Why nuns are silent about sexual abuse within the Catholic church in India: It's never taken seriously

"If it comes out, it will be like a tsunami," the nun Manju Kulapuram said, earlier this year, about the rampant sexual abuse of women by the men of the Catholic church in India. Evidently, Kulapuram was onto something — and it’s across denominations, nor confined just to the Catholic church. Unlike other work places, which in theory are meant to have set up mandatory internal complaints committees, there is no formal institution in place that addresses sexual abuse inflicted by members of the clergy.

http://www.firstpost.com/india/why-nuns-are-silent-about-sexual-abuse-within-the-catholic-church-in-india-its-never-taken-seriously-3110280.html 

Road to Recovery - bout Us

Since its founding, R2R has assisted victims/survivors from different age groups, ethnicities, locations, organizations, and socio-economic classes.  Sexual abuse is of epidemic proportions worldwide.  R2R travels throughout America and beyond its borders to help victims/survivors get on the road to recovery.  We have worked with those who have been abused on boy scout and girl scout camping trips, in churches and church facilities, in homes, in university dormitories and athletic arenas, in prisons, in schools, in therapists’ offices, on public and private transportation vehicles, and a host of other locations.  Sexual abuse occurs wherever there are people.  R2R meets victims/survivors wherever they are in the country and wherever they are in their journey to recovery. We believe that victims/survivors are more comfortable on their own turf, especially in the early stages of recovery, so we make it a point to meet face to face with victim/survivors whenever possible.

http://www.road-to-recovery.org/about-us/ 

Dear Brother O’Neill . . . a former Christian Brothers pupil writes

There is nothing ‘historical’ about the child abuse I suffered 45 years ago – the kind your order now seems to want to forget all about. My anguish continues.  A reader writes an open letter to Br Hugh O’Neill, superior general of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, in Rome

Dear Superior General, – Only last year, in my late 50s, I woke up to the exact nature and general effects of abuse I suffered at the hands of two of your Christian Brothers here in Ireland before I was 12. One is dead, the other alive in Ireland and living a secular life outside your congregation. 

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/dear-brother-o-neill-a-former-christian-brothers-pupil-writes-1.2879416 

Protest continues ahead of Byrnes' arrival

With new Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Byrnes set to arrive today, protests calling for church transparency and responsibility continued strong yesterday morning with the 50-some people who came out to form the weekly picket line outside the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica.

http://www.postguam.com/news/local/protest-continues-ahead-of-byrnes-arrival/article_ade27a72-b472-11e6-9867-475117ed86ff.html 

Sexual Abuse Claims in English Youth Leagues Prompt Wider Inquiry by Authorities

England’s Football Association, which remained largely silent for almost two weeks as former players came forward with accusations of sexual abuse by coaches in the country’s soccer development system, announced Sunday that it was broadening an internal investigation into the claims.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/27/sports/soccer/england-soccer-claims-sexual-abuse-youth-leagues.html?emc=edit_tnt_20161127&nlid=63876270&tntemail0=y&_r=1 

Bamboozled: How Catholic hospitals get away with letting pensions go broke

The catholic church nuns and priest... made blood money on their hands... by the sweet of children... and now their are making money from the old age Pensioners... Ann

================================

Pensions have been on their way out for a long time. They're expensive for employers, and they require lots of rule-following and reporting.
But the sponsors of pension funds run by Catholic hospitals have taken advantage of an IRS rule, which, in effect, gives zero protection to retirees if the pension goes bust.

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2016/11/bamboozled_how_catholic_hospitals_get_away_with_le.html 

FL--Victims blast new Tampa/St. Pete Catholic bishop

We are disappointed that Bishop Gregory Parkes of Pensacola-Tallahassee has been promoted to head Florida's second-largest market as the fifth bishop of St Petersburg. We disapprove of his handling of a 2013 predator priest case and see no signs that might indicate that he be any better than his predecessor in dealing with the church’s continuing child sex abuse and cover up crisis.
In 2013, Parkes waited five weeks before suspending an accused priest, Fr. Michael A. Cherup.

http://www.snapnetwork.org/fl_victims_blast_new_tampa_st_pete_catholic_bishop 

Jehovah's Witnesses 'demonstrated a serious failure' to protect children: Royal Commission

The Jehovah's Witness Church in Australia failed to protect children in its care from sexual predators, a report has found.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse delivered its report into the organisation on Monday.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/jehovahs-witnesses-demonstrated-a-serious-failure-to-protect-children-royal-commission-20161128-gsyxcp.html 

Child abuse survivor worries community 'fatigued' by issue

A child abuse survivor says his biggest fear is that the momentum generated by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will dissipate, stopping any meaningful reform.

Peter Gogarty was abused by a Catholic priest in the New South Wales Hunter region as a child and now spends his time advocating for other survivors.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-28/child-abuse-survivor-worries-community-fatigued-by-issue/8061772 

Archbishop Apuron's trial entering its second phase in Rome

Documents have been presented to as many as three judges who are overseeing Archbishop Apuron's canonical trial, according to Archbishop Byrnes.

Guam - Suspended Archbishop Anthony Apuron's canonical trial is already in its second phase, according to his replacement, Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Byrnes.

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/local/11737 

Pastor indicted on 11 counts related to child sex abuse

A Glynn County grand jury issued an 11-count indictment Thursday accusing the Rev. Kenneth Adkins of five counts of aggravated child molestation, three counts of child molestation, two counts of enticing a child for indecent purposes and one count of influencing a witness.

Adkins turned himself in to authorities at the Glynn County Detention Center the morning of Aug. 26 after police sought his arrest on child molestation charges.

http://goldenisles.news/news/local_news/pastor-indicted-on-counts-related-to-child-sex-abuse/article_07e900e5-bdcf-5dd1-adcc-0a3a128a4925.html 

Former head of child abuse inquiry sues Holyrood ministers

The former head of the Scottish inquiry into historic child abuse, who resigned in July, is to sue ministers.
Susan O’Brien, QC, resigned amid controversy, with John Swinney, the education secretary, later telling MSPs that he had been considering her removal from the post over claims of inappropriate comments about survivors.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/scotland/former-head-of-child-sex-abuse-inquiry-to-sue-scots-government-60qt73kz0 

x Liverpool FC player Paul Stewart - "I was abused as a child by football coach"

Ex-Liverpool FC footballer Paul Stewart has broken a 40-year silence to share the trauma of his horrific child sex abuse ordeal,
Stewart bottled it up from everyone, including his family, but took the tough decision to speak out about how he was targeted by a vile football coach between the ages of 11 and 15 – in the hope more victims will come forward.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/ex-liverpool-fc-player-paul-12216103 

2 new sex abuse lawsuits filed against former priests

Two new child sex abuse lawsuits, filed Wednesday afternoon, allege that deceased Catholic priest Antonio C. Cruz and former priest Louis Brouillard separately molested two former altar boys in the 1960s and 1970s.
Brouillard, the Archdiocese of Agana and as many as 50 other defendants are named in the latest batch of lawsuits, filed by attorney David Lujan, of the law firm Lujan & Wolff. Cruz, who died in 1986 at the age of 62, is not named as a defendant.

