We commend Archbishop Carroll High School's administration for how it handled yesterday's crisis. Their letter to parents included FBI contact information. The brave student who came forward in regard to Fran Murphy did the best thing possible. He and his mother contacted civil authorities. However, the Archdiocese in its press release and on its Web … Continue reading Our Issue With the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Program
Tag: Catholics for Change
Our Request for Truth in Action
We didn't get answers to our questions. (See the Cardinal's response here.) Now we ask for action – not words. The following actions are necessary for restoring faith and renewing the Catholic Church in Philadelphia. 1- Direct pastors to hold open meetings with parishioners on the issue of Church response to the Grand Jury report. … Continue reading Our Request for Truth in Action
Would the Cardinal Respond on Behalf of Christ?
I wrote a letter to Cardinal Rigali on behalf of the many thousands who have visited and commented here. I respectfully shared your questions and concerns. The following is the response we received on his behalf from the office for communications. This wasn’t a media inquiry. This was a letter from the faithful seeking pastoral … Continue reading Would the Cardinal Respond on Behalf of Christ?
One Priest’s Perspective On Silence
I am priest but not of or from your area. I admire very much the efforts you have taken and are taking for Church transparency, accountability and reform in wake of the sex abuse crisis. Not long ago, some asked: Where are the good priests? Why are they silent? People have asked these questions and … Continue reading One Priest’s Perspective On Silence
Sex-Abuse Experts Weigh Claims for Archdiocese
Read today's front page story in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Gina Maisto Smith, the former assistant DA hired by the Archdiocese to investigate allegations. The article outlines her investigative team and the process. "Sex-Abuse Experts Weigh Claims for Archdiocese," by Craig R. McCoy, The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 10, 2010.
A Link of Hope Sent from Knoxville
I received the following blog link from a Catholic man in Tennessee who wanted to applaud our efforts and share some hope. The Diocese of Knoxville was dealt a blow when it was revealed that their first Bishop had sexually abused high school students. This can happen anywhere. It's handled better some places than others. … Continue reading A Link of Hope Sent from Knoxville
Trifecta of Bad News Launched Catholics4Change.com
By Elizabeth E. Evans for Reuters, FaithWorld, April 8, 2011 Three seemingly unrelated events – and Susan Matthews found herself at a crossroads. Reading a letter to the editor assailing the “apathy” of local Catholics… Recollecting an essay she had written when the first grand jury report dealt her family a personal blow… Overhearing a … Continue reading Trifecta of Bad News Launched Catholics4Change.com
Cardinal Rigali Resignation F.Y.I.
Many comments have called for Cardinal Rigali to resign and some have asked why I didn't include that in the questions. Cardinal Rigali submitted his resignation papers last year as is customary when a Cardinal reaches the age of 75. Pope Benedict XVI has not yet accepted his resignation.
Where is the Church’s ‘Zero Tolerance’?
Editorial in the New York Times, April 1, 2011 A meeting of the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops is scheduled for June. It needs to repair the gaping holes uncovered in their “zero tolerance” mandate for priests suspected of sexually abusing children. A grand jury report in February found that the Philadelphia archdiocese, for all its … Continue reading Where is the Church’s ‘Zero Tolerance’?
What Is Your Question for Cardinal Rigali?
We are collecting question suggestions to forward to Cardinal Rigali. We can't promise answers, but we can promise to send the chosen questions by certified mail to his offices at the Archdiocese. We will share the final list in a future post.
Catholics4Change 