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Saturday, October 12, 2002
AUBURN (ME)
Catholic educators undergo abuse training
Boston.com
By Associated Press, 10/12/2002 12:16
AUBURN, Maine (AP) More than 350 principals and teachers from Catholic schools
across Maine attended a ''Protecting God's Children'' program at St. Dominic Regional
High School.
''To hear the perpetrators just talk about it, that was kind of scary,'' said
Martha Hart, a teacher at Mount Merici School in Waterville.
During the summer, Maine priests, deacons, chancery employees and other Catholic
groups participated in the program. On Friday, it was the educators' turn.
Videos provided a glimpse into the world of child molesters and the effects of
abuse on young victims.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/12/2002
08:16:20 PM
BOSTON (MA)
Law bars new chapters of reform group from using church property
Boston.com
By Ron Depasquale, Associated Press, 10/12/2002 19:57
BOSTON (AP) Cardinal Bernard Law is allowing existing chapters of Voice of the
Faithful to meet in parish halls with their pastor's approval, but has barred
new chapters of the Catholic reform group from using church property.
''Given the present state of the group as a national organization, I decided it
would be inappropriate for new chapters to use church property until I had received
further information about the Voice of the Faithful,'' Law wrote in a letter made
public Saturday.
However, Law has also reversed a decision to ban Voice of the Faithful from meeting
at a church in North Andover, about 25 miles north of Boston.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/12/2002
08:13:14 PM DETROIT
Ex-priest facing new charges
Prosecutor says this case is stronger than first one
Detroit
Free Press
BY BEN SCHMITT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
A newly disclosed alleged victim in the metro Detroit priest sex scandal told
prosecutors he would never have come forward if his mother were still alive.
His mother revered the Rev. Jason Sigler, Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Duggan
said Friday as he announced three new criminal sexual conduct charges against
the former Catholic priest.
Sigler, 64, already was facing four counts of criminal sexual conduct for allegedly
assaulting his 12-year-old third cousin in 1965-67.Those charges were filed by
Duggan in August.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/12/2002
03:56:45 PM
BOSTON (MA)
Tense fifth day for Law deposition
Boston
Herald
by Tom Mashberg
Bernard Cardinal Law underwent a tense five-hour deposition yesterday punctuated
by testy repartee with opposing attorneys and a tense exchange with the mother
of an alleged clergy abuse victim, a participant said.
``His demeanor was bordering on hostile the whole time,'' said Rodney Ford, father
of Greg Ford of Newton, one of six men suing the Archdiocese of Boston over abuse
allegedly suffered at the hands of the Rev. Paul R. Shanley.
``I don't think he's ever going to fully take responsibility for his actions,''
Ford said, referring to the documented episodes in the 1980s and early 1990s when
the cardinal or his subordinates allowed known molesters to continue as priests.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/12/2002
09:36:12 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Court grants convicted priest a new trial
Faults case's judge and prosecutors
Boston
Globe
By Kathleen Burge, Globe Staff, 10/12/2002
A priest convicted seven years ago of sexually abusing a boy at a Worcester home
for troubled teens was granted a new trial by the state Appeals Court yesterday.
The justices ruled that the 1995 trial of the Rev. Joseph A. Fredette was significantly
flawed because the judge didn't question a juror when he first acknowledged having
seen a television interview with the boy's mother. The court also faulted the
prosecutor for improper comments during closing arguments.
Fredette was convicted of three counts of committing unnatural acts for abusing
the boy in the 1970s.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/12/2002
09:33:59 AM
NEWARK (NJ)
Newark archbishop bars reform group from sites
Boston
Globe
By Associated Press, 10/12/2002
NEWARK - The city's Roman Catholic archbishop has banned from church property
a reform group formed in response to the sex scandal, calling the organization
''anti-Church and, ultimately, anti-Catholic.''
Archbishop John J. Myers joins several other conservative bishops who have barred
Voice of the Faithful, a group of lay Catholics. The organization claims more
than 25,000 members nationally.
In the current issue of the archdiocesan weekly, Myers said the true purpose of
the group is to undermine the authority of the bishops by advocating the ordination
of women, marriage for priests, and changes in church teachings on sexuality.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/12/2002
09:31:48 AM
MANCHESTER (NH)
Allegations revealed in Manchester diocese settlement
The
Union Leader
By PAT GROSSMITH
Union Leader Staff
One man offered to help the young child with his schoolwork before he allegedly
molested him. Another befriended a boy whose foster father had died, had the child
move in with him, plied him with alcohol and then allegedly sexually assaulted
him.
These are among the allegations against priests found in the lawsuit settled on
Thursday by 16 men who sued the Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester and the Diocese
of Manchester in Hillsborough County Superior Court.
Attorney Charles G. Douglas III of Concord said one condition in settling the
lawsuit for $950,000 was that the diocese is to forward the names of the priests
to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/12/2002
09:06:11 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
Court orders rape charge overturned
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Kathleen A. Shaw
Telegram & Gazette Staff
The state Appeals Court yesterday overturned the 1995 child rape conviction of
the Rev. Joseph A. Fredette, ordering a new trial for the Assumptionist priest
who, in the 1970s, oversaw a home for troubled teenage boys in Worcester.
The priest was tried for sexually abusing two 13-year-old boys. He was convicted
of molesting one of the boys and found not guilty of molesting the other.
In its ruling, the appellate court faulted the actions of Worcester Superior Court
Judge James Donahue, the trial judge, and the special prosecutor, Herbert L. Travers.
Rev. Fredette, 70, who fled to Canada in 1974 after Worcester police issued warrants
for his arrest, served time in a state prison after his conviction and was released
in 1999. He was ordained by the Catholic order of the Augustinians of the Assumption.
His current whereabouts were not listed in court documents. He was last known
to be living at a hermitage he founded in an abandoned village of Jailletville,
New Brunswick, before he was extradited to the United States in 1995 to face trial.
Worcester District Attorney John J. Conte said yesterday he is reviewing the court
decision and has not decided whether to seek a new trial. One option, he said,
is to file for a Supreme Judicial Court review of the ruling, which was issued
by appellate court Justices Kenneth Laurence, Gerald Gillerman and David Mills.
Rev. Fredette's lawyer, Alan J. Black, praised the court's decision. “I think
there was some extraneous prejudicial material with the jury, and I think it amounted
to a big deal,” he said yesterday.
Gary M. Melanson, whom Rev. Fredette was convicted of molesting, said yesterday
that he was unaware the priest was even seeking to overturn his conviction.
“It's like reopening old wounds ...,” he said. Mr. Melanson, who now lives out
of state, was in the Worcester County House of Correction at the time of the 1995
trial. He said he has been slowly getting his life back together.
Mr. Melanson, now 46, said he knew of other teenage boys who stayed at the former
Come Alive residence on Channing Street who allegedly had been sexually abused
by Rev. Fredette, but decided against pursuing criminal charges or filing lawsuits.
Mr. Melanson was sent to Come Alive after he ran away from home.
His mother, Beverly Melanson of Charlton, described the ruling as “terrible.”
“They could just overturn this after he spent that time in jail and make it look
like he did nothing wrong,” she said. Mrs. Melanson, who has since become a Catholic,
said she is studying to be a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph Parish in Charlton.
Dana L. Vyska, of Pittsfield, whom Rev. Fredette was acquitted of molesting, said,
“I just don't know what to say (about the ruling).
“... I brought him forward then and I would do it again,” he added. “I will again
assist with a new trial in any way I can.”.
