The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston became the first diocese in the U.S. to participate in LOUDfence, which began with Mass that morning celebrated by Bishop Mark E. Brennan.
Child & Youth Protection
Victim-survivors address court in Archdiocese of Baltimore’s bankruptcy process
Six victim-survivors of sexual abuse by clergy in the Archdiocese of Baltimore gave statements in court April 8 about the long-term impact of the abuse on their lives as part of the federal bankruptcy reorganization.
Pontifical commission publishes universal safeguarding framework
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has reaffirmed the requirement that every diocese, Catholic religious order and institution in the world have clear safeguarding guidelines and procedures and that they are publicly accessible.
Sacramento Diocese files for bankruptcy due to ‘sickening sin’ of church sex abuse
The Diocese of Sacramento announced it has filed for bankruptcy, citing the costs of settling more than 250 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy and staff.
After son’s abuse, Louisiana deacon and family join Anglican church, incurring excommunication
A permanent deacon in the Diocese of Lafayette, La., whose then-teenage son was molested by the priest he once served alongside, is now excommunicated after leaving his ministry, because he formally left the Catholic Church, according to the recent decree written by his bishop.
Abuse victims hope to address bankruptcy court; archbishop will attend
The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Chapter 11 reorganization case has asked bankruptcy court Judge Michelle M. Harner to allow victims of clergy abuse to present survivor statements at upcoming hearings in April and May.
Pope names bishop, former U.S. police colonel to safeguarding commission
Pope Francis has named Bishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera to be secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and Teresa Kettelkamp to serve as adjunct secretary.
Pope: Church must stop protecting abusers ‘who hide behind their position’
The work of protecting minors and other vulnerable people in the Catholic Church involves holding those in positions of power accountable for the abuse the commit, Pope Francis said.
Pope: Despite discouragement, church’s safeguarding efforts ‘must not wane’
The Catholic Church should not be discouraged by the challenge of confronting sex abuse, Pope Francis said, rather it must take concrete steps in developing policies to preserve the dignity of its members.
Experts: Feds’ crackdown on child labor violations highlights many children at risk
As child labor law restrictions continue to be loosened around the country, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Feb. 21 a nationwide, temporary restraining order and injunction against an offender it slammed for “oppressive” and “egregious” practices.
Social workers, counselor discuss effects of COVID, social media on teen mental health
Catholic high school social workers and a Catholic licensed mental health counselor shared their insights about teens and mental health.
Social media CEOs grilled over child exploitation: ‘You have a product that’s killing people’
The Senate Judiciary Committee Jan. 31 grilled the CEOs of major social media companies on how they respond to child sexual exploitation on their platforms.