Articles by JD Flynn
USCCB officials on the ballot for conference leadership role
Sep 18, 2020 / 09:25 amTwo officials of the U.S. bishops’ conference will be candidates to replace Msgr. Brian Bransfield, the outgoing general secretary of the conference.
New York parish anti-racism pledge prompts controversy
Sep 3, 2020 / 10:26 amA New York priest said his parish added a “pledge for racial justice” to Masses as part of its anti-racism initiatives, and that no one at the parish is required to participate in it. While video of the pledge has been the subject of criticism in the media and from some Catholics, the Archdiocese of New York has not commented on the matter.
Church officials evaluating priest who told Catholics to ‘disobey’ bishop on mask wearing
Sep 2, 2020 / 15:50 pmBoth the Archdiocese of Denver and the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter are reviewing the situation of a priest who told Catholics to disobey the orders of Church and civic officials regarding masks at Mass and other religious services.
'God is not a liar' - Invalidly baptized priest thankful for God's Providence
Aug 25, 2020 / 14:55 pmFr. Matthew Hood of Detroit sees God's Providence in all that has happened since his invalid baptism.
Detroit man thought he was a priest. He wasn't even a baptized Catholic
Aug 22, 2020 / 13:10 pmFather Matthew Hood of the Archdiocese of Detroit thought he became a priest in 2017. He hadn't even been baptized.
Analysis: The end of business as usual for the USCCB?
Aug 21, 2020 / 12:23 pmThe U.S. bishops’ conference has canceled its in-person November meeting in response to the coronavirus pandemic, several sources have told CNA. Sources say that conference leadership is now considering whether to conduct an abbreviated virtual meeting in place of the cancelled event.
USCCB official 'elated' over Harris, Biden's pro-choice VP pick
Aug 13, 2020 / 13:43 pmAn official at the U.S. bishops’ conference said Thursday that the selection of Senator Kamala Harris as Joe Biden’s presidential running mate is good news that will offer policies favorable to marginalized people.
Denver archbishop praying for conversion after St. Jude statue beheaded
Aug 13, 2020 / 12:33 pmAfter the statue of a saint was beheaded outside a Denver parish, the city’s archbishop said he’s praying for the conversion of those who have attacked churches and religious statues across the country in recent months.
Analysis: Will anything change on pro-choice politicians and holy communion?
Aug 12, 2020 / 20:05 pmCan pro-choice politicians like Biden receive the Eucharist? And will anyone stop Biden if he approaches the communion line?
Excommunicated priest rejects Pope Francis, misconduct allegations
Aug 11, 2020 / 12:47 pmA Sacramento priest excommunicated last week says he stands by his claim that Pope emeritus Benedict XVI is the true pope. In addition to charges of schism, the priest is suspected of misconduct and improper relationships with at least two adult women; he confessed his love to one of them in a video message circulating online.
Vatican II not sole controversial council, Catholic theologian says
Aug 5, 2020 / 14:35 pmAmid recent contention over Vatican II, a theologian told CNA that ecumenical councils have a history of provoking conflict, but their expression and explanation of the Catholic faith is protected by the Holy Spirit.
Obama alum running for Congress denies defrauding progressive Catholic group
Aug 3, 2020 / 18:15 pmThe former executive director of a progressive Catholic political advocacy organization, who is now vying for a Congressional seat in Tennessee, has denied a former board member's allegations that he defrauded the organization and eventually left it bankrupt.
Priests for Life Fr. Frank Pavone resigns from Trump campaign roles
Jul 24, 2020 / 23:25 pmPriests for Life national director Fr. Frank Pavone has resigned from advisory positions in the reelection campaign of President Donald Trump. The priest resigned at the direction of Church authorities, he told CNA Friday.
Vatican issues new guidelines for parishes: 5 things you need to know
Jul 20, 2020 / 12:20 pmThe Congregation for Clergy on Monday published new guidelines for the world’s parishes. Here are 5 takeaways.
Criticism of Cardinal Dolan letter 'silly,' Weigel publisher says
Jul 14, 2020 / 17:30 pmThe publisher of a new book by papal biographer George Weigel said Tuesday that it sent Weigel’s latest text to Catholic cardinals as a matter of course, and that it often sends newly published books to Catholic leaders.
California Catholic university puts St. Junipero Serra statue in storage
Jul 14, 2020 / 10:30 amA California Catholic university has placed a statue of St. Junipero Serra in storage after at least three statues of the saint have been toppled by protestors in the state.
Indiana priest's suspension after Black Lives Matter letter divides Catholics
Jul 9, 2020 / 22:22 pmCatholics in one Indianapolis suburb are divided over the suspension of a priest who called organizers of the Black Lives Matter Movement “maggots and parasites.”
Analysis: As Archbishop Viganò denounces Vatican II, the Vatican is not speaking
Jul 1, 2020 / 10:35 amNeither Pope Francis nor the Vatican have said a word about Viganò or his growing pile of missives. Why?
After backlash, EWTN radio host Gloria Purvis says she will persevere
Jun 26, 2020 / 14:55 pmGloria Purvis, host of a Catholic morning radio show produced by EWTN, said she will keep speaking out for racial justice, amid news that her show will no longer be broadcast by a large radio network which carries EWTN’s syndicated radio content.
Diocesan bankruptcies could require Vatican approval, Vatican official reminds bishops
Jun 23, 2020 / 12:50 pmThe Vatican has written to the president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, to remind dioceses that filing for bankruptcy could require the consent of the Holy See.