Click here to read: “Philadelphia priest abuse trial to draw plenty of attention,” by Ross Levitt and Susan Candiotti, CNN, March 25, 2012
Excerpt: “(Rich) Green, the nephew of deceased Cardinal John O’Connor of New York, says he was abused by a priest at a Philadelphia high school in 1990. The priest died in 1999, and the statute of limitations has run out on Green’s ability to sue the Philadelphia archdiocese.
Green did receive a settlement from the Archdiocese of Wilmington, Delaware, where the priest’s order is based, and says he plans to attend Lynn’s trial as often as he can.
“We are asking for these people who are responsible for destroying our lives to be held accountable for what they did to us,” Green said. “We are the ones telling the truth, and I don’t understand why the Catholic Church can’t tell the truth.”
If you heard ‘donohue’ he stated ” he has no knowledge of anyone being abused “, to me this is his disclaimer, because if abuse is occurring he doesn’t know about it ( more BS) , what a ‘weasel” The importance of this trial is to show the pattern of cover up that the rcc/archdiocese clergy / hierarchy and the lawyers / lawyer firms of Phila engaged in, as bevilaqua et al others lied when they testified at Phila Grand Juries. I hope indictments and arrests are in order. I’ll bet they all thought because they have enormous amounts of money and political connections they would get away with this ? PSYCH !
I was contacted by a CNN producer who told me there were some issues with the 5pm segment and some of the video had to be fixed. He said he would email a link when it was ready.
Thank you Rich Green for having the courage to speak up and take action to expose the truth.
Every single person is responsible for their own decisions and their own actions. The church officials know exactly what they are and were doing, protecting themselves and protecting their institution, they do not care about protecting innocent kids.
Isn’t it interesting that in the KC-St Joe diocese the bishop is blaming the vicar general, yet in the Philly Archdiocese the vicar general is blaming the bishop?
Those who sexually abuse a child need to be held accountable and kept far away from children forever. Those who enable and empower more kids to be sexually abused and cover up these crimes need to be held accountable and prosecuted. The church officials can not be held above the law anymore. Unless they are punished nothing will change.
The reason this important trial is taking place is because of the brave victims who have the courage to speak up and take action to expose the truth so that kids are better protected today.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511
snapjudy@gmail.com
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims.
SNAP was founded in 1988 and has more than 12,000 members. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers and increasingly, victims who were assaulted in a wide range of institutional settings like summer camps, athletic programs, Boy Scouts, etc. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Judy… if you are working against all forms of abuse… which is great… please change your name to reflect that… right now it appears as if SNAP has an ax to grind against the Church…. if you have to keep explaining that your name improperly reflects your mission, than perhaps you need to change the name of your organization.., be fair! After all that is what you preach… preach better with your actions
Fra Joseph SNAP stands for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, and directly above your post is a detailed description by SNAP of those other folks, that SNAP investigates including ‘religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers, and increasingly, victims who were assaulted in a wide range of institutional settings like summer camps, athletic programs, Boy Scouts etc.’
I have an ax to grind with the Catholic Church. My advice is simple: Practice what you preach.
The Catholic Church is built upon layers and layers of hypocricy. Whereas it stands if any other organization had such a high rate of it’s emplyees abusing children, it would most certainly expose these perpetrators, remove them from employment within their organizations, and hand them over to law enforcement. No other institution in the world has covered up for so many terrible crimes against, of all people, innocent defenseless children.
The Catholic Church also has a reputation for speaking out againt abortion and homosexuality. We have evidence to prove Catholic priests who have had affairs with women, impregnated them, and forced those women to have abortions. It is also thought to be accurate that more than half of Catholic priests are homosexuals.
