Whether or not Billy Doe was telling the truth, the Church DID cover up decades of clergy child sex abuse. The internal archdiocesan documents that emerged from the trial revealed the depravity of the institution. We saw the memos that Msgr. Lynn received and sent. We were able to share the list Cardinal Bevilacqua kept … Continue reading Billy Doe Case Doesn’t Define Scandal

Click here to read: "Judge rules documents be public in priest abuse case," by Joseph A. Slobodzian, Friday, January 15, 2016 Excerpt: "The two-paragraph ruling by Common Pleas Court Judge Mark I. Bernstein was a setback for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which had asked for an order barring public disclosure of the materials. The church … Continue reading Church Can’t Hide Documents

Click here to read, "Lynn's lawyers ask for bail and a new judge," by Jeremy Roebuck, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dec. 24, 2015

Click here to read, "Phila. archdiocese removes priest - again," by Laura McCrystal, Philly News.com, December 21, 2015 Editor's note: Father Harris is still listed as having full priestly faculties on the Archdiocesan web site and we couldn't find any public notice there or on the parish web site. There is a mention of the … Continue reading Breaking: Archdiocese Removes Father Harris

It's a week late, but I want to thank everyone who visits and contributes their comments to Catholics4Change. We are so grateful. Words are powerful and you've shared many here. I was back in Philadelphia for work and to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. Kathy Kane along with her husband and daughter had decided to … Continue reading Belated Thanksgiving

by C4C Guest Blogger Last Friday night, I saw the movie “Spotlight” with two friends. It had been on my “to do” list since I had first seen the trailer. As a Clergy Abuse Survivor, it was interesting to me how the Catholic Church would be portrayed. All too often, Catholic apologists bash the media … Continue reading A Survivor’s Take On ‘Spotlight’

Click here to read, "'Spotlight' portrayal of sex abuse scandal is making the Catholic Church uncomfortable all over again," by Michelle Boorstein, November 9, 2015, The Washington Post. Excerpt: “The sin and crime of sexual abuse sadly still happens. And while failing to report on or remove an offender is rare in comparison with past … Continue reading Catholic Church Child Sex Abuse Scandal Rightfully Remains in ‘Spotlight’

"Spotlight" opens in limited-release today. This movie about the Pulitzer-prize winning Boston Globe journalists who broke the clergy abuse story may finally raise awareness to the level of outrage needed to create real change, if not in the Church, in our laws regarding the statute of limitations. Because I'm not a victim, many have wondered … Continue reading Spotlight: Movie Shines a Light On Current Problem

"We've gone out of our way to explore in the past in response to the grand juries," he said. "I think the people responsible for the grand jury reports would acknowledge our response as being very positive and thorough. The fact that people want more - what is the more they want that we haven't … Continue reading What Would You Like to Be Done About Clergy Sex Abuse? Archbishop Chaput Wants to Know.

Excerpt from ABC.com, Sept. 27, 2015 Pope Francis met with victims of clerical sex abuse today and promised to hold those responsible accountable. The 30 minute meeting was with five adults who had suffered sexual abuse as minors by the clergy or members of their family or teachers, according to the Vatican. The meeting, held … Continue reading Pope Addresses Clergy Abuse Victims in Philadelphia