Summer Required Reading: The 2011 Grand Jury Report, Fourth Installment

~ Susan Matthews ~ 18 Comments

Our fourth installment of the 2011 Grand Jury Report reprints its "Recommendations" section. This is relevant in light of today's cover story on our new Archbishop's legislative lobbying in Colorado."RecommendationsObviously, nothing will really change in the church until there is a will to change. In the meantime, there are steps to be taken, both inside … Continue reading Summer Required Reading: The 2011 Grand Jury Report, Fourth Installment

New Threat to Sex Abuse Legislation That Would Protect All Kids

~ Susan Matthews ~ 30 Comments

The Sunday Inquirer cover story on incoming Archbishop Chaput outlines his highly organized strategy - not just a stance - on sex abuse legislation in Colorado. With similar bills pending in PA, child advocates better get their message out and their best game on. If they don't, all children in PA are the losers. See … Continue reading New Threat to Sex Abuse Legislation That Would Protect All Kids

Martrys and the Immoral – Unique Perspective on Cardinal Bevilacqua’s Testimony

~ Susan Matthews ~ 11 Comments

The following blog entry was written by a Catholic woman who grew up in Communist Cuba. Please read her unique perspective on Cardinal Bevilacqua's testimony. Let me know what you think. Here's the link: "'Extraordinary and unprecedented' -- Release of Cardinal Bevilacqua's testimony reveals the mind of an impostor," by Marielena Montesino de Stuart for … Continue reading Martrys and the Immoral – Unique Perspective on Cardinal Bevilacqua’s Testimony

Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua

~ Susan Matthews ~ 14 Comments

Breaking news from the Inquirer."Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua," by David O'Reilly, The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5, 2011Excerpt from linked article:"A judge has set March 26 as the trial date for the first member of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in the nation to be charged in a clerical sex abuse scandal and four codefendants.Common … Continue reading Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua

‘A Watershed Moment In the Clergy Sex Abuse Crisis’

~ Susan Matthews ~ 35 Comments

Please click the link to read Cardinal Bevilacqua's testimony for the 2005 Grand Jury Report. Let's add this to the required summer reading for Catholics. The judge in the current criminal case involving Msgr. Lynn sealed the records, but the Inquirer already had this copy in the public domain. BishopAccountability.org has broken it down into … Continue reading ‘A Watershed Moment In the Clergy Sex Abuse Crisis’

Breaking News: Msgr. Lynn and Those Accused of Abuse Will Stand Trial Together

~ Susan Matthews ~ 70 Comments

"Monsignor, other clerics to stand trial together," by David O'Reilly, Inquirer Staff Writer, July 29, 2011 Excerpt from above link: "Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Lillian Ransom denied defense motions to throw out the conspiracy charges against Lynn and the other defendants in the high profile case involving sexual assaults on two boys in the … Continue reading Breaking News: Msgr. Lynn and Those Accused of Abuse Will Stand Trial Together

New Law Gives Delaware Victims Closure

~ Susan Matthews ~ 15 Comments

The story linked below illustrates how Pennsylvania could and should give victims the opportunity for justice. A two-year window would out perpetrators and those who harbor them. Some argue that money can't undo the past. It doesn't, but our justice system acknowledges that victims need more than abstract apologies and relies on compensation. That financial … Continue reading New Law Gives Delaware Victims Closure