Left to right: USCCB staff members Marissa Eckelkamp, Julia Dezelski, and Maria Parker, with Eleanor Gaetan of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, and Teresa Gerns of the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe. | Photo: Kendall McLaren

The Scourge of Pornography in the Digital Age

The USCCB renewed its stand against pornography, inviting global leaders to strongly oppose its widespread use, at a United Nations event on March 19. Members of the USCCB's Secretariat on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth led the event, along with the Holy See, as part of the UN's Commission on the Status of Women.

“The Scourge of Pornography in the Digital Age” event at the UN. | Photo: Kendall McLaren

USCCB staff drew attention to the cultural and technological changes that have left people more vulnerable than ever to the predatory influence of pornography. They also distributed advance copies of Create in Me a Pure Heart (more information below). You can find more about what makes pornography wrong at Love Means More, along with resources to protect against and heal from addiction.

Coming Soon: Create in Me a Pure Heart

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the USCCB's pastoral statement on the scourge of pornography, which is being published anew this year under the title Create in Me a Pure Heart. The tenth anniversary edition contains a new preface with practical recommendations to help pastors, lay leaders, families, educators, and civil leaders protect against pornography's many dangers.

Ascension Press will publish the new edition soon, and when it does, we'll be sure to include it in this newsletter!

Legal/Policy Updates

Trump Administration - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services warned providers of the medical dangers of "gender-affirming care", and indicated that it could take additional policy steps to protect children from chemical and surgical mutilation.

Congress - Bishop Robert E. Barron, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, together with Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, encouraged members of Congress to stop taxpayer funding of the abortion and "gender transition" industries in the budget reconciliation process.  

“The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act is commonsense legislation that would ensure fairness for female athletes,” said Bishop Barron and Bishop David M. O’Connell, CM, in response to the Senate's failure to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The chairmen urged passage of the billl in a letter of support earlier in the year.

Courts - In an amicus brief filed for the Supreme Court case Mahmoud v. Taylor, the USCCB joined with other religious organizations in support of the free exercise rights of parents to be notified and opt their children out of school programs that violate their religious beliefs on sexuality, marriage, and family.