U.S. Bishops' Conference Sets New Mission Directive

During their recent fall assembly in Baltimore, U.S. Catholic bishops approved a new mission directive aimed at evangelizing the religiously unaffiliated, disaffiliated, and youth, reflecting a strategic pivot from previous years. This directive emphasizes the need for bishops and clergy to creatively engage with these groups while maintaining existing committee responsibilities. Concurrently, discussions highlighted the Church's stance on contentious issues, with bishops, including Robert Barron, urging a bold proclamation of Vatican teachings, particularly against practices like abortion and gender-affirming surgery. Archbishop Timothy Broglio called for fidelity in faith transmission, encouraging unity and civility in addressing societal divisions post-election. The bishops also focused on upcoming events like the Synod on Synodality and the National Eucharistic Congress, framing these as pivotal for revitalizing the Church's mission. Overall, the assembly underscored the importance of proclaiming Catholic teachings in a contemporary, often countercultural landscape.