Bishop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Finding Aid Prepared by Patrick Shank

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Bishop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Finding Aid Prepared by Patrick Shank BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Finding aid prepared by Patrick Shank This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit November 20, 2018 Describing Archives: A Content Standard Catholic Historical Research Center (CHRC) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia November 2018 6740 Roosevelt Blvd Philadelphia, PA (215) 904-8149 [email protected] BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Table of Contents Summary Information ................................................................................................................................. 3 Biographical/Historical note.......................................................................................................................... 4 Scope and Contents note............................................................................................................................... 4 Administrative Information .........................................................................................................................5 Controlled Access Headings..........................................................................................................................5 Collection Inventory...................................................................................................................................... 7 Accession 1990.139................................................................................................................................. 7 Accession 2011.009............................................................................................................................... 37 - Page 2 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Summary Information Repository Catholic Historical Research Center (CHRC) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Title Bishop Edward Cullen Papers Date [bulk] Bulk, 1982-1987 Date [inclusive] 1965-1987 Extent 5.8 Linear feet ;15 Boxes Language English Abstract This collection contains the papers of Bishop Edward Cullen when he was a Msgr. in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia while he was head of Catholic Social Services. The bulk of the material deals with his time on the City of Philadelphia’s MOVE Commission as well as his work on the 1983 Holy Year of Redemption and the Council of Priest. Preferred Citation note [Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Bishop Edward Cullen Papers, Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. - Page 3 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Biographical/Historical note Bishop Edward Cullen was Bishop of Allentown from 1998 through 2009 and prior to that he was an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Bishop Cullen during the early 1980s was a monsignor who served as the head of Catholic Social Services in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. During that time he served on a number of committees. The main committee on which Cullen served was the Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission, which was formed in 1985 to investigation into the city’s decision to drop a bomb on the house occupied by MOVE. MOVE was a back to nature group that over time and an earlier shot-out with police in 1978 changed into what the commission deemed a terrorist cult. The siege of 6221 Osage Ave in Cobbs Creek ended after the Police Department dropped a bomb on the house to destroy a fortified bunker which MOVE had built on the roof. The resulting fire killed 11 people, including 5 children and estrous 61 homes, leaving over 250 neighbors homeless. The commission found that the city had acted failed to act responsibility throughout the conflict with MOVE and offered a number of recommendations for the future. Cullen also served on the 1983 Holy Year of Redemption Committee which was called by Pope John Paul II to commemorate the 1950th anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus. The committee planed events for the Holy Year in Philadelphia. The third group that Cullen served on was the Council of Priests, which is an assembly of priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia which meet to give advice and assist the Archbishop in governing the archdiocese. Scope and Contents note This collection contains the papers of Bishop Edward Cullen when he was a Msgr. in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia while he was head of Catholic Social Services. This includes minute books, correspondence, and publications. The bulk of the collection is from 1981-1986 but has material dating to the late 1960s as well. Series I subseries I contains material relating to the City of Philadelphia’s Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission. This part of the collection deals with the commission’s investigation into the city’s decision to drop a bomb on the house occupied by MOVE. This