'She supported priest sexual abuse victims'

A man who wanted to install a gravestone at a suburban Chicago cemetery that proclaimed his late mother's support for victims of 'rapist' priests has reached a resolution with a Roman Catholic diocese. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet refused to allow the proposed marker for Marguerite Ridgeway because it included what the diocese called 'explicit language'. The diocese owns the Assumption Cemetery in suburban Wheaton where Ridgeway is buried.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5223741/Dispute-resolved-proposed-rapist-priests-gravestone.html

Above the Law?

For many, the recent death of Cardinal Bernard Law is emblematic of the Catholic Church’s own troubled past when it comes to dealing with pedophile priests within its ranks. Law, who fled Boston as the sexual abuse scandal began to unfold across the front pages of major metropolitan newspapers throughout the United States, took shelter in the Vatican for nearly 15 years, enjoying a level of protection that he never saw fit to afford the youngest members of his diocese. Like the church he served, Law’s life was a complicated and sometimes contradictory existence.

http://www.capecodtimes.com/opinion/20171230/above-law

Judge rejects archdiocese bankruptcy plans, orders return to mediation

A federal judge has rejected competing reorganization plans for the the bankrupt Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and ordered the church and its creditors back into mediation. In orders released Thursday, Judge Robert Kressel said plans put forth by the archdiocese and a creditors committee made up largely of sexual abuse victims both had shortcomings.

http://www.southernminn.com/waseca_county_news/news/state/article_5f0b5f06-3f6e-5563-8a6d-871e00008e5e.html

Gov. Cuomo Caught: Sexual Predator’s are Protected from Prosecution as Rape Victims are Denied Equal Rights

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is caught in his own web of lies and deception, he is protecting sexual predators and pedophiles, instead of women and children rape victims Governor Andrew Cuomo is protecting sexual predator and pedophile caregivers, just like Cardinal Bernard Law was doing with Catholic priests.” — Michael Carey - Advocate for people with disabilities and their families ALBANY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, December 29, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Thousands of sexual assaults and rapes of women and children with disabilities within Governor Andrew Cuomo’s mental health agencies have been reported in the last four and a half years to Cuomo’s internal abuse hotline, instead of to 911 emergency call centers. Almost all of these sexual assault and rape crimes have disappeared internally and have been covered-up.

http://www.einnews.com/pr_news/423809199/gov-cuomo-caught-sexual-predator-s-are-protected-from-prosecution-as-rape-victims-are-denied-equal-rights

Attleboro's Tom Carroll remembered for seeking justice for abused children

For three decades Tom Carroll investigated the most heinous and notorious child abuse and child sex abuse cases throughout Bristol County. They include the Father James Porter case, which started the avalanche of child sex abuse claims against priests in the Catholic Church that followed, and the Attleboro religious cult case in which a 6-month-old child was starved to death by his father in the name of God.

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/attleboro-s-tom-carroll-remembered-for-seeking-justice-for-abused/article_7e2743dc-f1d7-54de-940f-55c682e60411.html

Dozens come forward to report abuse by Jehovah’s Witnesses

Some 80 reports of sexual abuse involving the Jehovah’s Witnesses community have been made over the past month, Trouw said on Thursday. In total, 50 reports were made to the hotline set up by the Reclaimed Voices foundation, while a further 30 were received by the newspaper after it published a report on the growing scandal earlier this month.

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2017/12/dozens-come-forward-to-report-abuse-by-jehovahs-witnesses/

The Lamp Post

Last week's death of Cardinal Bernard Law brought back bad memories for many people across the region — some in Haverhill. Locals remember well the story of how now ex-priest Ronald Paquin sexually abused boys when he served at Haverhill's St. John the Baptist Church decades ago. The Paquin case put the city smack in the middle of the Catholic church sex abuse scandal. The death of Law — who was accused of moving abusive priests from one parish to another — brought angry reactions from locals who have been critical of him since the scandal became public.

http://www.hgazette.com/news/local_news/the-lamp-post/article_bb99872e-ba1f-59f6-a438-9ff8a8b3fce0.html

Give citizens a voice against injustice

We have a societal tendency to give people in power undue benefit of the doubt at the expense of justice when faced with allegations of systemic abuse. Additionally, it is common that the pure chance of a victim's birth – their gender, race or economic conditions – will give enough cause to discredit their lived experience. From sexual abuse (the Catholic Church; Hollywood; U.S. Gymnastics; Missoula, Mont.) to police brutality (throughout history and nationwide), the consequences have been deep and lasting. When the arc of the universe bends toward justice, the perspective of an independent agency has been necessary to right the consistent imbalance in power, privilege and protection.

http://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/2017/12/28/give-citizens-voice-against-injustice-letters-editor-dec-28/977188001/

