Big gaps in redress schemes

Cornelia Rau received almost $3 million from the federal government in 2005 because she had been unlawfully locked up in a detention centre for 10 months.
That payout has abuse survivors support group Care Leavers Australia Network wondering about equity in any system backed by governments and institutions, which may recommend maximum payments between $100,000 and $200,000.

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/01/30/16/50/big-gaps-in-redress-schemes 

Words matter

Words have opened the eyes of a blind beggar and welcomed a rejected tax collector. They have also sent millions to death camps and taught children to be terrorists. Perhaps Scripture communicates the power of words best when the Apostle James writes, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

http://boz.religionnews.com/2015/01/30/words-matter/ 

Ask a Question Friday: How can I learn more about the Survivors’ Movement

How can I learn more about the Survivors’ Movement and SNAP, that organization with whom you do so much work? Is there anywhere I can hear the best and brightest speakers on the topic and meet people who are working for justice for adult victims of child sexual abuse (as well as stopping the cycle and preventing abuse)? - See more at: http://theworthyadversary.com/3307-ask-a-question-friday-how-can-i-learn-more-about-the-survivors-movement#sthash.aJVIEmSj.dpuf 

http://theworthyadversary.com/3307-ask-a-question-friday-how-can-i-learn-more-about-the-survivors-movement 

Controversial Koch brothers give big (again) to Catholic University

Billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch recently made headlines by pledging nearly $900 million to help elect candidates who support their libertarian strain of economic conservatism, but the industrialists are also nearly doubling their investment in the business school of Catholic University of America, which is overseen by the U.S. bishops.

http://www.religionnews.com/2015/01/30/controversial-koch-brothers-give-big-catholic-university/ 

Maine man accused of defaming former priest ...

Child sex abuse victims rights advocate Paul Kendrick told a federal judge Friday he defied a court order and distributed confidential information because he believed more children were in imminent danger of abuse.

http://bangordailynews.com/2015/01/30/news/portland/maine-man-accused-of-defaming-former-priest-says-he-defied-a-court-order-to-protect-more-kids-from-sex-abuse/ 

Why is Pope Francis Still So Afraid of Oversight By the Catholic 99.99% ?

Common sense, and accumulated experience, tell us that organizational problems can only be fixed, long term, by changing the organizational structure that caused the problems. The Catholic Church has had escalating and scandalous problems that have resulted, since the 1870 First Vatican Council “proclamation on infallibility”,  largely from the Vatican’s top down and unaccountable monarchical structure, regardless of which Church officials handled, or more likely mishandled, specific problems.

http://christiancatholicism.com/why-is-pope-francis-still-so-afraid-of-oversight-by-the-catholic-99-99/ 

Housemaster at Westminster Cathedral Choir school found guilty of sex assaults on ten boys

David Lowe, an ex-teacher at a Catholic public school was found guilty of historic sexual assaults on young boys in his care, including a choir boy who sang at his wedding. English and music teacher at Westminster Cathedral Choir School, was convicted on Monday of abusing six boys under the age of 14 during the 1970s and 1980s.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/housemaster-westminster-cathedral-choir-school-found-guilty-sex-assaults-ten-boys-1485450 

Falls native asking pope to investigate diocese sex abuse complaints

The Associated PressVanessa DeRosa, left, and Antonio Flores, right, along with their attorney Diane Tiveron, center, discuss their request for Pope Francis to investigate the way the Diocese of Buffalo has handled complaints of sexual abuse, during a news conference in Tiveron’s office in Amherst on Tuesday.

http://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/local_news/falls-native-asking-pope-to-investigate-diocese-sex-abuse-complaints/article_378ad11f-0943-5974-88cf-fa1789bdda2f.html 

Ex-priest stole millions for sex parties

OSLO: A former Norwegian priest admitted to embezzling about 15 million kroner (RM6.8 million) from a welfare foundation to spend on lavish parties with prostitutes in Spain. "It was totally out of control, the size of the sum shows that," Are Blomhoff told the district court in Drammen, Norway.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1310144 

Bail revoked for pastor convicted of child sex abuse

ALBION – The Rev. Roy D. Harriger Sr., 71, was taken into custody at the Orleans County Jail here Tuesday afternoon after his $250,000 pre-sentencing bail was revoked. Harriger, who was convicted Monday by an Orleans County Court jury of two counts of first-degree course of sexual conduct (sodomy) for molesting a girl and a boy between 2000 and 2002 faces up to 50 years in jail when he is sentenced by Orleans County Judge James P. Punch April 6. 

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/bail-revoked-for-pastor-convicted-of-child-sex-abuse-20150127 

Dutchess priest suspended in decades-old sexual abuse allegation

A longtime Dutchess County priest has been suspended by the Archdiocese of New York because of 30-year-old sexual abuse allegations recently brought to authorities, confirmed Joseph Zwilling, the Archdiocese director of communications. But the Rev. Peter Kihm denies the accusations.

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/local/2015/01/28/peter-kihm-dutchess-priest/22459361/ 

Judge Orders Diocese of New Ulm, Diocese of Duluth and Oblates to Produce All Records on All Reported Clergy Sexual Abuse from before 1978

St. Paul, MN) –  Ramsey County District Court Judge John H. Guthmann Tuesday ordered the Defendants in the Doe 30 lawsuit to produce all records pertaining to sexual abuse reported to have been committed by any priest before 1978. The secret documents will be produced to Doe 30 under seal as a result of a protective order previously obtained by the Defendants.

http://www.andersonadvocates.com/Posts/News-or-Event/1949/New-Ulm-Duluth-Dioceses-and-Oblates-Ordered-to-Produce-Records.aspx

Dioceses of New Ulm, Duluth Ordered to Turn Over Documents

The Diocese of New Ulm, the Diocese of Duluth, and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate were ordered to produce all records regarding reported sexual abuse committed by any priest before 1978. It’s the first time the documents will be turned over. A Ramsey County judge made the ruling as part of a lawsuit filed by “Doe 30,” who claimed to be sexually abused by the Rev. J. Vincent Fitzgerald, an Oblate priest.  

http://www.kaaltv.com/article/stories/S3690284.shtml?cat=10151

NY--Cardinal Dolan again acts secretively with predator priest

Once again, Cardinal Tim Dolan refuses to tell the public about a credibly accused predator priest. Shame on him. And shame on the rest of the US Catholic hierarchy for refusing to blast him for breaking church abuse policy.
We know about the credible child sex allegations against Fr. Peter Kihm only because one Catholic shared a letter he got from church officials about those serious accusations.

http://www.snapnetwork.org/ny_dolan_acts_secretively 

Assignment Record – Rev. William Andrew Christensen, s.m.

