Clergy sex abuse scandal prompts Gallup prayer gatherings

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — The Sisters' Council of the Diocese of Gallup is planning weekly prayer gatherings in response to the ongoing sex abuse scandal within the Catholic Church.
The sisters in a statement said they will commit themselves to praying the rosary either privately or with community members every Wednesday.
The Gallup Independent reports two local prayer gatherings are scheduled this Wednesday.
Sister Pat Bietsch, chair of the Sisters' Council, suggested the community prayer gatherings. She is among more than 60 Catholic sisters currently working in the Gallup Diocese.
She called the abuse "a grave sin," saying it has affected the diocese and the church immensely. She also said investigations in New Mexico and elsewhere must be transparent and that the council wants survivors to know the sisters will be praying for them.
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Information from: Gallup Independent, http://www.gallupindependent.com