What a Recovering Catholic and Out Gay Man Makes of the Priest Who Just Came Out

On Dec. 17, the Rev. Gregory Greiten shared a secret with parishioners at the St. Bernadette Catholic Parish: “I am gay.” Greiten was then greeted with a standing ovation, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 'I am gay': Wisconsin priest comes out to parishioners, gets standing ovation Father Gregory Greiten said he revealed his sexual orientation because he wants to be a role model. The next day, Greiten wrote a column in the National Catholic Reporter. As someone who now uses the descriptor “recovering Catholic” to answer questions about my religious identity, was once approached for the priesthood, struggled with reconciling my faith with my sexual orientation, and just finished writing about these experiences and more in a book called I Can’t Date Jesus, much of what Greiten wrote felt all too familiar.

https://www.theroot.com/what-a-recovering-catholic-and-practicing-gay-man-makes-1821535761

Pope will extend the commission for the protection of children for three more years / America: The Jesuit Review

It remains unclear clear whether the P.C.P.M. (Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors) will continue to include survivors among its members in its next three-year term, as it did in its first term. America (magazine) has learned that there has been “considerable discussion” on how best to involve survivors in the work of the commission. (America: The Jesuit Review) Pope Francis will renew the mandate of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors for another three years, informed sources told America this week. Its membership, however, will not be announced until the New Year. While many of its current members will be renewed for a second three-year term, others will be replaced.

https://voicefaithful.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/pope-will-extend-the-commission-for-the-protection-of-children-for-three-more-years-america-the-jesuit-review/

Ex-priest extradited from PH to North Dakota for child molestation

FARGO, North Dakota — An ex-priest accused of molesting two boys in the 1990s has been extradited from the Philippines to North Dakota to face charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for North Dakota announced Friday that Fernando Laude Sayasaya is back in the United States and will face child sexual abuse charges in Cass County.

http://usa.inquirer.net/8333/ex-priest-extradited-us-sex-abuse-minors

Clergy abuse survivor: 'I hope he gets what he deserves in hell'

BOSTON — Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who represented many of the survivors of clergy sexual abuse, is gathering survivors of the abuse Wednesday to discuss the death of Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston. Law, whose failure to stop child molesters in the priesthood sparked what would become the worst crisis in American Catholicism, died early Wednesday, the Vatican said. He was 86.

http://www.wcvb.com/article/clergy-abuse-survivors-comment-on-death-of-cardinal-law/14470257

It saddens me and turns my stomach upside down.'

TWO LOCAL priests reflected with sadness on the history of child sexual abuse within Catholic institutions after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse presented its final report to the Governor General on Friday, December 15. After 54 years working as a Catholic priest in the Darling Downs and beyond, Fr Terry Hickling said the thought of abuse within the Church shocked and disappointed him. "I am very, very sad that these things have occurred and that priests religious and people involved in our Church have been involved in pedophilia," Fr Hickling said. "It saddens me and turns my stomach upside down."

https://www.warwickdailynews.com.au/news/local-priests-respond-to-abuse/3296735/

Will priest ever return to face Scottish intercourse abuse trial?

Fears are growing that an Australian former monk accused of sexually abusing children at a Catholic boarding school in Scotland may never face trial. Father Denis “Chrysostom” Alexander is in custody in Sydney and is contesting moves to extradite him back to Scotland, on the grounds of ill health. The 81-year-old was among several monks accused in a Scotland documentary in 2013 of sexual and physical abuse at the Fort Augustus Abbey school. Fr Alexander denies the allegations.

https://kaplanherald.com/2017/12/22/aberdeen-bypass-contractor-penalised-280000-over-river-air-pollution/" target="_blank">https://kaplanherald.com/2017/12/22/aberdeen-bypass-contractor-penalised-280000-over-river-air-pollution/

Adrian Piccoli slams the Catholic Church's response to the Royal Commission

The 189 recommendations handed down by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse have sparked a heated debate within the Griffith community. If the recommendations were to be taken on board by the Catholic Church, it would see the ‘seal’ of the religious confessional tossed aside, meaning priests would be forced to report any child sexual abuse revealed to them, currently not required by law.

