An independent lay-run board that would hold bishops accountable for their actions, a national day for Mass or prayers of reparation, and encouragement to parishioners to become more involved in their diocese are among steps suggested by prominent lay Catholics to right the U.S. church as it deals with a new clergy sexual abuse scandal.
Sexual Abuse
Posted inFaith, News
Irish abuse survivor demands accountability even at Vatican
A prominent Irish survivor of priestly sexual abuse told a Vatican-sponsored conference Friday that the Holy See must put in place “robust structures” and strong sanctions to hold accountable bishops and Vatican officials who fail protect children from predator priests.
Posted inFaith, News
Women as priests? Some say it’s time but admit it’s unlikely
Advocates of ordaining women as Roman Catholic priests cite the church’s unfolding sex abuse scandals as powerful arguments for their cause, while acknowledging the high unlikelihood of achieving their goal anytime soon.
Posted inFaith, News
Catholic young adults pray for survivors of clergy abuse
About 120 Catholics gathered on the steps of the Cathedral of St. Paul to pray for survivors of clergy sexual abuse and for a cleansing of the Catholic Church.
Posted inFaith, Your Take
How has the current sexual abuse crisis challenged your faith?
“My faith in Jesus Christ is unchanged. I pray for the church and the bishops. I truly want there to be zero tolerance for abusers in the church and zero tolerance for those that enable and condone abusive behaviors.”
Posted inFaith, News
Minnesota prelate ‘steps aside’ from responsibilities with Napa Institute
Archbishop John C. Nienstedt has “stepped aside from his responsibilities” at the Napa Institute, the Irvine, California-based organization announced Aug. 15.
Posted inFaith, News
World’s bishops call for action on abuse; English bishop wants synod
A global synod on priests could help the church to end the “terrible” scandals of clerical child abuse, an English bishop told Pope Francis.
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
Sexual abuse and the culture of clericalism
Clericalism poses the question: How are all Catholics complicit in a culture in which abuse is rampant?
Posted inFaith, The Good Word
Why do some Catholics stay?
If you have been fed by Christ within the church, you know that come what may, you have no other home.
Posted inFaith, News
Pennsylvania university revokes degrees given to past Scranton bishops
The Jesuit-run University of Scranton announced Aug. 20 it was rescinding honorary degrees given to three former bishops of the Diocese of Scranton, and removing their names from buildings.