Summary of Case: William Andrew Christensen was ordained a priest of the Society of Mary (Marianists) in 1973. He taught for a few years at Chaminade Prep in Creve Coeur MO. At some point in the late 1970s Christensen left the US, doing economic development work in Nepal and India before settling in Bangladesh in 1986. In a 2002 lawsuit Christensen was accused of sexually abusing a male Chaminade student from 1973 to 1975. The former student died of cancer in 2008, before the suit could be resolved.

http://www.bishopaccountability.org/assign/Christensen_William_Andrew_sm.htm 

Onetime Lansdale priest admits to indecent assault at local YMCA

A onetime Lansdale priest will be under court supervision after he admitted to having indecent contact with a man in a local YMCA locker area. John H. Roebuck, 65, of the first block of Lansdale Avenue, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to two years’ probation after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault without consent in connection with the December 2013 incident that occurred at the YMCA on East Main Street in Lansdale.

http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20150128/onetime-lansdale-priest-admits-to-indecent-assault-at-local-ymca 

Priest pleads guilty re offences in western Sydney parishes

A former Catholic priest of the Sydney archdiocese, Father Robert Flaherty, now aged 71, has pleaded guilty regarding sexual offences against two children dating back to the 1970s. In 2013, Flaherty was charged regarding three boys. Court documents stated that the alleged victims, who were boys aged between 11 and 15, lived in parishes in which Father Flaherty worked in western Sydney.

http://brokenrites.org.au/drupal/node/242 

The church protected Father John Sidney Denham, a judge says

An Australian judge has made scathing comments about how Father John Sidney Denham had been protected by the Catholic Church. Denham was jailed in 2010 after some of his victims contacted the New South Wales police. On 23 January 2015, he received additional jail time after some more of his victims contacted the police. According to research by Broken Rites, these are not necessarily Denham's only victims. (Article updated 23 January 2015.)
On 2 July 2010, in the Sydney District Court, Father Denham was jailed after pleading guilty to sexually abusing dozens of young boys, aged from five to sixteen.

http://www.brokenrites.org.au/drupal/node/109 

30% increase in December calls for victim support

Press Release – Victim Support During December when the country was in holiday mode, Victim Support staff and volunteers were responding to a massive 30.9% increase in calls to support victims. Last December it received 4641 calls compared to 6074 this year. Behind these crisp, analytical statistics are the thousands of people left reeling by the resulting trauma. Often wide circles of relatives, friends and neighbours can be effected by a single incident.

http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=74764 

The Trouble With Murder: Should life mean life?

Provocative documentary series The Trouble With Murder raises debate about New Zealand’s justice system, while looking back at our criminal and sentencing history. Should someone who takes another life be given a second chance? 
New series ‘The Trouble With Murder’ examines the justice system’s response to various crimes and our dark history of capital punishment. The first episode explores Auckland’s infamous Basset Road machine gun murders and the home invasion and murder of Beverly Bouma.

https://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/tv/blogs/b/-/26066763/the-trouble-with-murder-should-life-mean-life/ 

Durham: Christians in prayer for pardon, healing

(Vatican Radio) During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, one Church of England bishop has spent the past two days working and praying alongside Catholic priests, religious and lay experts dealing with the consequences of the Church's sexual abuse crisis. Anglican bishop of Durham Paul Butler is amongst participants at a three day meeting that's taking place in the northern English city this week.

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/01/23/durham_christians_in_prayer_for_pardon,_healing/1119553 

Priest sentenced to 13 years in prison for pedophilia in Australia

An Australian court on Friday sentenced Roman Catholic priest John Sidney Denham to 13 years in prison for sexually abusing 18 children at a school in the state of New South Wales, a sentence that will be added to another prior conviction, local media reported Friday. Denham,73, was sentenced in 2010 to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing dozens of children, including five-year-olds.

http://www.laprensasa.com/309_america-in-english/2894526_priest-sentenced-to-13-years-in-prison-for-pedophilia-in-australia.html 

Be Fruitful, Not Bananas Pope Francis, Birth Control and American Catholics

MY mother always believed that when you signed up for a regimen, you owed it your best shot. She was that way with diets. With aerobics. And with religion. For my father she converted, Methodist to Catholic, and she tried to follow the script.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/25/opinion/sunday/frank-bruni-pope-francis-birth-control-and-american-catholics.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150124&nlid=63876270&tntemail0=y&_r=0 

Allah’ battle continues as Catholic Church returns to court with hope

The Catholic Church will walk the path that has led only a few to success when the battle to use the word Allah in its weekly newspaper, Herald, returns to the courtroom tomorrow. So far, only a handful of applications have been allowed in a review of a Federal Court ruling.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/allah-battle-continues-as-catholic-church-returns-to-court-with-hope 

Pope says birth control ban doesn't mean breed 'like rabbits'

Catholics should not feel they have to breed "like rabbits" because of the Church's ban on contraception, Pope Francis said on Monday, suggesting approved natural family planning methods. Francis used the unusually frank language during an hour-long news conference on the plane from Manila to Rome at the end of his week-long Asia trip.

