Category: Prevent & Advocate

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

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

Msgr. Lynn’s Lawyers Will Seek Bail Pending Appeal

~ Susan Matthews ~ 53 Comments

Click here to read: "Msgr. Lynn's Lawyers Seek Bail On Appeal," by John Slobodzian, The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5, 2012 Excerpt: "In court filings, Lynn’s attorneys have argued that he should be released on bail pending appeal because there is “better than a 50-50 chance” that the state Superior Court will find the prosecution’s extension … Continue reading Msgr. Lynn’s Lawyers Will Seek Bail Pending Appeal

Archdiocese Issues Absurd and Enraging Response to Lynn Sentence

~ Susan Matthews ~ 156 Comments

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

Rigali Bypassed Review Board In Clearing Bransfield

~ Susan Matthews ~ 56 Comments

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

~ Susan Matthews ~ 99 Comments

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