Thirteen Republican senators, led by Jim Lankford of Oklahoma and Ben Sasse of Nebraska, asked the Internal Revenue Service Tuesday to review how it weighs tax-exemption applications for faith-based nonprofits.

The senators say there was an “apparent failure of quality controls” when the IRS first denied, and then under public scrutiny approved, a nonprofit designation for the Christians Engaged religious organization based in Garland, Texas.

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In the denial letter issued on May 18, the IRS stated Christians Engaged was ineligible for the nonprofit designation known as “501(c)(3) status” in part because “Bible teachings are typically affiliated with the [Republican] party and candidates.”

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/aug/17/gop-senators-call-review-amid-concerns-irs-targeti/
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2. U.S. bishops urge quick action on relocating Afghan refugees, By John Lavenburg, Catholic News Agency, August 18, 2021

The U.S. bishops’ conference on Aug. 17 emphasized the need for the U.S. government to work quickly to achieve its goal of relocating 30,000 special immigrant visa applicants from Afghanistan because it’s a “monumental task that hangs in the balance.”

“We know that time is of the essence to help our brothers and sisters in need, and we call on our government to act with the utmost urgency, considering all available avenues to preserve life,” said Auxiliary Bishop Mario Dorsonville of Washington, chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, and Bishop David Malloy, chair of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace in a joint statement.

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2021/08/u-s-bishops-urge-quick-action-on-relocating-afghan-refugees/
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3. Pope Francis, Ad Council collaborate to promote COVID-19 vaccines in the Americas, By Autumn Jones, Catholic News Agency, August 17, 2021, 10:30 PM

Pope Francis, along with six cardinals and archbishops from North, South, and Central America, worked in collaboration with the Ad Council to produce a public service announcement promoting COVID-19 vaccines.

The announcement is the first Ad Council campaign designed for a global audience, and will be distributed in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

The PSA is part of the Ad Council’s COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative to encourage vaccination against the coronavirus.

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The cardinals and archbishops who also make an appearance in the PSA are Archbishop José Horacio Gómez Velasco of Los Angeles; Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes of Mexico City; Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa; Cardinal Cláudio Hummes of Sao Paolo; Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez of San Salvador; and Archbishop Héctor Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte of Trujillo.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248714/pope-francis-ad-council-collaborate-to-promote-covid-19-vaccines-in-the-americas
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4. Cardinal Burke’s Health Update, By Autumn Jones, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, August 17, 2021

As of August 17th, His Eminence remains in serious, but stable condition.  His family, who with a team of doctors, is responsible for all medical decisions while the Cardinal remains sedated and on a medical ventilator, has great confidence in the care he is receiving.     The Cardinal has received the Sacraments from priests nearby to him.  There are several relics in his room.

While the Cardinal’s family appreciates the good intentions of those who have suggested treatments, consultations, etc., they ask that people refrain from sending anything further.  They also ask that you not contact them, members of the Shrine staff, or the Cardinal’s residence in Rome to discuss his condition.  Texts, phone calls and emails—while certainly solicitous and often gracious—can, inadvertently, become a burden.  The family does not plan to disclose His Eminence’s location to avoid the obvious difficulties that might cause.

To provide a secure source for updates about the Cardinal’s health, the family has asked that the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe—in addition to the Cardinal’s personal media—be the only authorized platforms for accurate, timely information.  Other reports may be incomplete or false and so may unnecessarily disturb the minds and hearts of those devoted to His Eminence.  

https://guadalupeshrine.org/cardinalburkenews/
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