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/5139040/no-religion-gets-to-choose-which-australian-laws-they-obey/?cs=12

Mark Ruffalo calls the late Cardinal Law 'a awful human being'

Cardinal O'Malley said the late cardinal, who died at a hospital in Rome, "served at a time when the Church failed seriously in its responsibilities to provide pastoral care for her people, and with tragic outcomes failed to care for the children of our parish communities". As is customary for cardinals who most recently resided in Rome, the Mass will be held at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica, and will be presided over by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, alongside other cardinals and bishops. "Why Law's life was so celebrated when Boston's clergy sex abuse survivors suffered so greatly?"

http://clicklancashire.com/2017/12/23/mark-ruffalo-calls-the-late-cardinal-law-a-awful-human-being.html

Sexual misconduct scandals remind clergy victims of abuse

When stories of sexual misconduct by powerful men began to fill the news this fall, Manny Vega immediately flashed back to his childhood. He saw strong similarities between the recent allegations against producers and politicians and his own abuse as a child by his parish priest. “The parallels are in the power dynamics,” said Vega, a former police officer and decorated Marine who lives in Oxnard, California. “Whether you’re the leader of a church or the leader of a film studio, you’re going to be someone people look up to and someone people go to for guidance. It puts the victim at a horrible disadvantage.”

https://www.nrtoday.com/sexual-misconduct-scandals-remind-clergy-victims-of-abuse/article_1bf8a737-0de3-5e76-b448-3f047a321235.html

Crimes against children - Maurice Cauchi

One of the major topics of discussion in Australia has been the publication of recommendations of The Royal Commission set up to investigate child sexual abuse. Over the past five years the Commission has sieved through nearly 8,000 pieces of evidence provided by survivors of sexual abuse. Its report, which runs into dozens of volumes and millions of words, includes 409 recommendations, some of an explosive nature. More than two-and-a-half thousand matters have already been reported to the police and more will no doubt follow. All this emphasises the magnitude of the undertaking.

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20171224/opinion/crimes-against-children-maurice-cauchi.666434

Leaders should not abuse the trust of the people

The Reverend Father Vincent Nketiah, a Catholic Assistant Parish Priest, has called for leaders not to abuse and betray the trust of people they are leading. They should ensure that they become accessible, open, transparent and accountable. He said this in a homily he delivered at a packed-to-capacity Christmas service at the Ejisu Saint Anthony Catholic Church. The Rev Fr Nketiah denounced the practice where those put in public offices showed zero or scant interest in the welfare and the general good of the people, “To them, it is all about their comfort and convenience. That is unhealthy, sickening and not a noble thing to do.”

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/leaders-should-not-abuse-the-trust-of-the-people.html 

How Sacred Is the Confession Booth?

Martina was sexually abused for the first time at age 8 by a priest in the confession booth of her Catholic elementary school. Almost daily violations followed in her working-class Sydney suburb, culminating in a rape at age 9 that she later recalled as more painful than childbirth. A nun who saw Martina when she was leaving the confessional with blood running down her leg told her she was disgusting. The traumatized girl sought out a policeman for help.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/20/opinion/confession-priest-abuse-australia.html?emc=edit_tnt_20171220&nlid=63876270&tntemail0=y

I Hope the Gates of Hell Are Open Wide': Clergy Sex Abuse Survivors Speak Out on Cardinal Law's Death

Survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic Church priests are reacting to the death of Cardinal Bernard Law, the former archbishop of Boston who was disgraced when an investigation into his failure to stop abuse was published. In a press conference late Wednesday morning, Alexa MacPherson, who said she was a victim of clergy sex abuse for years as a small child, said Law's death does nothing for her to heal.

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/Clergy-Sex-Abuse-Survivors-Reaction-Cardinal-Bernard-Law-Death-465475173.html

Ex-priest gets life in prison for 1960 parishioner slaying

A jury on Friday sentenced an 85-year-old former priest to life in prison for the 1960 killing of a schoolteacher and former beauty queen who was a member of the parish he served. The same jurors in Hidalgo County in South Texas found John Bernard Feit guilty of murder Thursday night. Prosecutors asked jurors Friday for a 57-year prison term — one year for each year he had walked free since killing Irene Garza after she went to him for confession at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen, Texas.

http://www.whio.com/news/national/priest-gets-life-prison-for-1960-parishioner-slaying/YFIW1bcbkou518aBFlgiGO/

Sexual predator abused children — and treated priests who did the same

Long-hidden documents show how the same man, prominent Honolulu psychiatrist Dr. Robert Browne, played a central role in two of Hawaii's biggest sex abuse scandals. Browne is accused of sexually assaulting more than 30 former students at Kamehameha Schools over nearly three decades, from 1958 to 1985. And, the documents show, he was also treating Catholic priests in Hawaii who had been caught abusing children.

