An English organisation says most churches can have a viable future. There are provisos, however. For instance, congregations must be willing to engage with their communities. Sir Paul Britton (pictured), who chairs the grants committee for the National Churches Trust (NCT), says England’s “splendid inheritance of churches is under great threat from dwindling congregations, probably Read more
A diverse group including Ireland’s Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, a clerical abuse survivor and the co-founders of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) are urging Catholic bishops not to resume confirmation and first communion ceremonies. “When you’re dealing with a deadly virus, ultimately what you’re doing is putting people’s lives at risk,” Donnelly says. Clerical Read more
The Archdiocese of New York has instructed priests not to grant religious exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine, saying that to do so would contradict the pope. “There is no basis for a priest to issue a religious exemption to the vaccine,” John P. Cahill, the archdiocese’s chancellor, stated in a memo to all pastors, administrators, Read more
The Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education has expanded online learning options for those who would ordinarily be unable to attend full-time classes in person. The new rules will provide distance learning opportunities for those who could manage coursework online, such as prisoners, migrants, the homeless, monks, contemplative nuns and even busy bishops. “By making use Read more
The New York diocese of Albany handled abuse allegations against priests in the 1970’s and 1980’s by sending them to counselling and treatment rather than notifying law enforcement. The admission came from Emeritus Bishop Howard Hubbard, through his lawyer, in a statement provided to the Albany Times-Union. “When an allegation of sexual misconduct against a Read more
Now that giant cruise ships are banned from fragile waterways near the historic center of Venice, the time has come for the city to become a model of sustainability and supportive of its residents, said Archbishop Francesco Moraglia of Venice. “The risk is (the city) becomes just a container that offers opportunities for events and Read more
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone has instituted a monthly Traditional Latin Mass at San Francisco’s Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, and has been leading the faithful in a Litany of Reparations for abuses against the Eucharist. The archbishop’s plans were formulated prior to Pope Francis’ July 16 Moto proprio, Traditionis custodes, which placed restrictions on Read more
A judge in Saskatchewan is refusing to release a document outlining how the Catholic Church fulfilled Residential School reparations to First Nation people. The alleged document details $25 million in “in-kind” services the Catholic Church provided as compensation for Residential school survivors — one of their obligations in the Residential School Settlement of 2006. Court Read more
The parents of a two-year-old girl are waiting to see if Britain’s Supreme Court will hear their challenge to a ruling that life-sustaining treatment can be withdrawn from their daughter against their wishes. The Court of Appeal upheld a High Court decision on July 9 that doctors could remove life-support treatment from Alta Fixsler, who Read more
Several Irish Catholic dioceses are defying a government ban on celebrating sacraments of initiation. They are planning to hold the ceremonies from mid-August. Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin says after consulting with clergy, baptisms, First Holy Communions and confirmation ceremonies will be held. The regulations for general religious services will be followed. “The mission of Read more