However, I don’t believe for one moment that heterosexual or homosexual Catholic priests are the problem in the church. I believe that collectively every member of the church is the problem. More children are abused by heterosexual married me, or rather their own fathers, then, the statistics dwindle down the line to mothers, aunts & uncles, family friends, neighbors, coaches, teachers, and lastly priests. Clergy abuse accounts for a very small percentage of childhood sexual abuse. The bigger issue is that no other institution has covered up for abusers, hid them, transferred them to other areas with more unsuspecting children to abuse, and then denied it over and over in the face of justice than the Roman Catholic Church. Fr. Avery proved recently that “priests do the opposite of what preach. Priests lie, and yes, priests rape children.”
I will be the last person to give props to SNAP, because I just have issues with the organization and its supposed support of myself and some of my friends, but the organization was founded by men and women who were abused by Catholic priests, thus the reason for the name, Survivors Network of those Abused by “Priests.”
Today, SNAP has evolved into an organization that reaches out to victims of sexual abuse everywhere. Is that a bad thing? Didn’t I already make it clear that clergy abuse accounts for a very small percentage of childhood sexual abuse? But it doesn’t mean that clergy abuse is nonexistant, and whereas RAINN (Rape and Incest National Network) is more geared toward women and adult rape victims, certainly it must be acceptable that clergy abuse victims like myself are able to create our own organization.
The problem I have is we’re too busy arguing over the name of an organization, or its purpose. We seem to be missing the main focus that children have been raped, children will continue to be raped, and nothing will change unless everyone inside and outside of this groups are willing to stand together to stand up for what is right and just. It is time for people who care about innocent defenseless little children to scream from the rooftops “ENOUGH!”
Joan— my point is simple… if you represent groups of people abused by people of different groups…. than your name is misleading as it only suggests that people in the group were abused by priests! It wrongly gives the impression that only people have been abused by priests. Any by the way… most child abuse occurs in the home.. why don’t you help people abused in families?
I was abused by a priest, Fra. There’s tons of child sexual abuse everywhere, mostly in the home. I can’t be everywhere at once. I know plenty of people who are fighting to end those injustices as well. Instead of complaining, why don’t you help end abuse everywhere?
Fra ,A woman I have worked with for the past year on statute of limitation reform in Pa. ,was raped by her uncle from the ages of 5 -9. She has been working towards SOL reform for the past 10 years in order to keep other children safe because her uncle remains unprosecuted to this day. She was not the only family member who suffered abuse by this man. So when the Church says SOL reform is targeting the Church..not true. One of the advocates working on SOL reform in New York was abused by a coach and he has done tremendous work uncovering abuse within the world of children sports–it makes sense to work towards solving the problem of abuse in the area that affected your own personal life while also working towards laws that will help all children. Fra…how do you help fight against child sex abuse?
I just want to thank you Rich Green for speaking up and speaking out about your horrific experiences that you have carried with you throughout your life. You are a very brave and caring man for having shared your experiences with all those watching CNN. I am proud to know you even if through such an anonymous medium as this computer site.
Well I’m not so anonymous anymore, am I?
There was a time though when I didn’t want to be anywhere near a camera. Maybe that’s still the case, but when the producers from CNN contacted me on Friday afternoon, I just thought “screw it!”
It was time to listen to what my heart kept telling me to do. This is just the beginning.
Rich, I join with the others and thank you for having the courage and strength to come forward and speak out. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to walk in your shoes, but I am awed by your courage.
I am thrilled that the judge has turned down the request to delay the trial. Praying that the truth comes out, eyes are opened and justice is served.
I do believe the victims.
You were just right in front of the camera— and I also think you make it easy for anyone to picture themselves or their child in the shoes of a victim.
I share the exact same sentiments as Michael, Rich. You have many supporters here.
Yeah I think this site does many things but I hope that our survivors know we support you and believe you and it breaks my heart to think their are many struggling alone and we are here if you need us. Their is strength in numbers and when you speak you break the silence but it has to be in your own time.