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/37095696/sexual-predator-abused-children-and-treated-priests-who-did-the-same

Mom of Charlottesville victim to speak at street dedication

Just over four months after a young Charlottesville woman was killed when a car plowed into people protesting a white nationalist rally, the Virginia city will dedicate part of the street where she was marching in her honor. Charlottesville is holding a ceremony Wednesday morning to designate part of 4th Street, where the gray Dodge Challenger barreled into the crowd, "Honorary Heather Heyer Way." Among those slated to speak is Heyer's mother, Susan Bro.

http://www.whio.com/news/national/mom-charlottesville-victim-speak-street-dedication/HddUKbL3w1zMLkaNHnXtUN/

Met police to review all live rape cases as second trial collapses

An MP who was cleared of rape has called for a nationwide review of the police disclosure of evidence in sexual abuse investigations. Nigel Evans said evidence was being cherry-picked in “too many cases” after Britain’s biggest police force ordered a review of all current rape and sexual abuse cases yesterday. The Tory MP, who was cleared in 2014 of raping a student, called for the review to be expanded after a second rape case collapsed within a week.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/met-police-to-review-all-live-rape-cases-as-second-trial-collapses-tm92z035t

Royal commission chair Peter McClellan to retire, supported by abuse survivors

Justice Peter McClellan, who chaired Australia’s landmark royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse, will retire in February at a ceremony before Sydney’s supreme court. McClellan is a judge of appeal in New South Wales, and was appointed by the then prime minister Julia Gillard in 2013 to chair the royal commission, which on Friday handed down its final report.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/20/royal-commission-chair-peter-mcclellan-to-retire-supported-by-abuse-survivors

Tax Loophole Could Target Victims Of Sexual Misconduct, Says Pitt Law Professor

Many observers have found loopholes in the Republican tax bill passed by the Senate and House late Tuesday and into early Wednesday. Some provisions were even found to violate budget rules and were changed last minute. University of Pittsburgh law professor Tony Infanti found that one loophole could also leave targets of sexual misconduct vulnerable. Infanti discussed the provision with 90.5 WESA's An-Li Herring. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

http://wesa.fm/post/tax-loophole-could-target-victims-sexual-misconduct-says-pitt-law-professor#stream/0

Force priests to report child abuse, says panel

SYDNEY Australia should introduce a law forcing religious leaders to report child abuse, including Catholic priests who are told of abuse in the confessional, a report into institutional child abuse released yesterday said. The 17-volume document from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse marks the end of one of the world's biggest inquiries into child abuse.

http://www.tnp.sg/news/world/force-priests-report-child-abuse-says-panel

Father Finian Egan abuse survivor believes there are more victims of paedophile priest

A survivor of abuse by Catholic priest Finian Egan, has slammed the church for protecting the convicted paedophile and says there are more victims out there. "He's evil and a monster. He preys on children," Kellie Roche told 7.30. "What kind of person does that?" Finian Egan was released on parole today after serving the minimum four-year term of an eight-year sentence.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-19/father-finian-egan-abuse-survivor-says-there-are-more-victims/9271686

Lawyers release report naming abusive priests to prompt victims to apply for diocese’s fund

I should think so... name and shame them all... Ann =============================================================
A flock of legal eagles on Thursday released a list of Kings County’s most corrupt Catholic priests that they hope will encourage sexual-abuse victims to apply for compensation from the Diocese of Brooklyn before it’s too late, according to one of the lawyers. “We’re hoping to raise awareness with this report about the Brooklyn Diocese, the availability of this program for survivors, and specifically that the clock is running and there’s a hard deadline,” said Jerry Kristal, who works for law firm Weitz and Luxenberg, which released the list as part of a multi-firm collective called Lawyers Helping Survivors of Child Sex Abuse.

https://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2017/51/all-brooklyn-priest-sex-offender-list-2017-12-22-bk.html

Judge’s ruling disappoints attorney Serbin says ruling means sexual abuse victim can’t have her day in court

A local attorney said Monday that he is disappointed with the recent ruling by a Blair County judge, concluding that the statute of limitations has expired for a woman who last year filed a civil lawsuit, revealing that she was sexually molested, as a youth, by her priest. The ruling prevents Renee Rice from having her day in court, Altoona attorney Richard Serbin said Monday.

http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2017/12/judges-ruling-disappoints-attorney/

Bishop vows paedophile priest won't return

The Bishop of Broken Bay has promised his community that a paedophile priest released from a NSW prison won't be allowed to return to his former parish. Catholic priest Finian Egan was released from Long Bay Prison on Tuesday morning after serving four years of an eight-year sentence for raping and abusing young girls for nearly three decades. Coinciding with his release, the Diocese of Broken Bay has begun the process of laicisation, more commonly known as "defrocking", by presenting its case to Rome to have the 83-year-old stripped of his priesthood.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/38348221/bishop-vows-paedophile-priest-wont-return/

The Royal Commission’s Final Report Has Landed – Now to Make Sure There is an Adequate Redress Scheme

