"Archdiocese Considering Big Changes to Victims' Assistance Program," by John T. Gillespie, special to The Catholic Standard and Times, May 18, 2011. The key word here is "considering." Why not a commitment? The Archdiocese should fulfill ALL the recommendations of the Philadelphia Grand Jury Report. One recommendation was the removal of the victims' assistance program … Continue reading Archiodese Considering Changing Victims’ Assistance Program
Tag: Susan Matthews
New York Times Article Makes Good Points About John Jay Report
"Church Report Cites Social Tumult in Priest Scandals," by Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times, May 17, 2011 "In one of the most counterintuitive findings, the report says that fewer than 5 percent of the abusive priests exhibited behavior consistent with pedophilia, which it defines as a “psychiatric disorder that is characterized by recurrent fantasies, … Continue reading New York Times Article Makes Good Points About John Jay Report
Landmark Report On Clergy Sex Abuse To Be Released Today
"Report Spreads Blame for Sex Abuse," by David Gibson, Religion News Service, National Catholic Reporter, May 17, 2011 "The truth turns out to be far more complex, according to a copy of the report by researchers at John Jay College of Criminal Justice that was provided by a church leader who believes the findings accurately … Continue reading Landmark Report On Clergy Sex Abuse To Be Released Today
With No Enforcement, Vatican Recommendations Fall Short
"Vatican Suggests Bishops Report Abuse," published May 16, 2011 by Associated Press on FoxNews.com"But the suggestions in the letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are vague and nonbinding and contain no enforcement mechanisms to ensure bishops actually draft the guidelines or follow them."
CDF Sets Worldwide Deadline for Procedures on Clergy Sex Abuse
On his site, Whispers in the Loggia, Rocco Palmo shares the English text of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's release today regarding the formulation of norms on clergy sex-abuse. "... the head of the "Holy Office," Cardinal William Levada, called on every national bench to complete their own procedures on the handling … Continue reading CDF Sets Worldwide Deadline for Procedures on Clergy Sex Abuse
Philly Archdiocese Protection Policy Seriously Flawed
By Kathy Kane, Catholics4Change The most recent bulletin insert distributed from the Archdiocese highlights the The Standard of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. The Standards apply to clergy, teachers, coaches, volunteers - all who interact with children. The most important sentence in that document is the following: “Any Church personnel or volunteers who violate the Standards … Continue reading Philly Archdiocese Protection Policy Seriously Flawed
St. Thomas Parish Meeting Leads to Determined Fight
By Kris Strid, Guest Blogger I attended an opportunity for prayer and dialogue concerning the sexual abuse scandal at our parish St. Thomas of Villanova last week. The meeting was initiated and run by the Parish Council. The format was perfect for honest dialogue. Our Pastor and assistant sat in the back and listened. I … Continue reading St. Thomas Parish Meeting Leads to Determined Fight
Front Page Outrage From Head of Sex Abuse Review Panel for Philly Archdiocese
Front page of The Inquirer today: "The chairwoman of the panel that reviews clergy sex-abuse cases for the Philadelphia Archdiocese has lashed out at Cardinal Justin Rigali and his bishops, accusing them of having "failed miserably at being open and transparent" about the misdeeds of their priests." "Head of Philly Priest Sex-Abuse Review Panel Criticizes … Continue reading Front Page Outrage From Head of Sex Abuse Review Panel for Philly Archdiocese
Amnesty International Names Vatican In Abuses
"The Vatican has been included for the first time in an Amnesty International report examining human rights. They found "increasing evidence of widespread child sexual abuse committed by clergy...and the enduring failures of the Catholic Church to address these crimes." "Amnesty Names Vatican Over Human Rights Abuses," by Patsy McGarry, Religious Affairs Correspondent, IrishTimes.com, May … Continue reading Amnesty International Names Vatican In Abuses
Chair of the Phila. Archdiocese Review Board Speaks Out
"The Fog of Scandal," by Ana Maria Catanzaro for Commonweal, May 12, 2011 "This article is my attempt to answer the question being asked by Catholics in Philadelphia and across the nation: What went wrong?" This is a must-read. Wow!
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