In Spirit and Truth Reading Roundup: December 2023 Edition
As 2023 draws to a close, I want to thank each person who takes time to engage with the difficult issue of abuse and institutional betrayal in the Catholic Church. I know it’s not easy to keep paying attention, especially when our lives are busy and there is so much happening in the world. Thank you for reading and caring.
As always, if you only have time to read a few pieces this month, I recommend you start with those in bold below. Don’t miss the excellent piece about Awake from America magazine, and the helpful recap of the year in the “Going Deeper” section.
Stories from New Orleans
‘You’re only as sick as your secrets’: New Orleans clergy abuse bankruptcy is uniquely acrimonious
Bankruptcy court stacks odds in New Orleans church’s favor over abuse claims
‘The devil was in that building’: New Orleans church orphanages’ dark secrets
Other U.S. News
California: Sacramento Diocese to file for bankruptcy amid more than 250 abuse lawsuits
Rhode Island: In sentencing plea, Fr. James Jackson apologizes, claims ‘addiction’ to child porn
Wisconsin: Ex-cardinal McCarrick’s sex assault case in Wisconsin appears to be dead
International News
Slovenia: Vatican closes religious order co-founded by Father Marko Rupnik (includes comments by me)
Spain: Audit of Spanish Church abuses finds more than 2,000 victims
From Awake
How one nonprofit works to help clergy abuse survivors on a path towards healing (Best article on Awake to date, from America magazine)
Stories of Hope and Year End Appeal (your support is always appreciated!)
Going Deeper
Year-End Recap: National reports, claims against Father Rupnik dominate 2023 headlines about abuse
3 sisters form Sisters of the Little Way, a private association of the faithful
Will a new day dawn for adult victims of clergy abuse? (includes comments by me)
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See you in 2024!
~ Sara