Mr. Vyska told the Telegram & Gazette 10 years ago that he was sexually molested
by Rev. Fredette at Come Alive. After the priest was acquitted of sexually abusing
him, Mr. Vyska filed a civil lawsuit. He said an out-of-court settlement provided
him with enough money for a down payment on a house for himself and his family.
Mr. Vyska also was awarded a $120,000 judgment in another civil suit he filed
against Rev. Fredette, but did not receive any of the money after the priest maintained
he was indigent.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/12/2002
08:58:57 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Tension grows in Shanley case
Prospect for a deal fading, lawyers say
Boston
Globe
By Michael Rezendes, Globe Staff, 10/12/2002
After a fifth day of pretrial testimony from Cardinal Bernard F. Law, lawyers
for alleged victims of the Rev. Paul R. Shanley said yesterday that the possibility
of a financial settlement in the high-profile clergy sexual abuse lawsuit appears
increasingly remote and that the case could go to trial by January.
Attorney Roderick MacLeish Jr. said tension between Shanley's accusers and the
Boston Archdiocese escalated yesterday after the church filed an emergency motion
to delay a Superior Court ruling requiring the archdiocese to produce records
on 75 to 80 current and former priests accused of sexual misconduct. Records on
the accused priests have already been turned over to county and state prosecutors.
The legal filing by the archdiocese, which also says that the church plans to
appeal the court order, came one day after a lawyer for Shanley was granted a
delay of a separate order unsealing psychiatric treatment records of Shanley's
stay at the Institute for Living, a Connecticut facility that has treated priests
with sexual disorders.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/12/2002
08:53:52 AM
SAN DIEGO
Mending faith's fabric
In troubled times, a church turns to its members to rebuild trust
San
Diego Union-Tribune
By Sandi Dolbee
RELIGION & ETHICS EDITOR
October 11, 2002
There are just enough of them to field a baseball team. But what they are embarking
on is no game.
These nine players, who include a priest, a nun, a deacon and six parishioners,
will be trying to help restore trust in the church they love.
They were drafted by San Diego Catholic Bishop Robert Brom to be on the diocese's
new review board. Their pitches will be in the form of advice and counsel to Brom
about allegations of sexual misconduct that have resulted in hundreds of lawsuits,
a growing number of criminal charges and scuttled the reputation of dozens of
priests across the Roman Catholic Church in America.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/12/2002
08:40:02 AM
Friday, October 11, 2002
WORCESTER (MA)
Senate of Laity tried after Vatican II, failed in ‘70s
The Catholic Free Press
By Kevin Luperchio
WORCESTER – Diocesan lay involvement dates back to the first days of the diocese.
When John J. Wright became bishop of the newly created Diocese of Worcester on
March 7, 1950, he brought along several people he’d worked with as auxiliary bishop
of the Boston archdiocese.
Among these was Mildred Fleming, the executive secretary of Boston’s Diocesan
League of Catholic Women. Ms. Fleming came to Worcester with the intention of
organizing its own League of Catholic Women, a task she began the day after Bishop
Wright’s installation, according to Owen J. Murphy Jr. Mr. Murphy, who was editor
of The Catholic Free Press for more than 30 years, is the author of “There Were
Giants in Those Days,” a diocesan history.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
09:23:28 PM
WORCESTER (MA)
Bishop to revive pastoral council
The Catholic Free Press
By Margaret M. Russell
Bishop Reilly is establishing a Diocesan Pastoral Council that will include lay
members from every deanery in the diocese. The process is in the early stages,
but the bishop is looking to seat the consultative body by mid-winter, he said.
In August, Bishop Reilly met with the diocesan Collaborative for Education and
Ministry and asked its members to develop a plan for a pastoral council. The collaborative
gathered information about working councils in dioceses around the country and
two weeks ago presented Bishop Reilly with an outline to develop one here.
According to Msgr. Louis R. Piermarini, director of the Office of Religious Education
and head of the collaborative, the bishop “enthusiastically endorsed our outline.”
In the coming months the collaborative will continue to fine tune a plan for a
membership that will represent all people in the diocese, including clergy and
religious, he said.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
09:21:39 PM
VATICAN
Vatican Contemplates A Ban on Gay Priests
Washington
Post
By Daniel Williams and Alan Cooperman
Washington Post Foreign Service
ROME, Oct. 10 -- The Vatican is internally circulating draft proposals that would
bar homosexuals from becoming priests, a policy long discussed within the Roman
Catholic Church hierarchy but getting renewed attention in the wake of sex abuse
scandals in the United States.
No action to bar homosexuals from seminaries is likely anytime soon, a senior
Vatican official said today. The official said the document, which originated
in the Vatican department responsible for Roman Catholic education, is being passed
around for comment from a variety of officials and experts. "It is being studied.
We are far from formulating a policy," the official said.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/11/2002
07:51:37 AM
LOUISVILLE (KY)
Third Louisville priest indicted after allegations of child sexual abuse
The
Journal-Courier
By Deborah Yetter and Peter Smith
The Courier-Journal
The Rev. James Hargadon was indicted on a single charge of sexual abuse yesterday,
becoming the third Louisville Roman Catholic priest since June to face criminal
action involving alleged abuse of children.
Hargadon, 74, a retired priest, was charged with sodomizing Todd D. Robertson,
39, in 1976, when Robertson was 14. The indictment provides no further detail.
The indictment follows that of the Rev. Louis E. Miller, charged in June and July
with sexually abusing 23 children in Jefferson and Oldham counties, and the Aug.
7 indictment of the Rev. Daniel C. Clark, charged with repeatedly abusing two
Bullitt County brothers, ages 11 and 12, over the past several years. Miller and
Clark have both pleaded innocent.
Hargadon's lawyer, David Lambertus, declined to comment yesterday.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
07:25:17 AM
VATICAN
Vatican prepares draft directives against admitting gays as priests
Catholic
News Service
By John Thavis
Catholic News Service
OCT. 8, 2002
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican has prepared a draft document containing directives
against the admission of homosexuals to the priesthood, informed Vatican sources
said.
The document takes the position that since the church considers the homosexual
orientation as "objectively disordered" such people should not be admitted to
the seminary or ordained, the sources said Oct. 8.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/11/2002
07:21:38 AM
Abused by the media
The Tidings
By Peter Steinfels
Editor's note: This article originally appeared in the Sept. 14 edition of the
Tablet, a London-based Catholic weekly newspaper.
There was a newspaper in upstate New York edited by a man fascinated by reports
of people struck by lightning. Every time the news agencies carried a story about
someone struck by lightning he slapped it on page one.
Since about 100 people are killed each year by lightning in the United States
-- or so I have been told -- and the wires occasionally carry stories about those
who survive as well as those struck overseas, readers in this town could well
have confronted a headline about death or injury by lightning about every third
day.
Two things make any intelligent assessment of the sex abuse coverage difficult.
One is an assumption that any criticism of the media amounts to exoneration of
the church's conduct and a minimizing of the harm done to victims. The other is
the unrealistic idea of rendering a single verdict on all forms of the news media
lumped together.
The writer who told me of his apprentice days at this upstate newspaper had a
weakness for tall stories, so I take his account as parable rather than as fact.
I imagine a local population cowering indoors at the first drops of rain, their
sense of the odds of death-by-lightning-bolt completely skewed.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
07:19:36 AM
BOSTON
EDITORIAL: Beware the ‘latest novelty’
The Pilot
Sheldon Daly, member of the Lay Leadership Council of Voice of the Faithful (VOTF),
advocated hiring parish priests, according to a story on the Oct. 1 edition of
the Brockton Enterprise.
