The returns are in from yesterday’s primaries, and they include a defeat for the anti-union “right to work” law in Missouri and two races involving Trump-backed Republicans that were too close to call: the Republican primary for governor of Kansas and a special election in Ohio’s 12th congressional district. The latter, usually a GOP stronghold, has Catholic progressive Danny O’Connor down by less than 1 percent, with absentee ballots yet to be counted.
Former VP Joe Biden, a Catholic, has launched an LGBTQ acceptance project called “As You Are.”
As we await the grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, bishops and others continue to propose ideas for addressing abuse and cover-up by bishops, in light of the allegations against former Washington Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.
- Five members of the first National Review Board are calling for a truly independent investigation.
- Today’s edition of the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, includes a report on NCR Vatican correspondent Joshua McElwee’s interview with Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington about his proposal for a panel to investigate misconduct allegations against bishops.
- Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago believes any investigation should include lay people. So does Bishop Scharfenberger of Albany.
ICYMI: I was on WNYC’s “Brian Lehrer Show” on Monday, talking about McCarrick and the pope’s change to church teaching on the death penalty. Audio available.
And speaking of sexual misconduct in churches, the sad story of Chicago-area evangelical mega-church Willow Creek continues, with another victim of sexual harassment by it is founding pastor coming forward, the founder’s heir stepping down, and the church moving toward an independent investigation.
Global Sisters Report staff are at the annual meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in St. Louis this week, where the theme is “A Call to Communion.” If you’re there, stop by the GSR booth and say hello! If not, follow GSR’s coverage, starting with this conference preview and this profile of incoming LCWR president Sharlet Wagner, a Holy Cross sister.
In the “what the heck” department: a California bishop says no more Communion services without a priest. Instead, he suggests prayer services without Communion.
A transgender teen is refused Communion and other parish news in this week’s Field Hospital round-up.
This piece by RNS’ Jack Jenkins connects quite a few dots between Franklin Graham and other evangelicals and Russia.
Call it “subornation” or “collusion,” it’s still a crime and wrong, says Michael Sean Winters.
Amid post-election violence in Zimbabwe, Catholic and other churches are trying to help foster peace.
Our review of Finding Jesus Among Muslims finds that interreligious dialogue is relational, accessible and especially urgent in these times.
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