CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONSIDER CONSOLIDATING CONTROL.(RELIGION)

Byline: DAVID E. ANDERSON Religion News Service WASHINGTON U.S. Roman Catholic bishops are studying a proposal to eliminate their public policy arm, which allows lay leaders to help shape political and social positions of the church, and put those decisions solely in the hands of bishops.

The proposal leads the agenda for the spring meeting of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, which will convene June 15-17 in Chicago. Among other proposals before the 280 U.S. bishops are ones to alter the Catholic liturgy, including moving the sign of peace to a different place in the Mass.

In addition, the bishops will consider expanding participation of people with disabilities in the sacramental life of the church. They also are expected to restate their opposition to abortion and euthanasia and approve a resolution calling for the eventual ban of landmines.

The proposal …