Pope Francis recently criticized priests (and the Church more broadly) for over-emphasizing sexual sins. Is that a fair charge?
Tag: sex abuse scandal
What the Sex Abuse Scandals Reveal About Catholicism
A lot of people are pointing to the recent sex abuse scandals (the McCarrick scandal and the Pennsylvania grand jury report) as proof that Catholicism is false. In at least one important regard, though, these scandals prove just the opposite.
It’s Time for the Laity to Step Up
The French writer Léon Bloy (1846-1917) seems to be a particular favorite of Pope Francis: he quoted Bloy in both his first homily as pope and his recent apostolic exhortation, for example. As a writer, Bloy had few rivals, and he wasn’t afraid to set his sights on what he saw as the bad bishops… Continue reading It’s Time for the Laity to Step Up
A Priest and a Former Seminarian Talk About the McCarrick Scandal
What makes the Cardinal McCarrick scandal uniquely bad? And what can we do in response to it?
The Troubling Indictment of Bishop Finn
After some reflection, I’ve decided to take this post down, because I don’t think I did a good job in it of building up the Body of Christ. At this point, I think the most constructive thing that can happen is to encourage prayers and fasting for everyone involved. God bless!
The Red Herring of Celibacy for the Kingdom
Like Joe, I grew up the the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The diocese is currently undergoing a painful time. Prayers for the people, clergy, and bishop are most necessary. As we celebrate the tremendous Feast of Pentecost, Christians of good will should ask for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church in… Continue reading The Red Herring of Celibacy for the Kingdom
From Red Herring to Honest Discussion
When faced with the clerical sexual abuse scandal, a common red herring that is brought up is to call into question the practice of clerical celibacy. I’m still amazed that people who try to capitalize on the tragedy of sexual abuse for their own theological agenda are not derided more. I think such actions are… Continue reading From Red Herring to Honest Discussion
What the Vatican’s “Irish Letter” Really Said
The news media is covering a letter sent from the Vatican to the bishops of Ireland allegedly ordering the cover-up of child sex abuse. The letter said no such thing, but provides an excellent opportunity to example the dangers of the proposed mandatory reporting requirement. I. The BackgroundIn 1997, the Bishops of Ireland were considered… Continue reading What the Vatican’s “Irish Letter” Really Said
The American and Catholic Understanding of the Episcopacy
First of all, happy St. Nicholas’ Day. Totally forgot to mention that this morning. Second, John Allen wrote a worthwhile article on the legal troubles which faced Cardinal Michele Giordano. He uses this example to illustrate the difference between the American and Catholic understanding of what it is to be a Church leader: The typical American… Continue reading The American and Catholic Understanding of the Episcopacy
Two Great Quotes from the Pope’s UK Trip
Pope Benedict brought his A-game to the United Kingdom, and the results have just been amazing. Virtually every UK news report, including ones from sources typically hostile to the Church, shows that the Brits have been wowed. The enemies of the pope may have ironically done him a real service here, by setting the bar… Continue reading Two Great Quotes from the Pope’s UK Trip