Click here to read: "Prosecutors to retry priest in abuse case," by John P. Martin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 23, 2012 Excerpt: "Philadelphia prosecutors will retry James J. Brennan, the former parish priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who was accused of trying to rape a 14-year-old boy in 1996, they said Monday. The case … Continue reading Philadelphia D.A. Will Retry Brennan
Rigali Bypassed Review Board In Clearing Bransfield
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
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
Defense Argues Against Prison Time For Lynn
Throw away the key or give him sympathy? I'm surprised by how many in the pews tell me they'd prefer the former. They also wish he had the company of all the others involved in the coverup. When Msgr. Lynn put institutional interests before the safety of children, he sentenced several children to a life … Continue reading Defense Argues Against Prison Time For Lynn
Philly Archdiocese Removes Another Priest
Click here to read: "'Father Jerry' ousted by Phila. Archdiocese," by Julie Shaw, Philadelphia Daily News, July 16, 2012 Excerpt: "The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Sunday that another priest is unsuitable for ministry. But it is not clear exactly what the Rev. Geraldo Piñero, who was known as "Father Jerry," did."
Catholic Confidence in Organized Religion at Low Point
Click here to read: "U.S. Confidence in Organized Religion at Low Point: Catholics' confidence remains significantly lower than Protestants," by Lydia Saad, for Gallup Politics, July 12, 2012
We Can Handle the Truth
"We believe the Archdiocese should make public its files on sexual abuse allegations, including any “secret archive files.” This should be done in a way to protect the privacy of the victim. At the very least, parishioners deserve to know whenever an allegation of abuse is made against their priest. If the priest is cleared … Continue reading We Can Handle the Truth
District Attorney Reviews Claim Against Bishop
Click here to read: "Montco reviewing case against cleric first reported in '07," by John P. Martin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 8, 2012 The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they keep turning.
Two More Priests Removed Permanently – Four Returned to Ministry
I was not surprised by the content or timing of Archbishop Chaput's announcement today. Any public relations expert knows you announce bad news on a Friday afternoon. If you're lucky you can announce it on a Friday afternoon during a holiday week in the summer. There's far less media coverage. And, Archbishop Chaput doesn't have … Continue reading Two More Priests Removed Permanently – Four Returned to Ministry
One Degree of Separation in Priest Trial
Those who say the coverage of the Church sex abuse scandal is rooted in anti-Catholic media bias couldn't be more wrong in regard to Philadelphia news coverage. Most of the reporters I've dealt with, both in print and broadcast, are Catholic and grew up here. The sensitivity with which they approach this subject is only … Continue reading One Degree of Separation in Priest Trial
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