NATIONAL NEWS: Louisiana diocese creates mobile confessional, Pregnant woman killed in Indianapolis home invasion, “Safe Spaces” for university students following racially charged atmospheres

 

SAMANTHA PANGRAZIO
STAFF WRITER

Louisiana diocese turns donated ambulance into mobile confessional

Louisiana’s Diocese of Lafayette received a donated ambulance and decided to create a unique outreach program, according to local news outlet KLFY News. With the upcoming Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, Bishop Michael Jarrell wanted to convert the ambulance into a mobile confessional, in an attempt to make the sacrament of reconciliation available to a wider population. The “spiritual care unit” will also carry a supply of holy cards, rosaries and even holy water. The opening of the mobile confessional is set for Dec. 8, 2015, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the start of the Year of Mercy.

For further information: http://klfy.com/2015/11/12/diocese-converts-ambulance-into-mobile-confessional/

Pregnant wife of Indianapolis pastor killed in home invasion

Amanda Blackburn, 28, was shot and killed last week in an apparent home invasion after her husband, Resonate Church Pastor Davey Blackburn, went to the gym. The couple’s 1-year-old son was unharmed, despite being home at the time of the incident. The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where she later died, reported CNN. A neighbor’s house was also broken into hours prior; electronics and other valuables were taken. It is unclear if the incidents are related, and police said they do not have anyone in custody at this time.

For further information: http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/12/us/pregnant-wife-young-pastor-killed-indianapolis/index.html

 

Students declare ‘safe spaces’ on campuses after racially charged controversies

After recent racially charged protests at the University of Missouri, campuses across America have been forming controversial “safe spaces.” According to Fox News, these safe spaces are gathering places “where students can shield themselves from uncomfortable or dissenting viewpoints.” However, these spaces appear to be unconstitutional by silencing the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh said, “I think the problem is they’re trying to use this word ‘safe’ – which conveys the image of a violent attack – and turning it into safe from ideas and statements we find offensive. There is no right to be safe from that.”

For further information: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/11/14/safe-spaces-on-college-campuses-run-at-odds-with-first-amendment-say-law/