The Church: The Scandals’ Unmentioned Victim TFP Analysis of the May 3, 2003 Agreement between Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien (and the Phoenix Diocese) and Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley The sexual abuse scandals, reported with an unnecessary abundance of lewd details, continue to fuel the media blitz against the Church … Read more
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They call it the next litigation gold rush on the horizon and it will be big business. The issue will be any child sexual abuse and the possibilities appear endless. For now, the target is the Catholic Church which has already poured out $1 billion in damages. Many see that figure cresting … Read more
They call it the next litigation gold rush on the horizon and it will be big business. The issue will be any child sexual abuse and the possibilities appear endless. For now, the target is the Catholic Church which has already poured out $1 billion in damages. Many see that figure cresting … Read more
In a previous article on the apostolic origins of celibacy, I wrote: Among the Apostles, only Saint Peter is known to have been married because his mother-in-law is mentioned in the Gospels. Some of the others might have been married but there is a clear indication that they left everything, including their … Read more
When the sexual abuse scandals broke upon the American scene early last year, many reacted with shock and dismay. The horrific discoveries of scandals and cover-ups were inconceivable. Even now, the crisis is clearly not over. Spreading from Boston, wildfires are raging in New York, New Jersey, Arizona, and California. Statutes are … Read more
As TFP member Norman Fulkerson and I arrived at St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery in downtown Boston, a feeling of apprehension seized me. It was Ash Wednesday and we knew that St. Anthony’s held Masses and distributed ashes all day long. With the droves of Catholics we expected to pass by, it was … Read more
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned…” These opening words of confession constitute a sublime act of humility that marks the lives of so many Catholics. In the wake of the sexual abuse scandals, a renewed emphasis on the Sacrament of Penance, the sacrament whereby the Church invites the sinner to reform … Read more
Recently, Wal-Mart pulled magazines with racy covers from its shelves. Since the corporation can account for up to 15% of all single copy magazines, this measure is an extremely effective way to promote the too often ignored values of morality and decency. This effort deserves applause. It is also opportune to republish … Read more
After the brutal September 11 attacks, the United States must once again wage a war in a foreign land. As always, the problem of the legitimacy of using military action for revenge as a means of re-establishing justice comes to the fore. Thus, it is in the interest of our readers to … Read more
To better understand the great spiritual treasure contained in the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, let us turn the clock back two thousand years to Palestine, to a scene in the public life of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The majesty of His Person, the wisdom pouring forth from His mouth and the … Read more