In mid-October when seven Pennsylvania dioceses announced they had been served subpoenas to release confidential files and testimony about allegations of sexual abuse by clergy and other church workers to the federal government, the announcement was big news.
Sexual Abuse
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis concludes synod by condemning ‘the continuous accusations to smear the church.’
His statement appeared to be a reference to those seeking to divide the church today and those using the abuse scandals to further other agendas.
Posted inFaith, News
In Buffalo, a deacon’s quest to hold his bishop accountable
Deacon Paul Snyder will tell his story on “60 Minutes” this Sunday.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
In the midst of the sex abuse scandal, what do the People of God want from church hierarchy?
Further rounds of “apologies” and requests for prayers are inadequate. We have heard all that before. The resounding theme at my parish event was that it is now time for the church to act.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
What baby boomers owe the next generation of Catholics
The church needs our young people. But we elders cannot nurture them in the faith if we repel them.
Posted inFaith, News
Virginia bishops cooperating with state on probe into clergy abuse claims
The bishops of Virginia’s two Catholic dioceses said in a joint statement Oct. 24 that they wanted to assure Catholics in the state and the public “we are cooperating with the attorney general’s office.”
Posted inFaith, News
District of Columbia AG latest to join probes of clergy sex abuse
The archdiocese also is reeling from news earlier in October that the pope accepted the resignation of its leader, Cardinal Wuerl, who has been under fire after a mixed report on his handling of abuse cases.
Posted inFaith, News
Issue of married Catholic priests gains traction under Pope Francis
During a synod of South American bishops next year, the question of ordaining married men of proven virtue is expected to figure on the agenda.
Posted inFaith, News
The U.S. bishops will start 2019 with a spiritual retreat
Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the papal household, will direct the Ignatian style retreat, the U.S.C.C.B. announced Oct. 23.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
No, homosexuality is not a risk factor for the sexual abuse of children
Sexual orientation by itself is irrelevant to child sexual abuse. The risk factors include impulse control problems and substance abuse, and offenders take advantage of situations in which they are trusted.