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In their annual statement marking the January 22 anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade, the bishops of Florida acknowledged that the Church's teaching on abortion is continuously proving to be prophetic. "Our nation is increasingly rejecting abortion and Roe v. Wade as states continue to adopt more limitations on abortion and expand alternatives to abortion," said the bishops.

In one of his first acts after taking office, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, January 9 made a historic appointment to the Florida Supreme Court, naming appellate Judge Barbara Lagoa as the high court's first Cuban-American female justice.

On October 10, 2018, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule on the "public charge" eligibility requirement that the federal government considers when determining whether to admit an immigrant into the country or allow an immigrant to adjust status and become a lawful permanent resident. The rule proposes to drastically expand the definition under which a migrant would be considered a public charge to what essentially amounts to a wealth test, discounting the contributions of certain immigrants. A human being's value is intrinsic, and one's resources cannot solely determine his or her potential or contribution to this nation.

The FCCB has released its Public Policy Priorities for the 2019 Legislative Session, set to begin March 5. Key issues of concern are identified under the advocacy areas of life, health, education, and family and social concerns.

During an inaugural ceremony outside the historic Capitol in Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, and three members of the Florida Cabinet were formally sworn into office on Tuesday, January 8. New Attorney General Ashley Moody, new Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, and returning Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis will start four-year terms on the state Cabinet.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Jose Antonio Jimenez is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. for the 1992 murder of Phyllis Minas. Governor Scott initially signed Jimenez’ death warrant in July and scheduled his execution for August 14. However, the Florida Supreme Court issued a stay of execution to further review the case. The Supreme Court lifted the stay on October 4.

In the two weeks following the November 6 general election, Florida drew national attention amid several recounts and a host of lawsuits involving closely contested races for U.S. Senate, governor, agriculture commissioner and three legislative seats. Final vote counts were due on Sunday, November 18, and official election returns were certified on the morning of Tuesday, November 20 by the Elections Canvassing Commission.

The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Health and Human Services (HHS) have recently published a proposed regulation that seeks to alter and undermine the existing Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA). The FSA sets forth basic standards regarding the care, custody, and release of immigrant children while they are in federal custody.

On November 30, events will be held at various locations in Florida dioceses to recognize International Day of Cities for Life / Cities Against the Death Penalty. This annual event has been spearheaded by the lay Catholic community of Sant'Egidio since 2002. Over 2,000 cities across the globe have declared themselves "Cities for Life" and are committed to the abolition of the death penalty and a more civil form of justice. You are invited to attend an event in your area.

Twelve amendments to the Florida Constitution will appear on the November 6 ballot. The full text of all amendments on the ballot is available from the Florida Division of Elections. In order for an amendment to pass, 60% of the electorate must vote in support.

October 27: Early voting for the General Election begins statewide Counties may offer additional days of early voting, beginning as early as October 22. Check with your Supervisor of Elections for additional days of early voting that may be offered in your county. November 6: General Election Day!

WASHINGTON--The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to "heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us."

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement after a series of meetings with members of the USCCB's Executive Committee and other bishops. The following statement includes three goals and three principles, along with initial steps of a plan that will involve laity, experts, and the Vatican. A more developed plan will be presented to the full body of bishops at their general assembly meeting in Baltimore in November.

Jose Antonio Jimenez is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. for the 1992 murder of Phyllis Minas. In an August 9 letter to Governor Rick Scott on behalf of the bishops of Florida, Michael Sheedy, executive director, appealed to the governor to commute Jimenez' death sentence to a life sentence without parole.

The only vaccines readily available in the U.S. for some contagious diseases (e.g. rubella and hepatitis A) have been manufactured using fetal tissue from induced abortions. This has created a problem of conscience for many Catholics. As recommended by the Pontifical Academy for Life in 2005, a long-term solution lies in working to ensure that future vaccines and other medicines are not developed in cooperation with practices that demean human life.

Under U.S. law, a refugee is a person who is forced to flee his or her home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of being persecuted on account of his or her nationality, race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Worldwide, there are 65.3 million people who have been forced out of their homes.

Religious Freedom Week will take place from June 22-29, 2018. The observance begins with the feast day of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, includes the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and ends with the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

Florida's First Lady Ann Scott visited Ascension Catholic School in Melbourne to greet students and share her passion for reading and literacy. Mrs. Scott read several books to the students including the book that she authored, "Ally and Jordi's Adventures Through Florida".

The U.S. Supreme Court decided the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The case involves Christian baker Jack Phillips who declined in 2012 to create a custom wedding cake for a same-sex ceremony. State officials sought to compel Phillips to create such cakes under Colorado's public accommodations law. The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of Phillips under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

After holding numerous public hearings and committee meetings over the past year, the full Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) met in April to hold final votes on proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution. The CRC finished its work after approving eight proposed amendments for the November 6 general-election ballot. Six of the eight ballot measures bundle multiple subjects that were debated and advanced by the commission.