Click here to read: "Column: Penn State case bad, but church sex abuse worse," by DeWayne Wickham, USA Today, July 29, 2012 Excerpt: "According to that grand jury report — and another in 2003 and 2005 — the Philadelphia archdiocese's coverup of pedophile priests started before Bevilacqua became its leader and lasted after he was … Continue reading Philadelphia Archdiocese Evades Punishment
Category: Clergy Sex Abuse
Breaking News: Father Andrew McCormick Arrested
Click here to watch: "Local priest arrested on sex charges," by 6 ABC Action News, July 27, 2012
Child Sex Abuse Victim Reacts to Lynn Sentence
Click here to read: "Monica Yant Kinney: Priest-abuse victim: 'Lynn didn't give a damn,'" The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 25, 2012 Excerpt: The judge acknowledged that one conviction "does not reflect the totality of his life." But neither could she dismiss the wrenching impact of Lynn's do-nothing approach to people like Cubberley - whom Sarmina mentioned … Continue reading Child Sex Abuse Victim Reacts to Lynn Sentence
Archdiocese Issues Absurd and Enraging Response to Lynn Sentence
The Archdiocesan official response to Msgr. Lynn's sentencing shocked me in its blatant and utter disregard for justice, truth, victims and Church healing. I'm not shocked this is their take on it. I'm floored that they put it out there for the press. I thought the arrogance would have been left at the court room … Continue reading Archdiocese Issues Absurd and Enraging Response to Lynn Sentence
Lynn Sentenced to Three to Six Years
Click here: "Msgr. Lynn Sentenced to 3 to 6 Years in Prison," NBC 10, July 24, 2012
Where From Here?
I hope Judge Sarmina sentences Msgr. Lynn to the maximum of seven years. I want the District Attorney's office to pursue all possible avenues of prosecution in regard to all involved. I want state legislators to improve laws regarding child sex abuse. But what do we want from our Church as this point? I want … Continue reading Where From Here?
Victim Impact Statement to Judge Sarmina
Dear Judge Sarmina, My name is Bob Fisher and I had the opportunity of testifying at Msgr. Lynn's trial April 25th. I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you how my life has been affected by my abuse and its aftermath. Edward Avery's assault on me was psychological and spiritual as well as sexual in … Continue reading Victim Impact Statement to Judge Sarmina
Philadelphia D.A. Will Retry Brennan
Click here to read: "Prosecutors to retry priest in abuse case," by John P. Martin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 23, 2012 Excerpt: "Philadelphia prosecutors will retry James J. Brennan, the former parish priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who was accused of trying to rape a 14-year-old boy in 1996, they said Monday. The case … Continue reading Philadelphia D.A. Will Retry Brennan
Rigali Bypassed Review Board In Clearing Bransfield
Click here to read: "Abuse probe dogs bishop, despite Rigali's unorthodox role," by John P. Martin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 22, 2012 Excerpt: "In a break from practice, the accusation against Bransfield bypassed the archdiocese's civilian review board, according to a source briefed on the case but not authorized to publicly discuss it. The board … Continue reading Rigali Bypassed Review Board In Clearing Bransfield
A Pastor’s Thought on the Statute of Limitations
According to a Catholics4Change reader this was posted on the Web site of Epiphany Parish in Philadelphia. It appeared in the July 15th parish bulletin and was written by Father John Pidgeon, the pastor. "Lifting the statute of limitations and opening a window in which victims can sue is a topic that must be given serious consideration. If this … Continue reading A Pastor’s Thought on the Statute of Limitations
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