Results of an investigation issued by New York Attorney General Letitia James highlights both shortcomings and positive initiatives taken by the Diocese of Brooklyn in its handling of clergy sexual abuse allegations over the past 22 years.
Author: John Lavenburg
Cardinal Dolan Forced to Take Shelter Amid Iranian Attack on Israel
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York said April 14 he and those he traveled with to the Holy Land “feel safe and secure” in Bethlehem after they were forced to take shelter the night before when Iran launched a missile attack against Israel.
U.S. Catholics Support for Pope Francis Still High, but Lower Than Before
A new report has found that Pope Francis’ favorability rating among American Catholics has fallen from 83% in 2021 to 75% in 2024, with those who view the pontiff unfavorably also saying he represents a change in the direction of the Church.
California Bishop Praises District Attorney’s Decision to Reset Death Penalties
An unprecedented decision by California’s Santa Clara County district attorney to reset the death penalty sentences in the county to life in prison sentences has been touted by the local bishop as “an important step toward respecting the sanctity of all human life.”
Abuse Survivors Question Bankruptcy Move by Baltimore Archdiocese
While Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore says he was grateful to hear the testimony of victim-survivors of clergy sex abuse in the archdiocese at a recent hearing, one of the victim-survivors has shrugged off his attendance as “part of a PR stunt.”
Professor Says Vatican Document on Human Dignity Can’t Align the Church With Liberals or Conservatives
As liberals and conservatives applaud or denounce the Vatican’s new document on human dignity for its stance on particular issues, Catholic moral theologians instead highlight the consistency with which the issues are addressed, and the adherence to Church teaching exhibited.
Sacramento Latest California Diocese to File for Bankruptcy
Facing more than 250 lawsuits alleging the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and other employees since the 1950’s, the Diocese of Sacramento, California, has filed for bankruptcy as a means to provide compensation to victim-survivors of the abuse.
Bishop Calls Easter Observance of Transgender Day ‘Offensive and Unnecessary’
Commenting on the Biden Administration and local officials in Fairfax County, Virginia, promoting March 31, which this year was Easter Sunday, as Transgender Day of Visibility, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington called it “offensive to many people and unnecessary.”
Legal Representative ‘Very Hopeful’ on Oklahoma Catholic School Court Case
After presenting an oral argument to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, a legal representative for the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board is “very hopeful” that they will prevail in the lawsuit brought against them by the state attorney general, which would allow St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School to open in August.
Cardinal Dolan to Travel to Holy Land, Will Meet Local Religious Leaders
Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York will soon travel to the Holy Land to meet with local religious leaders and visit various humanitarian agencies at work.