Really? Are you kidding me? I may just lose it. Every single day I'm reminded that despite global attention on Catholic clergy sex abuse, the Church is in a complete cluster when it comes to handling it. Or, more cynically, these are calculated moves. A friend just emailed me a link for the "Protection of … Continue reading No! No! No! Diocese Still Not Directing Victims to Police
Category: Prevent & Advocate
Summer Required Reading: The 2011 Grand Jury Report, Fourth Installment
Our fourth installment of the 2011 Grand Jury Report reprints its "Recommendations" section. This is relevant in light of today's cover story on our new Archbishop's legislative lobbying in Colorado."RecommendationsObviously, nothing will really change in the church until there is a will to change. In the meantime, there are steps to be taken, both inside … Continue reading Summer Required Reading: The 2011 Grand Jury Report, Fourth Installment
Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua
Breaking news from the Inquirer."Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua," by David O'Reilly, The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5, 2011Excerpt from linked article:"A judge has set March 26 as the trial date for the first member of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in the nation to be charged in a clerical sex abuse scandal and four codefendants.Common … Continue reading Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua
Lawyers Want Bevilacqua to Testify
Bevilacqua should be compelled to testify. He has no problem speaking with his visitors. I love this quote from the defense - "the strain of such a requirement on Cardinal Bevilacqua is simply inhumane." Excuse me - endangering children is inhumane. Here's the article: "Lawyers want ailing Bevilacqua to testify on tape for abuse trial," … Continue reading Lawyers Want Bevilacqua to Testify
New Law Gives Delaware Victims Closure
The story linked below illustrates how Pennsylvania could and should give victims the opportunity for justice. A two-year window would out perpetrators and those who harbor them. Some argue that money can't undo the past. It doesn't, but our justice system acknowledges that victims need more than abstract apologies and relies on compensation. That financial … Continue reading New Law Gives Delaware Victims Closure
Criminal Plaintiff Files Civil Suit Against Archdiocese
"Plaintiff in Case Against Philly Archdiocese Sues," by David O'Reilly, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 26, 2011 Excerpt: "His lawyers say church officials, including Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, exhibited "callous indifference to the safety and well-being of children" by ignoring a psychiatrist's recommendation that Avery not be given unsupervised access to children."
And Who Are You?
Stepping into the Archdiocesan Office Building just minutes before the press conference, I spotted two former colleagues from the Catholic Standard and Times. As I said hello, the elevator doors opened. Cardinal Rigali and Archbishop Chaput emerged and stopped to greet them. Turning to me, Cardinal Rigali extended his hand and asked with a smile, … Continue reading And Who Are You?
Breaking News: Chaput To Be Named Archbishop of Philadelphia
The official announcement is expected tomorrow morning. The new Archbishop's welcome wagon basket is chock full of grief. I won't begrudge him a cheese steak, but then it's time to get down to business. The faithful have laid out a to do list that can't wait. 1. Protect our children. 2. Renew the Catholic Church … Continue reading Breaking News: Chaput To Be Named Archbishop of Philadelphia
Justice4PAKids Launched by Coalition of Child Protection Advocates
Will our soon-to-be-named new Bishop fulfill the recommendations set forth by the Grand Jury? The likelihood varies with the candidates who have been rumored as replacements for Cardinal Rigali. I was hoping the assignment would be announced to Philadelphia's faithful during Sunday Masses. But it looks like this will be a media announcement. Spiritual healing … Continue reading Justice4PAKids Launched by Coalition of Child Protection Advocates
Summer Required Reading for Catholics: The 2011 Grand Jury Report
As practicing Catholics, it is our responsibility to read the 2011 Grand Jury Report on clergy abuse. Please read it. Pray on it. And, then most importantly, I ask you to act on it. No real solution can be found until the entire Church addresses this issue. Pedophilia can and does occur anywhere. What doesn't … Continue reading Summer Required Reading for Catholics: The 2011 Grand Jury Report
Catholics4Change 