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Friday, September 27, 2002
LOS ANGELES
2 Ex-Priests Are Charged in Los Angeles
New York Times
By BARBARA WHITAKER
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26 — Two former Roman Catholic priests were charged today with
molesting children while they served in the Los Angeles Roman Catholic Archdiocese,
and a third former priest is being sought.
The arrests of the priests on Wednesday were the first in Los Angeles County since
the church became mired in a national sexual abuse scandal earlier this year,
and they came after the arrest of a former priest on Tuesday in Orange County,
Calif. Several other arrests are expected in Los Angeles as a result of an investigation
of abuse by clergymen that began in April.
"Today's filings are part of the continuing effort to hold accountable those priests
who have abused their positions of trust and victimized others," said Steve Cooley,
the Los Angeles County district attorney. "No profession or occupation is immune
from civil authority and the operation of the criminal justice system."
posted by Jayson Landeza on 9/27/2002
04:31:56 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Massachusetts Reveals ID of Accused Priests
New
York Times
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
September 26, 2002
BOSTON (AP) -- A prosecutor took the unusual step Thursday of releasing the names
of Roman Catholic priests who church officials say were accused of sexually abusing
children but have not been charged by authorities.
Bristol County District Attorney Paul Walsh gave out the list of 20 names as he
announced the indictment of a priest for allegedly molesting a girl from 1965
to 1971.
Civil rights advocates criticized Walsh for encouraging a ``witch hunt.'' Walsh
acknowledged his decision goes against standard prosecutorial policy and appeared
to be the first move of its kind by a prosecutor.
``In the normal course of events, we would not identify a suspect in a criminal
case who has not been formally charged, but ... in this case, I don't think that
policy should be applied,'' Walsh said.
posted by Jayson Landeza on 9/27/2002
04:27:51 AM
MINNEAPOLIS (MN)
Abuse victims, St. John's Abbey settle claims
Minneapolis-St.
Paul Star Tribune
Paul McEnroe and Pam Louwagie
Star Tribune
Published Sep 27, 2002
Victims of sexual abuse by monks from St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, Minn.,
have reached a broad financial settlement with the abbey, attorney Jeff Anderson
said Thursday.
Anderson said that the agreement also included "significant noneconomic points
that will go towards creating strong safeguards in the future to prevent sexual
abuse by abbey monks."
He declined to say how many victims were included in the settlement and how much
money the abbey agreed to pay. At least a dozen victims had sued or brought demands
against the abbey in the 1990s, and some of them received small settlements from
the abbey at the time of their lawsuits.
posted by Jayson Landeza on 9/27/2002
04:17:43 AM
DETROIT (MI)
Archdiocese says it won't open list
Detroit Catholic chiefs against Baltimore idea
Detroit Free
Press
September 27, 2002
BY ALEXA CAPELOTO
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Detroit Catholic leaders said Thursday they have no plans to follow a bold move
by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which has published the names of 56 priests accused
of sex abuse.
The Baltimore Archdiocese posted the list of accused priests, with information
about where they served, on its Web site Wednesday. Some of the allegations, which
are not detailed and date to the 1950s, have not been independently corroborated.
Some people have hailed the move as a model for dioceses nationwide, but Detroit
civil and religious authorities called it a potential infringement on legal rights.
"We're concerned about fairness, that not all those that are accused are actually
guilty," said Msgr. Walter Hurley, who handles sex abuse issues for the Detroit
Archdiocese. "Even here in the state, before someone is added to a sex offenders
list, it is my understanding there is a determination of the court."
posted by Jayson Landeza on 9/27/2002
04:12:05 AM
BALTIMORE (MD)
Priests upset by release of abuse list
Many object to decision to include those who were accused but not convicted; Keeler
'not surprised' by anger
Baltimore Sun
By John Rivera
Sun Staff
Originally published September 26, 2002
Baltimore priests responded with sadness and anger yesterday after the release
of a detailed account of Roman Catholic clergy accused of child sexual abuse over
the past seven decades, expressing concern that the church is trying to quell
scandal at the expense of their rights.
More than 100 priests gathered at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Linthicum
Heights yesterday to hear Cardinal William H. Keeler explain why he was making
public the names of diocesan priests and men in religious orders and priests from
other dioceses who have been accused of sexual abuse.
"Everyone is very clear that real abuse needs to be dealt with openly and directly,
with no attempt to cover up," said the Rev. William Au, pastor of SS. Philip and
James Catholic Church in Charles Village.
"But many priests feel the atmosphere has gone from one extreme to the other,"
Au said, "that the bishops' efforts to regain moral credibility and improve their
public image has led them not to show adequate regard for the rights of those
who are accused."
posted by Jayson Landeza on 9/27/2002
03:59:16 AM
BALTIMORE (MD)
Archdiocese's list of clergy accused of child sexual abuse
Baltimore
Sun
Originally published September 26, 2002
The following is a list of priests and brothers who have served in the Archdiocese
Of Baltimore and have been accused of child sexual abuse, according to church
officials.
The list includes some men who have admitted abusing children, as well as some
who have denied any improper conduct. A number of the allegations cannot be corroborated,
according to the archdiocese. In a few instances, the archdiocese said, it excluded
allegations from the list when an investigation concluded that the facts did not
indicate that sexual abuse occurred.
This list also does not include 26 priests and brothers about whom the archdiocese
received reports of sexual abuse after their death. Those reports involve two
cases of alleged abuse in the 1930s, a number of incidents in the 1940s through
1960s, and one case each from the 1970s and early 1980s. While the archdiocese
said it had no reason to disbelieve the victims, officials said they decided not
to disclose the names of the accused because the archdiocese cannot question them.
posted by Jayson Landeza on 9/27/2002
03:52:37 AM
LOS ANGELES
Two Former L.A.-Area Priests Are Arrested
Church: They allegedly molested children years ago. A warrant is issued for a
third cleric.
Los
Angeles Times
By RICHARD WINTON and MEGAN GARVEY, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
Authorities arrested two former Catholic priests Wednesday on charges that they
sexually molested children during their tenure in Los Angeles-area churches and
issued an arrest warrant for a third priest after unexpectedly discovering the
82-year-old retiree had left the country on a cruise.
The arrests, the first in Los Angeles County since the Roman Catholic scandal
that broke nine months ago, signal the start of more than a dozen planned prosecutions
of former Los Angeles Archdiocese priests considered by investigators to be the
worst offenders.
posted by Jayson Landeza on 9/27/2002
03:36:33 AM
MARYLAND
Crime and Justice
The
Washington Post
Friday, September 27, 2002; Page B02
Priest indicted: A priest who served in a Beltsville church has been indicted
on charges that he sexually abused a teenage boy in Ocean City a quarter-century
ago, prosecutors said.
Police said that the victim reported the incidents on numerous occasions but that
law enforcement and church officials were not convinced the abuse occurred.
The Worcester County grand jury indicted the Rev. John Danilak of Lynfield, Pa.,
on two counts of sodomy, one count of child abuse and 11 counts of perverted or
unnatural sex acts. In 1978, Danilak, now 62, was a priest at St. Gregory of Nyssa
Byzantine Catholic Church in Beltsville, where the boy, then 15, was an altar
boy.
posted by Jayson Landeza on 9/27/2002
03:26:27 AM
BALTIMORE
Editorial: Candor on clergy abuse
Baltimore
Sun
September 26, 2002
'THERE CANNOT be forgiveness without confession and repentance. There cannot be
healing without acknowledgement of pain and care for injuries. There cannot be
trust without truth."
Those words, which begin the Baltimore Catholic Archdiocese's public accounting
of the ongoing sexual abuse scandal, reflect an institutional recognition of how
the church can begin to heal its fractured relationship with its flock.
