New questions about how Catholic leaders deal with sexual misconduct arose on June 4 after a Texas woman claimed in a news report that church officials in Houston allowed a priest with whom she had a sexual relationship to continue in ministry at a parish two hours away.
Bishops
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Cardinal DiNardo denies mishandling abuse allegation
Cardinal DiNardo denies a characterization of how he handled an accusation by a woman who said she was manipulated into a sexual relationship with his former deputy, a priest.
Posted inFaith, News
Archbishop Lori issues letter on Bishop Bransfield investigation
Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore released additional details June 5 about the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and financial improprieties against Bishop Michael J. Bransfield, former bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Iowa bishops to comply with attorney general’s sex abuse investigation
In a joint statement on June 3, the bishops of Iowa dioceses announced that they will hand over documents related to clergy sex abuse at the attorney general’s request.
Posted inEditorials, Politics & Society
Our sad, muted response to the Virginia Beach shooting
In the past, a gun massacre would set off a necessary—though intractable—debate over gun control. This time, our collective feeling seemed to be: At least it was not children.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Woman accuses top US cardinal of dismissing sex abuse case
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo has been accused of mishandling a case where his deputy allegedly manipulated a woman into a sexual relationship.
Posted inFaith, News
Italian bishops see ‘moral obligation’ to report abuse to police
Italian bishops have recognized their “moral obligation” to report allegations of clerical sexual abuse to the police, said the head of the Italian bishops’ child protection committee.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis asks Italian bishops finally to implement marriage tribunal reforms
Pope Francis told the bishops of Italy that he was disappointed that so many of their dioceses had yet to implement the reforms he ordered to make the marriage annulment process quicker, more pastoral and less expensive.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Some Catholic advocates support Equality Act, despite opposition from U.S. bishops
With the House of Representatives expected to vote this week on a bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to existing federal nondiscrimination laws, Catholic leaders find themselves on both sides of the debate.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Catholic leaders welcome Pope Francis’ new rules on reporting sex abuse
“We would have been far more impressed if this new law required church officials to report to police and prosecutors instead. Oversight from external, secular authorities will better protect children and deter cover-ups.”