Eastern Catholic Churches

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Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is an agency of the federal government of the United States within the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is responsible for the administration and management of 55.7 million acres of land held in trust by the United States for American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives. The BIA's mission includes the development of these lands, provision of social services, administration of tribal governments, and the management of natural resources. The BIA has been a subject of criticism and reform efforts, including issues related to the management of Indian funds and the promotion of Indian self-determination.

Eastern Catholic Churches

The Eastern Catholic Churches are twenty-three Eastern Christian particular churches in full communion with the Pope in Rome. They maintain their own liturgical, theological, and canonical traditions, which are distinct from those of the Latin Church that comprises the majority of the global Catholic Church. The Eastern Catholic Churches are part of the larger Catholic Church, but they differ from the Eastern Orthodox Church and other Eastern Christian groups in their recognition of the Pope's authority. Each Eastern Catholic Church is self-governing (sui iuris) and has its own hierarchy. Their rites include the Byzantine Rite, Alexandrian Rite, Syriac Rite, Armenian Rite, and Maronite Rite, among others. These churches are found worldwide and serve diverse communities, preserving rich traditions of Christian spirituality, liturgy, and theology.