Associated Press, Author at Crux

Democrats debate whether to back anti-abortion candidates

After the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee suggested the party might back anti-abortion candidates, a coalition of progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America, issued a “statement of principles” challenging the party to be unwavering in its support for abortion rights.

Pope’s choir launches U.S. tour as it seeks to recapture glory

Once known as the “Sistine Screamers,” the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel Choir is now on a tour to show their great improvement in technique. People say it’s hard to believe the difference. The choir master Monsignor Massimo Palombella said, “Truly, they were singing in a manner that had no relation to the old music.”

Pope calls human trafficking ‘brutal, cruel and criminal’

Pope Francis has made the fight against human trafficking, one of the largest illegal industries in the world with estimated profits estimated annually at $32 billion, one of the highest social and political priorities of his papacy. On Sunday, a U.N.-sponsored day against trafficking, the pontiff blasted it as “brutal, cruel and criminal.”

Idaho city’s Catholic leaders shun religious art sculpture
- Associated Press, Church in the US
- July 30, 2017
In an Idaho city, a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe in a store window is creating controversy and heartache for some Catholics in town. The artist said he didn’t intend to offend anyone. Instead he sees his work as reflecting the beautiful artwork he grew up around in Catholic churches and schools.
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Victims’ lawyer: Ex-priest shouldn’t have been released from prison
- Associated Press, Church in the US
- July 29, 2017
A lawyer for victims sexually abused by Boston-area ex-priest Paul Shanley has said Shanley should not have been released from prison on Friday, arguing that he should “be in a hospital being treated, and not in the outside world where he can easily gain access to innocent children.” Shanley, a key figure in the sexual abuse scandals that erupted in Boston in 2002/2003, was laicized by the Vatican.
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Clashes erupt at Jerusalem shrine as Muslims return to pray
- Associated Press, Global Church
- July 27, 2017
The Palestinian Red Crescent said 37 Palestinians were wounded, including some by rubber bullets and beatings. The new violence came shortly after worshipers rushed to pray at Jerusalem mosque that was reopened following an 11-day Muslim prayer boycott over the Israeli security measures.
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