In Spirit and Truth Reading Roundup: February 2024 Edition
Welcome to all the new subscribers who have found their way to In Spirit and Truth over the past few months! I’m glad you’re here.
The In Spirit and Truth Reading Roundup is a monthly collection of the latest news and commentary on abuse and institutional betrayal in the Catholic Church. Please note that I highlight articles from a variety of sources and perspectives, and inclusion here does not mean that I agree with everything in a given article, only that I think it’s worth reading.
As always, if you only have time to read a few pieces this month, I recommend you start with those in bold below. The first article listed under “The Big Picture” is an especially important piece for understanding the ongoing problems in the Church today. Also, I don’t highlight my own voice and perspective in this space very much, but I do want to draw your attention to the podcast episode linked in the Awake section below. Of all the interviews I have done over the past few years, I think it’s the one that best captures my heart. I would be honored if you would take the time to listen.
This post is coming to you a bit later than I would like, but the end of February was pretty crazy for me. I’m also continuing to struggle with ongoing symptoms from my bout of severe vertigo in November, and there are many days that scrolling through news articles is just not something I can do. But better late than never, right?
The Big Picture
The Vatican’s problematic process to address clergy sex abuse cases, explained
‘A Church that seeks the truth’: The making of the 1st global report on child protection
Pope Francis’s “all-out battle” against clerical abuse has been a failure
U.S. News
California: In LA, Gardens of Healing help abuse survivors reconnect with the Church
Kansas: Parish faces uproar over new priest with past sex abuse allegations
Michigan: Two of three priests named in AG abuse report now barred from public Masses
Ohio: ‘Absolutely horrendous’: Judge sends ex-priest to prison for groping teen cancer patient
Ohio: Cincinnati man studying to be a priest accused of having child porn
South Carolina: Former Priest Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison Over 2020 Child Sex Abuse
Tennessee: Recently-ordained Priest Indicted on Multiple Sexual-Abuse Charges
Texas: Roman Catholic priest faces child sexual abuse and trafficking charges
International News
Australia: Australian police arrest former Broome bishop in child abuse probe
Belgium: Belgian Church official warns Vangheluwe abuse case could mar papal visit
Dominican Republic: Vatican Investigates Santo Domingo Bishop Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations
Ivory Coast: African cardinal reinstates lay charismatic leader who admitted abuse
Poland: Pope Francis accepts resignation of Polish archbishop accused of ignoring abuse + Outrage prompts Vatican to give reason for Catholic bishop’s resignation
Vatican News
Vatican clarifies handling of cases of abuse of 'vulnerable adults' + Why is the DDF ‘clarifying’ its caseload, again?
Rupnik victims call for transparency as case moves forward + Vatican and victims address Rupnik scandal on anniversary of abuse summit
Pope Francis urged to offer financial support for abused nuns
Cardinal Fernández: Vatican Seeks To Prevent Using Spirituality As Means Of Abuse
From Awake
Going Deeper
Journalist Reflection: A pedophile priest. A $10-million payout. A monster who won’t leave my life.
Emotional immaturity in certain priests gives rise to serious abuse
Witnessing the Unthinkable: When Sexual Abuse Happens In Front of Others & Why
If you find these monthly reading roundups helpful, please consider forwarding this post or sharing on your social media. Let’s stay informed and engaged. It matters.
I’ll be bringing you the next Survivors’ Voices post soon.
~ Sara