Truth is the essential element, and, after several months of review and personal
reflection, Cardinal William H. Keeler has opened his heart and church files to
Baltimore Catholics. He twinned a personal admission that the church "did not
go far enough to protect children" over the years with an accounting of the breadth
of sexual abuse allegations in the Baltimore archdiocese - accusations that date
to the 1930s and involve 83 priests.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/27/2002
02:59:00 AM
MILWAUKEE
Archdiocese lags behind in annual fund-raiser
Dolan mails special request as shortfall reaches $900,000
Journal Sentinel
By TOM HEINEN
theinen@journalsentinel.com
Sept. 25, 2002
The annual Catholic Stewardship Appeal is nearly $900,000 behind its normal fund-raising
pace, prompting Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan to solicit donations in a special
letter that was mailed this week to all 217,000 Catholic households in the 10-county
Milwaukee Archdiocese.
Some of that shortfall has been blamed on adverse reaction to national and local
sex scandals involving the Catholic clergy and minors, paralleling experiences
some other dioceses are believed to be having.
But the extent of that backlash is difficult to measure, partly because of the
downturns in the stock market and the economy.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/27/2002
02:54:41 AM
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Of popes and their teachings
The Tidings
By Rev. Richard P. McBrien
Some have argued that the root cause of the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic
Church is the "culture of dissent" within the church. The underlying assumption
is that, if only Catholics had accepted everything the pope teaches, there would
be no problem.
But this begs at least two questions: Which pope? And which teachings?
One has the impression that at least a few commentators are not referring to popes
in general, but only to the current pope, John Paul II. Indeed, his authorized
biographer, George Weigel, came close to saying that in a recent interview on
belief.net, a website that specializes in religious issues.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
10:15:13 PM
VATICAN
Vatican leans toward approval of norms
Experimental status of sex abuse policy may prompt conditional OK
The Catholic Free Press
By John Thavis
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican is leaning toward approval of an experimental
application of the U.S. bishops’ norms on clerical sex abuse, perhaps after some
clarifying language is added, a senior Vatican official said.
“This would not be a rejection by the Vatican, nor would it be a formal ‘recognitio’
of the norms,” the official said Sept. 23. Instead, the Vatican would allow the
norms to be applied “ad experimentum” — the Latin phrase signifying temporary
or provisional use.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized that a final decision
had not yet been made, and the Vatican response had still not been written.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
09:30:39 PM
WORCESTER (MA)
Incomplete witness statement angers diocesan officials
The Catholic Free
Press
By Margaret M. Russell
It is a “travesty of justice” that the daily newspaper published an incomplete
statement of one witness in a civil lawsuit against the diocese, Bishop Reilly’s
secretary said Wednesday.
“The article that appeared in the Telegram & Gazette on Wednesday, September 25,
2002, publicizing the partial deposition of Mr. Glen Alexander, was a travesty
of justice, particularly since it represented only one part of a deposition yet
to be completed and was not identified as such,” Father Rocco Piccolomini, also
vicar for clergy, said in a statement.
The deposition is part of pre-court proceedings in the civil lawsuit of Sime Braio
of Shrewsbury against the Roman Catholic Bishop of Worcester and George E. Rueger.
The deposition of Glen G. Alexander, taken Sept. 10 at the request of the plaintiff,
was incomplete because James G. Reardon Jr., the lawyer representing the diocese,
had an appointment in court and did not have time to finish questioning Mr. Alexander.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
09:19:31 PM
BOSTON (MA)
Prosecutor angers some by releasing names of accused priests
Boston.com
By Denise Lavoie, Associated Press, 09/26/02
BOSTON — In a controversial move, a prosecutor publicly released the names of
20 priests whom church officials say were accused of sexually abusing children
in the 1960s and 1970s, though none of them has ever been charged criminally.
Bristol County District Attorney Paul Walsh gave out the list of names Thursday
as he announced the indictment of the Rev. Donald J. Bowen for allegedly molesting
a girl while he was a priest at a Norton church from 1965 to 1971.
Civil rights advocates sharply criticized Walsh's decision, which Walsh acknowledged
goes against standard prosecutorial policy and appeared to be the first move of
its kind by a prosecutor.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
09:02:16 PM Md. Archdiocese Discloses Accused Priests, Expenses
Washington
Post
By Caryle Murphy
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Roman Catholic Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore disclosed yesterday that his
archdiocese and its insurers have spent more than $5.6 million in the last 20
years on legal settlements, counseling and other expenses stemming from incidents
of child sexual abuse by priests.
Keeler also released a list of 56 priests and members of Catholic religious orders
who were accused of molesting children while serving in the archdiocese, with
some of the allegations dating to the 1950s. Their names were posted on the archdiocese's
Web site yesterday, along with the details about which parishes they served, when
their alleged misconduct occurred and how church officials handled the case. Previously,
the archdiocese had named 28 priests accused of child sexual abuse.
posted by Larry Larsen on 9/26/2002
01:37:46 PM
Ex-Priest Arrested On Abuse Charges
L.A. Cardinal Knew Of Problem Earlier
Washinton
Post
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26 -- A former priest who was moved from parish to parish after
admitting to Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger M. Mahony that he molested young boys
was arrested today.
Former parish priest Michael Baker was charged with 13 counts of child molestation
for incidents involving several victims from 1977 to 1985, Sgt. Dan Scott said.
In 1986, Baker told Mahony that he had molested young boys and was reassigned
to several parishes after attending a treatment center.
posted by Larry Larsen on 9/26/2002
01:36:29 PM
California priest who admitted molestations to cardinal arrested
Everything
New Jersey - NJ.com
By Sandra Marquez
The Associated Press
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A former priest who was moved from parish to parish after
admitting to Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony that he molested young boys
was arrested Wednesday.
Former parish priest Michael Baker was charged with 13 counts of child molestation
for incidents involving several victims from 1977 to 1985, said Sgt. Dan Scott.
In 1986, Baker told Mahony that he had molested young boys and was reassigned
to several parishes after attending a treatment center for pedophile priests.
Mahony has since issued a public apology for allowing the former priest to remain
in the ministry after admitting his abuse. Baker has said the cardinal sent him
to a treatment center in New Mexico without inquiring about the identity of his
victims.
posted by Larry Larsen on 9/26/2002
01:33:42 PM
WORCESTER (MA)
Priest's lawyers dispute testimony
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
Thursday, September 26, 2002
By Richard Nangle
Telegram & Gazette Staff
WORCESTER-- Lawyers for the Rev. Thomas Teczar yesterday attempted to discredit
the Superior Court testimony of a forensic psychologist who is a key witness in
the clergy sexual abuse civil suit filed by David Lewcon of Webster.
Dr. John Daignault, a member of the staff of McLean Hospital at Harvard Medical
School, said of Mr. Lewcon, “He has lost his soul. His soul has been stripped
from him.”
Sexual abuse at the hands of Rev. Teczar when Mr. Lewcon was a teenager, Dr. Daignault
said, was to blame.
But one of Rev. Teczar's lawyer's, Louis P. Aloise of Worcester, questioned whether
other factors might explain Mr. Lewcon's difficulties in his adult life.
Mr. Aloise noted that Mr. Lewcon, who has been evaluated by several psychologists,
carried some scars from his school days. In particular, he keyed on one report
that claims Mr. Lewcon annually visits and spits on the grave of a teacher he
reviled. Mr. Lewcon said that report was in error. He said that on one occasion
when he was visiting a cemetery he happened to walk by the grave of a teacher
he disliked. He spat on the grave, he said, but has never returned to do it again.
