Tag: Vatican
Russian Orthodox Church will join with Vatican in bid to crush secularism
December 19, 2009.
Print: National Secular Society
The Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican – which have been engaged in a power-struggle for centuries – are moving to form a strategic alliance under the banner of fighting secularism.
Can We Talk About Religion, Please?
by RANDY COHEN October 27, 2009.
Print: New York Times
Randy Cohen discusses whether it’s ok to criticize the Vatican’s attempts to poach Anglicans who disagree with the Church of England’s acceptance of gay and women priests. “If a secular institution, Wal-Mart or Microsoft, for example, made a similar offer — Tired of leadership positions being open to women and gay employees? Join us! — it would be slammed for appealing to bigotry.”
Britain’s conservative Anglicans welcome Vatican’s overture
Henry Chu October 22, 2009.
Print: L.A. Times
For many disillusioned by the Church of England’s liberal bent, the offer from Rome to include conservative parishes in the Roman Catholic fold is a godsend. Pope Benedict XVI’s stunning announcement this week of a new dispensation that would, in effect, give traditionally minded Anglicans their own niche within the Catholic Church seems almost too good an offer to pass up.
NSS supports Penn Teller’s right to attack the Vatican on TV
August 31, 2009.
Print: National Secular Society
Another mordant indictment of religion from Penn & Teller, this time aimed at the Vatican, has predictably raised the ire of the Catholic Church. Be sure to watch the great video.
A war of words between Catholics and Jews
Duke Helfand July 6, 2009.
Print: Los Angeles Times
The nation’s Roman Catholic bishops, looking to clarify their position on interfaith dialogue with Jews, have instead caused an uproar by issuing a recent statement that appears to endorse attempts to convert them. Jews are accusing American bishops of backtracking on a statement that explicitly directs Catholics to not attempt to convert Jews.
Genetically Modified Crops Get the Vatican’s Blessing
June 5, 2009.
Print: NewScientist
Pope Benedict XVI’s scientists have given their blessing to genetically modified crops as a possible solution to world hunger and poverty
New Archbishop gets rap from NSS for self-serving “faith school” comments
June 4, 2009.
Print: National Secular Society
New Archbishop gets rap from NSS for self-serving “faith school” comments
Sotomayor and the Culture Wars
Amy Sullivan May 26, 2009.
Print: Time
Cultural conservatives who were gearing up to use Obama’s first Supreme Court nomination as a fundraising opportunity will find Sonia Sotomayor a difficult sell.
Priestly Celibacy: A Self-Inflicted Wound
by Susan Jacoby May 14, 2009.
Print: Washington Post
Should the Catholic priesthood be restricted to single, celibate men? Do clergy restrictions based on gender, marital status or sexual orientation make sense these days?
Da Vinci Code sequel criticised by Catholics
Philip Sherwell in New York and Jonathan Wynne-Jones May 3, 2009.
Print: Telegraph.co.uk
Catholic leaders have attacked the film sequel to The Da Vinci Code for its gratuitously outlandish portrayal of the Church.
Condom flap highlights pope’s message mess
Associated Press March 26, 2009.
msnbc
Despite YouTube, Pope Benedict is struggling with his message
Catholics occupying imperiled churches 24-7
Associated Press March 6, 2009.
msnbc
String of sit-ins going on for more than four years at closed churches
Vatican can be sued for clergy abuse, judges rule
Manya A. Brachear March 4, 2009.
Los Angeles Times
An Oregon man who alleges he was molested in the 1960s by a priest can pursue a civil lawsuit against the Holy See, a federal appeals court says.
Legion of Christ cites misconduct by founder
February 4, 2009.
LA Times
The Catholic order of priests is not specific about the behavior of Marcial Maciel, who was disciplined by the Vatican before he died. br/br/ A staunchly conservative religious order said Wednesday that its founder had committed misconduct.
Vatican demands bishop who questioned Holocaust recant his position
February 4, 2009.
Telegraph.co.uk
The Vatican has demanded that a British bishop who questioned the Holocaust recant his positions before being fully admitted into the Roman Catholic Church.








