Author: Susan Matthews

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Priests Lost Confidence in Their Bishop

~ Susan Matthews ~ 32 Comments

Click here to read: "Missouri Bishop's Conviction Leaves Clergy Divided," by John Eligon and Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times, December 2, 2012 Excerpt: "In the three months since Bishop Robert W. Finn became the first American prelate convicted of failing to report a pedophile priest, lay people and victims’ advocates have repeatedly called for … Continue reading Priests Lost Confidence in Their Bishop

New Non-Profit Urges Public to Face Child Sex Abuse

~ Susan Matthews ~ 74 Comments

Recent institutional sex abuse coverups within the Philadelphia Catholic Church and Penn State University mobilized a group of professionals, parents and advocates to form CSA: Let’s Face It. Through its Web site and events, the new nonprofit offers support to adult survivors and hopes to raise awareness of the public health crisis created by child … Continue reading New Non-Profit Urges Public to Face Child Sex Abuse

Can We Believe the Archdiocese?

~ Susan Matthews ~ 127 Comments

submitted By Sister Maureen Turlish On October 15, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced its decision to restore Rev. Joseph DiGregorio to ministry, a priest credibly accused of the sexual exploitation of a minor. It did so while releasing as little information as possible. The Archdiocese's poor record of accountability and transparency began to become known … Continue reading Can We Believe the Archdiocese?

Hold Institutional Policy Makers Accountable

~ Susan Matthews ~ 41 Comments

Click here to read, "Monica Yant Kinney: New sex-abuse charges put institutional leaders on notice," The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sunday, November 4. Excerpt: "Before 2007, the only people in Pennsylvania who could be charged with child endangerment were those with actual contact with children. Think of the father who left his toddler in the car while … Continue reading Hold Institutional Policy Makers Accountable

Hold a Child Sex Abuse Parish Information Forum

~ Susan Matthews ~ 267 Comments

One of the more promising developments over the past year has been parish-based forums on clergy child sex abuse. We need more to do so. Some have held healing services, but I prefer "information forum" for several reasons. While healing is most certainly needed on all fronts, it seems that would come more easily after … Continue reading Hold a Child Sex Abuse Parish Information Forum

Sister Maureen Counters Chaput’s Argument Against Child Sex Abuse Law & First Friday Vigil Reminder

~ Susan Matthews ~ 265 Comments

Reminder: First Friday Vigil outside the Archdiocesan Offices at 222 N. 17th Street on October 5, 2012 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Advocate Sister Maureen Paul Turlish sent the following to the Archdiocesan-administered PhillyCatholic.com in response to Archbishop Chaput's recent comments regarding child sex abuse legislation. by Sister Maureen Paul Turlish What about our … Continue reading Sister Maureen Counters Chaput’s Argument Against Child Sex Abuse Law & First Friday Vigil Reminder

Archbishop Chaput Speaks with Parents of Clergy Abuse Victim on Sidelines of Harrisburg Trip

~ Susan Matthews ~ 69 Comments

Click here to read: "Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput talks to parents of victim of clergy abuse during trip to Harrisburg," by Ivey DeJesus, The Patriot-News on PennLive.com, September 25, 2012 Excerpt: "Chaput said he agreed to meet legislators with no one specific topic on the agenda. He said they discussed education and the upcoming election, … Continue reading Archbishop Chaput Speaks with Parents of Clergy Abuse Victim on Sidelines of Harrisburg Trip