Addressing a group gathered at St. Patrick Parish in Brockton, he announced that
a parish board for hiring priests might soon be formed at his own parish.
According to the Enterprise story, “Daly said children in Catholic youth organizations,
parochial schools and Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) ‘should be safe.’
And procedures used for hiring teachers should be applied to parish priests as
well.”
Those in attendance indicated agreement. The story quotes one St. Patrick’s parishioner
as saying “It’s important for us to be able to choose our priests instead of just
accepting whoever they shoot down the pike.” The story goes on to say that “the
gathering talked about forming panels of lay parishioners who would interview
potential parish priests during a strict hiring process that would also include
background checks, references and visits to parishes where priests previously
served.”
A Catholic parish is not a self-governing institution. To ask for priests to be
hired or elected shows a vision of the Church alien to the one conceived by the
Second Vatican Council.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/11/2002
07:14:17 AM
PHOENIX
Group to support sexual victims of priests
Arizona
Republic
By Joseph A. Reaves
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 10, 2002
Continued allegations of sexual abuse by priests and clergy in the Valley has
led local Catholics to organize a chapter of a national support group and encourage
victims to come forward for help.
The first meeting of the Arizona chapter of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those
Abused by Priests, will be Oct. 21 at a private location to provide confidentiality
and safety for the victims, said Paul Pfaffenberger, one of the group's organizers.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/11/2002
07:11:22 AM
PHOENIX
4 members of Catholic order are suspended
Arizona
Republic
By Michael Clancy
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 10, 2002
Four Phoenix members of the Catholic Crosier Order have been suspended, the culmination
of a study of sexual misconduct within the small religious group.
Four members who live elsewhere and never served in Arizona also were suspended,
according to a report released Wednesday.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/11/2002
07:10:16 AM
MANCHESTER (NH)
Manchester diocese settles
sex abuse suit for $950,000
The Union
Leader
By KATHRYN MARCHOCKI
Union Leader Staff
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester yesterday announced it reached a $950,000
settlement with 16 men who were allegedly sexually abused by priests in New Hampshire.
The settlement brings to a close civil suits the men brought against the diocese
this year, claiming they were sexually assaulted while minors by eight priests
from 1957 to 1982.
No individual settlement exceeds $150,000, said Diane Murphy Quinlan, the diocese’s
assistant to the delegate for policy administration.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
06:59:39 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Catholic reform group will give cash spurned by Law to others
Boston
Herald
by Tom Mashberg
The Catholic reformist group Voice of the Faithful said yesterday it would seek
to donate nearly $56,000 to ``other organizations'' under the umbrella of the
archdiocese if Bernard Cardinal Law and Catholic Charities spurn the funds.
``We will look at all these fine programs and ministries and work to get the money
directly to them,'' said Mike Emerton, spokesman for VOTF. ``There are many pro-life
groups, AIDS hospices, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other Catholic-oriented
groups that we know to be hurting for funds.''
VOTF announced yesterday that it raised a grand total of $62,000 in July, August
and September as part of its fund drive among Catholics unwilling to donate to
Law's annual Cardinal's Appeal ``because of a dilemma of conscience brought on
by the (clergy) abuse scandal.''
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
06:45:14 AM
MANCHESTER (NH)
Diocese of N.H. reaches settlement on 16 abuse claims
Accord divides nearly $1 million
Boston
Globe
By Stephen Kurkjian, Globe Staff, 10/11/2002
The Catholic Diocese of Manchester yesterday announced it had reached a $950,000
settlement with 16 men who said they were abused by priests in New Hampshire over
a 25-year period beginning in 1957.
The settlement resolves only a fraction of the more than 100 claims pending against
priests of the diocese. But the Rev. Edward J. Arsenault, chancellor for the diocese,
said the settlements will help in resolving the crisis that clergy abuse has brought
to New Hampshire. ''The good news is that 16 people are going to be helped,''
Arsenault said in a telephone interview following a joint news conference in Manchester
with Charles Douglas, the lawyer for the 16 victims. ''It shows we recognize the
pain associated with the memories which these people carry, that we do care about
them, and want to assist them in being healed and restored.''
Arsenault credited Douglas and the victims with accepting the fact that the financial
resources of the archdiocese were limited. Although the payments to each individual
were not made public, Arsenault said none of the 16 victims received more than
$150,000.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
06:42:20 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Group and Law seen at odds on donation plan
Voice of Faithful to offer $62,000 to archdiocese
Boston
Globe
By Michael Rezendes, Globe Staff, 10/11/2002
The deteriorating relationship between Voice of the Faithful and Cardinal Bernard
F. Law is set to enter an even more difficult stage, as the organization of lay
Catholics formed after the clergy sexual abuse scandal broke prepares to offer
the Boston Archdiocese $62,000 in donations for the poor, money Law has signaled
that he will reject.
The donations, promised for next week, also have troubling implications for Catholic
Charities, the social service arm of the archdiocese, which will be offered the
money if Law refuses it. The 55-member Catholic Charities board is torn between
an apparent majority determined to accept the funds and those reluctant to alienate
Law, who has the authority to dismiss board members.
''We're hoping the chancery and Voice of the Faithful come to some kind of agreement
so there can be a relationship among all these people of good will,'' said Peter
G. Meade, vice chairman of the Catholic Charities board and executive vice president
of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
06:40:24 AM
CINCINNATI (OH)
Some specialists see problems in bishops' policy
Say abuse plan may compromise priests' rights
Boston
Globe
By Michael Bailey, Globe Staff, 10/11/2002
CINCINNATI - Some of the nation's leading specialists in Catholic Church law have
concluded that the ''zero-tolerance'' policy, approved in June by US bishops desperate
to contain the burgeoning clergy abuse crisis, contains glaring conflicts with
canon law precepts and will inevitably lead to violations of the rights of accused
priests.
The canon lawyers, who spoke out as the annual meeting of their peers concluded
yesterday, said they are deeply troubled by the central premise of the child-protection
rules enacted by the bishops in Dallas, that even a single act of sexual abuse
of a minor, no matter how long ago, will result in a priest being permanently
removed from ministry. They said that provision violates a canon law principle
that, as with the statute of limitations in civil law, says that some crimes occurred
too long ago to be punished.
Canon law also says a priest can be removed from ministry only by the Vatican
or after a judicial trial, a requirement unaddressed by the Dallas rules, known
in the church as norms. And it guarantees confidentiality to priests accused of
sexual misconduct, a rule that is difficult to reconcile with the bishops' pledge
of transparency and openness when dealing with sex abuse, and with actions by
dioceses nationwide to publicize the names of accused priests. ''The norms approved
in Dallas ... could easily put bishops in a position where they're violating church
law,'' said Monsignor Frederick C. Easton, a canon lawyer and judicial vicar at
the Indianapolis archdiocese.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/11/2002
06:38:06 AM
Thursday, October 10, 2002
VATICAN
Temporary Vatican OK seen on policy for abusive priests
Boston
Herald
by Eric Convey
Vatican-watchers increasingly expect the Holy See to allow implementation of new
guidelines for dealing with sexually abusive priests, with some reports predicting
an announcement within a week.
But several sources who discussed the matter with high-ranking U.S. bishops told
the Herald the decision is likely only to allow for a two-year trial period rather
than the permanent status sought by some victims' advocates.
