March came in like a lion and went out like a … well, like a lion. So now, just in case April showers are keeping you stuck inside, this is your weekly news roundup.
First, the big news from the Supreme Court just keeps on coming. After they heard the Hobby Lobby case last week, (with some new developments this week) the justices this week handed down their decision about an important case, McCutcheon v. FEC. In a 5-4 decision court ruled in favor of McCutcheon and the Republican National Committee, establishing that a single donor will be able to give up to $3.6 million, as compared to the previous amount, $123,000.
Also in SCOTUS news, the court has declined, at least for now, to hear two more challenges to the HHS mandate that are currently being taken up by lower appellate courts. Cases filed against the federal government by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington and Priests for Life will need to stay in the lower courts for a bit longer.
Remember the bishop who handed in his resignation because he spent so much money on his house? Well, there’s a bishop in Atlanta who seems to be landing in some hot water. Archbishop Wilton Gregory apologized for a lapse in judgment after he built a plush $2.2 million mansion for himself in the heart of Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead district.
Across the pond, Church of England Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said that the Church of England cannot celebrate same-sex marriages because it would threaten Christians in Africa. In other news, a U.S.-backed clinic that offered treatment to people with AIDS was shut down by Ugandan police for “promoting homosexuality,” which is, of course, a punishable offense in Uganda.
In Washington, it looks like the Senate oversight committee may release the CIA torture report that has been causing so much controversy. The report contains gruesome details about the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation” practices that were used in the first year after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Former President George W. Bush has been keeping busy with life as a painter. His most recent exhibition opens in Dallas and features paintings of world leaders, including himself and his father.
And now for our Papal rapid fire roundup.
This week, Pope Francis:
- Met with the Hobby Lobby Greens.
- Met with the Queen.
- Supported “traditional” marriage.
- Named a couple of new saints.
Well, that’s about it around here. Remember to take our survey about the pitfalls or benefits of fracking. Have a great weekend!
