Clericalism Archives

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
For Pope Francis, quarantine puts two signature causes in conflict
- Apr 19, 2020
ROME -Today marks Day 42 without public Mass here in Italy, part of a nationwide coronavirus quarantine. As the infection rate continues to decline there’s been speculation about a ripresa, meaning a gradual return to normality, and as part of that scenario, the Italian bishops are in talks with the government as to when liturgical life can restart.

By John L. Allen Jr.
Top anti-abuse expert says ‘paternalistic’ attitude is worse than clericalism
- Mar 13, 2020
One of the Catholic Church’s leading experts in child protection has said that more dangerous than clericalism in the clerical abuse crisis is a “paternalistic” attitude within the Church that both devalues laypeople and puts clergy on a pedestal.

By Elise Ann Allen