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2016/11/23/2-new-sex-abuse-lawsuits-filed-against-former-priests/94325148/ 

Threat of hell is real for not being faithful to God, pope says

At his daily morning Mass, Pope Francis reflects on death, hell and the final judgment. “If each of us is faithful to the Lord, when death comes, we will say ‘Come, Sister Death,’ like St. Francis. It won’t frighten us,” he said.  Death and final judgment before the Lord are not frightening if you live being faithful to God, Pope Francis said.

“It will do us good to think about this: ‘Well, what will that day be like when I am before Jesus? When he will ask me about the talents he gave me, what I did with them,’” the pope said Nov. 22 during morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives.

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2016/11/22/threat-hell-real-not-faithful-god-pope-says/ 

Church with rapist leading worship postpones merger with second church facing sex abuse claims

Two Tennessee churches — both with current or former leaders connected to sexual abuse — have decided to restructure a merger in light of recent allegations.
Earlier this week, the Memphis Police Department confirmed that it was investigating a city of Memphis library employee, Christopher Carwile, after he was accused of sexually assaulting at least three children while working as a youth minister at the Church at Schilling Farms (formerly known as Immanuel Baptist Church) 18 years ago.

http://www.rawstory.com/2016/11/church-with-rapist-leading-worship-postpones-merger-with-second-church-facing-sex-abuse-claims/

Bishop urged to 'care' for alleged abusers

Newcastle's Anglican bishop was told at his consecration that he should meet with a couple accused of having three-way sex with a teenage boy and "care for them", a royal commission has heard.
Bishop Greg Thompson, who has been public about his own alleged abuse at the hands of clergy, says he quickly identified a strong narrative in the diocese that priests, including defrocked Dean of Newcastle Graeme Lawrence, had been unfairly disciplined over child sexual abuse allegations.

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/11/24/03/32/newcastle-child-sex-abuse-study-to-finish 

Talking Point: Child sex abuse scheme fails on too many levels

LIKE many Tasmanians, I was shocked and appalled by evidence given at the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

All abuse of children is horrendous, but it is particularly abhorrent for abuse to be committed by people entrusted with the care of those children. I welcome the Turnbull Government’s decision to fund trauma counselling and other support, and to appoint an advisory committee of survivors and their supporters.

http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-child-sex-abuse-scheme-fails-on-too-many-levels/news-story/8060348fc062f985fffb304261a15d8d 

Marist Brother abused boys in dorm: court

A former Marist Brother accused of sexually abusing young boys at Catholic boarding schools was a strict disciplinarian who used violence on his alleged victims, a court has heard.

Brett O'Connor was a dormitory master at a school on Sydney's North Shore when he allegedly began indecently assaulting a 12-year-old boy under his charge and left his alleged victim frozen in fear in his bed, Sydney's District Court heard on Wednesday.

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/marist-brother-abused-boys-in-dorm-court/news-story/ccbd6c856ad81dd65989d38a753e83ac 

Brent Hawkes’ lawyers concede teens drank alcohol at pastor’s home in ’70s

KENTVILLE, N.S.—Brent Hawkes’ lawyers conceded Tuesday that teenagers drank alcohol at the Toronto pastor’s Nova Scotia trailer during the mid 1970s, much to the prosecutor’s surprise.

Crown lawyer Bob Morrison had intended to call rebuttal witnesses to testify that other students, and not only the three witnesses who testified last week at Hawkes’ gross indecency trial, drank alcohol at his Greenwood, N.S., home.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/11/22/brent-hawkes-lawyers-concede-teens-drank-alcohol-at-pastors-home-in-70s.html 

Federal government ‘dragging its heels’ on child abuse redress scheme

Victoria says the government is keeping survivors in the dark as they await further detail on how scheme would work.  Anti-child abuse campaigners have urged federal and state governments to avoid playing political games with the national redress scheme, after Victoria said the federal government for “dragging its heels” and keeping survivors in the dark.
The council of Australian governments meeting early next month could be critical to the future of the national redress scheme, which was a core recommendation of the royal commission in September last year.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/nov/24/federal-government-dragging-its-heels-on-child-abuse-redress-scheme

Child abuse royal commission: defrocked Anglican dean denies leading group of paedophile priests

A defrocked Anglican dean has vehemently denied at a royal commission hearing that he was the leader of a group of child abusers, but admitted he failed to act when he "suspected" a priest in his charge was having sex with a teenage boy.

The ex-dean of Newcastle, Graeme Lawrence, has returned to the witness box in Sydney after beginning his evidence last week when he was questioned intensely about the events leading up to his defrocking in 2012.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-23/defrocked-dean-denies-leading-group-of-paedophile-priests/8049308 

Victim speaks to WREG after filing sexual abuse report against former church worker

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Three men are speaking out after they say a church worker sexually abused them in Collierville when they were teens. One of them has filed a report and the two others said they're getting one filed now.
Kenny Stubblefield was only 16 years old when it happened, but he still remembers every detail of the night he said he was sexually assaulted by someone at his church.

http://wreg.com/2016/11/21/former-church-worker-accused-of-abusing-children/ 

Abuse inquiry 'is gagging the lawyers who resigned': New secrecy row after accusation staff were stopped from talking to MPs about why they quit

The beleaguered child abuse inquiry faced a new secrecy row last night as it was accused of gagging lawyers from talking to MPs about why they have quit.

The Home Affairs Select Committee has requested written evidence from seven lawyers who have resigned from Britain’s biggest public inquiry.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3959232/Abuse-inquiry-gagging-lawyers-resigned-New-secrecy-row-accusation-staff-stopped-talking-MPs-quit.html 

New national Church response to importance of safeguarding

A new independent company has been established by the Catholic Church in Australia to develop, audit and report on compliance with professional standards to protect children and vulnerable people.
Catholic Professional Standards (CPS) Limited represents a new national Church response to the importance of safeguarding vulnerable people. It will be responsible for setting the highest standards to ensure the safety of individuals involved with the Church at all levels and engaging with Catholic service providers.

http://catholicoutlook.org/new-national-church-response-to-importance-of-safeguarding/ 

Vic institutions accountable for abuse

Lawyers say other states should follow Victoria's lead in forcing institutions to prove they took steps to protect children under their care from being abused.
Organisations in Victoria will have to prove they took reasonable steps to protect children under their care from abuse in a move that will make it easier for victims to sue institutions for damages. Victoria is the first state to introduce laws creating a duty of care for organisations so they can be held accountable for the abuse of children.

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/11/22/vic-institutions-accountable-abuse

Barristers set to lift the lid on toxic atmosphere including claims of bullying and harassment by top

Abuse inquiry chief on brink as lawyers who quit reveal all: Barristers set to lift the lid on toxic atmosphere including claims of bullying and harassment by top QC which were allegedly ignored by the chair.