In either case, Mr. Daignault said, school-related problems would not explain
Mr. Lewcon's many present afflictions.
Mr. Aloise's questioning of Mr. Daignault focused at times on the possibility
that Mr. Lewcon is faking or exaggerating his symptoms. Mr. Daignault discounted
that. He said, however, that he did not contact every therapist who evaluated
Mr. Lewcon in order to question them about reports that Mr. Lewcon claimed were
inaccurate.
Mr. Daignault said Mr. Lewcon will require five to seven years of intensive therapy,
two sessions a week, in order to get control of his life. But he said there is
no cure for the damage allegedly done to him by Rev. Teczar.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
06:35:42 AM
PAXTON (MA)
Schism hits church in Paxton
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
Thursday, September 26, 2002
By Kathleen A. Shaw
Telegram & Gazette Staff
PAXTON-- Members of the Congregational Church will meet after regular Sunday services
on Oct. 6 to decide whether to expel some congregants for alleged “un-Christian”
conduct, according to one of the people expected to be relieved of membership.
The split arose when some members of the congregation raised questions about the
propriety of certain actions of the Rev. Donald D. Whitcomb, their pastor for
nearly 30 years.
Rev. Whitcomb subsequently was censured for his conduct by a committee of ministers
and lay people of the Central Area Office of the United Church of Christ. He has
been ordered to take four months' leave from the local church, attend classes
on pastoral conduct and boundaries and to meet other requirements. He can lose
his ministerial credentials with the denomination if he does not comply.
Church leadership appealed that decision, but Jennifer Roberts, who was on the
youth ministry team, said yesterday it appears the appeal has been denied.
Rev. Whitcomb, when reached for a comment yesterday, laughed and said, “We aren't
expelling anyone from membership. There is a meeting to discuss it, and I wouldn't
talk to you if my life depended on it.” He then hung up the telephone.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
06:32:38 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Officials to ID scores of accused priests
Boston
Herald
by Robin Washington and Eric Convey
The identities of more than 100 Bay State priests accused of child molestation
are on the verge of release to the public - some as early as today - the Herald
has learned.
In Suffolk County, Superior Court Judge Constance M. Sweeney ordered the Archdiocese
of Boston to turn over personnel files of at least 70 living and 15 deceased priests
to a lawyer representing alleged victims of the Rev. Paul R. Shanley.
And in Bristol County, District Attorney Paul F. Walsh will announce the indictment
of the Rev. Donald J. Bowen, and will release the names of 17 other Fall River
Diocese priests accused of child sex abuse who have not been charged criminally,
a law enforcement source told the Herald.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
06:28:48 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Court tells diocese to release abuse files
Plaintiffs seek to show a pattern of protection
The
Boston Globe
By Ralph Ranalli, Globe Staff, 9/26/2002
Superior Court judge has ordered the Archdiocese of Boston to turn over 50 years'
worth of records containing all ''credible claims'' of sexual misconduct against
priests to alleged victims of abuse, records that lawyers for the victims say
will offer an unprecedented and comprehensive look at the church's practices and
policies on dealing with abuse charges.
In a ruling unveiled yesterday, Suffolk Superior Court Judge Constance M. Sweeney
ordered lawyers for the archdiocese to turn over records of how it handled claims
from parishioners against 87 priests, 15 of whom are now dead.
In the handwritten one-paragraph ruling, Sweeney said only that the requested
information is not privileged and is relevant to the plaintiffs' claims.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
06:25:10 AM
LOS ANGELES (CA)
California priest who admitted molestations to cardinal arrested
Boston.com
By Sandra Marquez, Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) A former priest who was moved from parish to parish after admitting
to Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony that he molested young boys was arrested
Wednesday.
Former parish priest Michael Baker was charged with 13 counts of child molestation
for incidents involving several victims from 1977 to 1985, said Sgt. Dan Scott.
In 1986, Baker told Mahony that he had molested young boys and was reassigned
to several parishes after attending a treatment center for pedophile priests.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
06:22:16 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Judge orders Boston Archdiocese to turn over abuse documents
Boston.com
By Associated Press, 09/25/02
BOSTON -- A judge has ordered the Boston Archdiocese to give lawyers representing
alleged victims of the Rev. Paul R. Shanley documents regarding allegations of
abuse by 85 priests, the lawyers said Wednesday.
The records include those the Roman Catholic archdiocese turned over to the attorney
general's office earlier this year, as well as any actions taken by the archdiocese,
including investigations, said Jeffrey Newman, an attorney for alleged Shanley
victim Gregory Ford.
Newman did not know the identities of the priests, 15 of whom are deceased, but
the existence of the documents was revealed earlier this year during the deposition
of the Rev. Charles Higgins, the archdiocesan delegate for handling sexual abuse
allegations against priests.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
06:19:49 AM
COVINGTON (KY)
Accused priest seeks defrocking
The
Cincinatti Enquirer
By James Pilcher, jpilcher@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
A Northern Kentucky priest under suspension for allegedly abusing a minor in the
early 1970s has asked to be defrocked, Diocese of Covington officials said Tuesday.
Mr. Gerhardstein, now 41 and living in Fort Thomas, later settled with the diocese
and with Father Holtz in 1997. He made his allegations public last month in the
Enquirer.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
06:05:22 AM
COVINGTON (KY)
Deal made, but priest still not defrocked
The
Cincinatti Enquirer
By James Pilcher, jpilcher@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
He promised to keep quiet about being abused as a boy by a Roman Catholic priest.
In return, the priest agreed to be defrocked, or kicked out of the clergy.
But now, Bernard “Bernie” Gerhardstein is breaking his silence, alleging that
the diocese and the priest have not kept their word.
Mr. Gerhardstein says that the Rev. Louis J. Holtz sexually abused him over the
course of about 1 1/2 years beginning in 1974, about the same time that the priest
became close friends with the then-13-year-old boy's parents in rural Campbell
County.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/26/2002
06:01:31 AM
NEW YORK
Columbia president apologizes for anti-Catholic remarks during football game
San
Francisco Chronicle
September 25, 2002
NEW YORK (AP) --
The president of Columbia University has apologized for a remark made during a
football game against Fordham University that Fordham students said was anti-Catholic.
Lee Bollinger called his counterpart at Fordham, the Rev. Joseph O'Hare, on Tuesday
to express regret for the remarks.
The comment, broadcast over a public address system by a marching band announcer
at halftime, alluded to the priest sex scandal and involved a double entendre
about altar boys.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/26/2002
02:45:25 AM BUENOS AIRES
Archbishop offers resignation following allegations of sexual abuse
San
Francisco Chronicle
GRAHAM GORI, Associated Press Writer
September 25, 2002
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- An Argentine archbishop has offered his resignation
following accusations that he sexually abused members of a seminary, church officials
said Wednesday.
A book published in August accused Archbishop Edgardo Storni, 66, of sexually
abusing at least 47 men at his seminary in Santa Fe, 310 miles northeast of Buenos
Aires.
Storni has been the archbishop there since 1984.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/26/2002
02:42:15 AM
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
PHOENIX (AZ)
Romley calls diocese slow in sex inquiry
The
Arizona Republic
By Bill Hart and Joseph A. Reaves
The Arizona Republic
The Diocese of Phoenix is not living up to its promise to turn over crucial documents
in the investigation of sexual abuse by priests, County Attorney Rick Romley said
Tuesday.
"This is not what I call cooperation," he said, noting that he has had to fight
repeatedly in court over access to individual items, delaying his inquiry.
"I wanted to work with them and took their promises in good faith. But now it
looks like I'll have to force the pace with a more traditional investigation."
