October 5, 2011 Dear Representative, In 2007, the Delaware General Assembly passed the “Child Victims’ Act,” repealing the two-year statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases – and creating a two-year “window” during which victims in older cases could sue their abusers. As a lifelong Catholic, authoring and sponsoring the Child Victims’ Act was … Continue reading Senator Peterson’s Plea to PA Law Makers
Priests Applaud Msgr. Who Admits to Endangering Children – Vigil Today
Many of us at Catholics4Change are wondering what the Archdiocesan Office of Child Protection and Victims Assistance thinks about priests applauding Lynn during their private gathering with Archbishop Chaput - the very same priests who are being taught about mandatory reporting. While we believe that one is innocent until proven guilty, Lynn has already admitted … Continue reading Priests Applaud Msgr. Who Admits to Endangering Children – Vigil Today
Please Attend First Friday Vigil for Survivor/Victims and to Protect All PA Children
Voice of the Faithful Greater Philadelphia invites everyone to attend the First Friday Vigil on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Philadelphia Archdiocesan offices, 222 N. 17th St.Philadelphia, PA, 19103 to support all victim-survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and support House Bills 832 & 878. These bills would better protect all the Commonwealth's children and … Continue reading Please Attend First Friday Vigil for Survivor/Victims and to Protect All PA Children
Archbishop Chaput Acknowledges Lynn But Not Victims
According to the following article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer, Archbishop Chaput extended support to Msgr. Lynn during a private Mass for priests. Why is the suspended priest, on trial for alleged conspiracy, more worthy of a shout out than the many survivors and victims of clergy sexual abuse? Where was Archbishop's prompt to offer them support? Where is the … Continue reading Archbishop Chaput Acknowledges Lynn But Not Victims
Justice4PAkids.com Leads Fight For Laws to Allow Justice and Protect Kids
Click to Read: Suburban Catholics drive effort to let victims of long-ago abuse sue, by John P. Martin, Inquirer Staff writer, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct. 3, 2011 Here's a section of the above story: "Margaret Reif, a Downingtown mother who started the Catholic Accountability Project, said she did not want to enrich lawyers or bankrupt … Continue reading Justice4PAkids.com Leads Fight For Laws to Allow Justice and Protect Kids
Letter to Chair of PA Judiciary Committee Rep. Ron Marsico
October 1, 2011 Representative Ronald S. Marsico 105th Legislative District Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Chairman, Judiciary Committee Re: Scheduled Hearing Dates: House Bill 832 – Sponsor Rep. Louise Williams Bishop (re statute of limitations for child sexual abuse – criminal & civil) House Bill 878 – Sponsor Rep. Michael McGeehan (re legislation to allow civil action … Continue reading Letter to Chair of PA Judiciary Committee Rep. Ron Marsico
Let’s Learn From the Irish – No More Denial
If we as members of society and the Catholic Church don't demand scrutiny and solutions, we feed the failure here in the U.S. Let's learn from the aftermath of the Irish clergy sex abuse coverup. "Abuse was 'human rights failure,'" by Patsy McGarry, IrishTimes.com, Sept. 26, 2011
Catholic League Mouthpiece Maligns Journalists
"Time for Bill Donohue and Catholic Church to stop smearing victims -- Also attacking journalists Maureen Dowd and Chris Matthews," People and Politics coverage, Irish Central, September 24, 2011 Editors note: My Uncle Chris is a practicing and dedicated Catholic. He has vigorously supported Catholic Charities and education. While we don't always see eye-to-eye on … Continue reading Catholic League Mouthpiece Maligns Journalists
Will Pope Address Worldwide Pattern Sooner Rather Than Later?
Sadly, this editorial from April 2010 is still timely. This past Spring, Amnesty International named the Vatican as a human rights violator due to its response (or rather lack of) to clergy abuse worldwide. Why hasn't there been a stronger and more swift response from Rome? "Pope should endorse independent investigation," by Gerald T. Slevin, … Continue reading Will Pope Address Worldwide Pattern Sooner Rather Than Later?
Jason Berry On Keeping the Faith
"Despite investigating Catholic scandals, author Jason Berry keeps the faith," by Manuel Roig-Franzia, Washington Post, September 20, 2011 “We didn’t give up on democracy because of Watergate,” he says, “and I won’t give up on the church because of corrupt bishops.” - Jason Berry, author of "Render Unto Rome: The Secret Life of Money in … Continue reading Jason Berry On Keeping the Faith
