Author: Susan Matthews

Please visit the About page.

Rep. Boyle Plans Legislation on Abuse Reporting

~ Susan Matthews ~ 26 Comments

State Rep. Kevin Boyle D-Philadelphia http://www.pahouse.com/KBoyle HARRISBURG, Nov. 9 – State Rep. Kevin Boyle today announced his plan to introduce legislation aimed at ensuring that people who witness the abuse of a child report it to the proper authorities.  "In light of the alleged child sex abuse scandal at Pennsylvania State University, it is clear … Continue reading Rep. Boyle Plans Legislation on Abuse Reporting

Separation of Church and Penn State: A Lesson for Catholics

~ Susan Matthews ~ 35 Comments

By Guest Blogger, Rev. Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D., Co-founder and President of Road to Recovery The Board of Trustees of Penn State University has provided a lesson in courage and righteousness tonight that should restore Pennsylvanians’ (and others’) faith in higher educational leadership and administration.  The only just solution to the heinous crimes of sexual … Continue reading Separation of Church and Penn State: A Lesson for Catholics

Paterno Coverage Scores a Touchdown for Advocates

~ Susan Matthews ~ 13 Comments

I almost imagine God asking Himself, "What will get the attention of these humans? Ahh, yes. Football." I'm kidding, of course. But I do believe this timing is a result of God's grace. Penn State's scandal breaks at a critical juncture in Catholic Church history. With Msgr. Lynn's trial around the corner, advocates needed people … Continue reading Paterno Coverage Scores a Touchdown for Advocates

Penn State Responds to Grand Jury Report Better Than RCC

~ Susan Matthews ~ 45 Comments

Penn State has fired legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno in the aftermath of their child sex abuse scandal. Their grand jury report seems to have them responding more swiftly and decisively than the Philadelphia Archdiocese. When children are raped and people don't react in a moral and ethical way, there should be immediate … Continue reading Penn State Responds to Grand Jury Report Better Than RCC

Sister Saddened by Chaput’s Statements

~ Susan Matthews ~ 51 Comments

From the Philadelphia Inquirer's Letters to the Editor, Sunday, November 6, 2011 Chaput says school closings concern parishioners most.... AID ABUSE VICTIMS I am very saddened by Archbishop Charles Chaput's comments about statutes of limitation regarding the sexual abuse of children ("Chaput says Philadelphia school closings concern parishioners most," Oct. 28). In opposing reform the … Continue reading Sister Saddened by Chaput’s Statements

CNN Special: Priest Predators In Plain Sight

~ Susan Matthews ~ 63 Comments

"It’s a story that’s all too familiar. Catholic priests accused of abusing children. Church leaders accused of covering it up. But that familiar story has a disturbing new chapter. For decades accused priests who were kicked out of the church have blended back into society. No one keeps track of where they live. Gary Tuchman … Continue reading CNN Special: Priest Predators In Plain Sight

Judge Rules that Accused Priest Can’t Question Former Altar Boy

~ Susan Matthews ~ 11 Comments

Click here to read breaking news: "Priest accused of rape may not question ex-altar boy," by John P. Martin, Inquirer Staff Writer, Nov. 1, 2011 Excerpt from above linked article: "Common Pleas Court Judge William J. Manfredi denied the request by the Rev. Charles Engelhardt and Bernard Shero to interrogate their accuser and be given … Continue reading Judge Rules that Accused Priest Can’t Question Former Altar Boy