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/26038200/pope-says-birth-control-ban-doesnt-mean-breed-like-rabbits/ 

Westminster sex probe member ‘bullied by QC’

A MEMBER of the independent panel into child sexual abuse has told MPs she has been “bullied” by the barrister conducting the embattled inquiry. Home Secretary Theresa May set up the inquiry to find out whether public bodies had neglected or covered up allegations of child sex abuse in the wake of claims paedophiles had operated in Westminster in the 1980s.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/westminster-sex-probe-member-bullied-by-qc-1-7061558 

Diocese of Rockville Centre Sued for Hiding Sexual Offenders and Creating a Dangerous Public Nuisance

Announce the filing of a complaint on behalf of a 20 year-old woman naming the Diocese of Rockville Centre, St. Francis Assisi Parish and Father Gregory Yacyshyn as defendants. Yacyshyn is alleged to have abused the woman when she was a young child and parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi in Greenlawn, New York. He remains in ministry at St. Jude in Mastic Beach, NY..

http://www.andersonadvocates.com/Posts/News-or-Event/1947/Fr-Gregory-Yacyshyn-Rockville-Centre-Diocese-Named-in-Civil-Lawsuit.aspx 

Eric Dejaeger sentencing: former priest's hearing continues

The sentencing hearing for former Roman Catholic priest Eric Dejaeger will continue in Iqaluit Tuesday. Dejaeger is being sentenced for 32 sex crimes. He pleaded guilty to eight charges at the start of his trial last year and was found guilty on 24 other charges.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/eric-dejaeger-sentencing-former-priest-s-hearing-continues-1.2919044 

Peter reminds us that Christianity is not a faith for those who are perfect

“All of us are Peter. Our history of Peter recounts no tales of an inspirational leader. We have instead the memory of a very flawed person. He gave the incorrect answer to almost every question he was asked. He had a temper and cut off another person’s ear.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/peter-reminds-us-that-christianity-is-not-a-faith-for-those-who-are-perfect-1.2068460 

Wyoming authorities discuss Bricker case

Dani Spence had never had a case like Bill Bricker's. The sheriff's detective in Teton County, Wyo. — population 22,000 — had investigated her share of crimes against children. But she had never before found herself trying to reconstruct events that happened, in one case, more than half a century ago, involving a suspect and alleged victims who lived hundreds of miles away.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/winnetka-northfield-glencoe/ct-bill-bricker-wyoming-story-met-20150119-story.html#page=1 

Case of bishop accused in bicyclist death opens debate about theology of addiction

The case of a high-ranking Episcopal bishop charged with drinking and texting before fatally hitting a bicyclist has raised questions about everything from church politics to bike lanes. But no debate about Bishop Heather Cook has been as intense as that about the theology of addiction.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/case-of-bishop-accused-in-bicyclist-death-opens-debate-about-theology-of-addiction/2015/01/20/81567294-9da2-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html 

Minnesota Catholic Archdiocese Hit With So Many Sex Abuse Claims They Have to File for Bankruptcy

The Catholic Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis Minnesota has declared bankruptcy after over 300 estimated sex abuse claims have been filed against them. Over 300 people have filed complaints against church employees with the majority of the cases occurring between the 1950s and 1980s.

http://latest.com/2015/01/minnesota-catholic-archdiocese-hit-many-sex-abuse-claims-file-bankruptcy/ 

Man charged with attempted murder in serious assault of 6-year-old Alberta girl

WARNING: The details in this story may be disturbing to some readers. 
EDMONTON – A 21-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a child was found seriously assaulted Saturday afternoon, west of Edmonton in Parkland County. James Clifford Paul, of no fixed address, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault, and kidnapping. Superintendent Gary Steinke, with RCMP K Division, said Monday the accused knew the little girl.

http://globalnews.ca/news/1738662/young-girl-with-traumatic-injuries-airlifted-to-edmonton-hospital/ 

Anglican church apologises for sex abuse scandal

The Church of England has formally apologised for past child abuse by Anglican priests and for its own failure to prevent it. The church's governing body, the General Synod, voted unanimously to make the apology at a meeting in the northern English city of York and said it would now tighten its procedures. "We failed big time," Paul Butler, the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, said as he opened the meeting on Sunday.

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/644802-anglican-church-apologises-for-sex-abuse-scandal.html 

Nunavut court: After nearly four decades, Dejaeger’s victims have their say “I am a survivor. I persist.”

After waiting nearly four decades, more than two dozen middle-aged Inuit sexual abuse victims from Igloolik and Kugaaruk filed into an Iqaluit courtroom Jan. 19 to begin describing how ex-priest Eric Dejaeger scarred their hearts and deformed their lives.

http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674nunavut_court_after_nearly_four_decades_dejaegers_victims_have_their_s/ 

Sex-abuse victim tells priest's sentencing hearing wood smell triggers memories

IQALUIT, Nunavut - There's a smell that brings it all back. One whiff, and once again he's a little boy being raped by a priest in a dank furnace room at the Catholic mission in Igloolik, Nunavut. "Whenever I smell moldy wood, it takes me back to that place," the man told a court in Iqaluit on Monday during the sentencing hearing for his onetime tormentor. "It makes me angry."

http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/sex-abuse-victim-tells-priest-s-sentencing-hearing-wood-smell-triggers-memories-1.1735340 

Former priest and school principal has appeal against conviction for sexually abusing boy rejected by Court of Appeal

Con Desmond, (79), with an address as Woodlands, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co Clare, had pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of indecently assaulting a boy at St Stephen's De La Salle National School in Waterford between 1978 and June 1980.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/former-priest-and-school-principal-has-appeal-against-conviction-for-sexually-abusing-boy-rejected-by-court-of-appeal-30920076.html 

Eric Dejaeger sentencing: 9 victims make impact statements

Nine victims spoke at a sentencing hearing today in Iqaluit for Eric Dejaeger, the former Roman Catholic priest convicted last fall of 32 counts of child sexual abuse dating back three decades in Igloolik, Nunavut.  The victims, who were children at the time of the abuse, are now in their 40s, 50s and 60s. They and their families filled the Nunavut Court of Justice's largest courtroom this morning.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/eric-dejaeger-sentencing-9-victims-make-impact-statements-1.2917419 

Russian Orthodox Priest Suspected of Pedophilia, Detained in Israel

A Russian Orthodox priest suspected of having committed acts of pedophilia at a children's summer camp last year has been detained in Israel, Interfax reported Monday. Gleb Grozovsky, a priest from St. Petersburg, was placed on an international wanted list at Russia's request based on allegations of having sexually assaulted two girls, aged 9 and 12, at a religious-themed youth camp on the Greek island of Kos in 2013.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russian-orthodox-priest-suspected-of-pedophilia-detained-in-israel/507515.html 

Israel Court: Russian Priest Accused of Pedophilia Should Be Extradited

A Jerusalem court has held that a disgraced Russian Orthodox priest accused in his home country of several counts of pedophilia should be extradited, his sister announced via VKontakte on Monday. Priest Gleb Grozovsky stands accused of having sexually assaulted two young girls — aged 9 and 12 at the time —

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/israel-court-holds-russian-priest-accused-of-pedophilia-should-be-extradited/514580.html 

Martin Luther King, a true Christian, dared to dream.

