Pope Francis Calls for ‘Renewed and Decisive Approach to Resolving Conflicts’

Posted on January 3, 2019 by diocesan-freeport

“Combatting the culture of abuse, the loss of credibility, the resulting bewilderment and confusion, and the discrediting of our mission urgently demands of us a renewed and decisive approach to resolving conflicts,” according to Pope Francis.
His remarks came in a 3600-word letter to the US bishops, who are meeting for a spiritual retreat January 2-8, 2019. The letter, Dated January 1, 2019, was released by the Vatican on January 3.
Preacher to the Papal Household, Capuchin Friar Father Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., is directing the retreat under the theme of “He appointed Twelve, to be with Him and to Send Out to Preach” based on Mark 3:14. The retreat is taking place at the invitation of Pope Francis who has asked all bishops in the United States to pause in prayer as the Church seeks to respond to the signs of the times.

https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-renewed-and-decisive-approach-to-resolving-conflicts/

Cardinal O’Malley Calls for Accountability and Consequences

Posted on August 21, 2018 by diocesan-freeport

Citing a loss of patience among Catholics and loss of confidence from civil society, Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston on August 21, 2018, called for “clear and transparent systems of accountability and consequence for Church leadership”. …

https://zenit.org/articles/cardinal-omalley-calls-for-accountability-and-consequences/

Where is Jesus in the Midst of the Church’s Sex-Abuse Crisis

Posted on August 16, 2018 by diocesan-freeport

Father Thomas Berg is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, a former Legionary of Christ and professor of moral theology, vice rector and director of admissions at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie, New York. He is author of Hurting in the Church: A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics. He spoke recently with CNA’s Courtney Grogan about the challenges Catholics face amid the Church’s sexual abuse and misconduct scandals. The interview is below, edited for clarity and length. …

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/where-is-jesus-in-the-midst-of-the-churchs-sex-abuse-crisis

Pennsylvania: Court Releases Report on Abuse in Six Dioceses

Posted on August 15, 2018 by diocesan-freeport

We have a long way to go yet. Weeding out the evil takes a lot of work.

The much-anticipated grand jury report on clerical abuse in six Pennsylvania dioceses was released August 14, 2018.
The document – more than 1,350 pages long – cites credible accusations of abuse against more than 300 priests, with more than 1,000 victims involved. The study took two years and was overseen by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
“The cover-up was sophisticated. And all the while, shockingly, church leadership kept records of the abuse and the cover-up. These documents, from the dioceses’ own ‘Secret Archives,’ formed the backbone of this investigation,” he said at a news conference in Harrisburg, according to Associated Press.
“Most of the victims were…

https://zenit.org/articles/pennsylvania-court-releases-report-on-abuse-in-six-dioceses/