The policy would remove from the ministry forever any priest targeted by an allegation
deemed ``credible.'' It also calls for creating a nationwide requirement that
every diocese form a panel to oversee enforcement of abuse policies.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/10/2002
08:17:35 PM
BOSTON (MA)
$50G donation puts Law in pickle
Boston
Herald
by Tom Mashberg and Eric Convey
Key Catholic Charities board members believe it is their ``moral duty'' to accept
$50,000 in donations from the Catholic dissident group Voice of the Faithful,
and are gearing up for a showdown with Bernard Cardinal Law when the money is
formally offered to the archdiocese next week.
``The sentiment is overwhelming among the (50) board members'' of the social services
agency to vote to take the money, a source close to Catholic Charities president
Dr. Joseph Doolin told the Herald. ``It is a moral and fiduciary obligation for
us,'' the source said.
Law has said the church, which runs Catholic Charities, would reject all donations
from VOTF. But VOTF hopes the church will reconsider once the $50,000 is on the
table, or that Catholic Charities' trustees will balk at orders from Law to spurn
the donation.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/10/2002
08:16:03 PM MANCHESTER (NH)
Church settles with 16 alleged molestation victims
Boston
Herald
Associated Press
MANCHESTER, N.H. - Sixteen men who said they were sexually abused by Roman Catholic
priests as boys have settled lawsuits for a combined $950,000, church officials
said Thursday.
Bishop John B. McCormack has offered to meet with each of the 16 and has written
to each, the Diocese of Manchester said at a news conference announcing the settlement.
``I would like to offer you personally my sincere apology and express my willingness
to assist you in any way I can to help you move forward in your life,'' McCormack
said in the letters.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/10/2002
08:12:18 PM
QUITAQUE (TX)
Priest abuse inquiry widens
Panhandle cleric may have molested 15 teens or more, authorities say
Dallas
Morning News
By STEVE McGONIGLE / The Dallas Morning News
A retired Panhandle priest may have molested at least 15 teenage parishioners
after luring them to the church rectory with offers to instruct them on sex education,
a Texas Ranger said Wednesday.
The Rev. Edward Graff, 73, was arrested last Friday at his home in Quitaque, Texas,
on a single felony charge of sexual assault of a child. He remains under guard
in a Lubbock hospital, where he is recovering from surgery for a broken hip suffered
in a fall in the Swisher County Jail.
Father Graff moved to Quitaque after the Diocese of Amarillo forced him in July
to surrender his ministerial credentials because of an old allegation of sexual
misconduct in Pennsylvania.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/10/2002
12:47:48 PM
DURHAM (NH)
UNH expert unveils report on sexually abusive priests
Foster's
Daily Democrat
By BRAD MORIN
Democrat Staff Writer
DURHAM — A local sociology professor is part of a panel of experts who developed
recommendations to protect children from sexually abusive clergy, including a
proposed church registry of offenders.
David Finkelhor, a nationally recognized expert on child abuse issues and director
of the University of New Hampshire’s Crimes Against Children Research Center,
said he is "cautiously optimistic" the recommendations will be accepted by Cardinal
Bernard Law of the Boston archdiocese.
"The cardinal did not seem to have any major problems with our ideas, but the
church is a conservative and slow-moving organization, and they are being pushed
to make a lot of changes at the same time," Finkelhor said in a statement released
Tuesday. "It probably will take longer than most of us would like."
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/10/2002
06:36:50 AM
SOUTHBRIDGE (MA)
Man added to civil suit against priest
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Kathleen A. Shaw
Telegram & Gazette Staff
SOUTHBRIDGE-- Boston lawyer Carmen L. Durso said another person is being added
to a civil suit against the Rev. Henry S. Banach, a retired diocesan priest, and
the Worcester Diocese.
The man, who is being listed in court documents only as Richard Roe, said he was
sexually assaulted by Rev. Banach at St. Hedwig Church where he was an altar boy,
Mr. Durso said. The man now lives out of state. He came forward and spoke with
Mr. Durso after the original suit was filed more than a week ago in Worcester
Superior Court.
The original suit was filed on behalf of two brothers, identified as John and
Robert Doe, who allege Rev. Banach sexually assaulted them when they were altar
boys at St. Hedwig in the 1980s.
Another man, Jason Ouillette of Southbridge, told Mr. Durso he was sexually assaulted
by Rev. Banach when he was an altar boy at St. Hedwig, but he is choosing not
to join the suit. He contacted Mr. Durso after the suit was filed to offer his
support and to say the same thing happened to him.
“I have the utmost respect for this man because he came forward to support the
others and never wanted anything out of it,” Mr. Durso said. “He is a man of principle
and morals.”
Mr. Ouillette said in an interview that Rev. Banach told him if he told anyone
about the incident he would make sure he never made his confirmation, which is
one of the three initiatory sacraments of the Catholic Church. Mr. Ouillette said
he turned the threat around and said if he did not make his confirmation he would
stand up in the congregation and tell the bishop and everyone else in the church
what happened. He said he was confirmed.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/10/2002
06:29:01 AM
TACOMA (WA)
Woman accuses retired Tacoma priest of sex abuse
The
News Tribune
Stacey Burns and Steve Maynard; The News Tribune
A Pierce County woman has sued the Archdiocese of Seattle and a retired Tacoma
priest, alleging he sexually abused her while she was a student at St. Charles
Borromeo Catholic School in the early 1960s.
During the past year, as the clergy sex abuse scandal exploded, 21 men have sued
the Seattle archdiocese, alleging sex abuse by four priests dating back to the
1960s. The Pierce County suit is the first known allegation against a Catholic
priest in Tacoma, and is believed to be the first involving a girl.
Archdiocese spokesman Bill Gallant could not be reached for comment Monday about
the suit. He previously has said it is inappropriate for the archdiocese to comment
on pending litigation.
The News Tribune is not naming the priest, because the allegations have not been
reviewed by authorities.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/10/2002
06:27:13 AM
PAXTON (MA)
Church will not kick out critics
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Kathleen A. Shaw
Telegram & Gazette Staff
PAXTON-- Members of First Congregational Church have decided not to terminate
the membership of parishioners who criticized their pastor, the Rev. Donald C.
Whitcomb.
More than a dozen church members were notified recently that their memberships
in the church could be terminated for what was called “un-Christian” conduct.
Senior Deaconess Caroline Ely said yesterday that at a meeting of church members,
no memberships were terminated.
The issue arose several months ago over criticism of the pastor for conduct that
some members found questionable. The conduct included providing alcohol for youths
of the church and questionable practices in giving some classes to youth.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/10/2002
06:26:44 AM
NEW YORK
S.I. educator quits in fondle flap
New York Daily News
By ALISON GENDAR
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
A popular Staten Island assistant principal recently stepped down after he was
accused of fondling several boys more than 25 years ago, officials acknowledged.
Three former students - men now in their late 30s and early 40s - say Lawrence
Gambella lured them into a deserted classroom and molested them when he was a
teacher at Brooklyn's Intermediate School 96 in the 1970s.
Gambella, 55, retired two months ago from his $89,173-a-year position as assistant
principal at Tottenville High School after being interviewed by the office of
the Special Commissioner of Investigations.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/10/2002
06:09:33 AM
NEW YORK
Church may face
2nd Reformation
New
York Daily News
Opinion By DICK RYAN
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Some 160 Catholic priests and former priests from the three New York dioceses
got together in Manhattan on Thursday in a private room just above an Irish saloon.
