BALTIMORE (MD)
The Baltimore Sun

By Jonathan Pitts, The Baltimore Sun
5:00 a.m. EST, November 11, 2013

The nation’s top Catholic bishops will convene this week in Baltimore to choose a new leader, a decision that will help set the course for an American church striving to build its appeal while grappling with stances on immigration and contraception coverage.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops expects close to 300 active and retired members as it holds its annual convention at the Waterfront Marriott Hotel. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York is to begin the four-day gathering Monday with his final address as president after serving a three-year term.

The bishops will elect Dolan’s successor Tuesday from a slate of 10 nominated bishops — including Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori.

It will be a telling decision at a key time in church history. This week’s meeting is the…