The chairman of the troubled public inquiry into child abuse will come under increasing pressure this week as a string of lawyers finally reveal why they quit. Professor Alexis Jay is set to be hit by damaging claims by barristers who have left the £100 million investigation that she knew there was a culture of bullying, harassment and even sexual assault but failed to act – then tried to cover it up.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3953520/Abuse-inquiry-chief-brink-lawyers-quit-reveal-Barristers-set-lift-lid-toxic-atmosphere-including-claims-bullying-harassment-QC-allegedly-ignored-chair.html 

Carmelites: A Gift of God that Inspires

Message by Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, SDB 

We all were saddened by the news that the Carmelite Sisters were to leave the Island. It was absolutely a very difficult move both for them and for the faithful on Guam. The Archdiocese has been so privileged to have them among us ever since 1966. With their dedication to contemplation and prayer, the Carmelite community has become a power station for Church activities.

http://www.aganaarch.org/10080/carmelites-a-gift-of-god-that-inspires/ 

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

He was the head football coach at an elite prep school. He was also a serial pedophile who openly terrorized students for twenty-five years. So why did nobody stop him?

During the summer of 1968, Robert and Pamela DiBenedetto spent four weeks at sleepaway camp in upstate New York. The siblings, twins from Brooklyn, were twelve years old, and their camps were on opposite sides of a lake. One morning, Pamela woke up in her cabin with a swollen arm, an injury that puzzled the camp nurse: Pamela had not fallen or tripped, been bitten or stung. At the end of the season, however, she learned that her brother had broken his arm across the lake the day her swelling began.

http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a50346/poly-prep-philip-foglietta/ 

Former priest spared jail for abuse for second time

A former priest who sexually abused his niece more than 30 years ago has avoided jail for a second time, despite an appeal by prosecutors in a case described as “rare and exceptional”.

The 60-year-old man, whose details cannot be published to protect the victim’s identity, had pleaded guilty to 12 counts of sexually assaulting his niece on dates between 1979 and 1985 when she was aged between six and 13 and he was in his 20s.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/former-priest-spared-jail-for-abuse-for-second-time-1.2878135 

Vatican--Two controversial prelates are “demoted;” Victims respond

Cardinal Raymond Burke and Cardinal George Pell will no longer be on the Rome-basedCongregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. (Their terms have expired and Francis is not renewing them.) The two are among ex-members who reportedly “are known for preferring a more traditionalist practice of liturgy” than Francis, according to the National Catholic Reporter.
Burke, Pell and many other bishops across the world should be passed over for promotions, not given honors and in fact be temporarily suspended or permanently ousted because they’re ignored or hidden credible reports of abuse (Burke) or been credibly accused of abuse themselves (Pell).

http://www.snapnetwork.org/vatican_two_controversial_prelates_are_demoted_victims_respond 

Protests continue strong

With the issue of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary resolved by Coadjutor Michael Byrnes’ actions last week, members of the various Catholic lay organizations continued in their mission calling for accountability and transparency.
Laity Forward Movement organizer Lou Klitzkie told the Post in an email that more than 100 people showed up Sunday morning to protest outside the front doors of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña.

http://www.postguam.com/news/local/protests-continue-strong/article_2309f742-af07-11e6-a6b0-5b90a4c0032a.html 

It allowed him to prey on vulnerable children': Survivor and priest criticise church response to abuse

KERRY LAWLESS WAS abused for about a year by Patrick O’Brien, a volunteer at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, who would pick him up at the bus stop to drive him to school, stopping often en route to carry out his horrendous crimes.
A teenager from Drimnagh in the 1980s, Lawless came forward and told his parents, the authorities and gardaí about the abuse.

http://www.thejournal.ie/patrick-obrien-abuse-patricks-cathedral-3091996-Nov2016/

[Update] Glare of the spotlight

In this hour of Reveal, we’re going to revisit an Oscar-winning movie about The Boston Globe’s investigative team that exposed the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal: “Spotlight.” We’ll take you behind the scenes of that investigation, look at the legacy of the groundbreaking story and see how other journalists went on to expose more crimes by Catholic priests around the world.

First up, we tell you what happened after the “Spotlight” movie ended and how The Boston Globe continued to expose cover-ups in the Catholic Church.

http://news.wgcu.org/post/update-glare-spotlight 

Tracking a Church paedophilia case from Dakar to Quebec

Following a series of paedophilia scandals in the Catholic Church in recent years, FRANCE 24 reporters investigated the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic religious community that has been sending missionaries to Africa for nearly a century. In Senegal we met with an alleged victim of abuse before tracking down the accused in Quebec.

Warning: Some of the language in this video report may be unsuitable for minors. 

http://www.france24.com/en/20161118-video-reporters-paedophilia-catholic-church-senegal-quebec-brothers-sacred-heart 

The Royal Commission and the Catholic Church’s Dysfunctional Governance

In May 2016, the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse released Issues Paper 11 – Catholic Church Final Hearing, inviting submissions for its final Catholic Church hearing scheduled for three weeks 6-24 February 2017. That hearing will review the horror of clerical child sexual abuse and the Church’s cover-up and protection of abusing clergy, including “factors that may have affected the institutional response of the Catholic Church to child sexual abuse.” The hearing will doubtless attempt to answer the question asked by many Catholics: How could the leadership of our Church behave in this way whilst continuing to espouse and teach Christian values?

http://johnmenadue.com/blog/?p=8371 

Catholic Church and the Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The following are Extracts from a submission by Patrick Parkinson to the Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Issues Paper 11
In this submission,, Patrick Parkinson says that  “It would be easy to write the problems off as a few ‘bad apples’;  however, the problems that have brought the Church to the very edge of disaster and beyond, trashing its reputation as a moral leader, were never just because of a few bad apples. The problems were institutional and cultural.”

http://johnmenadue.com/blog/?p=8374 

Child abuse inquiry is hit by ANOTHER crisis as two more victim groups say they've lost confidence in Professor Alexis Jay's leadership

The troubled inquiry into child sex abuse was hit by a fresh crisis today after two more victim groups said they had lost confidence in its leadership. 

They expressed concerns about Professor Alexis Jay, the fourth chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and have demanded an emergency meeting with the inquiry's panel to discuss their work. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3954806/Child-abuse-inquiry-hit-crisis-two-victim-groups-say-ve-lost-confidence-Professor-Alexis-Jay-s-leadership.html 

Church apologizes to new Apuron, Brouillard accusers

The Catholic Church apologized and offers prayers to all victims of priest sex abuse after another batch of lawsuits, filed Thursday, by two former altar boys and the estate of a deceased former altar boy against Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron and former Guam priest Louis Brouillard.
The world’s largest network of clergy abuse survivors said the former altar boys are enormously brave by coming forward publicly to say they were abused by a priest.

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2016/11/21/church-apologizes-new-priest-accusers/94183018/ 

Archdiocese urged to consider 7-point plan to address child sexual abuse

A group of Catholics seeking Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron’s removal over multiple sex abuse allegations and other leadership decisions they find questionable has recommended a seven-point plan to address child sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Agana, including tapping the resources of other agencies on Guam.
The Concerned Catholics of Guam reached out to those who believe they are victims of clergy sex abuse, including those who have publicly accused Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron, who has not been charged with any crime, and former priest Louis Brouillard, who admitted to sexually abusing at least 20 minors when he was on Guam.

