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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Sex Abuse, Celibacy and Politics in the Roman Catholic Church

Sexual abuse by priests has cost the Roman Catholic Church both members and money in the US. An avalanche of cases in Europe could cost even more. The Church blames the secularization of western culture, but even the Cardinal of Vienna has questioned the issue of priestly celibacy .

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Sexual abuse by priests has cost the Roman Catholic Church both members and money in the US. An avalanche of cases in Europe could cost even more. The Church blames the secularization of western culture, but even the Cardinal of Vienna has questioned the issue of priestly celibacy. Pope Benedict XVI's apology to the faithful in Ireland has left many frustrated and angry. Is the Vatican out of touch with the needs of women and children? American nuns defied the Conference of Catholic Bishops to support healthcare reform. Is there a crisis of confidence in a hierarchy run solely by men?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Andrea Brody

    Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

  • KCRW placeholder

    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Sister Simone Campbell

    NETWORKLobby member; leader of Nuns on the Bus

  • KCRW placeholder

    Lisa Miller

    domestic correspondent New York Times

  • KCRW placeholder

    Garry O'Sullivan

    Editor, Irish Catholic

    NewsNationalPolitics
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