Catholic News Service, Tennessee Register reports A reporting system accepting sexual misconduct allegations against U.S. bishops and eparchs is in place. Called the Catholic Bishops Abuse Reporting Service, or CBAR, the system became operational March 16. The mechanism incorporates a website and a toll-free telephone number through which individuals can …
USCCB vote moves Father Ryan a step toward sainthood
By Jim Wogan U.S. bishops gathering at their annual fall General Assembly in Baltimore in November approved the canonical consultation of four causes for beatification and canonization, including the cause for Servant of God Father Patrick Ryan, a diocesan priest who served in Chattanooga in the late 1800s. Bishop Richard …
Pope speaks as a pastor in call to protect earth, USCCB president says
By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Pope Francis speaks with a pastor’s voice and with deep respect for science in calling the world to address threats to all life on earth through environmental degradation and a the mindset of a “throwaway culture” in his encyclical, the president of …
Archbishop Kurtz elected USCCB president
Diocese of Knoxville’s second bishop succeeds Cardinal Dolan BALTIMORE — The newly elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been a bishop for nearly 14 years, but it’s as a priest, family member and social worker that he describes himself. By way of introduction to American Catholics, …
Vigil brings awareness to immigration reform
Parishioners across the Diocese of Knoxville took part in a 40-day vigil on immigration reform. The vigil, which is part of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign, began Aug. 15 and ended Sept. 23. The diocese asked parishes, organizations and individuals to dedicate one hour to …
Second Fortnight for Freedom set for June 21-July 4
WASHINGTON—The second annual Fortnight for Freedom will take place from June 21 to July 4, and will consist of national and local efforts to educate Americans on challenges to religious liberty both at home and abroad. As with last year’s Fortnight, the event will begin and end with a special …
Bishops praise Senate action on immigration reform
WASHINGTON (CNA)—U.S. bishops welcomed a Senate committee’s passage of a major immigration bill as an “important step,” urging the full senate to consider the bill as soon as possible. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration, lauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s passage …
Catholic leaders call for reduction in gun violence
WASHINGTON (CNS)—Two former U.S. ambassadors to the Vatican and two retired officials of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were among more than 60 Catholic leaders urging members of Congress who consider themselves pro-life to “show greater moral leadership and political courage” in acting to cut U.S. gun violence. “We …
Most Catholics share bishops’ liberty concerns
WASHINGTON (CNS)—A majority of Catholics say they share the U.S. bishops’ concerns about the federal contraceptive mandate and other government restrictions on religious liberty, and the percentage of Catholics who say they are satisfied with the bishops’ leadership has increased sharply in the past 10 years. Catholics who attend Mass …