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2016/11/16/archdiocese-urged-consider-7-point-plan-address-child-sexual-abuse/93949210/ 

St William's school sex abuse: Judge retires to consider claim

A judge has retired to consider a claim for compensation by five victims of sexual abuse at a Catholic school.

More than 200 men claim they were abused at St William's residential school in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire, between 1970 and 1991. The De La Salle order, which ran the school, has apologised "unreserve

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-humber-38058375?post_id=10204672433356106_10208118955717011#_=_ 

Baltimore archdiocese pays settlements to a dozen people alleging abuse by late priest

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has paid a series of settlements to people who allege they were sexually abused by a priest who worked at Archbishop Keough High School decades ago.
The payments stem from allegations of abuse by A. Joseph Maskell, who denied an initial accusation before he died in 2001.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-maskell-settlements-20161115-story.html 

A Newcastle judge's comments reveal flaws in the justice system

IT IS more than 15 years since the late Newcastle District Court Judge Ralph Coolahan had a heated exchange with a lawyer from the Director of Public Prosecutions in a case involving a Newcastle Anglican priest.
The charges were child sex allegations against the priest dating back 26 years. The alleged victims – two brothers aged 38 and 36 – were in the court.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4292659/anglican-priest-case-raises-more-questions/ 

Child sex abuse inquiry halts Lord Janner probe pending police and IPCC action

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)'s investigation into the handling of the case of late peer Lord Janner has been delayed.
A spokeswoman said the inquiry was committed to holding oral hearings but had postponed proceedings in order to allow the police and Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to continue separate investigations.

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/national/14908310.Child_sex_abuse_inquiry_halts_Lord_Janner_probe_pending_police_and_IPCC_action/ 

Chronic Childhood Trauma to TraumaTheory

How the most comprehensive abuse of trust possible is developed and implemented generation after generation

Sensorimotor stage (years 0-2)

Bonded for life to authority outside the family by parents; genitally mutilated if male leaving a deeply embedded residual memory of a frozen in fear and terror filled moments that remains lifelong for the defenceless child.

Preoperational stage (years 2-7)

Encounter with god and hell is strongly focused into the major psychological development period in childhood. 

http://www.traumainreligion.com/ 

Are Catholics Forbidden to Criticize Priests? YES

This is not another post about Fr. Pavone, although it was in a discussion of that topic on Facebook that someone made the claim that Catholics are “not allowed” to criticize priests.
I am going to limit myself, therefore, to that specific claim. I do not, here, address the topic of whether criticism of priests is imprudent, or the extent to which it must be done in charity, or privately, with respect for the office, and so on. I address only the claim that it is “not allowed.”

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scottericalt/are-catholics-forbidden-to-criticize-priests/?ref_widget=gr_trending&ref_blog=grails&ref_post=catholic 

An Ohio lawyer hypnotized six female clients and then molested them. Now he’s going to prison.

It was a routine visit to the lawyer’s office following her divorce. The Shieffield Village, Ohio, woman visited the now 59-year-old Michael W. Fine, her lawyer, to discuss a custody issue. They chatted, and she paid him a $1,500 fee.
It was business as usual. At least, she thought it was. When she left, though, she noticed that her bra was disheveled, and her vaginal area was wet, according to court documents. Upon further reflection, she realized her memory of everything that went on in the room was foggy.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/11/15/ohio-lawyer-hypnotized-six-female-clients-then-he-molested-them/?postshare=6501479317693626&tid=ss_fb 

OUR VIEW: Church officials should adopt plan to address child sex abuse

As more individuals step forward with allegations of clergy sex abuse, and the possibility there may be others, we urge the Archdiocese of Agana to adopt a sensible plan to address the claims.
Church officials should consider the seven-point plan recommended by the Concerned Catholics of Guam.

Archdiocese urged to consider 7-point plan to address child sexual abuse  The plan states:

• Petition the Guam Bar Association president to establish a lawyer referral service practice area for child sex abuse.
• Petition the Victims Advocate Reaching Out, Child Protective Services and the Healing Hearts Crisis Center to establish user-friendly procedures to provide help to child sexual abuse victims.

http://www.guampdn.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/11/17/our-view-church-officials-should-adopt-plan-address-child-sex-abuse/94011980/ 

Sexual abuse survivors call for action over compensation scheme

Survivors of child sexual abuse and their advocates have called on the federal government to speed up consultation and development of a compensation scheme, as states and territories warn they may not sign up.
Social Services Minister Christian Porter announced a $4.3 billion opt-in national redress scheme for victims of abuse in institutions run by government, charities and religious organisations, following a recommendation of the royal commission.

http://www.watoday.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sexual-abuse-survivors-call-for-action-over-compensation-scheme-20161116-gsr8l1.html 

VICTORIA WHITE: Survivors of abuse deserve far more than a ‘deafening silence’

IT’S THE biggest sex abuse case ever taken against an individual in this country. Some of it happened in the biggest church on the island. But it doesn’t matter because the Church is not Catholic.
Patrick O’Brien’s up to 1,000 counts of abusing young boys in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin over 40 years is not a national story because it can’t be used to tell the story of adults from Catholic homes and because they are the majority they are the only people who count.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/columnists/victoria-white/survivors-of-abuse-deserve-far-more-than-a-deafening-silence-430877.html 

Why nuns are silent about sexual abuse within the Catholic church in India: It's never taken seriously

If it comes out, it will be like a tsunami," the nun Manju Kulapuram said, earlier this year, about the rampant sexual abuse of women by the men of the Catholic church in India. Evidently, Kulapuram was onto something — and it’s across denominations, nor confined just to the Catholic church. Unlike other work places, which in theory are meant to have set up mandatory internal complaints committees, there is no formal institution in place that addresses sexual abuse inflicted by members of the clergy.

http://www.firstpost.com/india/why-nuns-are-silent-about-sexual-abuse-within-the-catholic-church-in-india-its-never-taken-seriously-3110280.html 

EMU hosts symposium by Catholic victims advocate Tom Doyle

Capping a month-long series of events around the topic of healthy sexuality and sexual violence, EMU welcomed Father Tom Doyle, a Roman Catholic sexual abuse victim advocate, to campus Monday, Nov. 7. Doyle, a priest who has worked with abuse victims for more than three decades, was the keynote speaker and panel presenter for a symposium for EMU faculty and staff on institutional harms and healing in response to sexual violence. He also gave an evening lecture, open to the public, on the spiritual impact of sexual abuse in religious contexts, and gave a sermon at an Eastern Mennonite Seminary worship service.

http://augustafreepress.com/emu-hosts-symposium-catholic-victims-advocate-tom-doyle/ 

A Newcastle judge's comments reveal flaws in the justice system

IT IS more than 15 years since the late Newcastle District Court Judge Ralph Coolahan had a heated exchange with a lawyer from the Director of Public Prosecutions in a case involving a Newcastle Anglican priest.
The charges were child sex allegations against the priest dating back 26 years. The alleged victims – two brothers aged 38 and 36 – were in the court.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4292659/anglican-priest-case-raises-more-questions/ 

Church leaders pay tribute to Leonard Cohen

(Catholic Herald) Church leaders have paid tribute to the songwriter Leonard Cohen, who has died aged 82.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, tweeted lyrics from “Hallelulah”, a song replete with biblical references.