Could someone tell Bill Donohue to remove his blinders. This guy has done more harm than good with his inaccurate and arrogant comments. Wake up Bill and all those who continue to defend the criminal priests! It is OUR CHURCH and WE have the right to speak up and tell the truth. We won’t back down. I think we have given the heiracrhy of the church plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. Each time they continue to play spin doctor and not accept responsiblity. Seems to me that they have the attitude of “Do as I say, not as I do”. Well, guess what? Your time is up and we will get back OUR CHURCH!
Have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.” (Matthew 10:26-27)
Ourchurch, I think Bill Donohue is a lovely ad for the bishops, choleric, bombastic, embarrassing.
I understand your points, and share your vision, but there is an evil part of me that hopes he will continue to represent the hierarchy, if for no other reason than its an interesting reflection of the bishops’s taste.
I feel the same way Joan. I think he speaks to the arrogance of many hierarchs. Keep the blowbag on the payroll…let the world see what you are all about!
Joan, you captured my experience of Donohue on the 5:25 segment: “choleric, bombastic, and embarrassing.”
The contrast between Rich’s presence and Bill Donohue’s angry stammering was stunning.
Bill Donohue is actually helping the victims .and the truth to unfold….
His words are so absurd…. and the public and the media are seeing who he really is..
The scary thing is that there are a lot of Pew Potatoes who believe Donohue. This is due to the fact that they have a psychological need to believe him. They simply can’t accept the fact that the leadership of the RCC is morally bankrupt.
Bill Donohue will never be without a job. He perpetuates the Pew Potatoes’ need for an ideal Church that exists only in their minds. The RCC that Donohue provides them is not a real Church. It is clearly a fictitious Church. Donohue’s church does not exist.
Donohue provides a “Neverland,” a place of escape for those who will never be able to accept the fact that their prelates (including popes) are actors and criminals, NOT holy men of God. This “Image” is everything, and must never be destroyed!
For those of you who are familiar with the movie “The Matrix,” Donohue is the establishment that is trying to prevent Catholics from being awakened to the real world of faith.
Drwho13, do you suppose that some of these Donohue pew folks, simply don’t realize that the hierarchy in Dallas constructed a policy relative to sex abuse that did NOT hold the bishops accountable for the very issues of the Lynn trial, ie church ‘management’ passing on predators?
Or put another way, they simply don’t understand the huge ‘holes’ in present USCCB policy. And when Donohue states that there is no more abuse, that’s a reflection of the ‘self reporting’ of local dioceses to the USCCB. The Philadelphia Archdiocese was reporting….during Lynn’s tenure….that they were ‘in compliance’ with the national norms….the 2005 Grand Jury report indicated 63 priests about whom the had very serious concerns.
Donohue is a spokesman for the ‘holes’ and the bishops who designed them.
Joan,
I believe that the Donohue pew folks simply don’t put anywhere near the time and effort that the C4C folks do into researching and digesting the the facts related to pedophile priests, and the protection they receive from the bishops. In large part, this is because the truth that they may find is simply too painful.
They have a deep psychological need to believe that priests and bishops are good holy men (never speak ill of a priest), just like the RCC taught us went we were young.
Donohue reassures them that all is well, thus they are comfortable, and their ‘good feelings’ remain secure.
Drwho13, in many ways, we depend on the media to report the kind of info, that C4C folks have learned through research. Info that could inform those folks in the pew.
And the media is not so detailed.
But I thank God for them, and think the Holy Spirit uses them. I think it was Sipe who said that without the Boston Globe, we, in the US, might still be in the dark ages relative to clergy abuse, where very sadly I suspect, much of third world currently resides, abuse wise.
I want to thank all the media for their efforts in this trial period, they are very important to the full disclosure of the evil that has been practiced in Philadelphia for so many years.
Joan, I worry terribly for the children exposed to clergy in the third world…maybe the fact that pc’s and smart phones can be easily purchased even in poorer countries, providing better access to world news, will accelerate the third world’s “learning curve” about this type of abuse -?
hey ..let this man talk. His tone is just right and he even looks the part! (i’m sorry to say, he looks like anybody’s sharp-tongued, red-faced, thick-headed, pugnacious uncle, who’s shown up in ill humor and slightly buzzed, to a family wake.) –one gets the feeling there’s always a temper tantrum brewing just under the surface there……So let him represent the men who run the RCC. He’s perfect!
