One of the more promising developments over the past year has been parish-based forums on clergy child sex abuse. We need more to do so. Some have held healing services, but I prefer "information forum" for several reasons. While healing is most certainly needed on all fronts, it seems that would come more easily after … Continue reading Hold a Child Sex Abuse Parish Information Forum

Reminder: First Friday Vigil outside the Archdiocesan Offices at 222 N. 17th Street on October 5, 2012 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Advocate Sister Maureen Paul Turlish sent the following to the Archdiocesan-administered PhillyCatholic.com in response to Archbishop Chaput's recent comments regarding child sex abuse legislation. by Sister Maureen Paul Turlish What about our … Continue reading Sister Maureen Counters Chaput’s Argument Against Child Sex Abuse Law & First Friday Vigil Reminder

The Archdiocesan official response to Msgr. Lynn's sentencing shocked me in its blatant and utter disregard for justice, truth, victims and Church healing. I'm not shocked this is their take on it. I'm floored that they put it out there for the press. I thought the arrogance would have been left at the court room … Continue reading Archdiocese Issues Absurd and Enraging Response to Lynn Sentence

Click here to read: "Abuse probe dogs bishop, despite Rigali's unorthodox role," by John P. Martin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 22, 2012 Excerpt: "In a break from practice, the accusation against Bransfield bypassed the archdiocese's civilian review board, according to a source briefed on the case but not authorized to publicly discuss it. The board … Continue reading Rigali Bypassed Review Board In Clearing Bransfield

According to a Catholics4Change reader this was posted on the Web site of Epiphany Parish in Philadelphia.  It appeared in the July 15th parish bulletin and was written by Father John Pidgeon, the pastor. "Lifting the statute of limitations and opening a window in which victims can sue is a topic that must be given serious consideration. If this … Continue reading A Pastor’s Thought on the Statute of Limitations

Those who say the coverage of the Church sex abuse scandal is rooted in anti-Catholic media bias couldn't be more wrong in regard to Philadelphia news coverage. Most of the reporters I've dealt with, both in print and broadcast, are Catholic and grew up here. The sensitivity with which they approach this subject is only … Continue reading One Degree of Separation in Priest Trial

Click here to read and comment on: "Child abuse victims need reform now," by Patriot-News Editorial Board, Pennlive.com, June 26, 2012 Excerpt: "Equally as important is granting additional time for victims to come forward. At the moment, victims must bring criminal cases by age 50 and civil cases by age 30. What the state should … Continue reading Editorial Board Calls For Legal Reform