Clergy & Congregations
Pope says some ‘backward’ conservatives in US Catholic Church have replaced faith with ideology
By Associated Press — August 29, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis’ comments were an acknowledgment of the divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been split between progressives and conservatives.
A retired Wyoming bishop cleared by Vatican of sexual abuse despite local findings has died at 91
By Associated Press — August 25, 2023
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — In 2021, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cleared him of seven accusations of abuse and determined that five others couldn't be proven with certainty.
Nicaraguan government bans Jesuit order and says all its property will be confiscated
By Associated Press — August 24, 2023
MEXICO CITY (AP) — It was the latest in a series of increasingly authoritarian actions by the Nicaraguan government against the Catholic Church and opposition figures.
Sheriff seeking phone records between Alabama priest and 18-year-old woman who fled to Europe
By Associated Press — August 23, 2023
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Alex Crow, a Catholic priest in south Alabama, left the country in late July with the 18-year-old woman, authorities in south Alabama said.
San Francisco Archdiocese declares bankruptcy amid hundreds of lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse
By Olga R. Rodriguez — August 22, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Survivors of clergy sex abuse victims criticized the bankruptcy filing, calling it a ploy to keep information hidden.
A former New York bishop who promoted social justice, but covered up rape allegations, dies at 84
By Associated Press — August 22, 2023
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Hubbard passed away at Albany Medical Center on Saturday after being hospitalized for the stroke days prior, bishop spokesperson Mark Behan confirmed.
Ukrainian Orthodox churches purge vestiges of Russian influence
By Meagan Saliashvili — August 18, 2023
LVIV, Ukraine (RNS) — For centuries, Orthodox Ukrainians saw the traditional Julian calendar as one of the anchors of their church’s identity. Now many are switching to the Gregorian calendar.
Australian ex-priest has prison sentence extended to 40 years for molesting 72nd child victim
By Associated Press — August 17, 2023
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The prison sentence has been extended eight times over the decades as more victims have come forward.
Nicaraguan government seizes highly regarded university from Jesuits
By Associated Press — August 17, 2023
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The University of Central America in Nicaragua, which was a hub for 2018 protests against the regime of President Daniel Ortega, called the terrorism accusation unfounded and the seizure a blow to academia in Nicaragua.
Chanequa Walker-Barnes calls care of self vital to caring for others
By Adelle M. Banks — August 15, 2023
(RNS) — In her new book, ‘Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves,’ she describes, how to live with healthy habits, wise speech and regular laughter.
Beware the Black Robed Regiment cosplay
By Karen Swallow Prior — August 15, 2023
(RNS) — Dressing in the garb of Revolutionary clergy in the 21st century reflects neither biblical wisdom nor sound theology.
Ghana’s plans for a national cathedral are mired in controversy and delays − but also reflect religion’s strong role in the nation’s identity
By Nicolette Manglos-Weber — August 15, 2023
(The Conversation) — With modern borders drawn up by colonial powers, some African governments have turned to religion to try to forge national unity since independence.
Are white evangelical pastors at odds with their congregants? A new study says no.
By Yonat Shimron — August 9, 2023
(RNS) — A new study shows white evangelical clergy are as conservative, if not more so, as the people in their churches.
Pope announces World Youth Day to return to Asia in 2027, urges young people ‘not to be afraid’
By Helena Alves, Barry Hatton, and Nicole Winfield — August 7, 2023
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — News that Seoul, South Korea would host World Youth Day in 2027 was a reflection of the continent's increasing importance to the Catholic Church, given the church is young and growing there, whereas it is withering in traditionally Christian lands in Europe.
Court affirms sex abuse conviction of ex-friar who worked at a Catholic school in Mississippi
By Associated Press — August 3, 2023
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Leflore County jurors in April 2022 found West guilty of one count of sexual battery and one count of gratification of lust.
