Heidi Schlumpf

The group FRK Advocates has some 1,400 signatures on a petition asking for an investigation into Fr. Richard Kirkham's removal as well as overall abuse of office and power by Bishop Michael Olson.

A Nashville deacon who has raised questions about the completeness of the diocese's recently published list of priests accused of sexual abuse has been removed from ministry for "carrying on a public disagreement with the Diocese," according to a letter from his pastor.

Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr said that unless Christians rediscover the "bigger heart" and "bigger mind" of the mystical and contemplative tradition, the church will be unable to make positive change in the world — or reform itself.

As the anniversary of Merton's death is being marked by events around the world, his prophetic take on spirituality and social justice is still relevant today, say his admirers.

Conflicts over proposed budget increases to fund controversial measures at the U.S. border still threaten a possible, partial government shutdown just before the holidays. Faith groups are speaking out.

Chicago's Cardinal Cupich called "false" a news story saying he and Cardinal Wuerl worked on the plan "for weeks" and presented it to the Vatican ahead of the U.S. bishops' meeting.

Some bishops have been more concerned about the reputation of the church than about victims of sexual abuse, indicating "clear corruption" and "a blind spot" that must be addressed, said Archbishop Paul Etienne of Anchorage, Alaska.

Bishops who have committed abuse, covered up abuse or failed to act on abuse must be held accountable and face consequences, the National Review Board chair said in a strongly worded presentation to prelates at their annual meeting.

The two survivors who addressed the annual meeting of the U.S. bishops both expressed "deep disappointment" about the delay of voting on proposals to address clergy sex abuse.

Baltimore -- A surprise Vatican request that the annual gathering of U.S. Catholic bishops delay planned votes on proposals to address clergy sexual abuse has evoked outcry, even leaving some of the prelates at the meeting confused.

Morning Briefing: Post-Midterm election edition: Dems take control of House, while GOP retains power in the Senate; Catholic winners and losers; concerns about "Christian supremacy"

The U.S. bishops' long-awaited pastoral letter against racism is in danger of being overshadowed by discussion of sex abuse at the church leaders' annual meeting Nov. 12-14, but the letter could also help restore some of their credibility.

LGBT activists, theologians and ministers believe the decidedly anti-Christian tone of recent threats and attacks from the "Catholic alt right" — and fueled by well-funded conservative groups — mirror a lack of civility in the broader culture

Morning Briefing: Halloween edition: Scary news about citizenship and sex abuse but some saintly news about Sr. Thea Bowman and others.

Morning Briefing: Memphis bishop removed, Martin Scorsese and the pope chat about intergenerational dialogue, AG in DC opens sex abuse investigation

2018 Midterm Elections: Ohio's 12th district was tagged as "flippable" by national Democrats, despite its nine-term Republican representative having won with double-digit leads over Democratic opponents. Although voters in the district chose Barack Obama in 2008, redistricting in 2011, which eliminated black neighborhoods, has strengthened GOP majorities.

The six Catholic dioceses in Illinois have been sued for conspiracy to conceal a public hazard because they have not released the names of all priests with credible accusations of sexual abuse and misconduct, including those who have died and those who belong to religious orders.

Morning Briefing: More from Archbishop Vigano, a federal probe in Pennsylvania and Buffalo, and a lawsuit against all six Illinois dioceses

Young people crave spiritual mentorship, but such guides must to be trained to accompany younger Catholics today, according to the second round of reports from the synod's English-speaking working groups.

Exclusive: "Bishops have to, as a group, say, 'We cede our rights as bishops to have somebody else come in and investigate us,' " Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich told NCR. "Every bishop has to be willing to say, 'I will allow myself to be investigated by an independent group if there is an accusation against me.' "