I posted this under another topic, but wanted to post it here because I think some may have missed it as it got lost in the comments. I just want people to know how much I appreciate your support for me and all victims. Thanks again!
I appreciate the support of everyone here and your positive feedback on my decision to comment with CNN on the upcoming trial. Being public about my story was never something I thought I would be able to do, much less go on national televsion to air it all out.
When I went public with my story in June 2009, literally a handful of people knew about my abuse just one day prior to the press conference. Actually, those people, excluding one, hadn’t even known until a few months prior, when I decided to take my history to the District Attoney in Philadelphia in March 2009. After the press conference I could’ve never imagined how much my story would be covered by national and international media outlets. It all became so real when I returned home and FOX and New York Times news vans were on my doorstep waiting for a comment. Being a nephew of Cardinal John O’Connor was really the catalyst that made the story explode. I just wanted to prove a point that if I can be abused, then anyone can be abused. I wanted other victims to know that I come from a very conservative, Irish Catholic family, and for many years, because of my family, I never thought anyone would believe me. The priest is to be held with royalty and respect in my family, and I was certain my family would be upset and call me a liar. They were upset and they called me a liar.( LOL I was right about that.) But, it wasn’t about them. It was about me and my life and how I could figure things out so I could be okay. I needed to tell other victims that no matter what their own family backgrounds are, or whom they’re related to, or how Catholic their families are that if I can speak up, you can speak up. Within just a few days, a dozen people, whom I know of, spoke up.
I’m noticing a lot on this site lately of people commenting “I believe the victims.” Thank you for those comments. You may not have any idea just how powerful those words are to many of us. We spend our entire lives feeling like we’ll never be believed about what happened to us. When I read those comments over and over, I get a tremendous sense of relief and I feel like I’m making a difference, and you all make me feel good about me. You’ve given me the courage to be public when I never wanted to. You’ve given me a reason to keep fighting for what I, or we, believe in. You gave me another reason to be alive today.
Initially, I didn’t want anything to do with this site. I just thought it would be another bunch of illinformed, misguided Catholics, who may very well be against child abuse, but would support the Catholic Church until the very end. I thought maybe if I opened up on this site and gave you the raw truth, some of the most graphic details of my own abuse, maybe you could try to imagine what my eyes have seen and how my body has felt. I started my own website and I realized I was only attracting other victims or people who supported us entirely, and that wasn’t exactly a bad thing, but I wanted to win a debate with people who didn’t get it and those who pledged never to support us or believe us. I just wanted to get people to believe that the stories we are telling is at least possible. I wanted those parishioners who have spit in my face, thrown coins and stones at me on the sidewalk, and who have insulted me with every degrading and foul word you thought you’d never hear out of the mouth of a good Catholic old lady, to just give us a chance and consider that we might actually be telling the truth.
I’ve seen the discussions here change. Just after the birth of this site, reading here made me more angry than any insult or object a parishioner could throw my way during a demonstration. I see different reactions, and a collaboration of the eternal search for accountability and justice, and most importantly, the protection and well-being of children everywhere, that today and in the future children are a little bit safer because we chose to do something about it. Over a year later of discussions, I now see the exact opposite of what I had originally anticipated from people on this site. To me, that’s just another aspect of justice. Your alliance with us victims has been important, inspiring, and greatly appreciated.
YOU are amazing… and I hope you know that…
Judy Jones. SNAP
Thank you, Rich, for your leadership. Given the number of people who heard you yesterday, there is no way to ever know the difference your words will make in the lives of others.
Martin
To the victims who have spoken and those who have not – know that all of you are always in our prayers. You do have support and always will. Your courage is an example to us all. Stary strong and know you are not alone.
