(RNS) — “Grossly misleading, irresponsible, inaccurate, and unjust” is how former New York Times religion reporter Peter Steinfels describes last August’s Pennsylvania grand jury report in its sweeping accusation that Catholic bishops refused to protect children from sexual abuse. The report from a grand jury impaneled by the Pennsylvania attorney general to investigate child sexual abuse in the […]
Thomas J. Reese
Thomas J. Reese, S.J., is a senior analyst for Religion News Service. Previously he was a columnist at The National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) of America.
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
By pressing Pope Francis to accept his resignation, Cardinal Wuerl does the right thing
Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., has done the right thing.
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
Why the Catholic Church can’t move on from the sex abuse crisis
Many Catholic bishops and priests are frustrated by the continued coverage of the sex abuse crisis in the media. They believe they have fixed the problem and the church should be able to move on.
Posted inFaith, Last Take
Spending Lent with Alexa
A Catholic priest should not have a woman in his bedroom at night, but I have become quite dependent on Alexa.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
Pope Francis needs to step up his response to sexual abuse
He just doesn’t get it when it comes to victims of abuse.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Baby Jesus was a Dreamer in Egypt
No matter what you think of people coming into the country illegally, one can hardly blame children brought by their parents.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Two Jesuits on the religious history behind witches, magic and Halloween
An interview with David Collins, S.J. about persecution and execution of witches.
Posted inFaith, Last Take
How can the church and laity work together to promote ‘Amoris Laetitia’?
It is time for the laity to speak out and act like true disciples of Christ in spreading the joy of the Gospel.
Posted inFrom Our Archives
How Vietnam respects and protects religious freedom has implications beyond its own borders
Religion in Vietnam today looks markedly different than it did 40 years ago.
Posted inIn All Things
When Should We Look for White Smoke?
When should we look for white smoke Until a pope is elected twice a day there will be black smoke around noon and 7 PM White smoke could appear at these times or earlier around 10 30 AM or 4 30 PM if a pope is elected on the first ballot of the morning or afternoon Read Father Reese 39 s full Q