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
A Lost Calling
Below is a link to a note written by a Deacon candidate from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in regard to his heart wrenching decision to withdraw from ordination. This is just one of countless casualties of the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal. "I have decided not to accept the call to Holy Orders..." … Continue reading A Lost Calling
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
Q&A: Why Are So Many Priests Silent?
Q. Why are members of the priesthood silent on the various issues that challenge the church, today? What are the factors that silence them? Why do they permit the factors to silence them? Why don't they organize and provide substantive insights and remedies. And, why do we call silent priests "good priests"? If there is … Continue reading Q&A: Why Are So Many Priests Silent?
Breaking News: Lynn’s Lawyers Argue Charge Doesn’t Apply
"Priest's lawyers argue endangerment charge does not apply," by Nancy Phillips, Inquirer Staff Writer, June 6, 2011. Excerpt: "The judge scheduled a July hearing for arguments on whether prosecutors erred in charging Lynn with child endangerment, an offense that his lawyers said did not apply to his conduct. Under Pennsylvania law, child endangerment charges may … Continue reading Breaking News: Lynn’s Lawyers Argue Charge Doesn’t Apply
Laity Should Take Blinders Off
As we await word on Msgr. Lynn's case today, here is a good read on the clericalism of the laity. "Priests pornography case reveals clericalism of the laity," by Jamie L. Manson, National Catholic Reporter, June 1, 2011. Excerpt - "What else can explain the fact that many members of the Roman Catholic laity continue … Continue reading Laity Should Take Blinders Off
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
Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop’s Resignation
Why won't The Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board take this strong a stand? Kudos to the Kansas City Star. Even though Cardinal Rigali sent in his resignation papers upon his 75th birthday (as required), our newspapers could do a better job of making him more uncomfortable while he waits. "Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop Finn's … Continue reading Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop’s Resignation
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
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