Ten key aspects of the proposed Australian Redress scheme are: 1. People are eligible to apply to the scheme if they experienced sexual abuse in an institution while they were a child, before 1 July 2018. 2. A lower evidentiary threshold applies, meaning that eligibility for a redress payment is assessed on whether there was “a reasonable likelihood” the person suffered institutional sexual abuse as a child. 3. Applicants who have received redress under another scheme or compensation through a settlement or court judgment are still eligible, but prior payments by the institution will be deducted from the The Royal Commission’s Final Report Has Landed – Now to Make Sure There is an Adequate Redress Schem...

https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2017/12/royal-commissions-final-report-landed-now-make-sure-adequate-redress-scheme/

Former priest speaks out against Catholic celibacy

A former Catholic priest has hit out at celibacy within the Catholic church following the end of the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse. The five year, $342-million commission handed down its recommendations last week, including the idea of voluntary celibacy for Australian clergy and laws making it a criminal offence for failing to report abuse revealed in confession. Former priest Paul Hegarty has spoken out today, telling Chris Smith the ancient Catholic tradition of celibacy forced him to leave the church.

https://www.4bc.com.au/former-priest-speaks-out-against-catholic-celibacy/

A Prominent Sex-Abuse Survivor Hopes #MeToo Finally Gets Her Rapist Fired

For the past 16 years, Dr. Thomas Hodgman has taught at Adrian College’s Music Department, where he currently serves as the choir director. He enjoys a tenured position at the school even though, in 2005, the Catholic Diocese of Orange County, California paid a $1.6 million settlement to Joelle Casteix, after she filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Hodgman repeatedly sexually assaulted her and gave her an STD in the late 1980s. Back then, Casteix was his student at Santa Ana’s Mater Dei High School. She was 15 years old. He was 25. Documents released as part of the settlement show a 1989 letter signed by him and Mater Dei’s principal that stated Hodgman “not only admitted to dating” an underage Casteix and another student, “but having sexual intercourse with them.”

https://jezebel.com/a-prominent-sex-abuse-survivor-hopes-metoo-finally-get-1821200664

Advocates demand state senators change child sex abuse law

Advocates on Monday gathered outside the offices of two state senators to press them to help get a long-stalled bill passed in Albany that would temporarily lift the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases. The dozen protesters, including victims, university professors and supporters, said the “#MeToo” movement exposing sexual harassment against women is giving renewed life to their campaign, which started more than a decade ago.

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/child-abuse-legislation-sex-1.15508525

Dutch Catholic church sexual abuse bill soars as hotline closes down

In total, 3,712 people have reported being victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic church to a special hotline set up in 2010 and the cost of dealing with the eight-year scandal could be as much as €60m. Of all the reported cases to the hotline, 2,062 became official complaints and 1,002 cases were declared justified. Several hundred were not accepted because of a lack of supporting evidence, the final report from hotline officials said.

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2017/12/dutch-catholic-church-sexual-abuse-bill-soars-as-hotline-closes-down/

Senators must choose: church or child victims

In this area, that pressure is going to be placed on two Republican members of the state Senate, John Bonacic and Bill Larkin. Their party and their majority has been instrumental in blocking efforts to change the laws for years and now a new organization, New Yorkers Against Hidden Predators, is vowing to start asking the two and others in the Senate why.

http://www.recordonline.com/opinion/20171217/editorial-senators-must-choose-church-or-child-victims

'Loud Fence' ribbons removed from Ballarat cathedral three days after royal commission findings

Ballarat Catholic Diocese Vicar-General Father Justin Driscoll has defended the decision to cut hundreds of brightly coloured ribbons off the fence at St Patrick's Cathedral just three days after the findings of the royal commission into child sexual abuse were made public. The ribbons represented support for victims of child sexual abuse and were part of the Ballarat-born Loud Fence movement, which has spread around the world in the wake of widespread abuse by institutions such as the Catholic Church.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-17/loud-fence-ribbons-removed-from-ballarat-cathedral/9266784

Royal Commission's report on Catholic Dioceses of Armidale and Parramatta's handling of sex abuse allegations withheld

THE Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has delivered its report to the federal government and Governor-General into the Catholic Church’s Diocese of Armidale. The report examines the response of the Catholic Dioceses of Armidale and Parramatta “to allegations of child sexual abuse against a priest”.THE Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has delivered its report to the federal government and Governor-General into the Catholic Church’s Diocese of Armidale.

http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/5125144/report-released-into-armidale-churchs-response-to-abuse-claims/

Pope will consider Aust inquiry's findings

The Vatican and Australia's Catholic leaders say they will seriously consider a royal commission's call for sweeping reforms, although archbishops refuse to break the seal of confession to reveal child abuse. It will be up to the Pope and his advisers to accept many of the Australian inquiry's far-reaching recommendations, including changes to canon law and voluntary celibacy for its priests.