Pope finishes Friday mercy cycle with visit to married ex priests

Completing his year of 'Mercy Fridays', Pope Francis chose to visit former priests and their families, in order to give a sign that the Church does not judge people but embraces all, especially those who suffer. 

Nearing the end of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis paid a visit to seven families formed by men who left the priesthood to marry. The Vatican said the visit was a sign that God loves and is merciful to everyone experiencing difficulty.

https://cruxnow.com/cns/2016/11/11/pope-finishes-friday-mercy-cycle-visit-married-ex-priests/ 

Religious leaders petition ABC over cuts to religious programming

A Catholic priest was among those who met the head of the Australian Broadcasting Commission to voice their concerns

Faith leaders have met the managing director of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) after the public broadcaster decided to axe some of its religious programming, with further cuts threatened.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2016/11/11/religious-leaders-petition-abc-over-cuts-to-religious-programming/ 

Archbishop issues new directive on confession in schools

Archbishop Hart wrote: "With the State government's introduction of the Child Safe Standards in Victoria, we are now required to systematically develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate risk management strategies to ensure child safety in all school environments.
"I am asking that you ensure that the Sacrament of Reconciliation in schools is celebrated in a Church in an open setting in the full view of all participants, who are supervised by staff.

http://cathnews.com/cathnews/27576-archbishop-school-confession-should-be-in-full-view-of-all-participants 

Catholic Church acquits priest of raping 30 girls despite him being HIV positive! DISGREACEFUL

The Catholic Church has acquitted an HIV-infected priest who has admitted to raping close to 30 young girls between the ages of five and 10 years old. According to a bombshell report, which appeared in the Spanish-language news site Urgente24.com, the priest, Jose Garcia Ataulfo, was absolved of any wrongdoing by the Archdiocese of Mexico.

http://thenortheasttoday.com/catholic-church-acquits-priest-of-raping-30-girls-despite-him-being-hiv-positive/ 

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The Royal Commission will hold a series of public hearings in Sydney to inquire into the current policies and procedures of the Jewish institutions in relation to child protection and child-safe standards, including responding to allegations of child sexual abuse.
Case Study 53 Yeshivah Melbourne and Yeshiva Bondi The public hearing into Yeshivah Melbourne and Yeshiva Bondi, will commence on 20 March 2017 and is expected to end on 24 March 2017. Other institutions will appear during these hearing.

http://www.jwire.com.au/royal-commission-institutional-responses-child-sexual-abuse-2/ 

Former church worker is finally behind bars after 40 years of abuse

A former lay worker with the Church of Ireland has been jailed for 13 years for the rape and molestation of 14 young boys over the course of 40 years. Patrick O'Brien (76) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 48 sample counts of indecent assault and three of sexual assault of the boys.

O'Brien, of Knocklyon Road, Templeogue, Dublin, received a one-year suspended sentence in 1989 for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy, leaving him free to continue a litany of horror crimes for another 24 years.

http://www.herald.ie/news/former-church-worker-is-finally-behind-bars-after-40-years-of-abuse-35206475.html 

Obinim charged with physical abuse of 2 teenagers

The Leader of the International God’s Way Church (IGWC), Bishop Daniel Obinim, and two of his pastors were yesterday granted bail by the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly abusing two teenagers during a church service.
Bishop Obinim, Pastor Kingsley Baah and Pastor Solomon Abraham were each granted bail in the sum of GH¢10,000, with one surety, by the court, presided over by Mrs Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku.

http://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/obinim-charged-with-physical-abuse-of-2-teenagers.html

Yakima bishop gets pushback on possible committee appointment

Bishop Joseph Tyson of the Yakima Catholic Diocese is one of two bishops nominated to head the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
“Tyson is honored to be nominated,” said Monsignor Robert Siler, chancellor of the Yakima Diocese. “He does not view the other candidate as an opponent but a fellow bishop who is dedicated to the protection of children and youth, as is he.”

http://www.yakimaherald.com/lifestyle/yakima-bishop-gets-pushback-on-possible-committee-appointment/article_fc78d6be-a963-11e6-a6f5-5fcfdbeb67d4.html 

Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s property transfers spur lawsuit

A new lawsuit alleges that the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has transferred “virtually all” its parishes and real property into a trust since 2012 to shield the assets from possible creditors, including survivors of clerical sexual abuse.
The allegations are included in one of two lawsuits filed this week by two New Mexico men who allege they were abused as children by former priests in the archdiocese.

https://www.abqjournal.com/887731/archdiocese-property-transfers-spur-lawsuit.html 

Sexual abuse by Catholic clergy Menu: How the Church initially reacted

When the moral panic concerning widespread abuse of children by Roman Catholic clergy surfaced in early 2002. many people asked why the Church hierarchy allowed the abuse to continue so long. In 2009, retired Bishop John Selby Spong of the Episcopal Church, USA, suggested:
"I am quite certain that sexually abusive priests were well known to Catholic authorities for years. There was a history of bishops and archbishops moving offending clergy to another jurisdiction rather than confronting the issue. My guess is that both the abuse and the cover-up were quite systemic, far more prevalent than has yet been admitted or faced. Perhaps that is the clue to their allowing it to continue. If it was as widespread as we now believe, it must have involved people in high places, including bishops, archbishops and cardinals. A thorough investigation and a complete and honest admission might well have constituted so severe a threat to the life and integrity of that noble institution that they deemed their needs better served by dishonesty rather than honesty, by cover-up rather than admission. Of course, in the long run, the integrity of the Church itself is eroded and the exodus of members that begins as a trickle and ends with a flood."

http://www.religioustolerance.org/clergy_sex2.htm 

Pope John Paul II denounces 'evil' sex priests

Pope John Paul II has broken his silence on a wave of sex scandals which threaten to undermine the Church's claim to moral authority. In his annual letter to priests, the Pope denounced the "sins of our brothers" which brought scandal upon the Church and made the laity suspicious of even the "finest" priests. 
He said these brothers had succumbed to "the most grievous form of evil at work in the world". We are personally and profoundly afflicted by the sins of some of our brothers

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1885380.stm 

Marist College pledges 'never again', apologies for abuse, betrayal of trust at healing ceremony

As the light faded from the Canberra sky, the families and friends of victims of past child sexual abuse at Marist College gathered for a long-awaited healing ceremony on Thursday night.
At once an acknowledgement and apology for the abuse suffered by college students during the late 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, and the failures to act at the time, the ceremony also marked a College plea for forgiveness and a public pledge that such events would "never happen again".

