U.S. Bishops elect new leaders; Focus on the persecution of Christians overseas

The United States Catholic Bishops Conference began its meeting in autumn in Baltimore yesterday.  As reported by CNS and the New York Times, outgoing President of the Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Timothy Dolan in his speech to fellow - bishops called for a new emphasis in the fight against the persecution of Christians in countries such as Syria, Egypt, India and Nigeria. He said that we are living in what must be recognized as a new era of the martyrs.  He claimed that up to 1 million Christians have been killed for their faith so far in the 21st century, and said that it is a priority to urge political leaders to make protection of "Christians at risk a priority of foreign policy."

The bishops had chosen his current Vice President, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, as the new President of the Conference, and Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston as Vice President. (Press release). (Associated Press).  They also approved the drafting of a formal statement about pornography.