I hope Judge Sarmina sentences Msgr. Lynn to the maximum of seven years. I want the District Attorney's office to pursue all possible avenues of prosecution in regard to all involved. I want state legislators to improve laws regarding child sex abuse. But what do we want from our Church as this point? I want … Continue reading Where From Here?
Victim Impact Statement to Judge Sarmina
Dear Judge Sarmina, My name is Bob Fisher and I had the opportunity of testifying at Msgr. Lynn's trial April 25th. I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you how my life has been affected by my abuse and its aftermath. Edward Avery's assault on me was psychological and spiritual as well as sexual in … Continue reading Victim Impact Statement to Judge Sarmina
Philadelphia D.A. Will Retry Brennan
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.
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