includes minute books and witness interviews as well as transcripts from the public hearings. There are also reports and memos dealing with different aspects of the investigation, including the final published findings of the commission. There are also folders with copies of court cases between the Fraternal Order of Police and the city and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania against Ramona Africa. - Page 4 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Series I subseries II deals with the planning of the 1983 Holy Year of Redemption. This part of the collection contains minutes and correspondence from the organizing committee as well as publications made for the Holy Year. There is also a number of folders dealing with the 1975 Holy Year, which was likely used as reference for the planning of the 1983 one. Series I subseries III contains material relating to the Council of Priests. The bulk of the material deals with Cullen’s time on the council from 1981-1983 but also contains information on the council going back to 1967. There is also a national diocesan survey on the salary of pastors. Series II subseries I is similar to series I subseries II in that it deals with the planning of the 1983 Holy Year of Redemption. This subseries contains committee meetings, correspondence, and event information. Series II subseries II is similar to series I subseries III in that it contains material relating to the Council of Priests. This subseries has bills from the council as well as canon law and information of parish renewal. Administrative Information Publication Information Catholic Historical Research Center (CHRC) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia November 2018 Conditions Governing Use note This collection is open for research use. Custodial History note Accession Numbers 1990.139 and 2011.009 Controlled Access Headings Genre(s) • Administrative reports • Minute books - Page 5 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Geographic Name(s) • Philadelphia (Pa.) Subject(s) • Catholic Church--Philadelphia (Pa.) • Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Pa.) • Clergy--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia (Pa.) - Page 6 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 Accession 1990.139 Collection Inventory Accession 1990.139 MOVE Commission 1978-1987 Supplemental Report of Dr. Hameli 1986 Box Folder 1 1 Text Witness Schedule and Interviews 10/23/1985 Box Folder 1 2 Text Witness Schedule and Interviews 10/18/1985 Box Folder 1 3 Text Witness Schedule and Interviews 10/22/1985 - Page 7 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 MOVE Commission Box Folder 1 4 Text Report of Dr. Hameli 1985 Box Folder 1 5 Text Analysis of Explosive Employments and Correspondence 1985 Box Folder 1 6 Text Court Case: FOP vs City of Philadelphia 1985 Box Folder 1 7 Text Witness Interviews 1985 Box Folder 1 8 Text - Page 8 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 MOVE Commission Witness Schedule and Interviews 10/29-10/30/1985 Box Folder 1 9 Text 5th Amendment Rights Box Folder 1 10 Text Chronology of Events Box Folder 1 11 Text Handwritten Chronology and Interviews Box Folder 1 12 Text Police Reports, Interviwes, and Directives - Page 9 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 MOVE Commission Box Folder 1 13 Text Police Command Meeting: MOVE 1985 Box Folder 1 14 Text Police Planning for MOVE Operation Box Folder 1 15 Text William Lytton's Notes: RE Police Commissioner Sambor Box Folder 1 16 Text Witness Schedule 11/5/1985 Box Folder 1 17 Text - Page 10 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 MOVE Commission Fire Department Memo 5/13/1985 Box Folder 1 18 Text Metallurgy Reports Box Folder 1 19 Text Examination of the Remains Box Folder 1 20 Text Fire Department Memo 1984 Box Folder 2 1 Text Witness Interviews 1 of 2 - Page 11 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 MOVE Commission Box Folder 2 2 Text Witness Interviews 2 of 2 Box Folder 2 3 Text Testimony of Mayor Goode Box Folder 2 4 Text Testimony of Leo Brooks Box Folder 2 5 Text Testimony of Gregore Sambor Bin Folder 2 6 Text - Page 12 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 MOVE Commission Witness Interviews Box Folder 2 7 Text Witness Interviews Box Folder 2 8 Text Report Opinion of Commissioner Bowser Box Folder 2 9 Text Findings of Commission 3/6/1986 Box Folder 2 10 Text Commision Questions Guidelines - Page 13 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 MOVE Commission Box Folder 2 11 Text Court of Common Pleas: Commonwealth vs Romona Africa 1/28/1986 Box Folder 2 12 Text Police Memo: Assigment Sheet Box Folder 2 13 Text Summary of Hearing and Misc. Correspondence Box Folder 2 14 Text Commission Executive Order and Membership Box Folder 2 15 Text - Page 14 - BIshop Edward Cullen Papers MC 103 MOVE Commission Fraternal Order of Police Suit Box Folder 2 16 Text Folder Labeled July 1, 1985 Box Folder 3 1 Text Folder Labeled June 22, 1985 Box Folder 3 2 Text Folder Labeled June 8, 1985 Box Folder 3 3 Text Press Releases - Page 15 - BIshop Edward
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