BY KATHY KANE Many people believe that the legislative battle in Pennsylvania right now is a matter of money. The belief that victims want civil suits for financial compensation and that the Church wants to protect its finances. What many do not realize is that victims/survivors often seek to bring civil suits for the truth … Continue reading St. John Vianney: Sins of Omission or Downright Deception?

Click here to read: "Applauding local religious leaders for acknowledging 'a great sin,'" by the Lancaster Online Editorial Board, June 20, 2016 Excerpt: Earlier this month, Lancaster County religious leaders from a mix of Christian denominations added their names to a letter to the state Senate Judiciary Committee. They urged quick passage in the Senate of … Continue reading Local Christian Leaders Support HB 1947

Click here to read: "Arguments on constitutionality: The main points point out of Senate hearing on statute of limitations reform bill," by Ivey DeJesus, PennLive.com June 13, 2016 Excerpt: The hearing, which featured five expert witnesses, only one testifying in support of the bill, focused on the constitutionality of the bill, which would impose look-back … Continue reading Key Points From Senate SOL Reform Bill Hearing

Click here to read: "Philly Archdiocese's push against bill reminds councilman of 'Spotlight,'" by Daniel Craig, Philly Voice, June 2016   Click to see video of Bill Greenlee On Reports of Church Retaliation Against Legislators Click here to read: "Child rapists deserve no safe harbor,"  by Nick Miccarelli, Times Guest Columnist, June 8, 2016, DelcoTimes.com. Excerpt:  I … Continue reading Chaput’s Strategy Backfires

Supporters for HB 1947 will gather at 8am and noon on Monday at the Capitol steps (3rd  Street between Walnut and North) in Harrisburg. Monday is the day senators will meet for hearings on the constitutionality of the bill.

FACT SHEET: On the Constitutionality of HB 1947 Background: Currently in Pennsylvania, a survivor of child sex abuse has until age 50 to file criminal charges and age 30 to initiate a civil suit if the abuse occurred after 2002. Anyone abused before that year has much less time to report abuse. HB 1947 seeks … Continue reading HB 1947 Is Constitutional and Does Not Attack Church

Click here to read: "Priests, parishes target Pa. legislators who backed sex-abuse bill," by Maria Panaritis, The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 8, 2016 Excerpt: One lawmaker called it "electioneering." Another grew emotional as she recounted being snubbed by a priest. A third penned a Facebook screed that became the buzz of the House of Representatives. Legislators … Continue reading Philly Clergy Resorts to Spiritual Shaming

Click here to read: "To understand Pa. battle over clergy sex-abuse victims law, look to Delaware," by Maria Panaritis, The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 5, 2016 Excerpt: In all, U.S. Catholic institutions have paid some $2.2 billion in settlements and court-ordered abuse damages since 2002, said Terry McKiernan, founder of BishopAccountability.org, an advocacy group that has … Continue reading Delaware Illustrates Impact of PA Child Sex-Abuse Reform

Written by OWLFAN This past week has been a whirlwind for survivors such as myself with the news that House Bill 1947, which passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in April, would be going to the Senate for hearings in June.  The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has begun circling the wagons in anticipation of this … Continue reading A Survivor’s Take On Pending Legislation

Click here to read: "With abuse bill looming, Chaput calls priest meeting," by Maria Panaritis, Philly.com, May 16, 2016 Editor's note: This bill would protect all children in Pennsylvania from child sex abusers who have escaped the justice system due to the current statute of limitations. This is not limited to clergy sex abuse cases. Many … Continue reading Chaput Calls Priest Meeting On Bill