"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
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
Criminal Plaintiff Files Civil Suit Against Archdiocese
"Plaintiff in Case Against Philly Archdiocese Sues," by David O'Reilly, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 26, 2011 Excerpt: "His lawyers say church officials, including Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, exhibited "callous indifference to the safety and well-being of children" by ignoring a psychiatrist's recommendation that Avery not be given unsupervised access to children."
BBC Documents What Pope Benedict Knew
A compelling new BBC documentary about what Pope Benedict knew about pedophile priests. The two links below are parts 1 and parts 2 of this film as viewed on You Tube. It includes some American notables such as Father Tom Doyle and attorney Jeff Anderson. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnxwgDxxAUY&feature=related <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnxwgDxxAUY&feature=related> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb78v1v4IGY&feature=related <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb78v1v4IGY&feature=related>
Vatican Makes Rare Move: Recalls Envoy After Irish Accusations of Sabotage
The Irish government has spoken out on the Vatican's role in the clergy sex abuse scandal that has rocked their predominantly Catholic country. Their claim that the Holy See interfered with Bishops reporting abuse to police, falls in line with findings from Amnesty International. Earlier this year, the Noble Peace Prize-winning organization named the Vatican … Continue reading Vatican Makes Rare Move: Recalls Envoy After Irish Accusations of Sabotage
Summer Required Reading: The 2011 Grand Jury Report, Part 3
The third installment of the 2011 Grand Jury Report. Victim “assistance” procedures Prompted by the pressure of the prior grand jury report, the Archdiocese has in recent years revamped its policies for handling victims of clergy sexual abuse. Now, at least in some cases, the church reports abusers to law enforcement authorities, something that in … Continue reading Summer Required Reading: The 2011 Grand Jury Report, Part 3
A Convenient Memory: Bevilacqua and the Sex Abuse Scandal
This article in today's Inquirer on Cardinal Bevilacqua's role in the sex abuse scandal is even more sinister for me. When the legal pressure was turned up, his faulty memory morphed into diagnosed dementia. Trusted sources, who are personal friends of the Cardinal, have told me that while physically fragile he was in good mental … Continue reading A Convenient Memory: Bevilacqua and the Sex Abuse Scandal
And Who Are You?
Stepping into the Archdiocesan Office Building just minutes before the press conference, I spotted two former colleagues from the Catholic Standard and Times. As I said hello, the elevator doors opened. Cardinal Rigali and Archbishop Chaput emerged and stopped to greet them. Turning to me, Cardinal Rigali extended his hand and asked with a smile, … Continue reading And Who Are You?
D.A. Seth Williams on Cardinal Rigali’s Resignation
Response from District Attorney Seth Williams on Cardinal Rigali’s Resignation My thoughts and prayers go out to Cardinal Rigali as he makes this transition in his life. I respect the Cardinal very much and recognize the positive impact he has made in the history of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He came into a very difficult … Continue reading D.A. Seth Williams on Cardinal Rigali’s Resignation
Summer Required Reading for Our New Archbishop
It shocked many when Archbishop Chaput said he hadn't read the 2005 or 2011 Grand Jury Reports during Tuesday's press conference. He added he would read them. As one comment writer quipped, there must have been a really good in-flight movie. Every Bishop in the country should have already read the Philadelphia Grand Jury Reports. … Continue reading Summer Required Reading for Our New Archbishop
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