Catholic Church
Events in Bolivia and Brazil may signal a turning point for the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse crisis in Latin America
By Matthew Casey-Pariseault — June 16, 2023
(The Conversation) — Public outrage over alleged abuse has been muted in much of Latin America for years, partly because the church remains one of the region’s most powerful institutions – but that may be changing.
Faith leaders and religious groups voice opposition to Biden’s plan to restrict asylum
By Alejandra Molina — March 29, 2023
(RNS) — The new rules mirror restrictions set forth by the Trump administration that were eventually blocked in court by migrant activist groups.
Polish TV report: John Paul II knew of abuse as archbishop
By Monika Scislowska — March 7, 2023
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Pope St. John Paul II knew about sexual abuse of children by priests under his authority and sought to conceal it when he was an archbishop in his native Poland, according to a television news report.
The Catholic Church’s upcoming discussion of homosexuality
By Mark Silk — January 30, 2023
(RNS) — The relaxation of doctrine for pastoral purposes is itself a Christian doctrine. Is Pope Francis headed that way?
With Benedict’s death, a way opens for more formal rules for retired popes
By Thomas Reese — January 9, 2023
(RNS) — Symbols are important in the Catholic Church, and having two men dressed in white and called pope is confusing.
My encounters with Joseph Ratzinger — and Pope Benedict XVI
By Thomas Reese — December 31, 2022
Open discussion was suppressed by Ratzinger under the papacy of John Paul. If you did not agree with the Vatican, you were silenced.
US Catholic bishops worry about abortion views in the pews
By Peter Smith — November 17, 2022
BALTIMORE (AP) — Even as they signaled a continued hardline stance on opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, the nation’s Catholic bishops acknowledged Wednesday that they’re struggling to reach a key audience: their own flock. The members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops rounded out their leadership bench during the last day of public sessions […]
Religious groups with immigrant members grew fastest over past decade
By Yonat Shimron — November 11, 2022
(RNS) — A decennial study of US religious life shows that the number of participants in congregational services has not kept up with the overall population growth. But religious groups drawing large numbers of immigrants have seen steady growth.
Overturning Roe wasn’t a win for faith. Kansas was.
By Jamie Manson — August 11, 2022
(RNS) — The vote showed that the anti-abortion movement is really about white privilege and political power.
How a Peruvian farmer converted to Judaism and started a movement
By Yonat Shimron — August 3, 2022
(RNS) — 'The Prophet of the Andes' offers a peek at the momentous changes that are reshaping religions as more people abandon the religion of their birth for something else — in this case, Judaism.
Christianity was a major part of Indigenous boarding schools – a historian whose family survived them explains
By Brenda J. Child — August 2, 2022
(The Conversation) — A historian of the residential schools explains how religion played a key role in assimilationist systems for Indigenous children in Canada and the United States.
Maine diocese says priest will return to ministry
By Associated Press — July 28, 2022
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Rev. Robert Vaillancourt of Maine is set to return to active ministry after a yearlong investigation into sexual abuse allegations against the Roman Catholic priest.
Who is St. Anne and why is she so important to Indigenous peoples?
By Emily McFarlan Miller — July 26, 2022
(RNS) — As the pope visits Canada, he will celebrate the Feast of St. Anne in the country. He also will visit several sites dedicated to the saint, whom Catholics believe to be the mother of Mary and the grandmother of Jesus.
When abuse victims are adults, they’re often treated as ‘sinners,’ threats to churches
By Bob Smietana — July 6, 2022
(RNS) — Churches often blame adult abuse survivors for leading a ‘holy man’ astray.
Mexican bishops to put photos of dead priests in churches
By Associated Press — July 5, 2022
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The call for special celebrations throughout July came after two Jesuit priests and a tour guide were slain June 20.
