The one-man show, performed by Jay Sefton, recounts his true story of being cast as Jesus at age 13 in Annunciation BVM's passion play. Parish priest and play director Father Thomas J. Smith sexually abuses him, adding to his long list of child victims, kept secret by Archdiocesan leadership. There's no catchy soundtrack to sing along with later.
Spoiler: Archdiocese Still Fails to Protect Children The questions below come up again and again in parish parking lots, comment sections, and at kitchen tables. Here are the answers, along with three things you can do in five minutes or less to protect children. Why single out the Catholic Church? Child sexual abuse can persist … Continue reading Q&A: Catholic Clergy Child Sex Abuse In Philly Now
Please see our blog post from January 18,2026 with very important questions for Archbishop Perez. His secretary, Donna Huddell, confirmed receiving the email with the blog post.https://catholics4change.com/2026/01/18/questions-for-archbishop-nelson-perez/ The following are additional questions: Why do you allow Msgr. George Majoros to house priests who have been charged with crimes at the Sacred Heart Parish rectory? When … Continue reading Questions for Archbishop Nelson Perez – Part Two
Archbishop Nelson Perez took a break from a typical day which could include presiding at a funeral for a predator priest who sexually violated the bodies of little girls. Or continuing to ignore a deceased clergy abuse victim's family. And of course laughing at a mocking impersonation of an Archdiocese victims assistance coordinator. Instead, yesterday … Continue reading No Safety In These Numbers: Growth Doesn’t Erase Harm in the Catholic Church of Philadelphia
In the spirit of transparency and accountability that Archbishop Perez promises from the Trust and Hope campaign, the following are questions/concerns from laity, parents, clergy, and survivors. 1.Why has the Archdiocese of Philadelphia been rebranded to the new name of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia? 2. Why is the Archdiocese of Philadelphia the only diocese … Continue reading Questions for Archbishop Nelson Perez
For many years the Catholics4Change community of laity, parents, and clergy abuse survivors has communicated to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia many ways that they could improve safety for all. Especially children. Many years. We have emailed Leslie Davila of OCYP/ Victims Assistance and John Delaney of Archdiocese Investigations. I have had several phone conversations with … Continue reading Children and Laity Remain at Risk in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The revolting revelations just keep coming. This lawsuit brings to light another example of the Philly Archdiocese's dangerous waiting game. Link to The Philadelphia Inquirer coverage here. As of this publication date, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia currently lists Father Peter Foley as having full faculties on its' clergy list. Philly priests depend upon the clergy … Continue reading Father Peter Foley Allegedly Abused Cardinal Dougherty Student In the 80s
A.W. Richard Sipe, who passed away last week, has left an important legacy for those who work to understand and prevent clergy child sex abuse.
With so much compliance, why are there still so many issues? The archdioceses of Philadelphia and Kansas City have always been found in compliance. Clearly, there are many who would beg to differ - the newest victims, the courts, the parents, law enforcement, etc. Who wants to bet that Newark will always be in found … Continue reading Church Found Compliant… with Coverups
Click here to read: "Guilty verdicts in priest sex abuse trial," by Joseph A. Slobodzian, January 30, 2013Click here to watch: "Catholic Priest, Teacher Guilty of Abusing Altar Boy," by Maryclaire Dale, NBC.com, January 30, 2013Excerpt: "The victim is this case has shown exceptional courage," said District Attorney Seth Williams. "Not only did he have … Continue reading Guilty! Jury Believed “Billy”
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