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/marist-college-pledges-never-again-apologies-for-abuse-betrayal-of-trust-at-healing-ceremony-20161110-gsmsgq.html 

Priest facing child porn charges extradited to Wayne County

HONESDALE — A New Jersey priest arrested there last month on numerous child pornography charges was extradited Wednesday to Wayne County.
According to an arrest affidavit, The Rev. Kevin A. Gugliotta, 54, Mahwah, New Jersey, uploaded 20 files depicting children engaged in sexual activity to internet chat rooms between July 9 and Aug. 29 from his apartment in Lehigh Township, Wayne County.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/priest-facing-child-porn-charges-extradited-to-wayne-county-1.2115910 

Crimes of the Father review: Tom Keneally tackles abuse in the Catholic church

There are a growing number of novels prepared to tell the story of paedophilia within various church communities, not least the Catholic Church. Few of them have needed to stray far from the grim facts. Andrew O'Hagan's Be Near Me and John Boyne's The Long History of Loneliness are just two examples. Both these books draw the line between good and bad clergy. But they also have solid reason to call into question an entire ecclesiastical culture. They are valuable books but they don't make comfortable reading.

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/crimes-of-the-father-review-tom-keneally-tackles-abuse-in-the-catholic-church-20161103-gsh5d9.html 

Youth pastor accused of raping girl in Orange County home may have more victims

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - A youth pastor was arrested Tuesday on charges of raping a girl under the age of 12, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office is concerned that she might not be the only victim.
Arrest records said Samuel Pierre, 35, abused the child while he was supposed to be taking her to a youth group event.  Pierre faced a judge Wednesday on charges of sexual battery against a child and kidnapping.

http://www.wftv.com/news/local/youth-pastor-accused-of-raping-girl-in-orange-county-home-may-have-more-victims-/465782895 

Bullard man sentenced to 35 years without parole on child sex abuse charges

A 26-year-old Bullard man pleaded guilty to a series of sexual assault to a child charges on Wednesday after prosecutors said he used his position in a church and school to lure boys to his home.
Thomas Scroggins, age 26, of Bullard pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. The victims, whose names will be withheld, varied in ages but were all younger than 14 years old at the time of the offenses, according to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office.

http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-News+Local/256599/bullard-man-sentenced-to-35-years-without-parole-on-child-sex-abuse-charges 

Sex abuse royal commission: Geelong Grammar put reputation before student welfare

Geelong Grammar valued its reputation over the welfare of students, according to a blistering submission to the Royal Commission.
"There was a culture at Geelong Grammar which valued the reputation of the school over the welfare of the students," said David Lloyd, counsel assisting the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in findings published on Wednesday.

http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/sex-abuse-royal-commission-geelong-grammar-valued-reputation-over-student-welfare-20161109-gsl8b4.html 

Australian Catholics torn over allegations against their cardinal

SYDNEY — Like many of their brethren around the world, Catholics in Australia have been rocked in recent years by evidence of systemic child abuse in the church.
One big question remains, though, for the country's 5 million Catholics: Was one of their top clerics complicit?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/11/08/australian-catholics-torn-over-allegations-against-their-cardinal/

Child abuse inquiry judge: I will not give evidence

Dame Lowell Goddard has refused to give evidence about her resignation from the child abuse inquiry and rounded on the Government for failing to defend her.

The New Zealand judge has refused to speak in front of the Home Affairs Select Committee because it would be "unacceptable" for allegations against her to be aired in public, where those who make them are protected from prosecution.

http://news.sky.com/story/child-abuse-inquiry-judge-i-will-not-give-evidence-10649738 

Tragic pastor Davey Jones' stalker jailed after online smear campaign

A disgruntled traveller who drove a gypsy pastor to kill himself after a two-month online smear campaign has been jailed for 26 months.  Jamie Jones, 42, uploaded 23 menacing videos to YouTube targeting head minister Davey Jones (no relation) of the Life and Light Christian gypsy church in Union Street, Willenhall, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

The clips, posted between May and July last year, accused Davey Jones of covering-up a child sexual abuse scandal at a Romanian orphanage, of corruption over charitable funds, and of being homosexual, Mr Howard Searle prosecuting said.

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2016/11/08/tragic-pastor-davey-jones-stalker-jailed-after-online-smear-campaign/ 

Search warrant served on Catholic Diocese of Erie

Special agents from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General descended Monday on the offices of the Catholic Diocese of Erie, serving a search warrant related to a state probe of clergy sex abuse.
The Erie-based diocese, which covers 13 counties in northwestern Pennsylvania, issued a three-sentence statement: "The Diocese of Erie was served with a search warrant by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General this morning. Attorney General police were on the premises of St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie just before noon. Bishop Lawrence Persico asked all employees to cooperate with the search, which is part of an ongoing statewide grand jury investigation into past cases of sexual abuse in several Catholic dioceses across Pennsylvania."

http://www.goerie.com/news/20161107/search-warrant-served-on-catholic-diocese-of-erie 

Suit against teacher, diocese settled

SUDBURY - A $4.25-million lawsuit filed against a former St. Charles College teacher, the Basilian Fathers of Toronto and the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie has been settled.

A now 67-year-old man brought the case against the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie, the Basilians and the now-deceased William Hodgson Marshall.
It dismissed without costs at a Superior Court of Justice pre-trial meeting.

http://www.nugget.ca/2016/11/08/suit-against-teacher-diocese-settled 

Priest in KCK archdiocese engaged in misconduct with adult, church reveals

A Kenyan priest on assignment in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has engaged in unprofessional conduct with an adult, the archdiocese has revealed.
In a statement issued in the Nov. 4 edition of The Leaven, its official newspaper, the archdiocese said it made the finding after completing an internal investigation of the Rev. Anthony Kiplagat, who left the country earlier this year.

http://www.kansascity.com/living/religion/article113346578.html

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/religion/article113346578.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

Child sexual abuse survivors reflect on appearing at Royal Commission

It has been two months since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse held its case study hearings in Newcastle, New South Wales. Here survivors reflect on sharing their stories with the Commission, and the support they give each other through the Clergy Abuse Network (CAN) group.
Peter Russ was abused as a child in the 1970s. He said he originally intended to speak to the Royal Commission under a pseudonym, but later changed his mind. "Usually I'm the sort of person that just sits in the corner and doesn't say anything," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-09/child-abuse-survivors-reflect-on-giving-evidence/8005760

Cambridge students build a 'lawbot' to advise sexual assault victims

“Hi, I’m LawBot, a robot designed to help victims of crime in England.”
While volunteering at a school sexual consent class, Ludwig Bull, a law student at the University of Cambridge, was inspired to build a chatbot that offers free legal advice to students. He enlisted the help of four coursemates, and Lawbot was designed and built in just six weeks.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/nov/09/cambridge-students-build-a-lawbot-to-advise-sexual-assault-victims 

No show child sex abuse judge has 'questions to answer'

A senior MP has called it "disgraceful" that the former chairwoman of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA) has refused to appear before a House of Commons committee. 

