Free Republic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Retired Springfield Bishop Daniel L. Ryan "engaged in improper sexual conduct and used his office to conceal his activities" when he headed the diocese, said an investigative report released by the diocese Aug. 2. It said Bishop Ryan, Springfield's bishop from 1984 to 1999, fostered "a culture of secrecy ... that discouraged faithful priests from coming forward with information about misconduct" by other clergy in the diocese. The investigation did not address sexual abuse of minors by church personnel, for which the diocese has a separate process. But it found evidence of other misconduct in a few...

Massachusetts Bishop Refuses to Present Award to Pro-Abortion HonoreeHOLYOKE, Massachusetts, March 3, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell, of Springfield Diocese, has said he will not present an award for distinguished achievement to a recipient who is pro-abortion.  In long-standing tradition, Bishop McDonnell presents an annual award, on behalf of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, to honor someone of Irish descent for distinguished achievement.This year, the John F. Kennedy Award will be presented to a recipient who is pro-abortion, and the Bishop has expressed his objection. Thomas J. Ridge was selected by the Committee to receive the award on...