Martin Luther King, a true Christian, dared to dream. One wishes Pope Francis would dream similarly more often. As I observed Pope Francis on his overly scripted public relations trip to the Philippines, I had a dream as well. It was triggered while observing Pope Francis outrageously lobby, in his homily at a massive outdoor Mass a few hours after hugging a twelve year old former “street child”.

http://christiancatholicism.com/pope-francis-martin-luther-king-and-a-dream-about-street-children/ 

MO--Records about KC predator priests are made public

Roughly 150 pages of long-secret Catholic church records about a predator priest who molested at least one Kansas City child have been released. He worked at parishes and high schools in at least four cities, was a military chaplain for three decades, and was active nationally in black Catholic organizations.

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_records_about_kc_predator_priests_are_made_public 

Meet Cardinal Raymond Burke, Catholicism’s Most Offensive Mansplainer

Pope Francis demoted the reactionary Burke, but that hasn’t stopped him popping off about how the Church panders to radical feminism. bCardinal Raymond Burke is a 66-year-old guy who lives in Rome, dresses like Queen Elizabeth, and talks like someone who majored in misogyny at some bogus, backwoods, Bible-banging tent school.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/18/meet-cardinal-raymond-burke-catholicism-s-most-offensive-mansplainer.html 

Theresa May's child abuse inquiry shame: Counting the days since Home Secretary promised victims justice

Today marks 196 days since Theresa May announced her inquiry into historic child sex abuse – and the nation is STILL waiting for it. The Home Secretary now has the choice of 100 candidates to chair the inquiry after two she appointed slipped through her fingers. But Mrs May is still dithering over who it should be.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/theresa-mays-child-abuse-inquiry-4997816 

This priest assaulted girls — and the church kept giving him more victims

Australia's national child-abuse Royal Commission has been told how the Catholic Church allowed a priest, Father Martin Newbold, to commit sex-crimes against young girls. The church concealed his crimes from the police and transferred him from one Australian state to another to protect him. Thus the church inflicted this criminal on more victims in new parishes.

http://brokenrites.org.au/drupal/node/348 

Healing Be Damned

The next pope will need to come to grips with the generations of systemic sexual abuse within the Catholic church. But in Australia, the spotlight is now on the credibility of protocols set up by the church to handle such claims.

http://www.theglobalmail.org/feature/healing-be-damned/556/ 

Leslie Hittner: Church leaders committing cardinal sins

I am appalled! Employees of the Catholic Church all over this country are being told that if they express their beliefs with respect to same-sex marriage, artificial birth control, abortion and other politically sensitive issues that the Catholic Church has a position on — and if those statements are not in accordance with the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church — they will be fired.

http://www.winonadailynews.com/print-specific/columns/leslie-hittner-church-leaders-committing-cardinal-sins/article_1518bbd5-ba7b-5bdd-8d35-e3a276958681.html 

Under their care

Dubbo man Paddy* is haunted by the memories of his boarding school days, where he was abused and tortured at the hands of his primary educator. He talked to NATALIE HOLMES about the bitterness and the brutality. Paddy* was just a kid when he was abused by a staff member at the Catholic college he attended.

http://dubbophotonews.com.au/index.php/dpn/categories/local-news/item/2715-under-their-care 

US Swimming sexual abuse scandal continues to grow

Brian Hindson was one of the most respected swimming coaches in the US midwest, working with promising kids at two high schools and with the Central Indiana Aquatics club. When young girls in his charge did well in training, they were often rewarded by being told to use the special shower in the locker room.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/us-swimming-sexual-abuse-scandal-continues-to-grow-1.2060550 

Pope mourns dead church volunteer, speaks out against child abuse at emotional rally in Manila

Pope Francis mourned a church volunteer killed during his visit to the typhoon-devastated Tacloban city in an emotional rally on Sunday attended by hundreds of thousands of young people at a centuries-old Catholic university here. The 78-year-old Pontiff led a moment of silence for Ms Kristel Mae Padasas, 27, who was killed on Saturday when a steel scaffolding collapsed on her as a storm battered Tacloban.

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/pope-mourns-dead-church-volunteer-speaks-out-against-child-abuse-emo 

Catholic priest to sue church for unfair dismissal

Father Patrick Lawson granted legal aid to pursue historic case that could give priests employment rights.  A Scottish priest who says that his vocation was "destroyed" after he spoke out against sexual abuse is to claim unfair dismissal against the Catholic church at an employment tribunal.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/15/priest-unfair-dismissal-catholic-church 

Phyllis Hamilton (1950-2001)

Phyllis Hamilton was born on February 28, 1950 in Dublin. Her early years were marred by sexual abuse and incarceration in orphanages and psychiatric institutions. Her father sexually abused her when she was a child. From the age of nine, she lived in city orphanages like Goldenbridge in Inchicore and St Anne’s in Booterstown, as well as psychiatric institutions. Phyllis felt she was an “unwanted child” born to parents who were like “chalk and cheese”, she would later say. 

http://www.independent.ie/editorial/felicia/#phyllis-hamilton 

Outpouring for Francis in Poignant Manila Visit

As he celebrated Sunday Mass before a crowd of millions here in a cornerstone of Catholicism in Asia, Pope Francis stressed the need to care for the world’s poor, a theme he has repeated throughout his five-day visit to the Philippines.