Home Affairs Select Committee chair Yvette Cooper said Dame Lowell Goddard, who quit in August and returned to New Zealand, had left unanswered questions.  Ms Cooper said MPs would be considering what action to take to force the judge to appear before them if she returned to the UK. 

http://www.policeprofessional.com/news.aspx?id=27687 

Sudbury sex scandal resolved

A $4.25-million lawsuit filed against a former St. Charles College teacher, the Basilian Fathers of Toronto and the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie has been settled.
A now 67-year-old man brought the case against the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie, the Basilians and the now-deceased William Hodgson Marshall. It dismissed without costs at a Superior Court of Justice pre-trial meeting.

http://www.thesudburystar.com/2016/11/08/sudbury-sex-scandal-resolved 

Search warrant served on Diocese of Erie in statewide sexual abuse investigation

ERIE, Pa. -- The Diocese of Erie was served a search warrant by the Pennsylvania office of the attorney general on Monday.
Attorney General police were on the premises of St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie just before noon, according to a news release by the diocese.

http://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/search-warrant-served-on-diocese-of-erie-in-statewide-sexual-abuse-investigation-#.WCEt5HvsW2s.facebook 

French Catholic Church pleads for forgiveness from paedophiles' victims

French bishops pleaded for forgiveness Monday for the "guilty silence" of the Catholic Church following months of damaging revelations over the sexual abuse of children by priests.
The Church in France has been rocked by allegations that the Archbishop of Lyon, Philippe Barbarin, covered up the abuse of Scouts and failed to remove a priest when he became aware he had sexually abused the boys a quarter of a century ago.

http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/French-Catholic-Church-pleads-for-forgiveness-from-paedophiles-victims_823540.html 

Archdiocese of Baltimore Gives $40,000 To Reported Childhood Multiple-Rape Victim … Apologizes For “Pain You Have Experienced”

Don't take the money... it is piss all... it is a way to shut you up... once you sign for that blood money... you will not be allowed to talk about... the rape to you as a child... be very careful... don't believe the catholic church... nuns and priest... they do not know how to tell the TRUTH... be very careful...  Ann

 ===================================

November 2016 – Reading, Pa. – After more than 40 years of struggling to get the Catholic Church to “acknowledge the crimes” that were committed against her, a Pennsylvania woman who says she was raped by two priests and a policeman while attending a Catholic high school in Baltimore was recently awarded more than $40,000 from an Archdiocese of Baltimore funding program aimed at “promoting healing for . . . victims of abuse.”
The $40,000-plus payment was accompanied by a letter of apology from an Archdiocesan official who wrote to the victim: “I am sorry for the pain you have experienced.”
Most of the money paid to the victim by the Archdiocese of Baltimore came via a check drawn on the PNC Bank of Baltimore. The check number was 313504634, and it was signed by Archbishop William E. Lori.

https://insidebaltimore.org/2016/11/05/archdiocese-of-baltimore-gives-40000-to-reported-childhood-multiple-rape-victim-apologizes-for-pain-you-have-experienced/ 

A Victorian redress scheme for institutional child abuse - public consultation paper

The Family and Community Development Committee of the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Non-Government Organisations delivered its final report, Betrayal of Trust, on 13 November 2013.
Betrayal of Trust suggested that the government should consider creating another way for survivors of institutional child abuse to bring claims of abuse against institutions, instead of requiring people to bring their claims to court. Recommendation 28.1 of Betrayal of Trust therefore proposed what is commonly known as a 'redress scheme', normally established to deliver financial payments and other benefits as an alternative to traditional avenues of litigation.

http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/safer+communities/protecting+children+and+families/a+victorian+redress+scheme+for+institutional+child+abuse+public+consultation+paper#breadcrumbs 

French Catholic Church asks forgiveness for 'guilty silence' on paedophilia

French bishops pleaded for forgiveness Monday for the "guilty silence" of the Catholic Church following months of damaging revelations over the sexual abuse of children by priests.

The Church in France has been rocked by allegations that the Archbishop of Lyon, Philippe Barbarin, covered up the abuse of Scouts and failed to remove a priest when he became aware he had sexually abused the boys a quarter of a century ago.

http://www.france24.com/en/20161107-french-catholic-church-asks-forgiveness-guilty-silence-paedophilia-barbarin 

EXCLUSIVE: Staten Island Catholic orphanage sex abuse victim still feels pain 70 years later

The beating took place 70 years ago, but the pain is still fresh.  When “Don” told the priest who ran St. Michael’s Home for Children on Staten Island that one of his employees had molested him repeatedly over the previous two years, the clergyman gave the boy a lecture about damaging another man’s reputation.
Then he told Don, who asked the Daily News to withhold his last name, to report to the employee who allegedly sexually abused him for his punishment.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/s-church-sex-abuse-victim-feels-pain-article-1.2861359 

Arraignment set for SF high school football coach charged with murder

An Archbishop Riordan High School assistant football coach arrested on suspicion of murder last week is set to appear in court Wednesday for allegedly killing a man in Visitacion Valley last month, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Salevi Levi, 22, was booked into San Francisco County Jail on Thursday along with his alleged accomplice Dennis Paulo-Tufono.

http://www.sfexaminer.com/arraignment-set-sf-high-school-football-coach-charged-murder/ 

After Bill Cosby, States Shift on Statutes of Limitations in Sexual Assault Cases

Lise-Lotte Lublin started a petition and testified before lawmakers in Nevada last year, part of a successful effort to extend that state’s statute of limitations for sexual assault.

In Colorado, where lawmakers made a similar change this year, legislators had been lobbied hard on the bill by Beth Ferrier and Heidi Thomas.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/07/arts/television/after-bill-cosby-states-shift-sexual-assault-statutes-of-limitations.html?_r=1 

Common misconceptions about the Baylor sexual assault scandal

The media coverage of Baylor University’s sexual assault scandal continues, and I give thanks that the outside world is keeping the world’s largest Baptist university in the spotlight. In one of the more recent news accounts, the headline proclaims that Baylor’s scandal is “far worse than previously disclosed.” 

This “far worse” reality should come as no surprise to anyone who read the Pepper Hamilton investigatory report, released last May, because the horror of the scandal’s scope was always right there, both in the lines and between the lines. As one Dallas radio host recently said: “We knew it was all going to come out someday. It was a matter of time.”

http://stopbaptistpredators.blogspot.co.nz/2016/11/common-misconceptions-about-baylor.html 

Principal allegedly discouraged parents from reporting abuse

The former principal of a north Queensland school allegedly discouraged the parents of a girl who was raped by four boys from reporting the matter to police, the Royal Commission into Child Abuse has heard.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is investigating how Townsville's Shalom Christian College handled the sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in 2006.


http://www.educatoronline.com.au/news/principal-allegedly-discouraged-parents-from-reporting-abuse-226240.aspx

Family fears loved one may be another victim of Magnolia pastor

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - A family is in fear for their loved one's safety after the arrest of a Montgomery County pastor charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
Ronald Wayne Mitchell, 57, remains in jail now on four counts involving a girl who was 15 years old at the time.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/family-fears-loved-one-may-be-another-victim-of-magnolia-pastor 

Deputies: Magnolia pastor told teen sex assault victim ‘God would kill her’ if she told

