For some observers, it was a welcome sign that even in an archaic institution, change is possible. Yet for others, it remains to be seen whether such change is more than mere symbolism.
National News
U.S. Hierarchy Stop Short of Mandating Lay Involvement in Bishop Accountability
After three days of intense debate over the role of the laity in overseeing bishops accused of abuse or its cover-up, the U.S. Catholic bishops voted to enact new standards for holding bishops accountable that include lay involvement, although stopping short of making it a mandatory requirement.
U.S. Bishops Vote to Design Hotline for Reporting Complaints Against Bishops
As the U.S. Catholic bishops move closer to enacting new protocols for bishop accountability, they concluded the second day of their high stakes spring meeting by approving a measure to design a national third-party system for reporting claims against bishops.
Retired US Bishop Likely to Face Vatican Trial for Multiple Acts of Abuse
At a time when the U.S. Catholic bishops are meeting to vote on new measures for bishop accountability, Pope Francis has given the green light for a penal process for a retired U.S. bishop accused of multiple accounts of abuse.
Group Protests Outside Baltimore Hotel, Objects to Proposals on Abuse
As has been the case for years now, a small group of protesters dismissive of the U.S. bishops’ efforts to enact reforms in their handling of abuse cases gather outside the Baltimore hotel where they conduct their general meeting.
Power of Prayer Helps Spell Victory for Youth in National Tournament
Though 13-year-old Christopher Serrao studied long, complicated and obscure words for hours on end to win a prestigious spelling bee, the most important word in his arsenal had just five letters: F-A-I-T-H.
CLINIC Convening Focuses on How to Gain Justice for Immigrants, Refugees
Members of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network shared stories of success and heartache during their May 29-31 Convening 2019 in downtown Pittsburgh.
Author’s Memoir: A Journey From Music Clubs to Churches
Author Dawn Eden Goldstein said she saw the need for her newest book after the U.S. Catholic bishops adopted the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” in 2002.
Bishop Bars Illinois Catholic lawmakers Who Back Abortion from Communion
Springfield Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki issued a decree June 6 stating that Catholic lawmakers in the Illinois Legislature “who promoted or voted for extreme abortion legislation” cannot receive Communion in churches in his diocese.
U.S. Bishops Face Tough Questions on New Abuse Investigation Proposals
As the U.S. Catholic bishops gathered for a closely watched meeting with the hopes of enacting new standards for bishop accountability, debate over the role lay people could have in their oversight dominated day one of the gathering.