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
08:52:02 PM
WORCESTER (MA)
'Voice of Faithful' Defies Attendees, Launches Worcester Affiliate
Massachusetts
News
By Ed Oliver
October 2002 Print Edition
About 75 Catholics attended a tumultuous meeting September 18 at Holy Cross College
to vote on a motion to establish a "Voice of the Faithful" affiliate for the Worcester
Diocese. But despite a vote that failed to approve it, organizers started the
affiliate anyway.
Voice of the Faithful is a rapidly-spreading movement of lay Catholics that ostensibly
seeks to hold Bishops accountable for their actions. It has received positive
reviews in the mainstream media, but critics of the group point out that many
of those associated with its leadership espouse radical views not in line with
church teaching.
Before the vote was taken in Worcester, organizers explained that according to
the rules, the motion needed two-thirds in favor to pass. After a period of shouting
and confusion about the goals of the organization, the vote was finally taken
and the results were 30 in favor, and 27 against, failing to reach the necessary
two-thirds.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
10:21:35 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Deposition mentions Telegram, reporter
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
Telegram & Gazette Staff
WORCESTER-- In his deposition for the sexual abuse lawsuit filed against Auxiliary
Bishop George E. Rueger, Glen G. Alexander was asked about a statement issued
by the Catholic Diocese of Worcester that the plaintiff, Sime Braio, had threatened
to contact Telegram & Gazette reporter Kathleen A. Shaw if the diocese did not
pay him a cash sum.
According to the diocese press release, Mr. Braio called the chancery on Feb.
26 and attempted to “extort the Diocese of Worcester with false claims of sexual
misconduct” against Bishop Rueger.
“I happen to have been sitting right in front of him when he made that phone call.”
Mr. Alexander said in his deposition.
“Was Kathy Shaw's name ever mentioned?” Mr. Alexander was asked by Daniel J. Shea,
Mr. Braio's lawyer.
“Not that I recall,” Mr. Alexander responded.
“Was the newspaper ever mentioned?” Mr. Shea asked.
“I don't believe so,” was the answer.
James G. Reardon, lawyer for the diocese, asked Mr. Alexander the same questions
and received the same answers.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
10:13:33 AM
BALTIMORE (MD)
Keeler letter reveals abuse
Cardinal says 83 priests accused over 7 decades; 'Spiritual equivalent of murder';
$4.1 million in settlements go to 8 victims in 20 years
Baltimore
Sun
By John Rivera
Sun Staff
Calling the sexual abuse of children by clergy "the spiritual equivalent of murder,"
Cardinal William H. Keeler has disclosed that more than 80 priests have been accused
of molesting minors in the Baltimore archdiocese over the past seven decades.
In a letter sent today to the 180,000 Catholic households in the archdiocese,
Keeler said that since the 1930s, 41 diocesan priests and 42 men in religious
orders and priests from other dioceses have been accused of sexual abuse in the
Archdiocese Of Baltimore. None of the men is now in ministry, and all the cases
have been reported to civil authorities, Keeler said. Twenty- six of the priests
died before their accusers came forward.
The cardinal also said that the archdiocese has reached settlements with eight
victims totaling $4.1 million over the past 20 years, nearly all of it covered
by insurance.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
09:05:05 AM VIRGINIA BEACH (VA)
Beach priest expelled over abuse
The Virginian-Pilot
By STEVEN G. VEGH
The Virginian-Pilot
The Rev. Eugene Teslovic of St. Luke Catholic Church in Virginia Beach was expelled
from active ministry Tuesday in connection with several sexual encounters with
minors during the late 1970s and mid-1980s.
Teslovic is the third priest in two months to be forced into retirement by Diocese
of Richmond Bishop Walter F. Sullivan based on his finding that allegations of
sexually abusing children were credible.
Teslovic's expulsion was in line with the recommendations Monday of a Diocesan
Review Board established to investigate sexual abuse complaints against clergy
and church employees.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
08:38:20 AM
VIRGINIA BEACH (VA)
Diocese retires Va. Beach priest
Richmond
Times-Dispatch
BY ALBERTA LINDSEY
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Sep 25, 2002
A Virginia Beach Catholic priest has been removed from active ministry because
of several alleged incidents of sexual misconduct with minors.
The Rev. Eugene Teslovic, pastor of St. Luke Catholic Church in Virginia Beach
for the last 12 years, is the fifth priest in the Diocese of Richmond to be accused
of sexual abuse of children.
The Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan, bishop of the Richmond diocese, placed Teslovic,
55, on restricted retirement yesterday. The priest is prohibited from carrying
out any functions as a priest.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
08:35:32 AM
CONCORD (NH)
Bishop says Catholics reducing gifts
Foster's
Daily Democrat
By STEPHEN FROTHINGHAM
Associated Press Writer
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Paul Guilderson says withholding donations to the Catholic
Church is the only way to get church leaders to hear his concerns about the sex
abuse scandals.
"I’ve got no choice but to walk with my feet and my pocketbook," said Guilderson,
a 77-year-old retired state worker from Bow.
"The arrogance, the immoral, criminal behavior — the moral fiber has snapped,"
he said.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
08:26:00 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Victims' symptoms called common
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Richard Nangle
Telegram & Gazette Staff
WORCESTER-- David Lewcon exhibits many symptoms common in people who were sexually
abused in their youth but were in denial until well into their adult years, an
expert in forensic psychology connected to McLean Hospital at Harvard Medical
School testified yesterday in Superior Court.
Dr. John Daignault said Mr. Lewcon did not know he had been sexually abused by
the Rev. Thomas Teczar until he watched a television program about sexual abuse
in 1993. Afterward, he said, Mr. Lewcon began to seek out victims of sexual abuse
and came to believe that problems in his own life stemmed from the alleged sexual
abuse.
“I do not believe he has grasped the depth of the harm he went through,” Dr. Daignault
said.
As evidence, he pointed to Mr. Lewcon's decision to go to lunch with Rev. Teczar
sometime in the mid-1980s, about 15 years after the alleged abuse happened. Had
Mr. Lewcon realized he had been harmed, Dr. Daignault said, he never would have
accepted Rev. Teczar's invitation.
Mr. Lewcon, 48, of Webster, is suing Rev. Teczar, 61, of Dudley, charging that
he was sexually abused by the priest while in high school and a member of St.
Mary Church in Uxbridge.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
08:19:24 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Witness against diocese testifies
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Kathleen A. Shaw
Telegram & Gazette Staff
WORCESTER-- A sworn deposition given earlier this month disputes assertions by
Catholic Diocese of Worcester officials that Sime Braio attempted to extort money
from the diocese before he filed a lawsuit accusing Auxiliary Bishop George E.
Rueger of sexual abuse.
Mr. Braio, 52, filed the civil suit in July against the diocese and Bishop Rueger,
alleging that Rev. Rueger, who was then a priest, sexually molested Mr. Braio
when he was a teenager.
Glen G. Alexander, who rents an apartment from Mr. Braio, gave a deposition on
Sept. 10; he was questioned by Daniel J. Shea, Mr. Braio's lawyer, and James G.
Reardon Jr., lawyer for the diocese.
Mr. Alexander said he was with Mr. Braio when Mr. Braio called the chancery on
Feb. 26 to report he had been abused by Bishop Rueger. Mr. Alexander also said
he was in Mr. Braio's apartment on May 10 when Monsignor Thomas J. Sullivan, the
diocesan chancellor, arrived there with a black bag.
The conversation he heard, Mr. Alexander said, made it appear that the diocese
was more interested in protecting the auxiliary bishop from public exposure than
in helping Mr. Braio.
He said he also was present on May 16 when state police assigned to the Worcester
District Attorney's office escorted Mr. Braio from his home for a questioning
session that lasted 10 hours.
