To borrow a term from Mark Shea, an "episcopal spine alert" is the event that happens when a local bishop stands up for authentic faith and morals, or otherwise shows evidence that he has a functioning backbone.
This time, Bp. Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix has warned a supposedly Catholic hospital company that their St. Joseph Hospital will lose its status as a recognized Catholic hospital if they do not acknowledge that they were wrong to let an abortion be performed there a few months ago. His letter, well-reasoned and showing his patience in what is apparently a long-running series of disputes, insists that the hospital accept ethics training for staff, or face canonical action next week.
God bless this faithful and courageous bishop!
+J.M.J+
Amen!
Glory to God!