawsuit

Christa Dias, a teacher who was fired from a Catholic school for violating her contract is suing the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for unlawful termination.  Dias was terminated for seeking artificial insemination which is against Church teaching. 

Teachers who apply for jobs in a Catholic diocese must sign a contract in which they promise to abide by the Church's teachings.  The Supreme Court in the Hosanna-Tabor case ruled that religious institutions can terminate employees and the courts cannot interfere in their employment decisions.

Despite this Supreme Court ruling, the lawsuit was won by Dias and she was awarded over $171,000 by the jury.  Her attorney argued that she was fired because she was not married and pregnant.  The archdiocese of Cincinnati disputes this by claiming that her termination was solely based on her breach of contract.  The archdiocese of Cincinnati will be appealing the decision.

This case is disturbing indeed.  It shows how religious freedom is being undermined.  What good are contracts if courts can easily dissolve them?  How can employers keep order in their places of employment if juries can step in and tell them how to run their business?  Christa Dias was aware of what the contract stated and accepted.  She was under contract.  It is obvious that the jury decided the case based on pity and a lack of understanding of how contracts work. 

I hope the appeal overturns this decision and protects the religious freedom of the archdiocese of Cincinnati.  It is not fair that an employee applies for a job, reads and accepts the job's contract and then breaches it and is awarded for that breach.  What is America's legal system coming to? 


Source:

http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=51171

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/04/christa-dias-mom-awarded-_n_3383022.html

Church Hypocrisy?

Anti-Catholics often cite the bad behavior of Catholics in order to "prove" their case that the Catholic Church is a flawed institution that must be disposed of.  They will cite the burning at the stakes, inquisition, abuse of minors, cover ups and so on.  The Catholic Church to them is "morally bankrupt."

While the aforementioned are unfortunately a part of the history of Catholics, these acts were never sanctioned by the Church.  They are shortcomings from individuals who represented the Church.  Moreover, critics do not take into account the time and circumstance surrounding the bad events in the Church.  Those (heretics) who broke laws in their respective time received the punishment of that time.  We may see it now as cruel and unusual, but this is because we see things differently now in regards to justice and the treatment of prisoners.

The Past Haunts

In recent times, the sexual abuse of minors is what is focused upon when attacks against the Catholic Church are presented.  The moral authority of bishops and priests are questioned since they seemed to have allowed these abuses to go on and in some cases even tried to cover them up.   In the news recently, there was a report that files from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles show that retired Cardinal Roger Mahoney and Bishop Thomas Curry made attempts to conceal predator priests and obstruct justice.

The news has hit the Los Angeles Archdiocese so hard that Archbishop Gomez has prohibited Cardinal Mahoney from public duties within his Archdiocese and has accepted the resignation of Bishop Thomas Curry.  This basically means that Mahoney cannot present himself as an official of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  He can still function as a priest in private.  I applaud Archbishop Gomez for doing this.  He has publicly reprimanded two of his brother bishops and has shown that their actions cannot be excused.  Cardinal Mahoney responded with a letter of his own excusing his "mistakes."

I hardly call transferring priests from parish to parish who were known to have psycho-sexual issues a "mistake."  Furthermore, the attempt to prevent these disturbed priests from facing justice is just appalling.  Clergy who are found guilty of abuse and those bishops and others who covered for them should be in prison.  They should not be given a platform from which to shout "mea culpa."  The sexual abuse of a minor - or anyone for that matter - is disgusting and victims may never recover from it.    

Fetus Not a Person

If that is not bad enough, a Catholic hospital in Colorado is being sued because its lawyers have used the defense that a fetus is not a person in order to protect the hospital from litigation.  The news has caused a tidal wave among Catholics and anti-Catholics.  I myself have been bombarded with Tweets and messages regarding the supposed hypocrisy of the Church in implementing this defense.  What these people do not understand is that the Catholic Church is not on trial here.  A Catholic hospital is on trial for malpractice and its lawyers chose to use this defense.  Lawyers have the reputation of being "certified liars."  This is because they use a play of words in order to present a good case that will go in their favor.

The local bishop is investigating the matter.  I believe the lawyers used this defense because it reflects the current understanding of the law.  It would not be fair to sue a hospital for malpractice if the laws state that the fetus is not a person and fetuses are killed at abortion clinics daily without concern or litigation.  Therefore, lawyers must use the laws in the books in order to make their case.