Mr. Alexander said that over a two-year period Mr. Braio had told him about how,
years ago, then-Rev. Rueger would sign him out of the former Lyman School, a state-operated
facility for juvenile delinquents, and take him to a house in Scituate. Mr. Alexander
said he was not aware of Mr. Braio's allegations of sexual abuse until he overheard
a telephone call the plaintiff made to the chancery.
Asked about his relationship with Mr. Braio, he responded, “Picture two old handicapped
guys. They would hang out ... 24-7 if given the opportunity, because they're lonely,
right, but they also understand that a person needs their privacy.”
The diocese maintained that Mr. Braio called the chancery on Feb. 26 and attempted
to “extort the Diocese of Worcester with false claims of sexual misconduct against
Bishop Rueger.”
“I happen to have been sitting right in front of him when he made that phone call,”
Mr. Alexander stated in his deposition. He said Mr. Braio first talked with the
Rev. Rocco Piccolomini and “laid open his heart and soul to this priest,” telling
Rev. Piccolomini that he had been sexually molested and sodomized by Bishop Rueger.
Asked how he knew who Mr. Braio was speaking with, Mr. Alexander responded that
“one of Sime's characteristics is anytime he talks on the phone or reads a newspaper
or anything like that, he tends to say what he's doing out loud.”
He also said that it appeared to him that Mr. Braio carried strong feelings of
guilt about his past relationship with Bishop Rueger. “I stayed put because I
was afraid he was going to have a heart attack, because I've never seen a person
so broken up in my entire life,” Mr. Alexander said.
Mr. Alexander said that he heard Mr. Braio say, “This is not about money.”
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
08:17:00 AM
VATICAN
Non-U.S. bishops could balk at American abuse guidelines
Boston
Herald
by Eric Convey
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
As top U.S. Catholic Church officials eagerly await word on whether the Vatican
will approve proposed American guidelines for dealing with priests accused of
sex abuse, a lingering question at the center of the debate focuses on the role
of bishops, sources said.
``Bishops around the world are looking, they're watching,'' said a highly placed
church leader in Rome speaking on condition of anonymity.
U.S. bishops, to the dismay of some peers around the world, agreed to surrender
some autonomy and abide by strict guidelines that dictate how priests accused
of molestation should be dealt with.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
07:53:39 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Archdiocese eyes more legal rights for accused priests
Boston
Globe
By Stephen Kurkjian and Matt Carroll, Globe Staff, 9/25/2002
Their voices have grown louder as the clergy abuse scandal has unfolded this year:
priests who say they have been falsely accused of sexual misconduct and then languish
in legal limbo, hearing little from the church about the charges they face or
how they might defend themselves.
On Friday, church officials in Boston plan to offer their first official response
to such complaints, authorizing the drafting of a sort of canon law bill of rights
that would be made available to all priests.
The Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, spokesman for the archdiocese, said Cardinal Bernard
F. Law's principal advisory group, the Presbyteral Council, will consider a number
of ways to address the due process concerns of priests, including how they may
challenge a suspension from pastoral duties - now an automatic consequence of
a credible accusation of abuse - and whether they can bring a lawyer along should
a summons from the chancery come.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/25/2002
07:50:18 AM
MINNEAPOLIS
Priest placed on restrictions after alleged indecent exposure
Star Tribune
Richard Meryhew and David Chanen
Star Tribune
A Roman Catholic priest living in Anoka has been placed on restrictions by his
superiors after he was cited for indecent exposure and disorderly conduct last
week.
Ed Greiwe, 65, a member of the Crosier religious order, was cited by police after
allegedly exposing himself to a male undercover police officer Friday afternoon
at Pioneer Park in Blaine.
Greiwe, who has been working in an administrative role at the U.S. Crosier headquarters
in Shoreview, is not an active parish priest.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/25/2002
07:38:56 AM ORANGE COUNTY (Ca.)
Sting Leads to Sex Abuse Charge Against Ex-Priest
Catholics: Orange man's arrest is the first to result from molestation allegations
in Southland.
By WILLIAM LOBDELL and CHRISTINE HANLEY, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
Los Angeles
Times
Orange County authorities arrested a former Catholic priest Tuesday on suspicion
of sexually abusing a teenage girl in the 1970s after the man allegedly confessed
to an undercover deputy posing as his out-of-wedlock daughter.
Gerald John Plesetz, 59, of Orange is the first priest to be criminally charged
with sexually abusing victims in Los Angeles or Orange counties since the Roman
Catholic sex scandal broke nine months ago. Plesetz, who left the priesthood in
the late 1970s and works as an administrator for the Orange County Health Care
Agency, was charged with three counts of oral copulation with a minor under the
age of 16. It's unclear why prosecutors did not charge him with statutory rape;
they accuse Plesetz in court documents of impregnating the girl.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/25/2002
07:37:06 AM
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
VIRGINIA BEACH (VA)
Richmond Diocese Retires Priest Following Investigation
WAVY.com
By MARIA SANMINIATELLI
Associated Press Writer
(AP)-The Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond on Tuesday retired one of its priests
from a parish in Virginia Beach, after a monthlong investigation revealed incidents
of sexual misconduct with minors.
A diocese spokesman said Bishop Walter F. Sullivan began investigating the Rev.
Eugene Teslovic after the priest informed the diocese that someone had recently
approached him about a past sexual impropriety. The incident took place in 1977
when Teslovic was a deacon at Resurrection Parish in Portsmouth and allegedly
involved a parishioner in his early 20s.
During the inquiry, Sullivan determined that Teslovic had been involved in several
incidents of sexual misconduct with minors during the late 1970s and mid 1980s.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:27:01 PM
VIRGINIA BEACH (VA)
Va. Beach priest retired due to sexual misconduct with minors
www.WVEC.Com
By WVEC.com
A priest ministering in Virginia Beach has been removed from active ministry.
Until this morning, Teslovic had served as pastor at St. Luke parish on Salem
Road in Virginia Beach.
Diocese officials said Teslovic informed them last month that someone had recently
approached him about a past sexual impropriety from 1977, when he was a deacon
at Resurrection Parish in Portsmouth. The complainant, who was a parishioner at
the same time, was then in his early 20’s .
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:22:49 PM
HAMPTON ROADS (Va)
Hampton Roads priest removed for sexual misconduct
Pilot Online
© September 24, 2002
A Hampton Roads priest has been removed from active ministry because of ``several
incidents of sexual misconduct with minors,'' Bishop Walter F. Sullivan of the
Catholic Diocese or Richmond announced today.
Father Eugene Teslovic has been put on restricted retirement, meaning he is prohibited
from carrying out any functions as a priest, according to a diocese news release.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/24/2002
07:35:16 PM
VATICAN
Vatican expected to back bishops
Washington
Times
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican is leaning toward giving the go-ahead to the U.S.
bishops' plan to curb sexual misconduct among clergy, accepting the proposals
on an experimental basis, a senior Vatican official said yesterday.
Such a move by the Holy See would give Roman Catholic leaders in the United States
time to enact their "one strike and you're out" reform policy without making permanent
changes in church law.
In recent weeks the number of reports that the Vatican would reject the policy
outright has been growing, embarrassing American bishops as they struggle to deal
with the crisis.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
09:12:31 AM
MONTPELIER (VT)
Two priests will avoid charges
Times Argus
By DAVID MACE Vermont Press Bureau
MONTPELIER — Two Catholic priests accused of sexual misconduct weren’t exonerated
by an investigation, but they won’t face criminal charges either, Vermont’s attorney
general said Monday.
