sex abuse
All Illinois Catholic dioceses targeted in sex abuse lawsuit
By Don Babwin — October 19, 2018
CHICAGO (AP) — Three men and one woman who say they were sexually abused by priests decades ago filed a lawsuit Thursday against every diocese in Illinois for an alleged ongoing scheme to cover up sexual assault by priests.
Church abuse bill in limbo after hitting wall in Senate
By Marc Levy — October 18, 2018
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Legislation to respond to Pennsylvania's landmark grand jury report accusing hundreds of Roman Catholic priests of sexually abusing children over decades stalled on the Legislature's final scheduled voting day of 2018.
Federal government launches investigation into Pennsylvania dioceses
By Jack Jenkins — October 18, 2018
(RNS) — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia confirmed to Religion News Service that it is aware of the inquiry and is cooperating with investigators — including handing over documents.
Archdiocese releases names of ‘credibly’ accused clergy
By Ashraf Khalil — October 17, 2018
WASHINGTON (AP) — It comes days after Washington's archbishop resigned over his handling of sexual abuse allegations.
What’s next for Willow Creek?
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 28, 2018
CHICAGO (RNS) — As a summer of new allegations against founding pastor Bill Hybels, of resignations and apologies and plans, draws to a close, the once-promising future of Willow Creek Community Church appears uncertain.
Religious women push lawmakers to investigate Kavanaugh, suspend confirmation
By Jack Jenkins — September 26, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'I know all too painfully that being a person of faith does not stop men from being sexual predators,' said Sister Simone Campbell.
In a show of contrition, Catholic dioceses begin long road of healing
By Yonat Shimron — September 26, 2018
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — Standing in front of the altar Tuesday (Sept. 25) in Raleigh’s Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama took his violet zucchetto from his head and fell to his knees.
Lawsuit settled, former SNAP director returns to the fight against abuse
By Eric Berger — September 26, 2018
ST. LOUIS (RNS) — David Clohessy's re-emergence is a reboot for the organization representing abuse survivors, two years after he resigned amid allegations of kickbacks from victims' attorneys.
Jules Woodson to abuse survivors: ‘You are strong, you are brave and your voice matters’
By Jules Woodson — September 25, 2018
(RNS) — There are numerous reasons that many sexual assault victims wait years to come forward, she says. It's important to understand why.
German bishops apologize for thousands of sex abuse cases
By Kirsten Grieshaber — September 25, 2018
BERLIN (AP) — The apology came on the same day that Pope Francis acknowledged that the sex abuse scandal rocking the Catholic Church was driving people away.
Willow Creek names NAE head, 3 others to oversee Hybels investigation
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 18, 2018
CHICAGO (RNS) — Jo Anne Lyon and Leith Anderson will co-chair the council, called the Willow Creek Independent Advisory Group, according to an announcement Tuesday (Sept. 18) posted on the Willow Creek Association’s website.
Survey shows more pastors preach about abuse in #MeToo age
By Adelle M. Banks — September 18, 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio (RNS) — The survey by LifeWay Research offers a detailed look at Protestant pastors’ attitudes and actions related to abuse and harassment.
Pope summons bishops for February abuse prevention summit
By Nicole Winfield — September 12, 2018
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The February meeting at the Vatican is believed to be the first of its kind, and signals a realization at the highest levels of the church that clergy sex abuse is a global problem.
NY clergy sex abuse may be sweeping but legal cases few
By Jennifer Peltz — September 8, 2018
(AP) — Few criminal cases or lawsuits may come out of the New York attorney general's inquiry into clergy sex abuse allegations in the Roman Catholic Church, whatever its findings.
Catholic donor denies he consulted on Viganò allegations against Pope Francis
By Jack Jenkins — September 7, 2018
(RNS) — In an email addressed to other conservative Catholics, Timothy Busch refuted reports that he personally consulted Viganò on his letter.