I’m out of the country.
I want Rich to know that, at breakfast this morning, I, along with a couple of Swedes, a German and a family of four from Trinidad, watched the video CNN has up now on its website regarding the trial and including Rich’s remarks.
From Barbados, bringing Rich, the trial, and C4C into the international community…
Respectfully yours,
Hadit
Is there a link to a video of the CNN coverage?
I found the story, just not the video.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/26/justice/pennsylvania-priest-trial/index.html?iref=storysearch
I was going to say just watched it awesome job Rich. I am proud of you and what you are doing to help protect kids and support other survivors.
Thank you Rich!
You did an excellent job!
Great support to other survivors too.
I just watched the video, Rich. You did a terrific job. I want to personally thank you for speaking up, as difficult as it must be, because your courage will ultimately protect my children and countless others. And, for those victims who are unable to speak up about the horrors that occurred to them…..we understand and support you, too.
good job Rich… that blow hard Donahue should keep on doing his video appearences, and we can all watch the cover-up bishops sink along with him. And I can say this because I have that same obnoxious style Bronx accent softened thank you by my trip west 50 years ago.
Rich, sorry for your loss. It takes great resolve to push forward when you have experienced the loss of a parent. Glad to read that your have fellow survivors to assist you at this time.
Your story needs to be told:
As part of the settlement, the Oblates also released the names of 12 priests against whom there were admitted or otherwise substantiated allegations of sexual abuse. All served at Salesianum at least once during their ministries, but their assignments included schools and parishes in Delaware City, Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania towns, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Uruguay, Ecuador and Mexico.”
http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2011/07_08/2011_08_02_Miller_OblatesSettle.htm
“Bishop Michael Saltarelli had released a list of diocesan priests who had similar allegations against them in 2006. The Oblates had refused to release such a list until Thursday, though the names of their accused were revealed as lawsuits were filed.
The Very Rev. James J. Greenfield, provincial of the Oblates, announced the settlement with a video on YouTube and released a statement apologizing “for anything that an Oblate has done to violate a trust or harm a person.””
Knew many of these abusers and it seems they leave out that McDevitt spent his summers at Camp Brisson with campers ages 8 to 14 where I know one person(penn state lineman) who witness abuse and reported it. These guys were moved because of the abuse. Some had agreements and still were sent to assignments exposing more children to their attacks against the agreements parents signed when they learn of the abuse.
. The Oblates haven’t been very forth coming – All served at Salesianum – check the principals in the 70’s and 80’s.
Thank you Rich.
If you need any information relative to the conduct of the Oblates and their “management” of clergy abuse allegations, contact their attorney. Another one of Stradley and Ronon’s finest, Mark Chopko.
Mr. Chopko is the Chair of the NonProfit and Religious Organizations Group at Stradley, with offices in Washington, DC and Philadelphia. Phone number 202-419-8410 and e-mail mchopko@stradley.com.
He’s been in the field a very long time as former counsel to the USCCB for twenty years. He attended the University of Scranton, receiving a Jesuit education. Certainly, he is very concerned about “social justice” and how it relates to the protection of all of our children.
http://www.bishopaccountability.org/assign/Engelhardt_Charles_F_osfs.htm
look up o’neill, grant + killion, (above link)
two or more links in a post will give you a wait for moderation
(on bill donahue)….
— such cluelessness (and irony) in letting himself be filmed in front of the symbol of the Cath. League (–apparently a sword and shield)… seemingly arrogant, violent symbols of an organization in a religion, which is supposed to stand up for life, peace, love…and turning the other cheek..
btw.. Wikiped. has it that Bill started out by teaching in a parochial grade school (St. Lucy’s) in Spanish Harlem….so you’d think he’d desire RCC honesty, transparency and accountability, to help get to the bottom of what happened to children in those schools and to advocate for them now. ..but instead he works hard to suppress these people…(?)
Rich you looked and sounded great. Awesome job!