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/abuse-inquiry-deserves-to-be-studied-pope/news-story/a3b7c4d41f47ac67d113455d7b852e6a

Peter Fox spoke up in November 2012. Now he wants politicians to speak up for child sex survivors.

No regrets: Former Hunter Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox at home. He had no regrets about a media interview that led to a special commission of inquiry, but provided the final spark for a royal commission. Picture: Simone De Peak. PETER Fox wasted no time getting into the ears of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at the final sitting day of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse on Thursday. “I said to them if they want to get the churches to do what needs to be done then they have to wield a big stick, and the big stick with churches is money,” said the former Hunter detective chief inspector whose television interview in November 2012 sparked a NSW inquiry that led to the royal commission.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5124470/taxing-times-for-churches/

Victoria moves closer to national compensation scheme for sex abuse survivors

Victoria is edging closer to signing up to a national compensation fund for child sex abuse survivors, with a decision likely within weeks. In the wake of the royal commission handing down its landmark report into into institutional child sexual abuse, the Andrews government has reiterated its in-principle support for a redress scheme but says it is still finalising key details.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-moves-closer-to-national-compensation-scheme-for-sex-abuse-survivors-20171216-h05uwo.html 

Wanted: ministry to priest-abusers

Throughout the sad history of the sex-abuse scandal, the main focus of public concern has understandably been the victims: both the real victims who have suffered and the potential victims who must be protected. But what about the perpetrators? We can say that they are guilty of serious crimes, that they should be punished, that they should never again be trusted around children. All perfectly true. But what we cannot say, if we are Christians, is that the abusers should be despised, or that they should be treated as something less than human beings. Yes, they have also been guilty of serious sin. But as sinners they need the help of the Church.

https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/the-city-gates.cfm?id=1530

Ex-priest facing sex assault charge goes back to Missouri after posting bail

A former Jesuit priest and teacher at Cheverus High School who was charged last month with child sexual assault dating to 1998 has posted bail and returned to Missouri, where he’s been living for the last six years. Walt McKee, an attorney for James Francis Talbot, 80, said his client posted bail in the amount of $50,000 cash. He was then sent back to the Vianney Renewal Center in Dittmer, Missouri, a Catholic Church-run residential facility for troubled priests or former priests, many of whom have been accused of sex abuse.

http://www.pressherald.com/2017/12/15/former-priest-facing-sex-assault-charge-is-free-after-posting-bail/

Downside head ‘may have burnt evidence of sexual abuse’

Five years ago, the headmaster of a leading public school made trips with a loaded wheelbarrow to a distant part of its grounds, where he made a bonfire. Consumed in its flames were staff files dating back to the early 1980s. Father Leo Maidlow Davis, 63, is today the senior monk at Downside Abbey. In 2012 he was in charge of its neighbouring boarding school. The fire may have destroyed evidence of child sexual abuse. The monk was one of the senior Benedictines who gave evidence during three weeks of hearings that ended yesterday at the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/downside-head-may-have-burnt-evidence-of-sexual-abuse-qm75khgm9

Very nature' of English Benedictine Congregations’ schools enabled child abuse

'The victims were abused by those who they had been brought up to see as God’s representative on earth' There is something inherent in the “very nature” of the English Benedictine Congregations’ schools and monasteries that has contributed to and “even enabled” the scale and extent of child abuse, the national inquiry into child sex abuse has heard.

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/8257/0/-very-nature-of-english-benedictine-congregations-schools-enabled-child-abuse

Australian probe into child abuse attacks Catholic celibacy

An Australian inquiry into child abuse recommended Friday that the Catholic Church lift its demand of celibacy from clergy and that priests be prosecuted for failing to report evidence of pedophilia heard in the confessional. Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse delivered its final 17-volume report and 189 recommendations following a wide-ranging investigation. Australia's longest-running royal commission — which is the country's highest form of inquiry — has been investigating since 2012 how the Catholic Church and other institutions responded to sexual abuse of children in Australia over 90 years.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11960587

Church of England Unfair to Dead Bishop, Abuse Inquiry Finds

LONDON — At a time of a sharpening global focus on cases of sexual abuse dating back decades, an authoritative and highly critical report accused the Church of England on Friday of failing to respect “the rights of both sides” in investigating allegations made long after his death against one of its most revered bishops. The case, involving Bishop George Bell and accusations that he abused a young girl in the 1940s and 1950s, raised tangled questions about the rights and reputations of people who have died and are thus unable to defend themselves against abuse charges. Mr. Bell died in 1958, but the accusations were not made until 1995.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/15/world/europe/church-of-england-george-bell-abuse.html?emc=edit_tnt_20171215&nlid=63876270&tntemail0=y

