News
Bishops discuss hotline devoted to collecting complaints against them
The "third-party system" that would collect complaints specifically involving bishops was already approved by the bishops' Administrative Committee during its meeting on Sept. 19.
Leaders detail monetary aid for victims of ‘unspeakable crimes’
Victims of sexual abuse by an archdiocesan clergyman have until next September to file a claim in the new Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program. Its managers said there will be no cap on compensation.
Standards of bishops’ accountability unveiled at USCCB meeting
A series of standards of episcopal accountability for bishops was formally unveiled Nov. 13 at the fall general meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. The standards will not be voted on during the bishops' meeting.
Bishops’ abuse response must trump all other issues, advisory group says
UPDATED - The response to this crisis needs to be more than issuing statements of regret and even establishing new mechanisms and procedures,.
National Review Board expects to push bishops on abuse accountability
Members of the National Review Board see their work as one way to continue challenging the U.S. bishops "not to back down" from efforts to improve accountability in responding to clergy sexual abuse.
Bishops overwhelmingly approve letter against racism
The pastoral letter "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love" says racism "still infects our nation." It addresses racism against African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics.
Blindsided: Rome steps in, reform votes delayed
ANALYSIS - A last-minute request from the Vatican to delay action on proposed bishop accountability protocols stunned clerics, staff and journalists at the USCCB general assembly on Nov. 12.
Review board chair fears for church future if more action not taken on abuse
Francesco Cesareo, who heads the USCCB's national advisory committee on child and youth protection, called for greater accountability from bishops, and also urged them to publish complete lists of credibly accused clergy.
On 1938 pogrom anniversary, German cardinal condemns anti-Jewish violence
Cardinal Reinhard Marx protested against the increase in violence against Jews in Germany in recent years, noting "police cars stand guard at synagogues and schools." A study identified one cause as Islamic extremism imported by Muslim refugees.
Decentralization, simplification heart of curial reform, official says
Pope Francis' call for a missionary church that is focused on preaching the Gospel will be the guiding principle of the apostolic constitution that will govern the Roman Curia, the secretary of the pope's international Council of Cardinals said.