All articles tagged with #clergy
Beth Stroud, defrocked in 2004 for being in a same-sex relationship, has been reinstated as a pastor in the United Methodist Church following the denomination's recent repeal of anti-LGBTQ bans. Stroud, who has been teaching at Princeton University and will soon join the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, expressed mixed emotions about her past and future in ministry.
An independent commission in Spain estimates that over 200,000 children have been sexually abused by the Roman Catholic clergy since 1940. The report, based on a poll of over 8,000 adults, found that 0.6% of respondents said they were abused by clergy as children, equating to about 200,000 individuals. When including abuse by lay members of the church, the proportion increased to 1.13%, or over 400,000 people. The report criticizes the church's response to abuse cases and recommends the creation of a state fund for reparations. The Spanish bishops conference has called an extraordinary meeting to discuss the findings.
Religious leaders in Kenya are demanding the resignation of three Supreme Court judges who ruled in favor of allowing the registration of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHR). The clergy argues that the ruling goes against the constitution and traditional values, and they fear it will erode moral values in society. They have called for a review of the judgment and led a demonstration in Nairobi, stating that homosexuality has no place in Kenyan society.
At least 30 Orthodox priests in Russia have faced pressure from religious or state authorities for advocating peace in Ukraine. The Russian Orthodox Church, which has supported the fighting in Ukraine, has punished priests who publicly oppose the war, accusing them of engaging in politics. These priests risk being reassigned, relieved of their duties, or defrocked. Only a small fraction of the more than 40,000 clergymen in the Russian Orthodox Church have spoken out against the conflict. The few public voices against the fighting are seen as crucial in breaking the perceived monolithic position of the church.
Russian Orthodox priests who publicly pray for peace in Ukraine are facing persecution from both the state and the church. The Russian Orthodox Church, under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, demands total conformity and loyalty to the official narrative supporting the war. Priests who refuse to comply can be defrocked, reassigned, or temporarily relieved of their duties. The state has also passed legislation allowing prosecution of those who "discredit the Russian army," which can be applied to any dissenting voice. Despite the risks, a small fraction of priests have spoken out against the war, with only 300 signing a public letter calling for peace. These voices are crucial in breaking the monolithic position of the Russian Orthodox Church, but they face repressions and punishment for their engagement in politics.
Russian Orthodox priests who publicly support peace in Ukraine are facing persecution from both the state and the church. The Russian Orthodox Church, under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, demands total conformity and loyalty to the official narrative, punishing priests who refuse to pray for victory in the conflict. Publicly calling for peace can lead to prosecution under laws that criminalize any dissenting views. Only a small fraction of the clergy have spoken out against the war, with over 30 priests facing pressure and punishment. Those who refuse to comply can be reassigned, defrocked, or face other consequences. The influence of the Russian Orthodox Church extends beyond Russia's borders, with priests serving abroad also facing repercussions for their anti-war stance.
Russian Orthodox priests who publicly support peace in Ukraine are facing persecution from both the state and the church. The Russian Orthodox Church, under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, demands total conformity and loyalty, punishing priests who refuse to read the patriarch's prayer for victory in the conflict. Publicly praying or calling for peace can also lead to prosecution by the Russian state, which has passed legislation allowing for the prosecution of those who "discredit the Russian army." Only a small fraction of the 40,000 clergymen in the Russian Orthodox Church have spoken out against the war, with over 30 priests facing pressure and punishment for their stance. The priests who refuse to support the war can be reassigned, relieved of their duties, or defrocked. However, some priests have appealed to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who has restored their holy rank and allowed them to serve in his churches.
Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Victor Manuel Fernández, archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, to head the Vatican's watchdog office for doctrinal orthodoxy, which includes handling sex abuse allegations against clergy. However, a U.S.-based group, BishopAccountability.org, has criticized the appointment, stating that Fernández had previously discounted victims' claims of sexual abuse by a priest in the La Plata archdiocese. The group argues that Fernández should have been investigated rather than promoted to such a high position within the Church. Fernández, known as the "pope's theologian," is a trusted adviser to Pope Francis and has been involved in drafting important documents. The Catholic Church has pledged to adhere to a zero-tolerance policy on clergy sexual abuse.
Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Victor Manuel Fernández, archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, to head the Vatican's watchdog office for doctrinal orthodoxy, which includes handling sex abuse allegations against clergy. However, a U.S.-based group, BishopAccountability.org, has criticized the appointment, stating that Fernández had previously refused to believe victims who accused a priest in his archdiocese of sexually abusing boys. The group argues that Fernández should have been investigated rather than promoted to such a high position within the Church.
A report released by the Illinois Attorney General's office revealed that nearly 2,000 children were sexually abused by 451 Catholic clerics and religious brothers over the past seven decades in Illinois. The number of accused abusers is significantly larger than the 103 the Catholic dioceses of Illinois had publicly listed in 2018. The report detailed accusations of lengthy coverups and horrific narratives of repeated abuse. The Illinois Catholic Dioceses frequently failed to hold offending priests accountable, the report showed, instead reassigning them or downplaying parents’ concerns.
An investigation by the Illinois Attorney General's office has substantiated child abuse claims against Catholic clergy in the state by more than 1,900 victims, with 451 clerics and religious brothers found to have committed abuse. The report, which covers all six Illinois dioceses, found that some allegations were reported but not acted upon, and that punishments varied. At least 1,997 survivors reported being abused by Illinois clergy, with nearly every survivor struggling with mental health issues. The report discloses the names of 451 substantiated child sex abusers and provides narratives and details on the abuse they committed while serving the Church.