"Bishops Won't Focus on Abuse Policies" by Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times, June 14, 2011 My take on the info in the above linked article: Are they for real? My daughter graduates from Catholic grade school this week. The Bishops and the Holy See have more than let down her wonderful teachers, the parish … Continue reading Bishops Break Promise Despite Clear Needs of Church
Category: Prevent & Advocate
We Want Our Priests to Speak Out
Featured Comment: by Laura Boquist While it may not be easy to speak out, I believe we are called to do so, and our priests must lead publicly on this issue. The culture that makes every attempt to resolve things privately allowed the abuse to continue for decades, and has exasperated many of us who … Continue reading We Want Our Priests to Speak Out
Meeting in Detroit to Reclaim Vision of Vatican Council II
The American Catholic Council meets in Detroit June 10-12 to celebrate and reclaim the vision of Vatican Council II. Please share what you think about their defining document posted below. A CATHOLIC BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES To be human is to have rights. These include life and freedom, together with rights necessary to sustain … Continue reading Meeting in Detroit to Reclaim Vision of Vatican Council II
Stopping Donations Is Only Part of Solution to Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal
The results of this Catholic Standard and Times poll indicate there will always be those who continue to participate and contribute despite Archdiocesan criminal behavior. While 25% say they will donate less, 15% say they will become MORE active in their parish and 38% say the current crisis won't affect their participation at all. Visit and … Continue reading Stopping Donations Is Only Part of Solution to Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal
Panel of Experts to Answer Questions on Catholics4Change
Clergy sex abuse, the cover up and related issues raise so many questions. In an effort to serve our readership, Catholics4Change has assembled a panel of experts to answer queries related to their specialties. Whether your question involves PA legislation, Canon Law, archdiocesan policy, spirituality, victim support - we will do our best to get … Continue reading Panel of Experts to Answer Questions on Catholics4Change
Prosecutors’ Prophetic 2006 Letter Begged Cardinal to Consider His Conscience
In July of 2006, Maureen McCartney and Mariana Sorenson, two prosecutors assigned to the 2005 Philadelphia grand jury investigation wrote Cardinal Rigali a letter foreshadowing the 2011 Grand Jury Report. "We are writing to you as private citizens and advocates of legislative reform because we are alarmed by the message – propagated by Church lobbyists … Continue reading Prosecutors’ Prophetic 2006 Letter Begged Cardinal to Consider His Conscience
Archdiocese Contracts Out Morality Lessons
Training priests that sex abuse is wrong seems besides the point. The good priests already know this. The abusive priests don't care. More importantly, who is going to teach the Bishops that they shouldn't cover up sex abuse? This is just another PR move. They are getting out in front of the very real shortcomings … Continue reading Archdiocese Contracts Out Morality Lessons
A Bishop Responds to the John Jay Report
"The Bishops' Priorities: Responding to the new John Jay Report on Sexual Abuse," by Blase J. Cupich (Bishop of Spokane, Washington) for America, The National Catholic Weekly, May 30, 2011 "Yet just as the report reinforces what we have done and are doing right in facing the problem, it also calls for additional initiatives to … Continue reading A Bishop Responds to the John Jay Report
Becoming a Priest Amidst Controversy
"Faith Steels His Resolve," by Phil Gianficaro, Columnist, PhillyBurbs.com "The widespread cover-up of predatory priests rumbled beneath Friel's feet. He needed something to hold on to so he wouldn't fall. It wasn't necessary for him to look far. He held onto that which has never allowed him to fall. His faith in God."
Let’s Hear From the Clergy
Where does the rank and file clergy stand on the sex abuse cover up, Vatican guidelines, Amnesty International's report and the John Jay study? Cue the crickets. Except for a few strong voices, we don't hear from them in our parishes or here on this site. Why? Is it the conservative culture of the priesthood … Continue reading Let’s Hear From the Clergy
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