National News
USCCB 2019 budget reflects abuse-related expenses, refugee cuts
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' 2019 budget, approved Nov. 14 by a 223-12 vote with six abstentions, reflects increased expenses related to the new clergy sex abuse crisis, according to Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati, USCCB treasurer.
Religious liberty seen as key to societal advancement around the world
The 1998 law creating the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom produces an annual report on violators of religious liberty. Nations considered severe violators and classified as Countries of Particular Concern face sanctions.
Bishops give go-ahead to diocese’s Sister Thea Bowman sainthood effort
Sister Bowman, a Mississippi native and the only African-American member of her order, the Wisconsin-based Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, was a widely known speaker, evangelizer and singer until she died of cancer in 1990 at age 52.
Bishops offer perspectives on next steps forward in addressing abuse
Some bishops began advocating on the floor of the meeting Nov. 13 for a greater role for archbishops, who serve as metropolitans for the regions in which they serve.
Florida bishop elected next USCCB treasurer starting fall 2019
Votes also were cast for a new chairman of the Committee on National Collections and chairmen-elect for the committees on Catholic Education; Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations; Divine Worship; Domestic Justice and Human Development; Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; and Migration.
U.S. bishops discuss proposed restrictions on prelates removed from office
UPDATED - The document presented to the bishops explains what exactly a resigned bishop, referred to as "bishop emeritus," cannot do.
Bishops say they face angry questions over mishandling of abuse reports
U.S. bishops admitted during a wide-ranging discussion during their fall general assembly that parishioners are angry and continually ask how a charismatic clergyman was able to rise through church ranks despite widespread knowledge of allegations that he sexually abused seminarians and boys.
Bishops hear frank presentations, discussion on abuse crisis
UPDATED - Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Nov. 14 he had opened the bishops' fall general assembly "expressing some disappointment," but "I end it with hope."
Psychologist addresses bishops on helping abuse victims to heal
It begins with listening, understanding, offering responses showing that they, the victim-survivors, are believed.
Dolan: Even without vote, discussing abuse protocols still ‘productive’
A Vatican request that the U.S. bishops postpone voting on several proposals to address abuse was a disappointment but they "quickly took a deep breath" and realized they could still have a productive discussion about the measures, said New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan.