Clericalism Archives

McCarrick report shows need to focus on survivors, panel says

Dec 11, 2020

In the aftermath of the Holy See’s report on laicized ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick, a clergy sex abuse survivor from Chile wants matters of clergy abuse to focus more on the survivors and less so on the episcopacy itself.

By John Lavenburg

Reality of the abuse scandals now seems A Tale of Two Cardinals

Nov 15, 2020

Clericalism and anti-clericalism are two sides of the same prejudicial coin, and both are toxic in getting to the truth.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Report shows ‘tragic incompetence’ on McCarrick, Barron says

Nov 14, 2020

“It reveals how sclerotic and dysfunctional the system was,” Bishop Robert Barron said. “Again and again, I was struck by the wickedness of McCarrick himself, but also by the tragic incompetence of so many who were charged with investigating, following up, asking serious questions, etc.”

By John L. Allen Jr.

N.J. bishops’ letters helped pave way for McCarrick, led to lack of trust

Nov 13, 2020

When the papal nuncio to the United States was asked to investigate rumors about Theodore E. McCarrick’s sexual activities, he consulted the bishops who had lived in close contact with, or lived in close quarters with the archbishop, on the theory that they would be the people most likely to hear or know something of substance.

By Barb Fraze

McCarrick whistleblower says he feels ‘vindicated’ by report

Nov 12, 2020

Father Boniface Ramsey, who first raised concerns about the conduct of ex-cardinal and priest Theodore McCarrick in the 1980s, says he believes he is finally seeing justice in a lengthy report detailing how his former boss was able to climb the ecclesial ladder despite rumors of sexual misconduct.

By Elise Ann Allen

New advocacy group shows different faces of Catholic ‘feminism’

Aug 31, 2020

Seven women who “applied” for ecclesial jobs traditionally open to men last month have since become icons for the different faces of the Catholic “feminist” movement, illustrating that there is no singular vision for how to achieve the more welcoming and inclusive Church they envision.

By Elise Ann Allen