There are probably quite a few cardinals and bishops who regard that meeting as,
if not sinister, then certainly disturbing.
From their point of view, the prelates are right. The priests are only the latest
bloc of Catholics who are no longer the obedient boys and girls of their parochial
school days.
There is a crisis of authority in the church as a result of the way the hierarchy
has handled recent sex scandals. The pay-and-obey attitude among parishioners
has been replaced by anger, mistrust and a sense of futility. The rupture of trust
between bishops and priests may take generations to heal.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/10/2002
06:08:25 AM
AMARILLO (TX)
Diocese of Amarillo clarifies Graff's departure
Amarillo
Globe-News
By DON MUNSCH
dmunsch@amarillonet.com
The Diocese of Amarillo continued its attempts to explain discrepancies about
the departure of the Rev. Edward R. Graff with a statement released late Monday.
Graff was arrested Friday and charged with one count of sexual assault of a child
in connection with actions he allegedly took while serving at churches in Silverton,
Quitaque, Turkey and Memphis.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/10/2002
05:57:39 AM
Wednesday, October 09, 2002
FRESNO (CA)
Fresno priest accused of abuse
An official complaint from Army sergeant was ruled 'not credible' by bishop.
Fresno
Bee
By Doug Hoagland
The Fresno Bee
An Army Special Forces sergeant filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Fresno alleging he was sexually abused as a child by a priest who currently
leads one of Fresno's largest and most affluent parishes.
The Rev. Eric Swearingen, pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in the Woodward
Park area, has taken a week's leave and could not be reached to comment about
the charges made against him.
Bishop John J. Steinbock of the Fresno Diocese described Swearingen as devastated.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
05:28:40 PM
WORCESTER (MA)
Secular daily, religious weekly and church sex abuse scandal
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Kenneth J. Moynihan
Telegram & Gazette Political Columnist
From the beginning, the sex-abuse controversy now embroiling the Catholic church
was bound to extend beyond sexual behavior into a wide range of political questions
within the church as well as political questions involving the church and the
rest of society.
The internal conflict erupted immediately in demands that Cardinal Bernard F.
Law of Boston resign or be removed. We also could quickly see the strain building
between the church's leaders and outside agents like journalists and public prosecutors.
In Worcester it has been possible to sense the predictable tension between reporters
trying to find things out and church officials trying to control the flow of information
or misinformation that is at the heart of the crisis. It also has been possible
to sense the turning of strategic wheels in the minds of lawyers seeking to influence
press coverage, as well as the turning of public-relations wheels in the minds
of diocesan officials trying to make the best of what must often seem a mind-numbing
disaster.
I have found it particularly intriguing to try to follow the story simultaneously
in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and in the weekly newspaper of the diocese,
The Catholic Free Press. I've frequently wondered whether some of the T&G coverage
was sufficiently sensitive to the accused men, to their families and friends,
and to others hurt by the publication of detailed allegations that may or may
not be true. On the other hand, had it not been for the tenacity of reporters,
we would still be back in that former life when serial predators were being protected
and enabled by church authorities who had lost at least some of the bearings on
their moral compasses.
I have admired on many occasions the readiness of The Catholic Free Press writers
to add evidence of their own to the growing heap of evidence showing how deep
has been the damage caused by failures of judgment and integrity on the part of
priests and diocesan officials. On the other hand, the Free Press is owned by
the diocese and has an obvious public-relations function to carry out. Balancing
the demands of honest reporting with the demands of polishing the church's image
cannot be an easy task.
As a regular reader of the secular daily and the religious weekly, I frequently
make a mental note, after reading something in one, to see how the other will
handle the same story or add to it. In the last couple of weeks something unusual
has been happening. Things I have read in the Free Press, things I automatically
expected to see in the T&G as well, have not shown up in the daily. I don't know
quite what to make of it, but as a public service, here are the stories.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
11:16:54 AM
CINCINNATI (OH)
Experts in church law study how new sex-abuse rules fit
Cincinnati
Inquirer
By Dan Horn
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Church lawyers met for the first time Tuesday to discuss how new sexual abuse
policies adopted by Catholic bishops may conflict with long-standing church laws.
The meeting in Cincinnati was part of a four-day convention of the Canon Law Society,
which represents lawyers trained in the laws of the church.
Canon lawyers are concerned about the new policies because it will be their job
to advise bishops and other administrators on how to handle cases of sexual abuse.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
09:50:55 AM
CINCINNATI (OH)
Canon-law experts ponder new get-tough policy against abusive priests
The
Journal-Courier
By Deborah Yetter
dyetter@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
CINCINNATI -- Experts met in closed session yesterday to discuss whether the U.S.
Catholic bishops' new get-tough policy on priests who sexually abuse children
fits legally within canon law, which ultimately governs the Roman Catholic Church.
Though the members of the Canon Law Society of America reached no conclusions
yesterday, it's clear the topic will need more study as the nation's bishops set
about implementing the policy they adopted in June, said the Rev. Kevin McKenna,
a canon lawyer and priest from Rochester, N.Y.
''Certainly, we're concerned,'' McKenna said at a press briefing after the session.
McKenna is president of the society and one of 500 canon lawyers attending the
group's annual meeting.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
09:45:48 AM
HARTFORD (CT)
Three More Accuse Priest
Foley Abused Boys In '70s, Lawsuits Allege
Hartford
Courant
By ELIZABETH HAMILTON, Courant Staff Writer
Three more men have come forward with accusations that a Hartford Archdiocese
priest molested them as youngsters when he served as a state police and fire chaplain
in the 1970s.
The lawsuits filed Monday against the Rev. Stephen Foley and the archdiocese accuse
the priest of sexually assaulting the boys, who ranged in age from 11 to 15, when
they attended at churches in Bloomfield and Windsor Locks during the 1970s.
The lawsuits also allege that the archdiocese knew or should have known Foley
was molesting young boys and that it conspired to keep the priest's actions a
secret from parishioners.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
09:24:17 AM
NEW JERSEY
Bishop apologizes to Atco teenager abused by priest
Courier
Post Online
By JIM WALSH
Courier-Post Staff
MERCHANTVILLE
A South Jersey teenager, who says he was sexually abused by a priest, said Tuesday
he has received an apology from the leader of the Camden Diocese.
Jonathan Norton, 17, of Atco, said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio expressed regret on
behalf of the church during a meeting Monday night. The apology was the first
from a church official, said Norton, who says he was repeatedly abused by a priest
seven years ago.
Norton described the meeting in positive terms, saying the bishop praised his
courage and offered emotional support. But Norton also said the Roman Catholic
Church could do more to help victims of abuse.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
09:17:56 AM
WORCESTER (MA)
VOTF wants talk with bishop
Worcester
Telegram & Gazette
By Kathleen A. Shaw
Telegram & Gazette Staff
WORCESTER-- Voice of the Faithful, a new organization of Catholic lay people and
priests, is seeking a meeting with Bishop Daniel P. Reilly to give him information
on its organization and goals.
The request for the meeting comes in wake of a letter the bishop sent recently
to pastors asking them to consult with him before allowing chapters to form in
their parishes. He did not forbid Voice of the Faithful from meeting in churches
of the diocese, however.
“Our response is that he needs more information about us and our organization,”
said Mary Keville of Harvard, spokeswoman for the organization. Bishop Reilly
attended a meeting at St. Theresa's parish in Harvard. She said she has spoken
to the Rev. Rocco Piccolomini, secretary to the bishop, but a date for the meeting
has not been set.
