Category: Clergy Sex Abuse

Breaking News: Lynn’s Lawyers Argue Charge Doesn’t Apply

~ Susan Matthews ~ 18 Comments

"Priest's lawyers argue endangerment charge does not apply," by Nancy Phillips, Inquirer Staff Writer, June 6, 2011. Excerpt: "The judge scheduled a July hearing for arguments on whether prosecutors erred in charging Lynn with child endangerment, an offense that his lawyers said did not apply to his conduct. Under Pennsylvania law, child endangerment charges may … Continue reading Breaking News: Lynn’s Lawyers Argue Charge Doesn’t Apply

Stopping Donations Is Only Part of Solution to Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal

~ Susan Matthews ~ 12 Comments

The results of this Catholic Standard and Times poll indicate there will always be those who continue to participate and contribute despite Archdiocesan criminal behavior. While 25% say they will donate less, 15% say they will become MORE active in their parish and 38% say the current crisis won't affect their participation at all. Visit and … Continue reading Stopping Donations Is Only Part of Solution to Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal

Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop’s Resignation

~ Susan Matthews ~ 19 Comments

Why won't The Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board take this strong a stand? Kudos to the Kansas City Star. Even though Cardinal Rigali sent in his resignation papers upon his 75th birthday (as required), our newspapers could do a better job of making him more uncomfortable while he waits. "Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop Finn's … Continue reading Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop’s Resignation

Panel of Experts to Answer Questions on Catholics4Change

~ Susan Matthews ~ 23 Comments

Clergy sex abuse, the cover up and related issues raise so many questions. In an effort to serve our readership, Catholics4Change has assembled a panel of experts to answer queries related to their specialties. Whether your question involves PA legislation, Canon Law, archdiocesan policy, spirituality, victim support - we will do our best to get … Continue reading Panel of Experts to Answer Questions on Catholics4Change

Prosecutors’ Prophetic 2006 Letter Begged Cardinal to Consider His Conscience

~ Susan Matthews ~ 29 Comments

In July of 2006, Maureen McCartney and Mariana Sorenson, two prosecutors assigned to the 2005 Philadelphia grand jury investigation wrote Cardinal Rigali a letter foreshadowing the 2011 Grand Jury Report. "We are writing to you as private citizens and advocates of legislative reform because we are alarmed by the message – propagated by Church lobbyists … Continue reading Prosecutors’ Prophetic 2006 Letter Begged Cardinal to Consider His Conscience

Principal Warned Diocese About Priest A Year Before Arrest

~ Susan Matthews ~ 3 Comments

"Diocese Warned of Priest's Aberrant Behavior One Year Before Arrest,"by Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter, May 26, 2011 Excerpt: "According to guidelines established by the U.S. bishops in their 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, independent review boards in each diocese are to help the bishop “in his assessment of … Continue reading Principal Warned Diocese About Priest A Year Before Arrest

Spin Control in Philadelphia

~ Susan Matthews ~ 9 Comments

"Crisis Control in Philadelphia," by Joan Frawley Desmond, National Catholic Register, May 26, 2011 NCR: "So boundary violations created the discrepancy between the cases in the grand jury report and Cardinal Rigali’s initial insistence that no priests with credible allegations of abuse were still in ministry? That’s why the priests were subsequently suspended? Mary Achilles: … Continue reading Spin Control in Philadelphia