Awake Blog
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Awake Prayer Service Lifts Up Questions About Abuse in the Church
The crisis of sexual abuse and leadership failures in the Catholic Church has led many faithful people to experience a mix of painful feelings such as anger, sorrow, horror, frustration, and embarrassment.
Dr. Kathleen McChesney: Transparency Around Clergy Abuse is “Absolutely Essential.”
Dr. Kathleen McChesney is a central figure in the Catholic Church’s efforts to address sexual abuse by clergy and religious leaders.
Awake Grieves the Harm Caused by Native American Residential Schools
In May and June of this year, Native communities in Canada found hundreds of unmarked graves near the sites of two residential schools.
Publisher GIA Contacts All U.S. Dioceses About Catholic Composer David Haas
GIA Publications, one of the largest publishers of Catholic hymnals and sacred music in the United States, emailed all Catholic dioceses in the country last week, explaining its decision to stop publishing music written by Catholic composer David Haas, and sharing news of his ongoing behavior.
What’s Happening with the Wisconsin Investigation of Abuse by Clergy and Religious Leaders?
Last week the office of Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced that it has received more than 100 reports so far in its statewide investigation of clergy and faith leader abuse. The investigation began in April when the Wisconsin Department of Justice…
Two Small Words, One Growing Impact: Why Awake is Updating Our Mission Statement
It has now been almost two years since we officially launched Awake Milwaukee in August 2019 with a simple website and our Open Letter to Survivors (which you can still sign here!).
Update: Archdiocese of Milwaukee Will Not Issue Statement on Music by Catholic Composer David Haas
Readers of the Awake Blog know that we have closely followed the reports of sexual abuse by Catholic composer David Haas, known for songs such as “Blest Are They” and “You Are Mine.”
Yes, the Pennsylvania Attorney General Investigation of Clergy Abuse was Hard. But It Helped My Mom and Fellow Abuse Survivors.
When I look back on 2016, I realize what a strange and intense year it was for me and my family. I was finishing my bachelor’s degree in Pennsylvania at Alvernia University, and had reached the point when I had to decide on a career path.
Archdiocese of Milwaukee Raises Doubts About Statewide Clergy Abuse Investigation, Awake Responds
Earlier this month, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee sent a 12-page letter to Wisconsin attorney general Josh Kaul, expressing objections to the Department of Justice investigation of sexual abuse by clergy and other faith leaders, launched in April…
During Retreat, Awake Reflects on Growth, Plans Ahead for Future
On Sunday, June 13, the leadership of Awake Milwaukee gathered for an in-person retreat at St. Robert of Newminster Parish in Shorewood, an event that allowed Awake members to pray together, connect, and plan the organization’s work for the next six months.
10 Things Never to Say to Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
As the daughter of a clergy abuse victim-survivor and a lay person who works for the Church, I speak often with fellow Catholics about my family’s experience with the abuse crisis.
Exploring the Impact of Clergy Abuse on Black Communities
The experience of African Americans has been largely erased from the history of sexual abuse in the U.S. Catholic Church, according to three panelists who spoke at an event at Fordham University in April….
Courageous Conversation: Understanding Wisconsin’s Clergy Abuse Investigation
Awake’s latest Courageous Conversation offered Wisconsin Catholics insights into Attorney General Josh Kaul’s recently launched statewide investigation of sexual abuse by clergy and faith leaders.
Starting the Conversation About Clergy Abuse in Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the Catholic Church are just beginning to grapple with the issue of sexual abuse by Church leaders, due in part to shame and stigma that limit open conversation about sexuality, according to an expert panel at Fordham University….
When Michigan Investigated Clergy Sexual Abuse, My Former Pastor was Arrested
I don’t remember exactly how I found out that my former pastor had been arrested for criminal sexual conduct against an adult.
As Wisconsin Clergy Abuse Investigation Begins, Survivors Respond with Hope—and Reservations
When Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced in Madison last week that he was launching a statewide investigation of sexual abuse by clergy and other faith leaders, he was flanked by two survivors of clergy abuse who were clearly moved by the event.
Attorney General Starts Statewide Investigation of Clergy Sexual Abuse in Wisconsin
This morning Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the start of a statewide investigation of sexual abuse by religious leaders in the Catholic Church and other faith communities. The announcement came after Kaul met Monday with representatives of…
Wisconsin Attorney General to Launch Investigation into Clergy Abuse
According to an article that appeared Thursday in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin’s attorney general Josh Kaul is preparing to launch a statewide investigation into clergy sexual abuse.
Courageous Conversation: Remembering Nate Lindstrom
Aaron Lindstrom, the guest speaker at Awake’s latest Courageous Conversation on April 15, shared memories of growing up with his younger brother Nate, who was “super outgoing” and “always ready to have fun” as a child.