He also touched on the subject of the environment, a topic he is expected to address in depth in an encyclical later this year.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/19/world/asia/pope-in-the-philippines.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150118&nlid=63876270&tntemail0=y&_r=1 

Joseph Jiang Priest Trial: St. Louis Sex Abuse Civil Case Can Proceed.

An effort by the Catholic Church in St. Louis to quash a sexual abuse lawsuit against a priest was unsuccessful after a judge ruled that the civil case can go to trial, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Friday. The Rev. Xiu Hui “Joseph” Jiang is accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl he met while she and her family attended the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica.

http://www.ibtimes.com/joseph-jiang-priest-trial-st-louis-sex-abuse-civil-case-can-proceed-judge-rules-1779442 

Comboni Missionaries and Pope Francis on Clerical Abuse

In early 2012, Danny Sullivan was appointed as the Chairman of NCSC following the resignation of Baroness Patricia Scotland. In June 2014, he attended the Mass in Santa Marta, presided over by Pope Francis, and he listened to the Homily in which the new Pope demonstrated, in abundantly clear language, his sorrow at the failings of the Catholic Church in the pressing matter of Child Sexual Abuse.

http://veronafathersmirfield.com/2015/01/10/comboni-missionaries-and-pope-francis-on-clercial-abuse/ 

Hutchins School employee told to hang up on callers asking about alleged abuse

An employee at the private Hobart boys' school at the centre of a sexual abuse inquiry was told to hang up on some people calling about alleged abuse. A royal commission is investigating the way the Hutchins School handled sexual abuse claims relating to a paedophile ring that operated at the school in the 1960s.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-23/spotlight-returns-to-hutchins-schools-response-to-sex-abuse/5912120 

EightI Common myths about child sexual abuse

Few people are aware of the true state of the science on child abuse. Instead, most people's beliefs have been shaped by common misconceptions and popular myths about this hidden crime. Societal acceptance of these myths assists sex offenders by silencing victims and encouraging public denial about the true nature of sexual assaults against children.

http://www.leadershipcouncil.org/1/res/csa_myths.html 

Vatican permanently dismisses former Maine priest for sex abuse of a minor

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican has dismissed John E. Harris from the priesthood permanently for a substantiated claim of sexual abuse of a minor in the early 1980s, Maine Bishop Robert P. Deeley announced on Friday.

https://bangordailynews.com/2015/01/16/news/state/vatican-permanently-dismisses-former-maine-priest-for-sex-abuse-of-a-minor/ 

Former Maine priest defrocked after abuse allegations upheld

Church officials say John E. Harris, who now lives in Canada, sexually abused a minor in the early 1980s.  A Catholic priest who was disciplined in 2000 for running a sexually explicit website for gay clergy has been removed from the priesthood after Maine church officials said they substantiated an allegation that he had sexually abused a minor in the early 1980s.

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/01/17/former-maine-priest-defrocked-after-abuse-allegations-upheld/ 

sexual abuse and incarceration in orphanages and psychiatric institutions

Phyllis Hamilton was born on February 28, 1950 in Dublin. Her early years were marred by sexual abuse and incarceration in orphanages and psychiatric institutions. Her father sexually abused her when she was a child. From the age of nine, she lived in city orphanages like Goldenbridge in Inchicore and St Anne’s in Booterstown, as well as psychiatric institutions. Phyllis felt she was an “unwanted child” born to parents who were like “chalk and cheese”, she would later say. 

http://www.independent.ie/editorial/felicia/#phyllis-hamilton 

Chairman to appeal ruling he unfairly denied legal representation to ‘abuse victim’

The chairman of an inquiry into alleged historical abuse at care homes in Northern Ireland is to appeal a ruling that he unfairly denied legal representation to a victim. High Court judge Mr Justice Treacy had held that a bar had effectively been erected against the woman who claims she was molested by a “very high-profile figure”. But his former judicial colleague, Sir Anthony Hart, has now lodged a challenge to the verdict.

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/chairman-to-appeal-ruling-he-unfairly-denied-legal-representation-to-abuse-victim-1-6527238 

Victims wanted answers from Blair and want justice

Around 2am on Tuesday Phyllis Carrothers rose from her bed after a few hours sleep. At 3.15am she was collected by Stephen Gault and they left Enniskillen in the snow to drive to the airport. Along with Kenny Donaldson, the spokesman for Innocent Victims United (IVU) and a few others she boarded the Easyjet ‘red eye’ Flight to Stansted and then travelled to Westminster and Parliament. 

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/kate-hoey-victims-wanted-answers-from-blair-and-want-justice-1-6524637 

Church Must Answer For Priests' Abuse

In response to Rev. Gene Barrette's article “Priests Unfairly Labeled” [Jan. 11, Opinion]. Likening himself and his fellow clergymen to the police was an interesting take.  I certainly agree that it is unfair and unjust to judge any group of people by the actions of a few, but in both the cases of police brutality and pedophilia, the protests are calling attention to people in power abusing that power.

http://www.courant.com/opinion/letters/hc-ugc-article-priests-police-and-the-prophet-2-2015-01-14-story.html 

“I don’t want to live in the shadows anymore,” Mielke said

New documents released in a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit show that a former high-ranking church official intervened to help a prominent University of St. Thomas priest accused of sexual misconduct perform a wedding out of state. The Rev. Michael Keating was turned down when he first asked officials of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to verify in writing that he had “never been accused of any act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct involving a minor.”

http://www.startribune.com/local/288296171.html 

The Catholic Church's dirty secrets: abuse, injustice and a damning letter

HE’S the man whose statement to Hunter police about being sexually abused by a Catholic priest launched Strike Force Georgiana in 2007, and ultimately led to a royal commission. His name is John Parmeter, pictured above, and he wants people to know who he is as Strike Force Georgiana enters its eighth year investigating historic child sexual abuse cases.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2572537/the-churchs-dirty-secrets-abuse-injustice-and-a-damning-letter/?cs=3373 