William Sorrell told reporters at a press conference Monday that the investigations
into two of six priests active in Vermont’s Catholic Diocese were concluded and
that “neither ... will be charged with any crime ... based on the information
we’ve received to date.”
“We cannot say it never happened,” Sorrell said. “We just don’t have the evidence
to go forward.”
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
09:04:18 AM
NEW YORK CITY
FORDHAM FUMES OVER COLUMBIA'S CHURCH JOKE
New York Post
By KATE SHEEHY
September 24, 2002 -- Columbia University's marching band hit the Catholic Church
below the belt during a weekend football game - by announcing that rival Fordham's
tuition is "going down like an altar boy," fuming critics charge.
The halftime gibe over the loudspeakers from a wisecracking band leader prompted
everyone from the president of Jesuit-run Fordham University to incensed Catholic
students to demand a formal apology from Columbia.
"It seems to be a tradition at the Ivy League school that its marching band talk
trash and push the envelop on decorum," Fordham spokeswoman Elizabeth Schmalz
said last night. "However . . . it's never been so blatantly anti-Catholic."
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:58:14 AM
NEW YORK CITY
Columbia sacked
for priest sex joke
New York
Daily News
Hundreds of angry Fordham students signed petitions yesterday demanding Columbia
University apologize for alleged anti-Catholic taunts made at Saturday's Columbia-Fordham
football game.
"They're outraged," said Elizabeth Schmalz, a Fordham spokeswoman.
During halftime at Columbia's Wein Stadium, the crowd heard an off-color crack
about the priest sex scandals over the public-address system.
Then, according to the Catholic League, Columbia's irreverent band and the crowd
began making anti-Catholic jokes.
"The comment that was made at the Fordham-Columbia football game was disturbing,
but the crowd's reaction was more so," declared Catholic League President William
Donohue, who said he got his information from Fordham fans.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:53:04 AM
MANCHESTER (NH)
Bishop: Catholics reducing
gifts to church charities
The
Union Leader
By KATHRYN MARCHOCKI
Union Leader Staff
Rank-and-file Catholics have shown their displeasure over the clergy sexual abuse
scandal by reducing their level of giving this year, Manchester Bishop John B.
McCormack acknowledged yesterday.
Collection baskets are coming in lighter at some New Hampshire parishes and fundraising
campaigns haven’t been as successful, he said.
“There are some people who express their dissatisfaction by not contributing either
to the parish or, this year, to Catholic Charities or other fundraising efforts
of the church,” the bishop said.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:48:32 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Alleged abuse victim grilled by defense
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Kathleen A. Shaw
Telegram & Gazette Staff
WORCESTER-- David A. Lewcon said yesterday that for many years he believed sexual
conduct with the Rev. Thomas Teczar was consensual.
He later began to question the relationship after news stories appeared about
the Rev. Thomas A. Kane and his House of Affirmation in Whitinsville.
Mr. Lewcon made his admissions under questioning by lawyer Michael C. Wilcox,
who is co-counsel for Rev. Teczar with Louis P. Aloise. The jury heard a third
day of testimony yesterday in Worcester Superior Court from Mr. Lewcon in his
civil suit against Rev. Teczar.
He also said under questioning by Mr. Wilcox that none of the sexual acts with
Rev. Teczar were forced by the priest.
The trial will continue at 9:45 a.m. today in Room 18.
Mr. Lewcon alleges that the sexual conduct, which happened when he was 16 years
old, was abusive in nature and caused him harm.
Mr. Wilcox went through records with a series of psychologists and psychiatrists
from whom Mr. Lewcon received treatment. Mr. Lewcon said in several instances
he did not mention abuse by Rev. Teczar.
Mr. Wilcox repeatedly asked questions about the time frame the abuse occurred.
Mr. Lewcon had said the incident occurred in 1971, but Mr. Wilcox in analyzing
previous depositions in this suit said he was actually talking about 1972, the
year Mr. Lewcon graduated from high school.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:46:09 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Subpoena of abuse records withdrawn by Bishop Reilly
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Kathleen A. Shaw
Telegram & Gazette Staff
WORCESTER-- Bishop Daniel P. Reilly said yesterday he had no knowledge that an
insurance company lawyer had subpoenaed confidential records of the Survivors
Network for those Abused by Priests and said he was rescinding the request.
The subpoena was withdrawn yesterday afternoon, but this action did not entirely
impress Philip A. Saviano, New England regional director for SNAP.
Mr. Saviano said the “damage had been done,” meaning the action would have a chilling
effect on other victim support groups throughout the country. SNAP will proceed
with its actions to quash the subpoena until it gets assurance the diocese will
never repeat this request, he said.
Mr. Saviano said he was verbally assured yesterday afternoon by lawyers for the
insurance company and diocese that they will drop attempts to get confidential
records.
He held a press conference yesterday at Harvard University. He was asked whether
he believed that Bishop Reilly had no knowledge of the subpoena. “I have no idea
if he knew, but if he did not know then there is a problem,” he said. The bishop,
as head of the diocese, should have knowledge of what is going on with the lawsuits
affecting his diocese.
Joanne L. Goulka of Stoneham, the insurance company lawyer representing the Worcester
diocese in a civil suit filed by five women who say they were sexually abused
by the Rev. Robert E. Kelley at St. Cecilia's parish in Leominster, subpoenaed
the records and ordered Mr. Saviano to appear for a deposition.
The subpoena asked not only for records pertaining to the five women's involvement
with SNAP, but for information on any other victims who allege they were abused
by Rev. Kelley and for information on all people who claimed they were abused
by any priests in the Worcester diocese. The diocesan insurance carrier is Travelers
Insurance and Ms. Goulka works for the insurance company in representing the diocese.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:43:08 AM
GREENFIELD (MA)
More suits filed against Fr. Lavigne
Greenfield Recorder
GREENFIELD Three men from Heath, Colrain and West Springfield filed civil complaints
in Hampden Superior Court last week, accusing former Shelburne Falls priest Richard
R. Lavigne of sexually molesting them as children and charging the Springfield
Diocese with negligence in failing to supervise Lavigne and restricting his access
to young boys. The lawsuit filed on behalf of a 19-year-old Colrain man is the
first of 12 complaints filed this summer to name current Bishop Thomas L. Dupre
as a defendant, according to Greenfield lawyer John J. Stobierski, who represents
the dozen alleged sexual abuse victims. Dupre was appointed vicar general in 1989
and made auxiliary bishop in 1990, according to the suit filed by Stobierski.
Stobierski said Dupre had authority to discipline or remove any cleric from duty,
including Lavigne.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:40:09 AM
GREENFIELD (MA)
Rev. Lavigne faces 3 more lawsuits
Springfield
Union-News
By BILL ZAJAC
GREENFIELD — Three more lawsuits have been filed against convicted child molester
the Rev. Richard R. Lavigne, including one that also names the current bishop
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield.
It is the first time that the Most Rev. Thomas L. Dupre has been named in any
of the 15 suits that have been filed this year against priests for sexual abuse
that plaintiffs said occurred in the Springfield Diocese.
Dupre, as well as other diocesan officials, have repeatedly stated, including
yesterday, that action was taken after the first accusation was made against Lavigne.
That 1986 allegation against Lavigne was the only accusation of abuse that came
forward to the diocese before his arrest for molestation in 1991, officials have
said. He pleaded guilty in 1992.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:38:01 AM
LAWRENCE (MA)
Law absence leaves Fiesta protest-free
The Eagle Tribune
By Yadira Betances
Staff Writer
About 65 picketers lined up in silence yesterday in front of Boston's Cathedral
of the Holy Cross, carrying pictures of young children allegedly abused by priests
as part of their campaign to drive Cardinal Bernard F. Law from his post.
