Promulgation of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services as Particular Law for the Diocese of Portland

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has recently approved the Seventh Edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs). The ERDs contain moral truths that are binding upon the Catholic faithful. In light of the many ethical challenges facing so many aspects of our health care today, I have also promulgated the ERDs as particular law for the Diocese of Portland, effective immediately.

Please find below a letter from me with a more detailed explanation of the importance of the ERDs, the Decree of Promulgation of the ERDS, and the ERDS themselves. 

-Bishop James T. Ruggieri