National News
Border bishop addresses a different kind of crisis involving children
UPDATED - In less than a year, at least six children are believed to have died while in the custody of immigration officials along the border.
USCCB president, other bishops meet with survivors of clergy sexual abuse
The meeting took place as the U.S. bishops were gathered in Baltimore for their spring general assembly June 11-13 where they focused on implementing bishop accountability measures in response to the abuse crisis in the church.
‘The covenant’s been betrayed,’ bishop says at Mass for USCCB
Bishop Steven Biegler said new policies concerning sexual abuse in the church are important, but the bishops need also to focus on being pastors who must renew the spiritual bond with the people of God.
Bishops OK plan to implement ‘motu proprio’ on addressing abuse
UPDATE - The U.S. bishops approved a plan to implement the "motu proprio" "Vos Estis Lux Mundi" ("You are the light of the world") issued in May by Pope Francis to help the Catholic Church safeguard its members from abuse and hold its leaders accountable.
U.S. bishops take action to respond to church abuse crisis
During the June 11-13 spring assembly of the U.S. bishops in Baltimore, it was clear the bishops had to respond to the sexual abuse crisis in the church -- and on the last day of their gathering they approved a series of procedures to begin this process.
Bishops pass 10-point plan to acknowledge ‘episcopal commitments’
UPDATED - The U.S. bishops approved a 10-point statement, "Affirming Our Episcopal Commitments," June 13 during their general meeting in Baltimore in which the bishops hope to regain "the trust of the people of God."
Protocol approved on restrictions on bishops facing claim of abuse
The U.S. bishops overwhelmingly approved a measure that would enable bishops to apply restrictions in the life and ministry of retired bishops accused of sexual abuse or who failed to take necessary measures to prevent abuse.
Bishops approve third-party reporting system; to be in place by May 31
A nationwide third-party system for receiving confidential reports of "certain complaints" against bishops took a step closer to being implemented during the spring general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Retired Wyoming bishop to face Vatican trial on allegations of sex abuse
UPDATED - Cheyenne Bishop Steven R. Biegler announced June 12 that a trial of retired Bishop Joseph H. Hart would take place for allegations that he sexually abused several minors years ago.
During online event, young bishops call for openness, lay involvement
Auxiliary Bishop Adam J. Parker of Baltimore and Bishop William A. Wack of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, answered questions submitted during the live social media broadcast, seen by more than 6,300 people June 11.