A Voice of the Faithful group at St. Michael's parish in North Andover recently
was barred from meeting on church property by the Boston archdiocese. Such bans
also have occurred elsewhere in the country, although some bishops allow the group
to meet in churches.
The organization, which formed last winter in Wellesley in response to the present
church crisis regarding sexual abuse by some clergy and the alleged cover-up by
certain church authorities, and has since become a national group.
Voice of the Faithful, as the group is called, was first organized in the Worcester
diocese at St. Theresa's parish in Harvard. Ms. Keville said chapters have recently
formed at St. Mary's in Jefferson and St. Patrick's in Whitinsville. Ms. Keville
said another group is forming within the diocese but she did not want to name
the parish at this time.
A Worcester diocesan chapter was formed recently at a meeting at College of the
Holy Cross. This particular meeting was attended by people opposed to Voice of
the Faithful. Laurie A. Letourneau of the Life Action League of Massachusetts
and Victor Melfa of Shrewsbury, who helped form a Newman Society chapter at Holy
Cross, and other conservative Catholics believe Voice of the Faithful has a “hidden
agenda” of backing married priests and women priests and other changes that would
violate the teaching authority of the church.
“We have no hidden agenda. We are a transparent organization,” Ms. Keville said.
Voice of the Faithful wants to bring out more lay involvement in the church as
requested by the Second Vatican Council, she said. “Those documents are also part
of the magisterium or teaching authority of the church,” Ms. Keville said. Goals
include setting up “effective” parish councils and “effective” diocesan councils
of lay people and priests, she said. “The priests really have no voice right now.”
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
08:40:55 AM
ROME
Clergy abuse issue heads to UN
Boston
Globe
By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press, 10/9/2002
ROME - Victims of sexual abuse by priests will take their complaints to the United
Nations today, contending that the Vatican has violated the UN treaty protecting
children and demanding that the UN do something about it.
Catholics for a Free Choice, an abortion-rights advocacy group that has worked
for years to unseat the Vatican at the UN, arranged the meeting in Geneva between
victims of abuse and members of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
The group alleged that the Vatican has violated the 1989 UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child by failing to protect children from known abusers through
negligence and inaction.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
08:32:25 AM
MECHANTVILLE (NJ)
2 S. Jersey teens ask victims of priest abuse to speak out
They were asssaulted by their own priests, they said, and they urged other young
victims to end their silence.
Philadelphia
Inquirer
By Nancy Phillips
Inquirer Staff Writer
Two South Jersey teenagers who say they were abused by priests stood outside a
church in Merchantville yesterday and called on other young people to break the
silence that often surrounds such abuse and come forward to tell their stories.
The unusual protest, organized by a national support group for those victimized
by priests, came a day after the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden announced stringent
new rules for dealing with sex offenders in the clergy and church officials who
cover up for them.
"The victims are not all middle-aged men in their 50s and 60s," said Kerry Sanborn,
17, who said she was groped by a priest at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in
Berlin last year. "These crimes happen to women, and they're happening now."
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
08:28:34 AM
MERCHANTVILLE (NJ)
Two teens to speak at church on sex abuse
Courier
Post Online
By KAREN KENNEDY-HALL
Courier-Post Staff
MERCHANTVILLE
Two South Jersey teenagers want everyone to know they were abused by priests in
the Camden Diocese, in hopes of helping other victims and ending the abuse.
The teens, Jonathan Norton of Atco and Kerry Sanborn of Lindenwold, both 17, will
tell their personal stories of abuse in front of St. Peter's Church here today
at 2 p. m.
They are the youngest members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests,
Southern New Jersey Chapter.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
08:24:49 AM
NEW JERSEY
PressofAthlanticCity.com
Alleged abuse victims won’t back off church
By NEAL BUCCINO Staff Writer, (609) 272-7211, E-Mail
A bill addressing their concerns was introduced in both houses of the state Legislature
in January, before sexual abuse by priests made headlines nationwide.
A similar bill introduced in the last session was never brought to a vote.
Each Roman Catholic diocese in New Jersey has told county prosecutors about assault
allegations. But prosecutors have said statutes of limitations prevent them from
taking criminal action.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/9/2002
08:21:16 AM AMARILLO (TX)
Priest charged with molesting child
Amarillo Diocese had removed him; 2nd cleric under investigation
Dallas
Morning News
10/08/2002
By STEVE McGONIGLE / The Dallas Morning News
A priest recently removed from the Catholic Diocese of Amarillo has been charged
with molesting a child under his supervision, and Texas Rangers are looking into
the actions of a second former priest, the lead investigator said Monday.
One sexual-assault charge has been filed, but Ranger Jay Foster said he believes
there might be additional young victims of the Rev. Edward Graff and the second
priest, whom he declined to identify.
Father Graff, 73, was arrested Friday at home in Quitaque and charged with sexual
assault of a child in June. He was initially jailed in Tulia but moved to a hospital
in Lubbock after injuring his hip in a fall Sunday, Floyd County District Attorney
Becky McPherson said.
Retired Amarillo priest, 73, charged with sexual assault
Houston
Chronicle
By BETSY BLANEY
Associated Press
One of nine Catholic priests who left the Diocese of Amarillo following the enactment
of a sexual abuse policy has been arrested on charges of molesting a teenager.
The Rev. Edward R. Graff, who retired in July, was arrested at his home in Quitaque
in the Texas Panhandle on Friday and has been arraigned on a charge of sexual
assault, Briscoe County District Attorney Becky McPherson said Monday.
The Department of Public Safety said it obtained arrest and search warrants for
Graff, 73, based on information received by authorities within the past two weeks.
Diocese offers differing views on priest's past
Amarillo
Globe-News
By Greg Cunningham/gcunningham@amarillonet.com
And Don Munsch/dmunsch@amarillonet.com
The Diocese of Amarillo released a statement Monday saying that a priest who was
arrested last week for allegedly molesting a child may have previously acted inappropriately
with youth - a statement that differs from previous assertions by diocese officials.
Edward R. Graff, 73, was arrested Friday and charged with one count of sexual
assault of a child in connection with his alleged activities while serving at
churches in Silverton, Quitaque, Turkey and Memphis.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/9/2002
07:08:20 AM
Tuesday, October 08, 2002
BOSTON (MA)
Church lawyers depose alleged abuse victim
Boston
Herald
Associated Press
An alleged sexual abuse victim in the civil and criminal cases against the Rev.
Paul R. Shanley sat before Archdiocese of Boston attorneys Tuesday for a deposition.
Gregory Ford, 24, and his parents are suing Cardinal Bernard Law and the archdiocese
for failing to protect him from Shanley, 71, who has been jailed since May when
he was arrested on child rape charges.
The deposition, routine in any lawsuit proceeding to trial, is believed to be
the first involving an alleged victim in the many lawsuits against the archdiocese,
according to Ford's attorney, Jeffrey Newman.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/8/2002
04:06:42 PM BOSTON (MA)
A BOSTON GLOBE EDITORIAL
Against abuse
Boston
Globe
THE RECOMMENDATIONS of Cardinal Bernard Law's Commission for the Protection of
Children, released yesterday, will go far to ensure that young Catholics in the
Archdiocese of Boston are spared the agony of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy
or lay church workers. It is too bad it took a criminal scandal to prompt the
cardinal to appoint the commission.
''We have only one agenda,'' said commission chairwoman Maureen Bateman, an executive
vice president and general counsel of State Street Bank, ''and that's to heal
the victims and to prevent any more victims.''