It was the largest protest at the cathedral -- the seat of the Archdiocese of
Boston -- in months.
It was also the kind of protest local parishioners were glad was avoided with
Law's absence from yesterday's Catholic Fiesta on Campagnone Common.
"I'm glad he didn't come because it would have taken the attention from the Mass
and placed the focus on him with people protesting, and why not?" said David Smith
of Lawrence.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:34:53 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Plaintiffs want priest's records unsealed
Boston
Globe
By Globe Staff and Wires, 9/24/2002
Alleged molestation victims suing the Rev. Paul Shanley yesterday asked a Suffolk
Superior Court judge to unseal psychiatric treatment records from his stay in
the early 1990s at a treatment facility for priests accused of sexually abusing
minors. Shanley's lawyer argued that the records from the Institute for Living
in Hartford are privileged, but attorneys for the victims said he was sent there
involuntarily by the Archdiocese of Boston for evaluation and therefore had no
expectation of privacy. Superior Court Judge Constance M. Sweeney took the matter
under advisement.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:32:19 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Bishop withdraws subpoena for names from victims group
Boston
Herald
by Robin Washington
The Diocese of Worcester backed down yesterday from a demand by its lawyers that
a sex abuse victims group turn over the names of its members and others who have
contacted the organization for assistance.
Citing his ``dismay'' over the request, Bishop Daniel P. Reilly ordered lawyer
Joanne Goulka to withdraw a subpoena that directed Phil Saviano, the New England
director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, to surrender the
names of everyone who has called the support group for help.
``I was dismayed to learn in news reports on Sunday that our liability insurance
company found it necessary to seek records of alleged victims from the support
group SNAP,'' Reilly said in a statement. ``I have contacted the lawyer . . .
and instructed that this request be withdrawn.''
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:25:33 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Law struggles for explanations in deposition on Shanley case
Boston
Herald
by Tom Mashberg
In portions of an August deposition of Bernard Cardinal Law filed yesterday in
the Paul R. Shanley abuse case, Law strains to explain why he personally allowed
known molesters to resume parish work in the 1980s and early 1990s.
``The difference between 1985 and 2002,'' Law says at one point, ``is that in
the handling of cases . . . there was a tendency to focus on a specific aspect
(of a priest's suspect behavior) at a specific time.
``Looking back . . . how is it we didn't have a zero toleration policy in '85?''
Law continues, with specific reference to Shanley, who pastored for a decade in
Newton, and several other recidivist priests, among them the late Rev. Joseph
E. Birmingham of Lexington and the retired Rev. George J. Rosenkranz, formerly
of Marblehead.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:23:48 AM BOSTON (MA)
Archdiocese may revise policy on priest sex-abuse allegations
Boston
Herald
by Eric Convey
Boston Catholic Church officials are considering changing the archdiocese's strict
policy for dealing with sex abuse allegations against clergy to increase protections
for priests, even as the Vatican appears poised to allow hard-line national guidelines
adopted in June by U.S. bishops.
The Presbyteral Council, chaired by Bernard Cardinal Law, is reviewing confidential
proposals to refine the existing rules, which call for immediately suspending
any priest against whom a credible allegation has been made and ending the public
ministry of anyone found guilty in the church's eyes.
``They're refinements, not (major) changes,'' said one priest who sits on the
council and discussed the situation on condition of anonymity.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:20:49 AM
MONTPELIER (VT)
Two Vermont priests won't be prosecuted
Boston
Globe
By Associated Press, 9/24/2002
MONTPELIER - The Vermont attorney general's office won't file criminal charges
against two suspended Roman Catholic priests accused of sexual impropriety.
The investigations are continuing into allegations made last spring against four
other active priests and four more whose names were learned by authorities since
the original charges surfaced.
''We have heard some terrible stories,'' Attorney General William Sorrell said.
''It has been heartbreaking to be involved with the interviews with people in
their 30s, 40s, and 50s'' and hear how the conduct has hurt their lives.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:18:41 AM
BOSTON (MA)
How child abuse and neglect damage the brain
Boston
Globe
By Josh Kendall, Globe Correspondent, 9/24/2002
For 7 -year-old Zachary Risotti, feeling safe and cared about is a new experience.
At 2, Zachary was taken to the emergency room because of a suspicious cigarette
burn under his left eye. Six months later, he was back in the hospital with a
burn on his right forearm. Suspecting abuse, the state Department of Social Services
removed him from his home, but he bounced around three foster homes before he
was finally adopted in July 2000.
By then, Zachary already bore psychological scars of child abuse. At 3, he had
the communication skills typical of a toddler half his age. He avoided eye contact,
fidgeted constantly and expressed his frustration by sitting in a corner and crying.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:17:05 AM
VATICAN
Vatican aide says US abuse policy may get trial use
Boston
Globe
By Victor L. Simpson, Associated Press, 9/24/2002
VATICAN CITY - The Vatican is leaning toward allowing Roman Catholic bishops in
the United States to go ahead with a plan to combat sex abuse among the clergy,
accepting the proposals on an experimental basis, a senior Vatican official said
yesterday.
Such a move would give the US bishops time to try their controversial reform policy
without making permanent changes in church law.
In recent weeks, there have been a number of reports that the Vatican would reject
the policy outright, embarrassing the American bishops as they struggle to end
the molestation crisis.
The policy ''would not receive formal Vatican approval, but nor would it be a
rejection,'' the official said in an interview, speaking on condition of anonymity.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:14:34 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Bishop's priorities skewed
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Dianne Williamson
Telegram & Gazette Columnist
Christopher Reeve is sometimes consumed with envy when he watches someone walk
across a room.
“I'm thinking, 'God, how did it happen I can't even do that?' ” he said on the
documentary, “Christopher Reeve: Courageous Steps,” which aired last week on ABC.
“I mean, how can this be my life?”
To glean even an inkling of what it's like to be paralyzed from the neck down,
the former celluloid Superman suggested that we sit perfectly, painfully still
for just an hour. No shifting, no nose scratching, not the slightest movement.
Such an exercise would be excruciating, and we'd still have no real understanding
of the torment and challenges he faces 24 hours a day.
I thought of the courageous Mr. Reeve when I read about the Diocese of Worcester's
annual “Pro-Life” Mass on Sunday at Assumption College, celebrated by Auxiliary
Bishop George E. Rueger. At a time when the Catholic Church is consumed by a crisis
of credibility -- when its terribly skewed priorities have become all too obvious
-- Bishop Rueger chose to focus on the church's strict opposition to the scientific
promise that gives hope to Mr. Reeve and millions of other disabled Americans
-- stem-cell research.
As a lead-in of sorts to the theme, the bishop said that the terrorists who flew
planes into the World Trade Center Sept. 11 “were not the first or the last people
to show disdain for human life.” He then went on to criticize the creation of
embryos “only to destroy them.” He touched only briefly on what he called “the
crisis in the church” before he segued into the oldie-but-goody call for peace
around the world.
How very ... disheartening. It's certainly not news that the church is opposed
to the use of embryonic stem cells to cure disease, and its leaders have the right
to speak out against whatever they wish. But it's nothing short of reprehensible
for a religious leader to compare the terrorists who claimed lives in a horrific
act of violence with heroic, devoted scientists who are trying to improve the
lives of those who suffer.
Dr. Robert P. Lanza, medical and scientific development director for Advanced
Cell Technology in Worcester, is one of those scientists. He also is a Catholic.
