December 8, 2025 // Bishop

General Decree Establishing the Seventh Edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services as Particular Law in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades

Mindful of my responsibility as diocesan bishop to safeguard the integrity and unity of the truths of the faith, moral principles, and ecclesiastical discipline in the works of the apostolate pertaining to health care in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (cf. Canons 392,394,678, and 747);

I, Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, hereby issue this General Decree in accord with canon 29 establishing the Seventh Edition of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services as particular law in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

The Seventh Edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services is to be promulgated in accord with canon 8, §2 by publication of the text on the Internet Website for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (www.diocesefwsb.org) and by delivering a copy of same and a copy of this decree to the chief executive officer and the sponsors of all Catholic health care institutions located in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. The provisions of the Seventh Edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services shall become effecting and binding within the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend on December 15, 2025, any particular legislation, directives, or instructions to the contrary notwithstanding.

Given at the Archbishop Noll Catholic Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, on December 8, 2025.

Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades
Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Mr. Joseph G. Garcia
Chancellor