MAGNOLIA, Texas — Investigators released disturbing details Friday in the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl who claims she was forced into a sexual relationship with her pastor, and her mother gave her to the man fearing that if she didn’t, the teen would lose her soul, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said.

http://cw39.com/2016/11/03/magnolia-pastor-accused-of-child-sexual-assault-arrested-at-church/ 

Ex-Lake Forest youth pastor pleads guilty to sexually assaulting church parishioners

SANTA ANA – In a courtroom, the women addressed their former pastor – a man they once trusted who sexually assaulted them.
“I’m not going to paint every detail of the pain you’ve inflicted on myself and those around me, because you know exactly how much damage you’ve caused,” one victim said. “We are not here today because of some story we’ve spun, we’re here because of the truth of what you did. ... God have mercy on your soul. ”

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/church-734338-sexual-aday.html 

Herald View: Openness needed on abuse action

FOR survivors of child abuse within the Catholic Church in Scotland, the McLellan Commission was a great sign of hope and potential change. Not only did the appointment of Dr Andrew McLellan, a former moderator of the Church of Scotland, appear to demonstrate that the Church was prepared to genuinely open itself to independent scrutiny, the hierarchy responded well to the final report. Archbishop Philip Tartaglia offered a profound apology to the victims and the Church said that change was coming.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/14839629.Herald_View__Openness_needed_on_abuse_action/ 

Tom Keneally explains why he can't let go of the damage done by the Catholic Church

Catholic priest Father Frank Docherty was expelled from the Sydney Archdiocese in the 1960s for his activism against the Vietnam War and Apartheid South Africa.

After years in Canada, he returns to Sydney and finds himself confronting evidence of abuse within the church. It's 1996 and the church is flexing its legal muscle.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-03/tom-keneally-crimes-of-the-father/7988236 

Jesus’s tomb exposed for the first time in centuries

A team of fifty experts working at the site as part of restoration project

The marble slab on which it is believed Jesus lay after his crucifixion is being studied as part of a $4m restoration project at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2016/10/31/jesuss-tomb-exposed-for-the-first-time-in-centuries/ 

Abused elderly urged to consider old-age homes

Alex’s elderly residents were urged to report any abuse they may encounter from their own family and other residents to the police and care organisations so that they can be helped to live in peace.
This was the message at a workshop to empower senior citizens. The workshop at the Roman Catholic Church was facilitated by the City’s Department of Social Development, NPOs Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training (Adapt), Gauteng Age in Action and other stakeholders.

http://fourwaysreview.co.za/248329/abused-elderly-urged-to-consider-old-age-homes/ 

Principal says leaks ‘a strong disincentive’ to report abuse

A principal of a top private school told the Royal Commission into child abuse that the sensationalist tendencies of the media are a “strong disincentive” for principals to report abuse allegations, Sky News reported.
The comments were made by The King’s School principal, Dr Timothy Hawkes, as he responded to suggestions that his failure to report an indecent assault was influenced by his concern for the school’s reputation.

http://www.educatoronline.com.au/news/principal-says-leaks-a-strong-disincentive-to-report-abuse-225948.aspx 

Swinney 'considering' child abuse inquiry extension

John Swinney is "considering" extending the remit of the Scottish child abuse inquiry, he has told MSPs.

The education secretary said he had discussed the matter with the inquiry chairwoman Lady Smith, amid criticism from abuse survivor groups that the remit of the investigation is "fixed".

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-37849211?post_id=10204672433356106_10207967702855784#_=_ 

Child sex abuse victims take Church to court

FIVE child sex abuse victims have launched a High Court bid for compensation over abuse at a Catholic school in East Yorkshire.
A total of 249 men have lodged claims of historical sexual abuse against the Diocese of Middlesbrough and the De La Salle Institute, which ran the St William’s children’s home in Market Weighton.

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/NEWS/14834205.Child_sex_abuse_victims_take_Church_to_court/ 

Victim sent to different campus to “keep her safe”

THE former principal of a Townsville boarding school said a rape victim was sent to a different campus to prevent the offenders from fleeing the school and escaping investigation.

Christopher Shirley, who was Shalom Christian College’s principal at the time of the 2006 assault, said the 14-year-old girl, referred to during the commission as CLF, was sent to the school’s Crystal Creek campus after disclosing the incident.

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/victim-sent-to-different-campus-to-keep-her-safe/news-story/851ba80eeef27ca76cffc6992001a34a 

US Catholic Church Sued Over Child Sex Claims

Hagatna:  A group of former altar boys have filed lawsuits against the Catholic Church in Guam seeking damages for historic child sex abuse allegedly committed by clerics in the Pacific territory.
Four men lodged separate claims in the Guam Superior Court on Tuesday, three of which accuse Archbishop Anthony Apuron of molesting them when they were children.

http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-catholic-church-sued-over-child-sex-claims-1620326 

Police charge former Salvation Army officers

Two former Salvation Army officers have been charged over historic child sex offences allegedly committed in the 1960s and 1970s.
Strike Force Lehmann, comprising officers from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad, was established to investigate allegations of sexual abuse by former Salvation Army officers at two boys homes in Bexley and Goulburn.

http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/4269089/former-salvation-army-officers-face-sex-charges/ 

TX--Victims blast new Baylor website on sexual violence

A gang rape has happened each of the last four years at Baylor University in Texas. On a new website, the school’s president pledges to be “more transparent” about sexual violence on campus. But we’re highly skeptical.
The very top of the website shows a defensive posting that criticizes one media outlet for its coverage of the Baylor scandal. That’s hardly “transparent” or encouraging. We suspect this new site is essentially the creation of the school’s public relations and legal defense teams, not a genuine effort to prevent sexual violence.

http://www.snapnetwork.org/tx_victims_blast_new_baylor_website_on_sexual_violence 

Dame Lowell Goddard accuses former colleagues of forcing her to quit child sex abuse inquiry

Dame Lowell Goddard quit as chairwoman of the national child sex abuse inquiry after panel members including the woman who succeeded her turned against her in an apparent power struggle.
Dame Lowell disclosed in a letter to MPs how she was forced into her sudden resignation in the summer after being confronted by colleagues she previously believed were loyal.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/02/dame-lowell-goddard-accuses-former-colleagues-of-forcing-her-to/ 

Church apology to victims of abuse by senior clergyman

HE Church of England has issued profound apologies to the two victims of jailed sex abuser Granville Gibson.
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, also stated that there are “no excuses” for what took place to them at the hands of the man who rose to become Archdeacon of Auckland, one of the most senior posts within the Durham diocese.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/14834683.Church_apology_to_victims_of_abuse_by_senior_clergyman/ 

The Church has earned our healthy skepticism / National Catholic Reporter

“… there is the matter of history and some fundamentals to the long and ugly narrative that cannot be ignored …”
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan may have the purest of motives in designing the new compensation program for victims of clergy sex abuse. He must realize, however, that he is working against a history of activity, including his own, of members of the U.S. hierarchy that hardly inspires trust …

https://voicefaithful.wordpress.com/2016/10/28/editorial-the-church-has-earned-our-healthy-skepticism-national-catholic-reporter/