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
Tag: Catholics 4 Change
Where Does William Donohue Get His “Facts”?
Several people sent me a press release issued by William Donohue of The Catholic League because it mentioned Catholics4Change in regard to Archbishop Chaput. The press release probably won't get picked up but I'll address some points.I'm confused by why a Catholic civil rights group would find fault with a Catholic creating a blog where … Continue reading Where Does William Donohue Get His “Facts”?
‘Rolling Stone’ Publishes 8-Page Article on Philly Catholic Church Cover-Up
The September 15, 2011 edition of venerable rock magazine "Rolling Stone" teases "The Catholic Church's Secret Sex -Crime Files" on its cover. Inside is a scathing eight-page article by Sabrina Rubin Erdely on the Philadelphia Archdiocese's sex abuse scandal and cover up. People may scream Catholic bashing, but it's all true. There won't be any … Continue reading ‘Rolling Stone’ Publishes 8-Page Article on Philly Catholic Church Cover-Up
Archbishop Chaput Installed This Thursday
Many have asked what I hope from Archbishop Chaput's leadership. Kathy and I hope he will follow all of the recommendations of the 2011 Grand Jury Report. For instance, the Archdiocese still hasn't removed the Victims Assistance Program from its (and therefore, its lawyers) supervision. We hope Archbishop Chaput will support a bill for the … Continue reading Archbishop Chaput Installed This Thursday
‘Brotherhood’ Trumped Protection of Children
The unfolding situation in Ireland illustrates underlying clergy abuse issues still debated in the U.S. Does the culture of the priesthood skew attitudes regarding children? Is canon law contradictory with civil law? Attempts to protect other adults and the Church at the expense of the "least of us" could destroy the Church. "Deputy to Bishop … Continue reading ‘Brotherhood’ Trumped Protection of Children
No! No! No! Diocese Still Not Directing Victims to Police
Really? Are you kidding me? I may just lose it. Every single day I'm reminded that despite global attention on Catholic clergy sex abuse, the Church is in a complete cluster when it comes to handling it. Or, more cynically, these are calculated moves. A friend just emailed me a link for the "Protection of … Continue reading No! No! No! Diocese Still Not Directing Victims to Police
New Threat to Sex Abuse Legislation That Would Protect All Kids
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
Breaking News: Msgr. Lynn and Those Accused of Abuse Will Stand Trial Together
"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
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