Catholic priests' celibacy is partially to blame for the sexual abuse of thousands of children in Australia, five-year inquiry finds, as widespread abuse by care institutions is revealed

The celibacy of Catholic priests is partially to blame for the sexual abuse of thousands of children in Australia, a five-year inquiry has found. Australian institutions 'seriously failed' children in their care, according to the inquiry, which was ordered after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations across the country.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5181761/Australia-failed-children-national-sex-abuse-inquiry-says.html

From darkness, a light starts to shine

ALMOST five years have elapsed since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse began its processes in 2013. Although it has been a truly national inquiry, Newcastle Herald readers will know that a lot of the events that led to the commission took place in this part of the world. Indeed, a lot of the reporting that played a major role in putting pressure on the federal government to commission the inquiry came from the Herald and its Shine the Light campaign spearheaded by Gold Walkley-winning journalist Joanne McCarthy. But the Hunter’s role in the road to the royal commission did not start with Joanne.

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/story/5123043/from-darkness-a-light-starts-to-shine/?cs=7

Peru prosecutor probing alleged abuse seeks to jail Catholic society founder

A public prosecutor in Peru is seeking the pre-trial detention of Luis Figari, founder of an elite Catholic society who is accused of sexually and physically abusing children and former members of the group, the attorney for the victims of the alleged abuse told Reuters on Wednesday. The prosecutor will ask a judge to order Figari and three other former leaders of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae to spend up to nine months in jail ahead of trial, said Hector Gadea.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/world/636494/peru-prosecutor-probing-alleged-abuse-seeks-to-jail-catholic-society-founder/story/

‘He lived in a difficult time in the church

Archbishop Currie says archbishop Alphonsus Penney showed courage in calling inquiry into abuse, resigning The head of the Roman Catholic Church in St. John’s understands there are mixed emotions being expressed at the news that former archbishop Alphonsus Penney has died. But in expressing his condolences, Archbishop Martin Currie said he appreciated the way Penney handled the aftermath of what was one of the darkest periods in the church’s history.

http://www.thetelegram.com/news/local/he-lived-in-a-difficult-time-in-the-church-170107/

The New York Archdiocese's New Approach to Abuse Claims in the Catholic Church

Earlier this year, the New York Archdiocese announced it was starting an independent program to compensate survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. Since then, the archdiocese has handed out just over $40 million to 189 people through the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. It's the first time the church has addressed these claims in this manner, and it's inspired similar efforts in local dioceses in Brooklyn and Long Island.

http://www.wnyc.org/story/new-york-archdioceses-new-approach-abuse-claims-catholic-church/

Six Mormon families suing LDS church over alleged cover up of child sexual abuse

A group of families are suing the LDS church, alleging it covered up child sex abuse by another member in West Virginia. A total of six families with nine children filed the lawsuit against The Corporation of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints according to court documents -- available at the end of the story.

http://mynews4.com/news/nation-world/several-virginia-families-suing-lds-church-over-alleged-cover-up-of-child-sexual-abuse

Whether Francis is a ‘Reform Pope’ depends on whom you ask

ROME - “Reform” is one of those notoriously ambiguous words - in the same category with hope, change, progress, and improvement - which everyone professes to support, but which no one defines in quite the same way. Thus, the question of whether or not Francis is a “Reform Pope” will depend largely on what you mean by the term.

https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2017/12/14/whether-francis-reform-pope-depends-ask/

Changes must be made': Shocking Australian child abuse inquiry ends

Children are still being sexually assaulted in Australian institutions. That was the stark warning of an exhaustive five-year investigation by an Australia Royal Commission into institutional child sex abuse that concluded Thursday. In a short hearing in Sydney, Hon Justice Peter McClellan, who has headed the investigation, said the "nation thanks the survivors" who gave testimony about decades of systematic abuse and cover-ups in religious and state institutions such as churches, youth groups, care homes and schools.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/14/asia/australia-child-abuse-hearing-conclusion-intl/index.html

Heartwarming moment United States air force personnel from the Second World War use their Christmas break to visit an orphanage in the UK

The footage, taken over the winter of 1944 which saw tens of thousands of Americans stationed in Great Britain as part of their D-Day service, shows the men dressing up in Santa outfits and dancing around a giant Christmas tree with children from the orphanage. Further footage shows another airman dressing up as a cowboy to play songs to a group of listening children, while 'Father Christmas' can be seen handing out gifts to the children later on in the film.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5175009/Heartwarming-moment-WW2-air-force-personnel-visit-UK.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Haworth man attacks "failings" of Catholic school after former priest found guilty of sexual abuse

A HAWORTH resident whose evidence formed part of the sex abuse prosecution case against a former Roman Catholic priest has reacted to news of the accused's conviction. Author and photographer Peter Paul Hartnett commented after 74-year-old Laurence Soper was found guilty of abusing boys at a London school during the 1970s and 80s.

