Voice of the Faithful Focus, Oct. 6, 2011
Highlighting issues we face working together
to Keep the Faith, Change the Church
Lawyers Slam ‘Morally Bankrupt’ Church Defense
Lawyers for victims of sexual abuse say the Catholic Church has used a legal technicality to reduce compensation payouts to their clients.
Hierarchy Criticized at Priests’ First Annual General Meeting
Priests gathered for the first annual general meeting of the new Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland were told that, if people had a vote on such matters, church leaders would be swept out of office.
Why We’re Taking the Pope to The Hague
Regarding SNAP’s complaint against the pope at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, David Clohessy, SNAP director, says, “As someone who was molested as a child by a trusted parish priest, I’ve had to wait a long time for any real opportunity to see justice done. But I’m waiting no longer.”
Suspended Monsignor Draws Support from Chaput
Msgr. William J. Lynn, the former church official awaiting trial for allegedly protecting sexually abusive priests, drew words of encouragement from Philadelphia’s new Archbishop Charles Chaput and a standing ovation from scores of priests at a private dinner.
Series of Failures Delayed Sex Abuse Case at Kids’ Shelter
A series of failures, including lack of supervision, has led to sexual abuse of children, and the removal of all children from the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s shelter program.
Save the Altar Girls
From now on only boys may serve Mass at Sts. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona. Girls may apploy only for jobs as sacristans.
Suburban Catholics Drive Effort to Let Victims of Long-Ago Abuse Sue
With former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Al Chesley on their team, a group of suburban Catholics have launched a campaign to reopen or eliminate the sexual abuse statute of limitations in Pennsylvania.
What Can We Learn Benedict’s Germany Trip?
The pope’s recent visit to Germany generated “widespread acclaim,” according to some, but merely generated yawns, according to others.
Best Argument against Mandatory Celibacy
For Priests Came Out of Vatican II
Vatican II opened the Roman Catholic Church to the world and turned greater attention on the billion people who follow its teaching, and the great council argued best against mandatory celibacy for priests.
Millennial generation Challenges Religion in America
The Millennial Generation believes in God, but is even less interested in organized religion that were baby boomers or Generation X when young.
Catholic Church Risk Management Efforts reducing Abuse, Claims
Court cases and public scrutiny surrounding clergy sexual abuse have resulted in new and improved risk-management guidelines and procedures to protect children and youth, according to a risk management professional.