The report is the work of 12 lay Catholics, seven of them women. The members'
counsel would have been even more valuable if the cardinal had consulted them
when the first flickers of scandal touched the American church in the mid-1980s,
or even when disclosure of the Rev. James Porter's crimes in Fall River brought
the scandal to Massachusetts in the 1990s.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/8/2002
08:14:06 AM CAMDEN (NJ)
Camden Diocese announces extra-tough sex-abuse policy
PressofAtlanticCity.com
By MARTIN DeANGELIS Staff Writer, (609) 272-7237, E-Mail
The Camden Diocese announced rules Monday that will deal with priest sex-abuse
cases more strictly than the nation's bishops require.
But the rules still are not strict enough for local church critics.
The policies pledge to treat officials who cover up or ignore abuse of minors
the same way the church treats child abusers themselves.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/8/2002
07:40:00 AM SAN FERNANDO (CA)
Judge denies priest's motion to dismiss suit by ex-nun
San
Francisco Chronicle
October 7, 2002
SAN FERNANDO, Calif. (AP) -- A Superior Court judge denied a Roman Catholic priest's
motion Monday to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a former nun who said the man raped
her in the Philippines in 1983 and fathered her son.
The Rev. Ernesto Villaroya's motion, claiming the court has no jurisdiction because
the alleged rape took place out of the country, was denied without prejudice by
Judge L. Jeffrey Wiatt, meaning it could be refiled in the future.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/8/2002
06:57:38 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Church panel calls for abuse registry
Boston
Globe
By Matt Carroll and Michael Rezendes, Globe Staff, 10/8/2002
The board appointed by Cardinal Bernard F. Law to recommend ways to protect children
from abuse yesterday called for the creation of a registry of clergy and church
staff who have been removed after credible allegations of abuse, which could be
checked by employers or other organizations.
The board, in its 52-page final report, also calls for a requirement that any
allegation of abuse be turned over to law enforcement authorities within a day
and seeks to establish a separate referral and counseling program to help anyone
harmed by abuse, including families and parishes. The report was turned over to
Law, who has final say on the policy.
Law, who met with the members of the Commission for the Protection of Children
before the report's release, said in a news release that he hoped to have the
final policy approved by Dec. 1.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/8/2002
06:51:35 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Abuse commission recommends creation of registry listing removed priests
Judge rules Shanley, Paquin psychiatric records should be released
Boston.com
By Denise Lavoie, Associated Press, 10/07/02
BOSTON -- A registry listing the names of priests removed from their ministries
after credible allegations of sexual abuse is among a series of recommendations
made to Cardinal Bernard Law on Monday in the final report from a commission set
up to protect children from sexual predators.
In its 52-page report, the Commission for the Protection of Children reiterated
many recommendations it made in earlier draft reports, including the immediate
removal from duty of clergy and staff after receiving a credible allegation of
sexual abuse.
Law, who met privately with commission members before the final report was made
public, said in a statement that he will review the recommendations with canon
lawyers and two archdiocesan councils. He said he hopes to put the recommendations
in place as policy by Dec. 1.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/8/2002
06:48:24 AM LONG ISLAND
Biggest Waste of Money, Bar Nun
Newsday
Column by Jimmy Breslin
I must apologize today to William Murphy, whose job for now is bishop of the Rockville
Centre diocese on Long Island. He is about one strong voice coming out to lead
the betrayed away from being gone. But until then, I correct all errors.
I wrote that the convent at St. Agnes Cathedral that he was taking over for a
huge private residence had room for 36 apartments.
That was wrong, and I admit it. It made the bishop mad, and it should have. He
said my figure of 36 apartments wasn't fair or just. He is right. I never should
have said 36 apartments.
The convent has room for 37 apartments.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/8/2002
06:35:48 AM
PITTSBURGH
Editorial: Wuerl's contribution / Pittsburgh's bishop has been tough on abuse
Post-Gazette
October 06, 2002
Both before and after this year's revelations of sexual abuse of minors by some
Catholic priests, Bishop Donald W. Wuerl of the Diocese of Pittsburgh was a leader
in the American hierarchy in putting the welfare of victims above a simplistic
desire to protect the church from scandal. In 1993 he refused to comply when a
Vatican court ordered him to reinstate an accused molester he had banned from
ministry. Bishop Wuerl later won a reversal of the decree.
In recognition of his forthrightness on this issue, the National Conference of
Catholic Bishops last week named him to a new committee that is designed to help
bishops carry out what Bishop Wuerl called "the spirit and the letter" of tough
new guidelines. Under a charter adopted by the bishops last summer, no priest
who has abused a minor can remain in ministry or identify himself as "Father."
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/8/2002
06:26:17 AM
PHILADELPHIA
Archdiocese still working to finalize steps to address sex abuse by clergy
Measures adopted in June by U.S. bishops are not fully in place. The Camden Diocese
is in "complete compliance."
Philadelphia
Inquirer
By David O'Reilly
Inquirer Staff Writer
APRIL SAUL / Inquirer
Three months after the nation's Roman Catholic bishops ordered sweeping changes
in how dioceses respond to sex-abuse cases, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is
still waiting for a special commission's report before fully implementing those
mandates.
"Many aspects of the charter can't all be done overnight," said archdiocesan spokeswoman
Catherine Rossi. "We could have thrown things into place, but the cardinal [Anthony
J. Bevilacqua] wants it done thoughtfully and comprehensively."
The Diocese of Camden, meanwhile, reports it is "in complete compliance" with
the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/8/2002
06:23:15 AM
Monday, October 07, 2002
BOSTON (MA)
Panel: Get tough on clergy: Report asks better scrutiny of Catholic priests,
workers
Boston
Herald
by Robin Washington
A report to be released today by the Archdiocese of Boston's blue ribbon commission
on child sex abuse calls for tough measures - including CORI checks - for clergy
and other church workers who come in contact with youngsters, a panel member told
the Herald.
``There's a strong emphasis on mandatory reporting,'' said Dr. Mary Jane England,
president of Regis College and a member of the Cardinal's Special Commission for
the Protection of Children.
Though she said another group would be charged with implementing the reforms,
she said her commission wouldn't simply disband.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/7/2002
04:42:58 PM
WASHINGTON (DC)
Bishop pushes role of church in policy
Boston
Globe
By Danny Freedman, Associated Press, 10/7/2002
WASHINGTON - At a Mass for government officials, the president of the US Conference
of Catholic bishops expressed hope yesterday that the sexual abuse scandals plaguing
the US church would not lessen the role of religious ideals in shaping public
policy.
''I would argue most powerfully that those scandals must not silence nor limit
the excellent influence that religious voices have in the formation of our governmental
and societal policies, whether they be war and peace, the death penalty, stem
cell research, or questions of poverty,'' said Bishop Wilton Gregory, head of
the Catholic Diocese of Belleville, Ill.
''The truth that underlies faith is not diminished because its messengers are
human beings with all their faults and failings. The miracle of faith is that
truth is proclaimed in spite of ourselves,'' said Gregory in a service at the
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/7/2002
09:25:35 AM
PORTLAND (OR)
Death of Disgraced Priest Brings Conflict Over Burial
The
New York Times
By MICHAEL WILSON
Last Monday, 82 years after his birth, 52 years after his ordination, 14 years
since his retirement, 11 years since his suspension from the Roman Catholic priesthood
and almost 3 years after the flood of lawsuits accusing him of molesting more
than 40 boys, the Rev. Maurice Grammond died in a Portland, Ore., Alzheimer's
care home.
