A Solid Foundation for Reform

In the midst of the clerical sex abuse crisis, Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the motu propio Vos estis lux mundi. “The Church now has universal norms for… Read More

Unfinished Business

In the midst of the clerical abuse crisis, Stephen White of Catholic University looks at expectations regarding the June 2019 USCCB General Assembly. “The American bishops could go a long… Read More

Introducing: The Catholic Project

Stephen White of Catholic University introduces The Catholic Project initiative. “The first task The Catholic Project has been to seek clearer understanding of how we got here and why. There… Read More

Time Will Tell

Stephen White of Catholic University reacts to reports that Pope Francis is drawing up a document to govern what happens when a bishop is accused of abuse or of negligence… Read More

New Leadership in Baltimore and Boston

Stephen White of Catholic University reports on how the archdioceses of Baltimore and Boston each set up a third-party reporting system in 2019 that would accept allegations against the bishop.PCP… Read More

The Stakes are being Raised

Stephen White of Catholic University assesses the Vatican’s February 2019 meeting on sexual abuse and the gaps that remain. “Last week’s summit in Rome did not address the problem of… Read More

Mr. McCarrick’s Mess

Stephen White of Catholic University looks at the impending laicization of Ted McCarrick. “In one sense, laicization would bring McCarrick’s part in the saga of the clerical sex-abuse crisis in… Read More

Knowing What We’re Up Against as Laity and Clergy

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the need for engaging the laity, both in understanding its role in the crisis, and its possibility to help bring the Church out… Read More

[Cardinal] Wuerl Misread the Crisis; Pope Francis Need Not

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on how some prelates seemed to think that the 2018 crisis was about historic sexual abuse, rather than current mistrust in the honesty and… Read More

Giving Due Process its Due

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the necessity of ensuring justice also for those accused of abuse. “Care for due process and the rule of law is as important… Read More

Piecemeal but Concrete Beginnings of Reform

Stephen White of Catholic University writes about the Holy Father’s acceptance of the resignation of auxiliary Bishop Salazar after alleged “misconduct with a minor.” “The Salazar case is a textbook… Read More

Advent and Reform

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the crisis of 2018 in light of the Advent season. “Christian realism isn’t naivete; it’s the farthest thing from it. And (in another… Read More