“Survivor fury that abuse labelled ‘mistake'” & related articles

Survivors of clerical abuse have lashed out at the Association of Catholic Priests over its description of incidents of abuse by priests as “mistakes”. Marie Collins told the Irish Independent she was “shocked” by the ACP’s comment. And a priest, who was himself the victim of clerical abuse, described the ACP’s attitude as “despicable”.

http://www.theinquiry.ca/wordpress/rc-scandal/other-countries/ireland/survivor-fury-that-abuse-labelled-mistake-related-articles/ 

West Orange ex-priest assists victims of sexual abuse

Speak with Bob Hoatson for just a few minutes and it becomes immediately apparent that he is a genuinely nice man. Immensely friendly and down-to-earth, Hoatson just seems like the type of guy who would shovel your porch without being asked or check your house while you were away on vacation — selfless. It is easy to imagine him working for the Catholic Church, which he did for more than 30 years.

http://essexnewsdaily.com/news/westorange/48334 

Ex-UST leader knew of abuse claim; untrue, school says

Internal archdiocese documents released Monday by a clergy sex abuse attorney claim former University of St. Thomas president Dennis Dease knew of child sex abuse allegations against a Catholic Studies professor for several years.

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/01/12/keating-documents 

US Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke was demoted by Pope Francis blames 'radical feminists' for Church paedophilia

American Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke has claimed that “radical feminism” is to blame for a host of issues within the Catholic Church and blamed feminists for creating paedophiles, or sexually confused “disordered men” who entered the priesthood and sexually abused children.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/us-cardinal-raymond-leo-burke-who-was-demoted-by-pope-francis-blames-radical-feminists-for-church-paedophilia-30902691.html 

The Hollie Greig Story – Why Are Alarm Bells Ringing in Scotland?

The story of Hollie Greig is fairly well known in Scotland but, for those who may not be familiar with it, we include a brief summary below.  The information has been provided by those campaigning for “justice for Hollie” and  is published here in good faith for the purpose of enabling discussion.

http://catholictruthblog.com/2014/05/28/the-hollie-greig-story-why-are-alarm-bells-ringing-in-scotland/ 

Whangarei teacher and CYF worker jailed for sexual abuse of girls

A Whangarei teacher who sexually abused two girls and physically abused six children place in his care by Child Youth and Family has been jailed for 14 years and six months for significant offending that a High Court Judge described as a huge breach of trust that will have lifelong effects on those abused.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11278331 

Some home truths about child abuse

Institutional child sex abuse is only the tip of the iceberg, and unless we realise that the vast majority of abuse occurs within the family home, we have little hope of removing it from our society, writes Sarah Dingle.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-12/dingle-some-home-truths-about-child-abuse/4880718 

Anti violence forums seek victims' views

Inquiry members invited to Waitangi to listen to people on how to overcome issues of abuse. Sir Owen Glenn's independent inquiry into child abuse and domestic violence will hold its first public forums at Waitangi next week in a symbolic move tying in with the annual Treaty commemorations.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10862688 

Top 10 Catholic Church’s callous attitudes to clergy child sex abuse victims

 Voiceless Victim  A survivor of clergy child sexual abuse speaks out for those who can't speak for themselves.  Child protection is not a priority. Church protection is a priority. Cardinal and bishop reputation protection is a priority. Protection of cardinal’s and bishop’s mates who are good blokes and could not possibly be abusers is a priority.

https://voicelessvictim.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/top-10-catholic-church%E2%80%99s-callous-attitudes-to-clergy-child-sex-abuse-victims/ 

Crisis in faith due to Church scandals

MANILA, Philippines – Will the rock star Pope be able to reignite the waning attraction of the Filipino youth to religious life? Is there hope in Pope Francis?  A national youth survey has confirmed what Church leaders have known all along: there’s a yawning gap between the youth and the Church, and it's validated by how the young are shying away from entertaining thoughts of entering religious life.

http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/80523-crisis-faith-church-scandals 

Catholic churches tight-lipped on sexual misconduct allegations

The Roman Catholic Church community was tight-lipped when contacted by Loop News about accusations of inappropriate sexual behaviour by a senior member. Over six local Roman Catholic churches were contacted by our news team. But from nervous laughs and dismissive words, to phones being slammed in the ears, a clear picture was painted of a church under fire.

http://loopjamaica.com/2015/01/13/latest-jamaica-news-catholic-churches-tight-lipped-on-sexual-abuse-allegations/ 

Kansas City Catholics Divided Over Vatican Investigation Of Bishop

A Catholic bishop normally governs pretty much unchecked in his diocese — only the pope can dislodge a bishop. And each time Catholics celebrate Mass in Kansas City, Mo., they pray for Bishop Robert Finn, right after they pray for Pope Francis.

http://www.npr.org/2015/01/13/377000433/kansas-city-catholics-divided-over-vatican-investigation-of-bishop 

Convicted Burnsville pedophile sued by 3rd former Boy Scout

A former Burnsville Boy Scouts leader has now been sued by three of four Scouts he was convicted of molesting. Peter Robert Stibal was sent to prison in 2011 for the sex crimes, which occurred between 2003 and 2008. Two suits were filed the same year and later settled.

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_27313067/former-boy-scout-sues-convicted-burnsville-scoutmaster-council 

Church 'no better than bikie gangs'

Catholic Church officials have been likened to outlaw motorcycle gangs, drug cartels and people smugglers in an explosive speech delivered at a legal conference in Victoria.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/church-no-better-than-bikie-gangs-20130517-2jqkx.html 

Priest’s suspension by Vatican due to charge of `sexual abuse of minor’

Bengaluru, Jan 14: The suspension of the Bangalore Archdiocesan priest Simon Bartholomeo by Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in barring the priest from exercising ``the priestly ministry in public,’’ turns to be a far grave Canonical offence as the girl, whom he was accused of raping and impregnating and helped in her getting an abortion, was a minor when the alleged offence took place.

