Church Response to Abuse
Church Sexual Abuse Resources
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) meets in Baltimore November 12-14 during their annual meeting. They chose to dispense with their regular agenda to focus on the clergy abuse scandal that continues to plague the Catholic Church in the United States. Immediately before the annual meeting began, the Vatican asked the USCCB to discuss the problem, but to hold off on voting on proactive steps to address it until a worldwide meeting of Catholic Church leadership this winter where the issue will be addressed. Below are statements and articles that have come out of the USCCB’s annual meeting.
Statements and Articles
If One Member Suffers, We All Suffer Together With It; Letter from Pope Francis
U.S.C.C.B. Chairman Response to Pennsylvania Grand Jury Reports; United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Church Sex Abuse Crisis: What You Need to Know; News and articles on the clergy abuse crisis compiled by America Magazine
The Darkness of Scandal and the Light of Christ; Leah Murphy, LifeTeen/p>
Dear Catholic Bishops: This is Not the Time to Play Defense; Katie Prejean McGrady, America Magazine
Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Statement on Crisis to his Diocese; NFCYM Episcopal Advisor, Diocese of Bridgeport
The Virtues of Catholic Anger; Fr. James Martin, S.J.
Youth Ministry: Addressing the Sad Reality of Sexual Abuse; Center for Parent / Youth Understanding
Grieving with You: On the Clergy Abuse and What We Can Do; Blessed is She
U.S.C.C.B. National Review Board Calls for Lay Leadership amid Sexual Abuse Crisis; United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Pastoral Resources in Response to Sexual Abuse; Diocese of Grand Rapids
Address to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Reports; Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension Press, Video
Why Remain Catholic? (With so much scandal); Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire, Video
Q&A about the Sexual Abuse Crisis; Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire, Video
Talking with Children and Teens
Courageous Conversations to Have About the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis ; Dr. Dobie Moser and Dr. Sean Reynolds (Mustard Seed Consultants) to assist in processing the crisis with small groups.
Having Critical Conversations on the Church Sexual Abuse Crisis; a Facebook Live recording with Dr. Dobie Moser and Roy Petitfils.
Talking To Young People about the Scandals in the Catholic Church; Roy Petitfils, LPC offers tips for parents, teachers and ministers on how to discuss the recent scandals in the Catholic Church with young people, Video
Defend Innocence; Age appropriate information to share with children & teens
The Clerical Sex Abuse Scandal: What Parents Can Do & How to Talk to Your Kids; Jerry Windley-Daoust, Peanut Butter and Grace
Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse and Cover Up; Lily Hannann, Life Teen
