The following is an edited compilation of many questions received via site comments, the contact form and my personal email. Thank you for your input. April 7, 2011 Your Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali: In the spirit of Vatican Council II’s Decree on Ecumenism, I ask you these questions on behalf of Catholics4Change. We are a … Continue reading Letter & Questions for Cardinal Rigali Sent Certified, Express Mail
Tag: Philadelphia Archdiocese
Archbishop Martin Renews Call to Examine Culture that Allowed Sex Abuse to Happen
By Tom Roberts, The National Catholic Reporter, April 5, 2011 Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, Ireland, 2009 (CNS/Paul Haring) MILWAUKEE -- In the early years of the priest sex abuse crisis, Catholics often expressed their frustration with how bishops handled the scandal by saying “they don’t get it.” Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, Ireland, … Continue reading Archbishop Martin Renews Call to Examine Culture that Allowed Sex Abuse to Happen
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.
Is Pennsylvania a Pro-Pedophile State? You Be the Judge
By Mike Ference, guest blogger How many grand jury investigations need to be held in PA before the lives of innocent children are deemed more precious and important than dysfunctional sex freaks from the ranks of PA catholic clergy and hierarchy? This article was written almost three years ago. How many survivors of clergy abuse … Continue reading Is Pennsylvania a Pro-Pedophile State? You Be the Judge
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
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.
Don’t Bother Raising Your Hand: It’s Time to Rally
The second grand jury report underscores the need for change within the Catholic Church. Before some folks start screaming leftist radical Church destroyer at me, let me explain what I mean and don't mean by change. I don't mean to change doctrine. We need to change the way Church leaders deal with the laity on … Continue reading Don’t Bother Raising Your Hand: It’s Time to Rally
A Prayer for the Lost
Submitted by Kathy Kane This morning I attended the funeral of my husband’s grandmother, the burial of the 96-year-old family matriarch. Because of some scheduling conflicts, the funeral was held at another parish and celebrated by a priest we had never met. My Mother attended this parish for a short time as a child. I … Continue reading A Prayer for the Lost
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