News
Georgetown panel discussion examines ‘a wounded church and divided nation’
An air of resignation and frustration overtook Georgetown University's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life panel as it discussed the ongoing clergy sexual abuse crisis. It was the seventh time the initiative had focused exclusively on it.
Catechist instructor shot dead in southern Mexico
A catechist instructor was shot dead at a chapel in Chiapas state -- another example of how the violence consuming Mexico is impacting the Catholic Church.
Contemplative Photography Retreat hosted by Sisters of the Redeemer
The Sisters of the Redeemer are hosting a contemplative photography retreat on Saturday, June 22. Guest speaker and CatholicPhilly photographer Sarah Webb will share how she's encountered God through her lens and the knowledge she has gained.
Synod document raises possibility of married priests, roles for women
The Catholic Church must reach indigenous Catholics deprived of the sacraments in the remote Amazon rainforest, and that may include ordaining married elders, said the agenda for the Synod of Bishops in October.
Paris archbishop celebrates first Mass in Notre Dame since fire
Archbishop Michel Aupetit and a small group of clergy, cathedral employees and building contractors wore hard hats during a Mass June 15 because of dangers of falling masonry.
Bishop to remain with Hong Kong protesters ‘no matter how long they stay’
Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing took part in a continuous ecumenical prayer meeting outside the Legislative Council building with thousands of Christians overnight after the latest rally that drew some 2 million people.
California dioceses ask Catholics to urge lawmakers reject confession bill
S.B. 360 -- which passed in the California Senate May 23 in a 30-2 vote -- would force priests to disclose information about child sexual abuse that they learn when they are hearing another priest's confession or when hearing the confession of a co-worker.
Judge: Missouri’s only abortion clinic can stay open at least until June 21
If it closes, Missouri would be the first state without an operating abortion facility since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on Roe v. Wade in 1973. Women who want an abortion would have to go to the neighboring state of Illinois.
Southern Baptist Convention wrestling with sex abuse crisis of its own
The Southern Baptist Convention has been rocked by recent media reports that revealed pastors, church employees and volunteers sexually abused more than 700 people, mostly children, over the last two decades.
Bishops’ actions at spring meeting called a ‘work in progress’
In 2002 the spring bishops' meeting in Dallas was almost entirely devoted to the sex abuse crisis. Where that meeting focused on misconduct by priests, this year's meeting looked at responding to the misconduct of some bishops and the failure of some bishops to properly address abuse.