Credit, Where Its Due
Stephen considers the tension between action and patience in view of the wait for the McCarrick report and the coronavirus. “Waiting patiently (or impatiently, as the case may be) has… Read More
Pell Case Quashed – McCarrick Report Still Pending
Stephen writes on Cardinal Pell’s release from prison in Australia and the continued expectation of the McCarrick report from Rome. “For too long the Church reflexively stood with those it… Read More
False Allegations are Rare – And Real
Sometimes clergy are falsely accused. Stephen reflects on the duty to assess the credibility of an abuse claim, and sometimes the difficulties in doing so. “Perhaps the stickiest cases are… Read More
Trauma and Taboo
Stephen looks at how the Church is often better equipped to help sinner than those who are wounded by the sin. “We have a whole sacrament devoted to forgiving sins… Read More
Don’t Sanitize McCarrick’s Legacy
Stephen considers the removal of former Cardinal McCarrick’s coat of arms from the wall at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C. “There are many reasons one might want McCarrick’s legacy… Read More
What to Watch for in the New Year
Stephen reviews some of the Church news the faithful expect to see in 2020, such as the McCarrick Report. “Undoubtedly, the new year will bring its share of surprises.” Little… Read More
A Changing Church
Stephen looks at the high number of priests who are responding, “No, thank you” to the call to become a bishop. “Many of our bishops find themselves in an almost… Read More
The Cross Over the Manger
Stephen reflects on the inevitability of the cross in the Christian life. “All our efforts at justice are insufficient. All our attempts to make whole what was broken by sin… Read More
The Bishops Stand – In Their Own Way – With Peter
Stephen looks at the debate over the word “pre-eminent” during the General Assembly in November 2019 and how some of the tensions in the American episcopacy were seen in it.… Read More
What the Bishops Also Must Do
In the aftermath of the 2018 clergy abuse crisis, Stephen looks at expectations for the USCCB November 2019 General Assembly, including the election of the next President. “It matters who… Read More
Shepherds of a Wounded Flock
Stephen considers the experience of U.S. priests during the clergy abuse crisis. “For many of the priests I’ve spoken to, the last year has been a double trial. They have… Read More
Who Will Restore the Church?
Stephen reflects on holiness as the only authentic answer to Catholic Church reform. “The Lord is purifying his Church. Good, we say. It’s about time, we say. But are we… Read More