Bishop O’Connell issues decree on ethical, religious directives for Catholic health care

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued a General Decree Nov. 19, 2025 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 Trenton. The decree follows:



Mindful of my responsibility as a 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 Trenton (cf. canons 392, 394, 678, and 747).

I, Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. J.C.D., Bishop of Trenton, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, 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 Trenton.

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 Trenton (www.DioceseofTrenton.org) and by delivering a copy of the 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.  The provisions of the Seventh Edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services shall become effective and binding within the Diocese of Trenton on November 24, 2025, any particular legislation, directives, or institutions to the contrary notwithstanding.
 
Given at the Chancery this 19^th day of November, 2025.
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D.
Bishop of Trenton

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