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.
USCCB
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.
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.
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.
Quarter of U.S. Catholics Say They Have Skipped Mass Because of Abuse Crisis
After the survey for this study was conducted, the Vatican issued new guidelines on abuse, which makes it mandatory for all clerics and members of religious orders to report cases of clerical abuse to Church authorities, including when committed by bishops or cardinals.
Bishops Urged to Pass ‘Effective’ Policies on Accountability, Transparency
The centerpiece of the bishops’ agenda will be four action items dealing with the investigation of abuse claims against bishops themselves or accusations they have been negligent in handling or covering up cases of wayward priests and other church workers.
USCCB Bishops to Tackle ‘Unfinished Business’ on Sex Abuse at Meeting
When the U.S. Catholic bishops gather in Baltimore next week, the theme of their three-day meeting could largely be summed up as “unfinished business.”