The newest Catholic Archbishop in Missouri is described as a staunch conservative who goes by the Vatican book. Archbishop-elect Raymond Burke takes over the St. Louis Archdiocese after nine years as Bishop of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He succeeds Justin Rigali, who is the new Cardinal of Philadelphia. Burke has promised to personally talk to anybody who accuses a priest of sexual abuse. Last year, Burke’s diocese was one of two in the nation that withdrew support from the annual Church World Services CROP Walk because the Christian Rural Overseas Program distributes condoms in developing nations and finances family-planning services. He has criticized the Harry Potter novels, and says it’s not a good idea to talk about married priests.
