laity

(Newser) - Pope Francis has decided to give women the right to vote at an upcoming meeting of bishops, and the AP reports that's a historic reform that reflects his hopes to give women greater decision-making responsibilities and laypeople more say in the life of the Catholic Church. Francis approved changes...

(Newser) - The Church of England, already buffeted by worldwide Anglican battles over gay clergy, is heading for a showdown after a bitter debate over women bishops. The General Synod yesterday voted in London to support ordaining women bishops—and struck down any compromise that would have appeased traditionalists opposed to women...

(Newser) - The San Diego Diocese is turning over every stone to pay its $198.1 million settlement to sexual abuse victims, asking both priests and parishioners to chip in. Clerics are apparently willing—many will donate a month’s salary—but parishioner responses are far less positive, the LA Times reports....