Verbatim.

"I felt it was better to make a mistake by being too conciliatory than by listening too much to the attorneys."

--Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, new leader of the Diocese of Phoenix, on his experience dealing with victims of clergy sex abuse (L.A. Times, June 21, 2003)

"I was fired based on church law. There was no mention of the gospel. There was no mention of what Jesus taught us: compassion, love, forgiveness, and charity."

--Bill Stein, former parish music director in Rockford, Illinois, on being fired after diocesan officials learned he was in a long-term homosexual relationship (Associated Press, June 30, 2003)

"These guys were having incredibly bad luck. These guys should not go to Vegas."

--Father Tom Reese, editor of America, on the events leading up to the U.S. bishops meeting (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, June 21, 2003)

"When I look around at the current bishops and the ones I'd like to see promoted, I don't come up with too many names."

--Philip Lawler, editor of Catholic World News (Associated Press, July 2, 2003)

"The future of this land depends also on you! Do not seek a more comfortable life elsewhere, do not flee from your responsibilities and expect others to resolve problems, but resolutely counter evil with the power of good."

--Pope John Paul II, speaking to the young people of Bosnia-Herzegovina (June 22, 2003)