When Will Our Voices Grow?

April 2, 2011April 3, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 1 Comment

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

April 1, 2011April 3, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 5 Comments

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

April 1, 2011April 1, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 12 Comments

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

March 31, 2011March 31, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 4 Comments

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

March 31, 2011April 4, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 20 Comments

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

March 31, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 3 Comments

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

March 31, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 5 Comments

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

March 31, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 22 Comments

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

Two More Priests Suspended

March 30, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 6 Comments

When does it end... "Two More Priests Placed On Leave," by David O'Reilly, Inquirer Staff Writer, Philly.com, March 30, 2011

Catholics4Change In the News

March 30, 2011March 30, 2011 ~ Susan Matthews ~ 14 Comments

Click to watch FOX PHILLY 29 Catholics4Change segment, March 29, 10 p.m. news. I'd like to clarify the intention of this site is not to convince anyone to stay in or leave the Catholic Church. The site was established to allow you to share your thoughts regardless of your status. The change we are seeking … Continue reading Catholics4Change In the News