priesthood
Baby Step: Phone Calls
Today I continue the series I promised last time: baby steps toward increased trust between bishops and priests. Today’s step is phone calls—both from the bishop to priests and priests’… Read More
A National Study of Catholic Priests
Stephen White of Catholic University writes about the highlights from the National Study of Catholic Priests that was released on October 19, 2022. “For decades, there have been warning signs… Read More
How is the Church governed?
A question that keeps coming up for me regarding the synod on synodality is, “What do you mean by X?” X could be lay participation; women’s decision-making; hierarchical ministry; governance;… Read More
Crisis Podcast Episode 8: What the Crisis Means for Priests
Since 2002, being a priest has lost much of its public respect and stature. How have priests experienced the ongoing crisis? And how has seminary formation changed in view of… Read More
False Allegations are Rare – And Real
Sometimes clergy are falsely accused. Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the duty to assess the credibility of an abuse claim, and sometimes the difficulties in doing so. “Perhaps… Read More
A Changing Church
Stephen White of Catholic University 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… Read More
Shepherds of a Wounded Flock
Stephen White at Catholic University 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… Read More
The Circus in Buffalo
Stephen White of Catholic University looks at the 2018 clergy abuse scandal in the Diocese of Buffalo. “Whatever else comes of the situation in Buffalo, Bishop Malone has demonstrated what… Read More
Pope Francis Writes Letter to Priests
To mark the 160th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, Pope Francis wrote a letter to all the priests of the world, encouraging them in their vocation and… Read More
Celibacy: The Answer, Not the Problem (First Things)
By Rev. Carter Griffin- This essay, from a priest engaged in the formation of men for the priesthood, explains the importance of defining the current problems clearly, rather than scapegoating… 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
Facing the flock (The Washington Post)
By Terrence McCoy- This is a “deep dive” with Fr. Brian Christensen, a pastor in Rapid City, SD whose assistant priest was imprisoned for sexual abuse of a minor. It follows… Read More