CLERGY VICTIMS GROUP LAUNCHES WITCH HUNT AGAINST PRIESTS IN ERIE, PA

The northwestern Pennsylvania chapter of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) has embarked on an aggressive campaign, posting signs on the front doors of Catholic schools throughout Erie County urging people to come forward with the names of molesting priests.  Erie Bishop Donald Trautman labeled the unauthorized campaign as “reprehensible.” ... [Read more...]

FLAP OVER SANTORUM SPARKS NY CONGRESSMAN TO BASH CATHOLIC CHURCH; APOLOGY DEMANDED

The controversy over remarks made by Senator Rick Santorum has now led New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler to accuse the Catholic Church of bigotry. Last night on the Fox News Channel show, “Hannity and Colmes,” Nadler said Santorum believes that homosexual acts are a problem.  To which Hannity said, “The acts.  By the way that’s the Catholic... [Read more...]

The Church Scandal: Fodder for State Meddling

by William A. Donohue (Catalyst 4/2003) The sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church is being used by state lawmakers to crack the wall of separation of church and state. Unless this is resisted by the hierarchy of the Church, state meddling in the internal workings of the Church will grow. One of the more conspicuous examples is the willingness... [Read more...]

PROGRESS MADE ON BILLS AIMED AT CONFESSIONAL

Several states are now reconsidering bills that would end the exemption for the priest-penitent privilege. In every instance, the Catholic League has been integrally involved in challenging any legislation aimed at breaking the confessional seal. The most dramatic success occurred in Maryland, Iowa and West Virginia. Led by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick... [Read more...]

JUDGES BAN PLEDGE

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected an appeal to reconsider a ruling made in June, 2002 by a three-member panel of judges that held the Pledge of Allegiance to be unconstitutional because of the words “under God.” The three judges slightly altered their earlier ruling which had banned the Pledge in all public forums; they now decided... [Read more...]

THE CATHOLIC LEAGUE AT 30

Were it not for Father Virgil Blum, there would have been no Catholic League. A Jesuit professor of political science at Marquette University, Father Blum founded the Catholic League in 1973 as an anti-defamation organization. The organization’s goal is in its title: religious and civil rights. From the beginning, the Catholic League has made anti-Catholicism... [Read more...]

THE CHURCH SCANDAL: FODDER FOR STATE MEDDLING

By William A. Donohue The sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church is being used by state lawmakers to crack the wall of separation of church and state. Unless this is resisted by the hierarchy of the Church, state meddling in the internal workings of the Church will grow. One of the more conspicuous examples is the willingness of some state legislators... [Read more...]

SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS RIGHTS OF PRO-LIFE ACTIVISTS

It was a great victory for abortion protesters. Thanks to pro-life activist Joe Scheidler, it will now be easier for those opposed to abortion to exercise their First Amendment rights. On February 26, the U.S. Supreme Court in an 8-1 decision ruled that the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as the Hobbs Act,... [Read more...]

FAITH-BASED CARE ACT MAKES SENSE

On January 21, the six Democratic contenders for the presidency appeared at a NARAL Pro-Choice America event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade. The following day, the actual anniversary date of the abortion ruling, NARAL president Kate Michelman and Planned Parenthood president Gloria Feldt held a press... [Read more...]

BILL O’REILLY GETS IN OVER HIS HEAD

Many people admire Bill O’Reilly for his aggressive style and his emphasis on “no-spin” reporting. He delights in being a contrarian. It is also well known that O’Reilly is a Catholic, and in discussions of Catholicism he often gets in over his head, as he does while opining on other subjects. Lately O’Reilly has picked up the pace on his... [Read more...]

Next Page »