The vast majority of German priests accused of sexually abusing minors were psychologically normal, according to research commissioned by the Catholic Church. Only 12 per cent of those studied were diagnosed as paedophiles, according to a report released by Bishop Stephan Ackermann of Trier, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference spokesman on abuse cases. Psychological testing showed Read more
Encouraging Catholics to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation could have a payoff in the collection plate, according to British research. The study involving a group of devout Catholics found that when they felt absolved of sins and a sense of guilt they were more likely to give generously. Researchers from Royal Holloway College, London, and Read more
Less than a year after it was established, the ordinariate for former Anglicans seeking to join the Catholic Church in the United States has grown to include 1500 individuals, 35 communities and 24 priests. The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter has also had a five-acre property, worth $NZ6 million, donated to it Read more
While the Catholic Church teaches that “the whole body of the faithful . . . cannot error in matters of belief”, this does not mean Catholic beliefs are open to popular vote, Pope Benedict XVI has told a group of theologians. The Pope said an authentic “sensus fidei” (“sense of faith”) can come only when Read more
The United States Supreme Court has decided to rule on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage — a decision the US Catholic Bishops Conference sees as “a significant moment for our nation”. The court’s ruling, which could have ramifications for marriage laws across the country, is not expected until next June. The court has chosen to Read more
Military conscription in Eritrea that forces seminarians and Church workers into long periods of army service is “bleeding the Church in Eritrea to death”, according to a Catholic charity. The communist government of the north-east African state, which does not set a fixed period for military service, has kept Church workers and seminarians in the Read more
Catholic doctors in Bangladesh often ignore Church teaching on abortion and birth control because they are afraid they will lose their job or lose patients. The doctors’ predicament came to light during a “Faith in the Life of Medical Professionals” workshop organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Healthcare and the Association of Catholic Doctors. Read more
Future kings and queens of Britain will be able to marry Catholics — a legislative change that could affect the royal baby that Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting next year. The new legislation will also remove the centuries-old gender discrimination rule that favours first-born sons over older daughters in the Read more
An international protest is being mounted against Israeli government plans to build a large military academy beside the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, home to the Garden of Gethsemane and the place of Jesus’ Ascension. Plans envisage the construction of an eight-storey building on the ridge between the Mount of Olives and Mount Scopus. Five Read more
The Vatican has denied a report that a special commission investigating the alleged apparitions at Medjugorje will release its findings during December. A French journal, La Vie, had reported that the Medjugorje commission appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in March 2010, and chaired by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, would present its report to the Pope by Read more