A case that comes to mind that reflects this is that of Mary Ellen Wilson's who was the first documented case of child abuse in the United States of America.   She was beaten, starved and chained in a dark room all alone and overall was treated inhumanely.  Neighbors were concerned over the welfare of young Mary Ellen, but to their dismay, the abuse was not illegal.  Under the law, children were not considered persons and were mere property.  They were no different than cattle or dogs and could be beaten and abused.  The police could not do anything because there were no laws protecting children.

Neighbors told Methodist missionary Etta Wheeler about the situation and she tried to help.  Wheeler did not give up despite the non-existence of child protection laws in New York.  She would eventually contact the ASPCA or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which was founded by Henry Bergh in order to protect horses.  At the time (1800's), New York used horses instead of cars.  The modern car was just being developed and horses were the only means to travel or transport goods.

Horses can be very stubborn creatures, so they were often beaten severely and treated badly.  The ASPCA would eventually get protection for them and other animals under the law.  This is why Wheeler sought the help of Bergh.  The ASPCA would help Mary Ellen Wilson and future children of child abuse by using the defense that children are part of the animal kingdom just like horses and they deserve protection under the law.  This is an example of how the current law and understanding of the law must be used in order to defend a client.


****UPDATE 2/5/2013****

The lawyers for the hospital have decided to recant the defense tactic of citing a law that does not include the unborn as human.  The change was made after Colorado bishops investigated and met with parties involved  http://www.lifenews.com/2013/02/04/catholic-hospital-reverses-wont-argue-unborn-baby-not-a-person/



No Help for Rape Victim

Lastly, a victim of rape in Germany claims that a Catholic hospital turned her away because of the advice the hospital would have given regarding keeping the pregnancy.  The Archdiocese of Cologne had this statement:

"We regret very much that the impression has been given to the public that rape victims are no longer able to be treated in Catholic hospitals. That is false,"

The Archdiocese confirmed that rape victims have always and will always get medical treatment and that no victim will be turned away.  They added that there was a misunderstanding among hospital officials which led to the refusal to treat the victim of rape.

The Catholic Church is made up of human beings.  The Church is perfect, but not perfect.  She is perfect in that she is the Bride of Christ and holds the deposit of Faith.  However, she is not perfect in that she is a collection of sinners who can do both good and bad in her name.  If all the Apostles except John ran off after Jesus' arrest, what makes you think the disciples of today won't abandon Jesus?  There will be clergy, religious and lay people who will abandon Jesus and do things their own way which will cause scandal and most likely harm themselves and others.  This should not be seen as a reflection of the whole Catholic Church, but a reflection on the reality that individuals in the Church can do stupid things that offends God and one another.  


Source:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-23/anger-as-us-records-show-catholic-sex-abuse-cover-up/4480824

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Sex-Abuse-Files-Catholic-Church-Los-Angeles-Mahony-Attorney-Shocked-188034191.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57565286/evidence-shows-bold-l.a-priest-abuse-cover-up/

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57565286/evidence-shows-bold-l.a-priest-abuse-cover-up/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/catholic-hospital-argues-_n_2534383.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

http://reason-being.com/index.php/2013/01/24/catholic-health-initiatives-fetus-hypocrisy/#.UQGG_OQtTXY.twitter

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/catholic-hospital-argues-_n_2534383.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/catholics-argue-that-fetuses-are-people-unless-it-costs-the-church-money/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/9811443/German-rape-victim-turned-away-by-Catholic-hospitals-over-pregnancy-fears.html

http://www.catholic.org/hf/faith/story.php?id=49547

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=123889

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0203-lopez-mahony-20130203,0,612758.column

http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_22502929/cardinal-mahony-fires-back-at-gomez-defends-handling

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0201-mahony-curry-20130201,0,3889565.story

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-adv-church-curry-20130203,0,5584406.story

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/archbishop-takes-action-on-mahony-curry-over-abuse-scandal.html

http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=49546

http://documents.latimes.com/los-angeles-archdiocese-priest-abuse-files/

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-gomez-praised-for-ideal-approach-to-la-removals/
http://cardinalrogermahonyblogsla.blogspot.com/

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-church-files-20130122,0,3114631.story