Commentaries

Shrinking to holiness: One Catholic’s view of the present crisis

A parishioner from Berwyn, Chester County responds to the clergy sex abuse scandal by pointing to the privilege of power in large archdioceses and the laity's failure to hold leaders accountable.

Let’s be clear on ‘reparation’ for clerical sexual abuse

Calls for prayer at this moment of crisis are wise, writes CatholicPhilly.com editor Matthew Gambino. Yet the words of invitation must be sensitive to the anger of the innocent, both clergy and lay.

A psalm for sexual abuse

In all the reactions over the current crisis, let's not forget to listen, as God does in Psalm 88, to the heartfelt cry of the victims of sexual abuse, writes abuse survivor Gina Christian.

Leaving the church is not the answer to clerical scandals

The sexual abuse crisis requires us to reexamine the nature of the church, writes Jessica Carney. While many clerical leaders have failed, our faith and devotion are centered on Christ, our true foundation.

Disturbing images motivate volunteers, and could change church

As powerful as is the written word, digital imaging is now equal to and often surpassing it: an advanced art and skill for making church progress, writes Father Eugene Hemrick.

A layperson to church leaders: You have let us down!

Carolyn Woo urges all lay Catholics to rise up for what needs to be done: to build a more faithful church and inclusive community. She suggests a renewed focus on victims and church governance.

3 ways to talk at home about the outrage of sex abuse

Laura Kelly Fanuccci suggests spouses talk another about the scandals they're reading about; talk with kids appropriately; and keep talking -- don't choose the easy way out and avoid what is difficult to say or do.

We’re wandering the desert of sex abuse, nearly 2 decades later

Like the ancient Israelites in the desert for 40 years, the church is paying the price for leaders who trusted their own desires rather than God. We must turn from pride, fear, ignoring reality and protecting ourselves or the church.

Sex abuse, clericalism and laity’s role in fixing them

Laypeople, called to holiness, are needed to encourage good priests and bishops, and help reform dangerous attitudes and policies so the Gospel will continue to be a light to the nations, writes Richard Doerflinger.

In these dark days, our hope remains in the Lord

The church Greg Erlandson loves is hurting. Some people are making ideological points off of the pain of our church family, targeting those they already disliked and pitting people against one another.