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=290349 

Sins of the fathers: child sex abuse in the Catholic Church

Betrayed: The English Catholic Church and the Sex Abuse Crisis (Biteback) by Richard Scorer. The Devil’s Advocate: Child Abuse and the Men in Black (Devil’s Advocate Library) by Graham Wilmer

https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/4819/sins-of-the-fathers-child-sex-abuse-in-the-catholic-church 

Women wait 18 years to see Portland pastor face child sex-abuse prosecution

In February, a Happy Valley pastor goes to trial in a criminal case more than 18 years in the making. That's how long seven women have lived in frustration and anger that the pastor wasn't charged after they told police that he sexually abused them in the 1990s.

http://www.oregonlive.com/happy-valley/index.ssf/2015/01/18_years_later_pastor_faces_ne.html 

'I was raped 300 times as I slept - by my husband'

Shocking details have emerged of how a British woman was sexually abused in her sleep by her husband, who recorded the attacks. Sarah Tetley told British television's ITV that she only discovered the extent of what happened after her husband Charlie was arrested. Police seized 316 videos on her husband's computer.

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/26003619/i-was-raped-300-times-as-i-slept-by-my-husband/ 

News Releash: Clergy abuse trails set for January 26 2015

Two cases involving priests of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will start trial on January 26, 2015.  These will be the first cases to go to trial under the Minnesota Child Victims Act.

http://www.andersonadvocates.com/Posts/News-or-Event/1934/News-Release-Clergy-Abuse-Trials-Set-for-January-26.aspx 

LA--Lawmakers & prosecutors must do more in New Bethany child sex case

Now that child sex crimes at the New Bethany Home for Girls in Louisiana won’t be pursued, legislators, prosecutors and others must step up to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded.

http://www.snapnetwork.org/la 

MN--Victims oppose possible Nienstedt successor

A church insider-turned-whistleblower says that an Iowa bishop may temporarily replace St. Paul’s embattled Catholic archbishop. We hope she’s wrong. We hope Pope Francis will pick someone else.  In a 12/30 blog post, Jennifer Haselberger writes that “Persistent rumors suggest that Nienstedt will either resign or be removed shortly after a bankruptcy filing, ..

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mn_victims_oppose_possible_nienstedt_successor 

Church strips accused priest's name from parish center

For four years, the name of a priest found responsible for sexually abusing minors has adorned the front of his parish's community center in the Delaware County village of Margaretville.

http://www.watershedpost.com/2015/church-strips-accused-priests-name-parish-center 

'Goodnight, Sweet Dreams'; Indian Priest Exposes Minor to Child Pornography, Arrested in Florida

An Indian-origin catholic priest's hopes of "joy and happiness" in 2015 were thwarted by his arrest in Florida for possession of child pornography and exposing a minor to the same.  Reverend Jose Palimattom, 48, a Catholic priest visiting from India, was arrested by Palm Beach County officers on Monday and his bail is set for $10,000.

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/goodnight-sweet-dreams-indian-priest-exposes-minor-child-pornography-arrested-florida-619724 

Accused priests lived at Mundelein seminary near school for 13 years

Priests accused of sexual misconduct against children lived on a Mundelein seminary's grounds for more than a decade, their names unknown to the public until the recent release of previously secret Archdiocese of Chicago documents.

The priests remained at Cardinal Stritch Retreat House seven years after some Lake County authorities initially suggested they should move, in part citing the building's proximity to Carmel Catholic High School.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20150106/news/150109380/ 

Bronx School Ousts Priest After Admissions of Abuse

An assistant principal at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx has been dismissed after admitting just before the Christmas break that he sexually abused 10 minors in the 1970s and 1980s, authorities from his religious order said on Monday.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/06/nyregion/bronx-school-ousts-priest-after-admissions-of-abuse.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150106&nlid=63876270&tntemail0=y&_r=1 

Pope rejects priest's bid to stay

The ex-priest had unsuccessfully appealed to the Pope and the Apostolic Signatura in Rome, the highest judicial authority in the Catholic Church, over a decision by the Irish hierarchy to remove him from the clergy.

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/pope-rejects-priests-bid-to-stay-30890000.html 

Priest: Here’s Why Bishops Cover Up Abuse

Here is an extraordinary e-mail from a Roman Catholic priest who hopes to give some insider perspective on why Archbishop Myers of Newark may have assigned this sex offender priest to a prestigious archdiocesan position. I republish it here with his permission. I have edited out a couple of things to protect the priest’s identity:

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/priest-bishops-cover-up/ 

Banished Catholic Priest Helps Abuse Survivors

The two men sit across from each other on a sofa, like old friends. “When I was 12 years old,” Kevin confesses, “I wanted nothing more in life than to be a priest.” Bob nods solemnly. “In all the time that I’ve known you,” Kevin continues, “I never called you Father Bob. Many people do, but I didn’t. It would have been detrimental for me.”

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/08/11/banished-catholic-priest-helps-abuse-survivors.html 

Three New Bill Cosby Accusers, Including Former William Morris Assistant, Detail Sex Abuse

Bill Cosby is back under the microscope with three new accusers, including a woman who used to work as an assistant at the William Morris Agency.
Famed feminist attorney Gloria Allred hosted the new accusers during a news conference Wednesday in L.A. (the conference was live streamed on TMZ's website).

