NEW YORK (RNS) The nation’s top Catholic bishop has said the hierarchy would benefit from hiring an “attractive, articulate, intelligent” laywoman to present their message because, as he put it, “In the public square, I hate to tell you, the days of fat, balding Irish bishops are over.”
NEW YORK (RNS) As Catholic leaders signal a new tone of welcome for gays in the church, a Long Island parishioner was booted from his church posts after an anonymous letter writer told the bishop the man had married his partner.
(RNS) Catholic leaders appear to be adopting a more positive tone, if not policies, on gays and lesbians. But the new rhetoric may also be an acknowledgment of the huge shift in the court of public opinion, and maybe soon at the Supreme Court.
The U.S. is failing to pursue and prosecute clergy guilty of child sexual abuse, according to a recent United Nations committee report.
NEPONSIT, N.Y. (RNS) The waterlogged West End Temple and other nonprofits aren’t included in the $51 billion aid package to help rebuild areas devastated by Superstorm Sandy, and civil liberties groups think that’s how it should stay. Others say churches and synagogues should be eligible for federal rebuilding funds. By Solange De Santis.
