Pennsylvania Archives

Pennsylvania House votes to bar shutting down churches in disasters

Sep 16, 2020

The Pennsylvania House on Tuesday passed a bill that would prevent governors from applying their disease control powers to shut down gatherings at churches or other houses of worship.

By Mark Scolforo

Priest accused of sexually assaulting boy over 3-year period

Aug 28, 2020

A Pennsylvania priest has been charged with the sexual assault of an altar boy during a three-year period that started when the victim was 11, authorities said.

By Associated Press

Private, charter schools worry bus cuts will strand students

Aug 15, 2020

Pennsylvania school districts that plan to start the year off virtually are facing a potentially thorny issue: What to do about bus transportation for students of private and charter schools offering face-to-face instruction.

By Michael Rubinkam

Pittsburgh diocese gets barely passing report card on sex abuse response

Aug 14, 2020

On the second anniversary of the publication of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report into sexual abuse in several of the state’s Catholic dioceses, a grassroots organization in Pittsburgh has given the Church a barely passing grade in its handling of the report’s fallout.

By Charles Collins

Slew of church abuse lawsuits hinges on state court decision

Aug 14, 2020

Pennsylvania’s Catholic dioceses have been hit with about 150 lawsuits from people who say they were sexually abused as children by priests and hope a state court decision last year has shown a way around time limits for legal claims.

By Mark Scolforo

Pa. archdiocese pays out or approves over $50 million for survivors so far

Jul 30, 2020

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has paid out or approved over $50 million so far to 222 clergy sex abuse survivors, according to a new report from the Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program.

By Gina Christian