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/three-new-bill-cosby-accusers-761594 

Cardinal Burke: ‘Feminized’ Church, altar girls caused priest shortage

Cardinal Raymond Burke, a senior American churchman in Rome who has been one of the most outspoken critics of Pope Francis’ push for reform, is roiling the waters yet again, this time arguing that the Catholic Church has become too “feminized.”

http://www.catholicregister.org/home/international/item/19477-cardinal-burke-feminized-church-altar-girls-caused-priest-shortage 

‘Homosexual pedophile network' operating in US Catholic Church

A Lutheran pastor and former US Senate candidate told Press TV on Tuesday that an “entire homosexual pedophile network” is operating within the Catholic Church in the United States.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/06/11/366541/homosexual-pedophiles-run-us-churches/ 

Lawsuit alleging abuse is filed against Joliet Diocese, former priest

Louis home, Gibbs declined to comment about the lawsuit.Lewandowski could not be reached for comment. Gibbs also allegedly showed Lewandowski pornography and taught him how to masturbate. Two of the counts allege the abuse has affected the Lewandowski's marital relations.

http://libreprensa.com/k/lawsuit/314014#s/6097728 

Catholic priest Kerkhoff may have abused his own godson; Germany

In A shock development it has emerged that alleged paedophile Catholic priest Georg Kerkhoff may have abused his own 11-year-old godson. This emerged in court papers presented in the German court where the 56 year old’s sexual offences trial is due to begin on Friday. Kerkhoff, who allegedly committed the crimes between 2001 and 2006 in Krefeld and Nettetal, Germany, is facing more than 20 charges for offences against minors.

http://www.thenewage.co.za/148274-1008-53-Kerkhoff_may_have_abused_his_own_godson

Creating a path to protection

THE understanding most people have of online sexual abuse of children is like the activity itself - distant, intangible, even other worldly. Hearing from a father who learned that his 13-year-old son had been groomed online then sexually assaulted by the perpetrators brought it dramatically into the present. The crime may be remote, but the victims are most certainly real.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/features/11704023.Creating_a_path_to_protection/?ref=fbshr 

Respected Catholic Priest Admits To Molesting Boys For Two Decades

Father Robert Harrison (pictured left), who has taught for 26 years and coached basketball for 20 years at the renowned Cardinal Hayes High School (pictured) located in the Bronx, N.Y., has reportedly admitted to sexually abusing minors throughout the ’70s and ’80s, sending shock waves throughout the community, according to NBC 4

http://newsone.com/3080455/robert-harrison-cardinal-hayes-high-school/ 

Support group for victims of sexual abuse upset over Cardinal Hayes handling of pedophile priest

A support group for victims of sexual abuse blasted a Bronx school and the Catholic church for waiting to inform the public about a pedophile priest who came forward weeks ago. 

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-school-slammed-not-disclosing-pervy-priest-article-1.2068062 

New historical allegations made against priests in Kerry

New historical allegations of child sex abuse by priests in the Kerry diocese have been received since a report on clerical abuse in the diocese was published just over a year ago. The new cases relate to the 1960s, 70s and 90s, but none concern priests who are currently in active ministry in the scattered diocese of 130,000 Catholics, which also includes parts of north and west Cork.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/new-historical-allegations-made-against-priests-in-kerry-305620.html 

Police: West Palm Beach Priest Had Child Porn on His Cell Phone

Rev. Jose Palimattom, a 47-year old Catholic priest assigned to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in West Palm Beach, was arrested today for having child pornography on his cell phone and showing the images to a minor.  According to police, the priest asked a 14-year old boy from his parish to help him delete pictures from his cell phone.

http://www.pathtojustice.com/blog/police-west-palm-beach-priest-had-child-porn-on-his-cell-phone#.VKzxbXsdlkd

Concerned Catholics will meet with Vatican delegation

CONCERNED Catholics of Guam confirmed that the group will be meeting with visiting Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, Archbishop Martin Krebs and Rev. Tadeusz Nowak while the three Catholic church officials are on island for the week.

http://mvguam.com/local/news/38648-concerned-catholics-will-meet-with-vatican-delegation.html#.VKzw9nsdlkf 

Church strips accused priest's name from parish center

For four years, the name of a priest found responsible for sexually abusing minors has adorned the front of his parish's community center in the Delaware County village of Margaretville. Even after the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany removed Robert H. Purcell from the ministry and forbade him from using the title “Reverend,” the imposing metal letters that spelled out “Very Rev. Robert H. Purcell” remained set in stone.

http://www.watershedpost.com/2015/church-strips-accused-priests-name-parish-center 

The Church has chosen to bury its head in the sand and hope victims go away

As someone who works in the grim and often harrowing world of child abuse and it consequences I am always reluctant to read books about it when I’m not at work. Why would I? Find out more about Richard Scorer’s book Betrayed: The English Catholic Church and the sex abuse crisis here and read his article for a forthcoming collection of essays (part of the JusticeGap series) here

http://thejusticegap.com/2015/01/church-chosen-bury-head-sand-hope-victims-go-away/ 

Investigation into why police failed to act on abuse report

An internal investigation will look at why police failed to act on the reported abuse of a seven-year-old just before he died from injuries initially blamed on a pogo stick accident, but later resulting in murder charges for the mother and her boyfriend.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/investigation-into-why-police-failed-to-act-on-abuse-report-20131207-2yy6k.html 

NSW Police Service warned twice that intelligence sharing arrangement with Catholic Church on child abuse claims was illegal.

Documents obtained by the ABC reveal the NSW Police Service was warned twice by one of its own lawyers that an intelligence sharing arrangement with the Catholic Church on child abuse claims was illegal.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-12/nsw-police-warned-on-intelligence-sharing-with-catholic-church/5807904 

Oregon JWs face $10.5 abuse law suit

Two people who say that they were sexually abused as children by a leader in a Hillsboro Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation have filed a $10.5 million lawsuit against the cult.

http://freethinker.co.uk/2015/01/04/oregon-jws-face-10-5-abuse-law-suit/ 

Vatican officials to hear concerns

A local Catholic church asset -- a former hotel worth $57 million at one time -- may no longer be under the full control of the Archdiocese of Agana, government land records show.The group Concerned Catholics of Guam first raised doubts publicly in July about the property's control, and now plans to show the documents to a visiting delegation from the Vatican this week.

http://www.guampdn.com/article/20150106/NEWS01/301060001/Vatican-officials-hear-concerns 

The failure to bind and loose: Responses to Yoder’s sexual abuse

Editor’s note: This is excerpted from a longer article, “’Defanging the Beast’: Mennonite Responses to John Howard Yoder’s Sexual Abuse,” Mennonite Quarterly Review 89 (January), based on newly available documents and interviews with 29 individuals.

https://themennonite.org/feature/failure-bind-loose-responses-john-howard-yoders-sexual-abuse/