Yesterday, he said he believes that the church's vehement opposition to stem cell
research is grounded in ignorance.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:09:25 AM
BOSTON (MA)
The escalator of change
Boston
Globe
By James Carroll, 9/24/2002
WHEN THE American Catholic bishops met in Washington in the fall of 1968, a crowd
of protesters showed up. The meeting was at the Washington Hilton, and what drew
the demonstrators was the still boiling furor over ''Humanae Vitae,'' the papal
encyclical condemning birth control.
Though only a seminarian, I was there in support of the numerous priests and theologians
who had boldly signed declarations saying they would not teach that contraception
is inherently evil. Some were professors of mine, and some had already been suspended
or even fired. Dozens of those priests and their supporters had come to the Hilton
demanding to be heard by the bishops.
We were gathered in the large, polished lobby of the hotel, waiting for the bishops
to come out of their morning session, which was being held in a conference room
one floor up. An escalator joined the two floors. Finally, the bishops began to
appear on the moving stairway, bringing them down. Gold crosses and chains gleamed
on their black shirtfronts. They were laughing and talking - but their expressions
changed when they saw the throng of protesters who were waiting on the first floor.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:03:28 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Bishop calls off subpoena
Records at issue in Worcester case
Boston
Globe
By Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff, 9/24/2002
Facing a barrage of criticism from alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse, Bishop
Daniel Reilly of the Diocese of Worcester yesterday ordered church lawyers to
withdraw a subpoena that attempted to force a victims support group to turn over
the names and records of its members.
In a one-page statement, Reilly said he was ''dismayed'' to learn from news reports
Sunday that a lawyer for the company that insures the Worcester Diocese ''found
it necessary to seek records of alleged victims'' from the Survivors Network of
those Abused by Priests, or SNAP.
Reilly said neither he nor his chancery staff had been told of the legal maneuver,
which he said undercuts the church's efforts to support victims.
''The Diocese of Worcester is committed to the care and support of those who have
been victims of child sexual abuse by clergy and I stand unequivocally by that
commitment,'' Reilly said in the statement.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/24/2002
08:00:53 AM
Church experts say bishops bungling crisis
Diverse observers unite in condemning Catholic hierarchy
San
Francisco Chronicle
September 23, 2002
By Don Lattin, Chronicle Religion Writer
Nashville -- It's news when the Rev. Thomas Reese, the Rev. Richard John Neuhaus
and layman Tom Fox all agree in their assessment of the nation's Roman Catholic
bishops.
And that's what happened over the weekend when these well-connected and influential
church-watchers were asked how the American hierarchy was handling the church's
burgeoning sex abuse scandal.
Three thumbs down.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/24/2002
07:34:32 AM
Monday, September 23, 2002
Group raises funds to help some priests accused in sex cases
Detroit
Free Press
BY ALEXA CAPELOTO AND PATRICIA MONTEMURRI
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
The phone calls have rolled in from a dozen states, most beginning with the same
question: "Are you the guy who helps priests?"
Joe Maher, surprised by the national reach of work he started in Detroit, finds
himself answering, "Yep, I guess I am."
Three weeks ago, a visiting priest at Maher's parish, Assumption Grotto Catholic
Church in Detroit, was acquitted of raping a choir member. Maher raised $100,000
for the priest's expenses. Word spread and the calls began.
Now Maher, 42, has quit his job as a financial systems analyst to start Opus Bono
Sacerdotii -- Latin for Work for the Good of the Priesthood -- a financial and
spiritual support group for priests who say they are innocent of alleged misconduct
or who are repentant and reformed.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/23/2002
01:15:02 PM
ST. LOUIS
Advocacy group for victims of abuse meets here
St.
Louis Post-Dispatch
By Phyllis Brasch Librach
Of The Post-Dispatch
The Associated Press Contributed To This Report.
Connie Ross of Denver wrote the Roman Catholic Church claiming she was abused
by a priest in Milwaukee, but in 1989 no one showed any interest, she says.
Bill Gately of Boston says that he felt confused and nauseated after he tracked
down the priest who he says abused him as a boy.
And as a young teen, Judy Rakestraw of Miami says she became convinced she was
the only person in the world who had been abused by a priest.
Ross, Gately and Rakestraw, and several dozen more alleged victims briefly shared
their stories of abuse Friday night when leaders of the Survivors Network of those
Abused by Priests met at the Second Presbyterian Church in the Central West End.
About 60 leaders from the organization's chapters across the country and Canada
are in St. Louis this weekend for meetings and workshops.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/23/2002
12:00:58 PM
BALTIMORE
Suspended city priest resigns his position
Allegation of abuse found not credible, archdiocese says; other concern found
Baltimore
Sun
By Erika Niedowski
Sun Staff
A priest who was suspended from his duties in July after being accused of sexually
abusing a 14-year-old boy has resigned, the Archdiocese Of Baltimore announced
yesterday.
The Rev. Alfred Dean, 42, voluntarily stepped down as pastor of St. Francis Xavier
Church in East Baltimore last week and has requested a leave of absence from the
Josephite Society, said archdiocese spokesman Steve Kearney.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/23/2002
09:27:52 AM
Church faulted on pace of probes
Boston
Globe
(By Walter V. Robinson and Stephen Kurkjian, Globe Staff)
It has been more than five weeks since Paul R. Edwards accused Monsignor Michael
Smith Foster and the late Rev. William J. Cummings of sexually abusing him in
the early 1980s. But in all that time, more than a dozen people who insist they
have evidence that will disprove the accusation against Cummings say they have
never been contacted by archdiocesan investigators.
Protesters organize at Law's church
Boston
Globe
(By Michael S. Rosenwald, Globe Staff)
With their backs symbolically turned to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, dozens
of regular protesters of the Roman Catholic Church declared their unity against
Cardinal Bernard F. Law yesterday with a solidarity vigil marking the naming of
their new group STTOP!
Vatican reply awaited
Boston
Globe
(By Frances D'Emilio, Associated Press)
ROME - The Vatican will soon make known its position on the new guidelines set
by US bishops to eradicate sex abuse among clergy. Details of the strategy are
expected to raise objections at the Holy See
Victimizing the victims
Boston
Globe
(By Adrian Walker, Globe Columnist)
When Cindy Desrosiers learned that the Worcester Diocese was doing battle with
SNAP, a support group for victims of clergy sexual abuse, she wasn't surprised.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/23/2002
09:25:21 AM
BOSTON
Protesters take different approach as they call for removal of Boston Cardinal
San
Francisco Chronicle
JENNIFER PETER, Associated Press Writer
BOSTON (AP) -- In a more peaceful phase of their campaign to drive Cardinal Bernard
Law from his post, protesters lined up in silence with their backs to the Cathedral
of the Holy Cross and held up dozens of pictures of young children allegedly abused
by priests.
The silent observance by about 65 picketers was the largest protest in months
at the cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Boston. It was also intended
to address concerns that weekly demonstrations at the cathedral by angry protesters
with bullhorns had become too confrontational, according to organizer Rick Webb.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 9/23/2002
06:36:14 AM
Sunday, September 22, 2002
VATICAN
Report: Vatican Won't OK Abuse Plan
Yahoo!
News
By FRANCES D'EMILIO, Associated Press Writer
ROME (AP) - The Vatican ( news - web sites) next month will make known its position
on the new U.S. bishops' strategy to eradicate sex abuse among clergy, a policy
expected to raise objections at the Holy See.
The Vatican press office on Sunday said it would not comment about a report
by the National Catholic Reporter, a liberal, U.S.-based publication, that the
Vatican would not grant legal approval to the guidelines, adopted in June at
a Dallas meeting of U.S. bishops.
Without Rome's approval, the bishops' policy amounts to a gentlemen's agreement,
as opposed to being enshrined in church law and binding on all American dioceses.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 9/22/2002
04:31:23 PM