"Statutes of limitations exist to ensure a just verdict can be reached," said Amy Hill, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, the bishops' political arm in the state. "Over time witnesses' memories fade, evidence is lost or never found, and in many instances perpetrators or witnesses may be deceased." - Reuters.com Hill's argument doesn't hold … Continue reading Catholic Church Continues to Lobby Against Child Protection Law Reforms
Clergy Sex Abuse Not On Pope’s Official Philadelphia Agenda
As a child, I was among the million Catholics lining the parkway for Pope John Paul’s visit in 1979. My father propped me up on a mailbox. The sea of people was a sight to behold – one huge Catholic family. That memory is marred by what I now know as an adult about our … Continue reading Clergy Sex Abuse Not On Pope’s Official Philadelphia Agenda
Archdiocesan Priest Placed On Leave Presents Himself as Clergy In Public
According to sources, on Friday, June 26th, Father Louis J. Kolenkiewicz attended a funeral at the chapel of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. He was in full priestly attire. Why is that a problem? Earlier this year, Archbishop Chaput placed Kolenkiewicz on administrative leave. Parishioners at St. Bede the Venerable in Holland … Continue reading Archdiocesan Priest Placed On Leave Presents Himself as Clergy In Public
Father John Paul Laicized After Being Allowed to Stay as Pastor During Secret Investigation
Father John Paul has chosen voluntary laicization. It's a quiet end to a situation that enraged parents and those who came forward with allegations. Due to Pennsylvania's Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse, he can not be charged with any crimes. In November of 2013, Father Paul resigned as pastor of Our Lady of … Continue reading Father John Paul Laicized After Being Allowed to Stay as Pastor During Secret Investigation
Archbishop Resigns in Wake of Tribunal Formation and Criminal Charges
Click here to read: "Catholic Archbishop and Aide Resign in Minnesota Over Sexual Abuse Scandal," by Mark S. Getzfred and Mitch Smith, The New York Times, June 15, 2015 Excerpt: The resignations come about 10 days after prosecutors in Minnesota filed criminal charges against the archdiocese for its mishandling of repeated complaints of sexual misconduct … Continue reading Archbishop Resigns in Wake of Tribunal Formation and Criminal Charges
Father Haynes Pleads Guilty to Child Porn and More
Click here to Read: "Suspended Chester County priest pleads guilty to child pornography charges," by Jeremy Roebuck, The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 8, 2015 Excerpt: Mark Haynes, 56, previously of SS. Simon and Jude Parish in Westtown, admitted to trading hundreds of pornographic images of children over Instagram and enticing teenage girls he met online to … Continue reading Father Haynes Pleads Guilty to Child Porn and More
PA Supreme Court Reinstates Msgr. Lynn’s Conviction
Click here to read: "Pennsylvania Top Court Reinstates Monsignor's Conviction," by MaryClaire Dale, Associated Press, ABCnews.go.com, April 27, 2015 Excerpt: The state's highest court on Monday reinstated the landmark child-endangerment conviction of a Roman Catholic monsignor who was the first U.S. church official ever prosecuted over his handling of sex abuse complaints.
PA Catholic Conference Lobbies Against Child Sex Abuse Statutes Reform
Catholics who donate directly or indirectly (through their parish giving) to the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference might be surprised by how their money is being invested. The PA Catholic Conference, the public affairs arm of the Catholic Church in our Commonwealth, actively lobbies against reforming the Statute of Limitations (SOL) for child sex abuse. To be … Continue reading PA Catholic Conference Lobbies Against Child Sex Abuse Statutes Reform
Jim Gardner Questions Archbishop Chaput About Clergy Child Sex Abuse
Click here to see Jim Gardner's full interview with Archbishop Chaput, which aired on 6ABC in segments. Gardner asks the Archbishop of Philadelphia about the clergy sex abuse coverup at the 22:35 mark. Editor's note: Archbishop Chaput continues to emphasize that clergy sex abuse occurred in the past. He does not acknowledge that the Church … Continue reading Jim Gardner Questions Archbishop Chaput About Clergy Child Sex Abuse
Bishop Finn, Convicted of Child Sex Abuse Coverup, Finally Retires
Click here to read: "Vatican accepts resignation of bishop convicted of sex abuse coverup but remained in office," by Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, April 21, 2015 Excerpt: The Vatican on Tuesday announced the resignation of a Kansas City, Mo., bishop who was convicted of a sex abuse cover-up but remained in office – a fact that … Continue reading Bishop Finn, Convicted of Child Sex Abuse Coverup, Finally Retires
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