In Spirit and Truth Reading Roundup: May/June 2024 Edition
Welcome to the In Spirit and Truth Reading Roundup. I took a break in the month of May as my family prepared for a move, so this is an extra long post covering both May and June.
For those who are new here (hi everyone!), this Reading Roundup is a 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. If you only have time to read a few pieces this month, I recommend you start with those in bold below.
Yes, We’re Still Talking about Rupnik
First: Vatican comms chief defends use of accused sexual abuser’s artwork
And: Pope’s safeguarding czar urges Vatican to take down Rupnik artwork
Also: Rupnik case complex, but in ‘advanced stage,’ Vatican official says
Opinion: What the church owes the victims of disgraced former Jesuit Marko Rupnik
From the United States Council of Catholic Bishops
U.S. News
California: Legislative effort to protect adults from clergy abuse dies
California: Diocese of San Diego to file for bankruptcy for the second time + Fresno latest California diocese to file for bankruptcy
Kansas: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas ‘substantiates' abuse allegations against former priest
Louisiana: New Orleans archdiocese is target of child sex-trafficking inquiry, officials say + What’s going on in the Archdiocese of New Orleans?
Louisiana: Former priest pleads guilty, sentenced on two counts of molestation of juveniles
Maryland: Clergy abuse survivors testify in Catholic church bankruptcy case: ‘Do you see me now?’
Michigan: Michigan AG releases report on abuse within Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo
Minnesota: Once 'credibly accused' Duluth priest wins fight to return to church, retires weeks later
New Mexico: Former priest ends his life ahead of abuse hearing
New York: Brooklyn diocese: 'Vos estis' finds Chappetto allegations 'unfounded'
New York: Bishop Malone overseeing confirmation ceremonies in Buffalo reignites cover-up controversy
New York: Franciscan Friar of the Renewal laicized after ‘inappropriate sexual relationship’
Ohio: Sex offender allowed to help lead Catholic masses; Investigation leads to change
Tennessee: Following lawsuits, investigations Knoxville diocese makes substantial changes to sex abuse policy + New Knoxville bishop faces Stika-sized challenge
Tennessee: Nashville-area Catholic priest faces 10 child sex charges after June indictment
Texas: Dallas priest arrested for recent indecency with a child
Virginia: Bishop Removes Pastor Over Handling Of Abuse Allegations Against Parishioner
Washington: Catholic church is stonewalling sex abuse investigation, Washington attorney general says + Washington bishops vs. state AG: Who has a point?
International News
Bolivia: Deceased Spanish Jesuit accused of abusing 'hundreds' of Indigenous girls
Canada: Canonical inquiry finds Canadian cardinal free of wrongdoing
New Zealand: Cardinal cleared to return to ministry after Vatican, police abuse inquiries
Poland: Top Polish archbishop accused of negligence in sex abuse case
Togo: Sexual Abuse of Nuns in Africa: A Togolese Nun's Investigative Book
From Awake
How Can We Make Churches More Trauma-Informed? Start with These 6 Principles
Courageous Conversation Explores Accountability for Bishops Under Vos Estis + What is Vos Estis Lux Mundi? How Does It Affect Church Abuse Cases?
Victim? Survivor? Coper? Thriver? Which Name is Best After Abuse?
Going Deeper
Teresa Pitt Green: Hope In A Wounded Church + ‘Close to the wounds of Jesus’ — Survivor, advocate aims for Church’s healing
These Clergy Abuse Survivors Had a Chance to Find Justice. Then Their Diocese Filed for Bankruptcy.
International conference sheds light on the clerical abuse of disabled individuals
Rebuilding life after experiencing misconduct in religious communities
'In the name of God': Native American children endured years of sexual abuse at boarding schools + Catholic bishops apologize for church’s role operating Indian boarding schools
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 back again in July with your next Survivors’ Voices post.
~ Sara