Pope to Punish U.S. Nuns for Focusing On Poverty Instead of Abortion

According to the New York Times, the Pope has appointed an American bishop to "rein in" the largest group of Catholic nuns in the United States.

Members of the group, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious -- which represents 80 percent of nuns in the U.S. -- had challenged church teaching on homosexuality and the male-only priesthood. The sisters also dared to “disagree with or challenge the bishops, who are the church’s authentic teachers of faith and morals.”

The nuns were blamed for focusing "too much on poverty and economic injustice, while keeping silent on abortion and same-sex marriage."

The bishop appointed to rein in the nuns, Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartrain, stirred controversy in 2010 after his diocese knowingly ordained a priest who later pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a young boy over a five-year period.

Related news

In related news, a man testified yesterday that he was raped at a home owned by the current West Virginia bishop.

Also yesterday, a Boston College trustee resigned after criticism of his supervision of a priest convicted of child sexual abuse. 

In California yesterday, a judge ruled that two victims can seek punitive damages in a clergy sex abuse and cover up case. Also in California, in L.A., a young man said he was coerced into appearing in a series of pornographic videos produced by his teacher at a Catholic high school while church officials tried to cover up.

Meanwhile in Kansas yesterday, a priest at the Sacred Heart Cathedral was arrested for sexual battery. 

Priest assault charges continue to pour in on a daily basis around the world:

A priest in Australia (called a "violent bully") was sentenced to nine years yesterday for a series of sexual assaults on young girls. Also in Australia, the government announced it is going to hold a year-long inquiry into the Catholic Church and its handling of criminal abuse cases against children.

In the Netherlands yesterday, politicians called for an inquiry into Church-ordered castrations in the 50s and 60s and asked for research into allegations of abuse coverups, while in England survivors of widespread childhood abuse by the clergy have called for a full government inquiry.

Church Opposes Child-Protection Law 

Last week, the California Catholic Conference (the lobbyist for the California bishops) opposed AB1628, a bill that contains a short extension of the child-sex-abuse statutes of limitations, and requires more rigorous background checks for employees and volunteers who work closely with children.

Photo: Blessed Mother and St. Elizabeth Visitation statue at Brooklyn Visitation Monastery

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.