Catholic Church

By Doug Mainwaring, LifeSiteNews - In an address to the bishops of the U.S., the lay chairman of their National Review Board (NRB) expressed concern that the systems now being set in place by the Vatican and the USCCB to handle episcopal sexual misconduct still leave “bishops policing bishops.”… He also urged greater lay participation and independence from bishops in conducting sexual abuse audits…. “We find ourselves at a turning point, a critical moment in our history, which will determine in many ways the future vibrancy of the Church, and whether or not trust in your leadership can be restored,” said Chairman Francesco Cesareo, Ph.D… “Because of the actions or inactions of some bishops, some in the general public have lost confidence in the body of bishops, despite the sincere efforts of many of you,” noted Cesareo.

By Aaron Benavides, Catholic Herald - Bransfield has repeatedly denied claims of sexual misconduct and is reported to have spent nearly $182,000 in fresh flowers for the diocesan chancery, $4.6 million to renovate his residence, and $2.4 million in travel… Lori wrote in a letter that “the accounts of those who accused Bishop Bransfield of sexual harassment are credible” and that the team of investigators “uncovered a consistent pattern of sexual innuendo, and overt suggestive comments and actions toward those over whom the former bishop exercised authority.”

By Msgr. Charles Pope - The priest put this question to a class of children: “If all the good people in the world were red, and all the bad people were green, what color would you be?” A young girl thought hard for a moment, then her face brightened, and she replied, “I’d be streaky!”… We are all a mixed bag, neither completely good nor completely bad. The journey from evil to good is not yet finished. God alone is wholly good.