'Other Philadelphians,' by Paul Moses, April 2, 2001, dotCommonweal, a blog by the magazine's editors and contributors.
Breaking the Silence
by Nancy Buck, guest blogger Written after the Grand Jury Report Release in Jan. 2011. > > We heard the news; we read the carefully crafted damage control statements. We > gritted our teeth and drew taut our lips. We dropped silent tears for children > so young, so scarred, so betrayed. Some of us … Continue reading Breaking the Silence
When Will Our Voices Grow?
Poem submitted by Nancy Buck WHEN Will Our Voices Grow? When will our small, scattered voices grow-- Beyond the gritted teeth, the sideline scowls, The silent rage at the pride-poisoned show, The burning righteousness; the wounded howls? WHEN WILL our voices grow? Beyond presence denied or the check refused? Another tear to weep for the … Continue reading When Will Our Voices Grow?
Rain Didn’t Ruin Rally
I want to thank everyone who came out today in support of protecting of children. You made your voices heard. We will push for appropriate legislation. More to come on that effort. Is the Archdiocesan Leadership going to respond with real communication and solutions? Rally Coverage, FOX 29
Accused Priests Painted with Same Brush
I received some important clarification today from The Archdiocesan Office of Communication. Of course, it's not the information we are all seeking. But it's something. All 23 priests placed on administrative leave have been painted with the same brush. The accusations could range from boundary issues to sexual abuse. That's a broad range of behavior. … Continue reading Accused Priests Painted with Same Brush
My Plea for Transparency
Here is the segment on FOX 29 from 11 a.m. this morning. Please join us in a rally tomorrow at noon until one in front of the Archdiocesan building at 222 N. 17th Street, Philadelphia 19006. There is a parking lot at 18th and Vine.
Benefit of the Doubt
What does "engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors mean?" What does "credibly accused" mean? What are the exact guidelines for placing a priest on administrative leave? What is meant by "interim measure?" Will these priests see their day in court to be cleared or charged? If so, when? Why won't the Philadelphia Archdiocese share the … Continue reading Benefit of the Doubt
How Priests Accused of Abuse Can Go Undetected
By Barbara Bradley Hagerty, for National Public Radio, March 29, 2011 A couple of years ago, the Philadelphia archdiocese heard about three priests who had allegedly raped two boys. It gave the priests' files to law enforcement, and a grand jury began to investigate. Then, the grand jury stumbled on a bombshell. A church employee … Continue reading How Priests Accused of Abuse Can Go Undetected
Cover Up Hits Home
Here is the March 30, 2011 FOX 29 10 p.m. segment on what has become a very personal cause. Take away - Guidelines are useless if they aren't followed and there is no accountability.
Clarification of Church Boycott
I would like to make an important clarification to a call to action made in the FOX 29 10 p.m. news broadcast. I asked that Catholics who can't make the rally this Friday, attend Mass on Saturday and leave the churches empty on Sunday. We want to create a very visual statement (empty pews) that … Continue reading Clarification of Church Boycott
