In this issue of the Texas Catholic Voice:
A Message from Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director
Five years ago, the US bishops launched the initiative Civilize It in response to Pope Francis' call for “a better kind of politics.” Since then, polarization in the country has increased significantly, including within the Church. This polarization peaked on July 13 when former President Trump was targeted in an assassination attempt, resulting in one rally attendee's death. Regardless of opinions about former President Donald Trump, gratitude should be expressed that his life was spared. Such acts against human life and their effects on political institutions and culture cannot be accepted.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the USCCB stated, “This tragic event is really a call to action to all of us to measure our discourse and to move forward in pathways of peace and reconciliation and (for) an honest assessment of whatever political differences there are and however we can work together to find solutions.”
If you have not already done so, please sign the Civilize It pledge and share it with others. Between now and the election in November, we will promote this effort on our website, social media, and in the Texas Catholic Voice.
Texas Medical Board rulemaking update
The Texas Medical Board adopted rules effective July 17 regarding exceptions to the ban on abortion. Sec. 165.7 of the Texas Administrative Code provides definitions for terms such as “abortion,” “reasonable medical judgment,” “medical emergency,” and “major bodily function,” citing current statute sources.
Sec. 165.8 states that an abortion shall not be performed unless it complies with Health and Safety Code provisions aimed at saving the mother's life or preserving a major bodily function. It lists requirements for documenting reasons for performing an abortion and explicitly states that "imminence of threat to life or impairment of a major bodily function is not required."
Sec. 165.9 addresses how complaints about abortions will be reviewed using the board’s standard complaint process.
We are satisfied that these rules are clear and consistent with the law, hoping they will alleviate fears among providers and women experiencing complicated pregnancies.
For those demanding exceptions for fetal anomalies based on recent media-exploited cases stoking fear and outrage, euthanasia in utero is not seen as a solution. Physicians must offer support through perinatal palliative care for both mother and baby during delivery and beyond.
Execution update
Ruben Gutierrez received an indefinite stay of execution from the US Supreme Court only 20 minutes before his scheduled execution on July 16. Convicted for Escolastica Harrison's murder in 1999, he acknowledges participation in her robbery but denies murdering her while seeking DNA testing to prove his innocence. The stay is temporary while justices decide whether to give a full hearing; Gutierrez has faced seven death warrants since 2018 with two last-minute stays from execution.
Education hearing
The House Committee on Public Education will hold a hearing on Aug. 12 at 9 a.m., discussing interim charges aimed at increasing educational opportunities regardless of circumstance by evaluating education savings accounts used in other states.
Testimony will be invited from public attendees who can watch live broadcasts on the Texas House website.
Pope Francis' prayer intention for August: For political leaders
“We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.”
For more information visit The Pope's Video website.
Upcoming executions:
- Arthur Burton - Aug. 7
- Travis Mullis - Sept. 24
- Garcia White – Oct. 1
- Robert Roberson – Oct. 17
Prayers are extended for victims of violence along with their loved ones, those on death row, advocating for an end to capital punishment.