His end brought a new problem: what was the archdiocese to do with his remains?
Offer a cathedral Mass, like those most priests receive, with the archbishop presiding?
Or ignore the death? What is the funeral ceremony for a disgraced priest?
In life, Father Grammond was remarkable not for his handful of rural parish assignments,
where he is remembered as aloof and cranky, but for the scope of the accusations
against him. Former altar boys from the 1950's into the 1980's described in court
filings and interviews Father Grammond's groping — or worse, violent attacks —
on camping trips, in his car, in the rectory, even during fake confessions.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/7/2002
08:48:42 AM
NORTH ANDOVER (MA)
Same faith, divided voices
The Eagle Tribune
By Kathie Neff Ragsdale
Staff Writer
They are the same people who laughed together at church picnics, worked side by
side for the building fund and offered each other handshakes of peace across the
wooden pews of St. Michael's Church.
Now, at least some parishioners at the 12,000-member North Andover church consider
themselves a congregation divided -- a microcosm of the broader schism that has
torn families, parishes and the Catholic Church itself across the United States.
"I'm naturally disappointed about the fact that all this controversy has been
stirred up," said the church's pastor, the Rev. Paul T. Keyes, who declined to
discuss the matter further.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/7/2002
08:19:04 AM
BOSTON (MA)
Cardinal praised for role at rally
Protester interrupts speech on Common
Boston
Globe
By Ralph Ranalli, Globe Staff, 10/7/2002
Cardinal Bernard F. Law yesterday urged a gathering of antiabortion activists
to patiently endure shouts and barbs from their opponents - then had to put his
advice into practice when a heckler criticized his handling of the sexual abuse
scandal.
''Ours cannot be the clenched fist. Ours cannot be the raised voice,'' Law told
a crowd of about 2,000 people gathered on Boston Common for the annual Respect
Life Walk to Aid Mothers and Children, sponsored by Massachusetts Citizens for
Life.
''The cardinal is a liar. Bernard Law is a hypocrite,'' a man at the edge of the
crowd shouted.
The heckler, who had earlier been part of a group of three dozen protesters outside
of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, was confronted by several members of the antiabortion
group and was escorted off the Common by a Boston police officer. After the speech,
Law said he was not upset by the interruption.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/7/2002
08:16:04 AM
JAFFREY (NH)
N.H. bishop tells parish he isn't lying
Priest's history focus of session
Boston
Globe
By Associated Press, 10/7/2002
JAFFREY, N.H. - Bishop John B. McCormack confronted angry parishioners yesterday
as he explained why he assigned to their church a priest who had a sexual relationship
with a teenage boy.
''Don't accuse me of lying. I'm not lying,'' he shouted as many in the crowd of
about 200 at St. Patrick Church accused him of withholding information about the
Rev. Roland Cote.
''You have no business being in this church,'' one woman told him. Another woman
walked out during the 45-minute question-and-answer session and muttered, ''How
can a bishop lie?''
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/7/2002
08:13:49 AM
NASHVILLE
Ex-Ryan principal accused of molesting students; ex-priest Ron Dickman denies
allegations
Nashville
Tennesean
By LAURA FRANK
Staff Writer
A former principal at Father Ryan High School has become the latest and most prominent
ex-priest from the Nashville Catholic Diocese to be accused of sexually abusing
children.
John Kline told The Tennessean that when he was a 16-year-old junior at the school
in 1981, he was repeatedly molested by the principal, Ron Dickman.
Dickman, who ran the prestigious Nashville Catholic school for 10 years, categorically
denied the accusation through his attorney.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/7/2002
06:54:42 AM
WASHINGTON (DC)
Head of bishops' conference calls for 'religious renewal' at high-profile Catholic
mass
San
Francisco Chronicle
DANNY FREEDMAN, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- At a Mass for government officials, the head of the nation's
Roman Catholic bishops expressed hope Sunday that the sex abuse scandals plaguing
the American church would not lessen the role of religious ideals in shaping public
policy.
"I would argue most powerfully that those scandals must not silence nor limit
the excellent influence that religious voices have in the formation of our governmental
and societal policies, whether they be war and peace, the death penalty, stem
cell research or questions of poverty," said Bishop Wilton Gregory.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/7/2002
06:44:29 AM
TUCSON (AZ)
Tucson Diocese stayed mum on priest's trouble
The
Arizona Republic
By Nena Baker
The Arizona Republic
TUCSON - Whatever happened to Father Steve?
When a 17-year-old boy complained two years ago that a Tucson priest had molested
him, the diocese didn't call Child Protective Services. Instead, court filings
show, it launched an internal investigation that dismissed the priest's actions
as accidental.
Months later, in February 2001, the diocese suspended the priest, the Rev. Steven
Stencil, for violating a diocese policy forbidding clerics from being in the company
of minors overnight, diocese officials said.
But diocese officials confirm they haven't told parishioners about suspending
the ministerial faculties of Stencil, 50, who led the diocese's program for youths
interested in the seminary from 1986 to 1994.
posted by Bill Mitchell on 10/7/2002
06:38:19 AM
Sunday, October 06, 2002
JAFFREY (NH)
McCormack faces crowd following Jaffrey mass
Boston
Herald
Associated Press
JAFFREY, N.H. - Bishop John McCormack faced a rowdy crowd of questioners following
his mass at a Jaffrey church Sunday morning.
McCormack went to Jaffrey to discuss allegations against Rev. Roland Cote, a
priest who serves there.
Cote was accused of sexual misconduct with a teenage boy during the 1980s. He
recently acknowledged the relationship, but said the young man was at least
18 at the time.
McCormack was heckled as he walked in. Some in the crowd held signs saying ``We
pray for strong new spiritual leaders'' and ``Rectify, Redeem Resign.''
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/6/2002
07:18:05 PM
BOSTON (MA)
Church to begin training programs for abuse prevention
Boston
Herald
Associated Press
BOSTON - Education and training programs aimed at ending child sexual abuse
will help heal the Roman Catholic Church, according to a deacon implementing
sexual abuse prevention programs for the scandal-wracked Archdiocese of Boston.
Deacon Anthony P. Rizzuto, cabinet secretary for the Office of Child Advocacy,
Implementation and Oversight, made his comments as a special commission created
by Cardinal Bernard Law prepared to release a final report on protecting children
from sexual predators.
``The church family has been hurt,'' Rizzuto said in an interview Friday. ``When
the family is hurt, you don't disperse. When the family is hurt, you come together
and work toward healing the hurt.''
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/6/2002
07:15:56 PM
FALL RIVER (MA)
Accused priest lashes out at district attorney
The Standard-Times
By Steve Urbon, Standard-Times senior correspondent
"Guilty until proven guilty." That's the sort of justice that awaits clergy
facing sexual abuse charges, in the words of a retired Fall River priest whose
name was on a list made public by Bristol County District Attorney Paul F. Walsh
Jr.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Standard-Times and in written comments,
the Rev. John P. Cronin, 71, lashed out at Mr. Walsh, at victims' lawyers, at
the press and at diocesan officials. The latter, he maintained, are more interested
in disposing of the problem than in seeking justice for the accused.
Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, said the Rev. Cronin, has done a superb job looking
after the well-being of victims of clergy abuse even as he shortchanged diocesan
priests.
posted by Kathy Shaw on 10/6/2002
02:17:41 PM
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