http://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/15768858.Haworth_man_attacks__quot_failings_quot__of_Catholic_school_after_former_priest_found_guilty_of_sexual_abuse/

Sexual abuse of children still continuing in institutions, royal commission head warns

The chair of Australia’s child sexual abuse royal commission, Justice Peter McClellan, has delivered his final address before a room of hundreds of survivors and advocates, telling them: “The sexual abuse of children is not just a problem of the past.” ‘It was us against everyone’: how abuse survivors will keep pushing for change The prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull and the opposition leader, Bill Shorten, attended to hear McClellan’s final address as commission chair. The Labor MP Jenny Macklin also attended. Survivors held signs and wore badges that read: “Thank you royal commission.”

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/14/sexual-abuse-of-children-still-continuing-in-institutions-warns-royal-commission-head

From darkness, a light starts to shin

ALMOST five years have elapsed since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse began its processes in 2013. Although it has been a truly national inquiry, Newcastle Herald readers will know that a lot of the events that led to the commission took place in this part of the world. Indeed, a lot of the reporting that played a major role in putting pressure on the federal government to commission the inquiry came from the Herald and its Shine the Light campaign spearheaded by Gold Walkley-winning journalist Joanne McCarthy. But the Hunter’s role in the road to the royal commission did not start with Joanne.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5120070/from-darkness-a-light-starts-to-shine/

Catholic Church 'shouldn't run schools' unless it reports abuse revealed during confession: survivor

Child sexual abuse survivor Damian De Marco is calling for the Catholic Church to be banned from operating Australian schools unless it agrees to report abuse revealed during confession. The call comes as the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse prepares to hand down its final report tomorrow. Mr De Marco said government support should be pulled from Catholic schools unless the church promises to protect children over its own reputation.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-14/sex-abuse-survivor-damian-de-marco-takes-aim-at-catholic-schools/9256172

Ireland has lessons for Australia eight years after its own child abuse commission of inquiry

Ireland is still debating the scandal of child abuse in the Catholic Church, eight years after a commission of inquiry into the matter delivered its groundbreaking report. It found abuse was endemic in church-run schools where the under-privileged and troubled were sent. The Ryan Commission published its report in 2009, 10 years after it began, and found that "beyond a doubt the entire system treated children like prison inmates and slaves".

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-14/what-can-australia-learn-from-irelands-own-commission-of-inquiry/9250596

Sexual abuse victims shouldnt become faceless people

Walking into the Gitshams' home, which is as pleasant and friendly as they are, it's easy to see the love they have for their boy. Pictures of their late son David adorn every room, proudly showing his happy, infectious smile. Like most parents Helen and Brian Gitsham have many happy memories of their son to share, but through it all is an undeniable sadness.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-13/child-sexual-abuse-royal-commission-parents-highlight-abuse/9252356

Suspended member of papal clergy abuse commission to resign

The member of Pope Francis' commission on clergy sexual abuse who was suspended nearly two years ago after publicly critiquing the pope says he will now resign his post in advance of the expiration of his term of office Dec. 17. Englishman Peter Saunders told NCR Dec. 13 he is planning to send a formal letter of resignation Dec. 15 to Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/suspended-member-papal-clergy-abuse-commission-resign

Parents want 'precious human being' at centre of abuse case remembered

Walking into the Gitshams’ home, which is as pleasant and friendly as they are, it’s easy to see the love they have for their boy. Pictures of their late son David adorn every room, proudly showing his happy, infectious smile. Like most parents Helen and Brian Gitsham have many happy memories of their son to share, but through it all is an undeniable sadness.

http://newsfornewzealand.com/southaustralia/parents-want-precious-human-being-at-centre-of-abuse-case-remembered/

No more excuses on abuse scheme: Minister

The federal government has urged state and territory counterparts to sign up to a scheme to compensate victims of child sexual abuse, declaring the time for excuses is over. Social Services Minister Christian Porter said he was optimistic state jurisdictions would come on board with the scheme in the "not-too-distant" future. "We're reaching a very critical point where the time for excuses minimises down to very little or nothing and decisions have to be made very much sooner rather later," Mr Porter told Sky News.

ttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/aap/article-5170081/No-excuses-abuse-scheme-Minister.html

George Pell: Complainants to give evidence on historical sexual offence charges over two weeks

George Pell: Complainants to give evidence on historical sexual offence charges over two weeksThe 76-year-old will face the pre-trial hearing in March next year on historical sexual offence charges, involving multiple complainants. It is expected to take up to two weeks for the complainants against Cardinal George Pell to give their evidence at an upcoming committal hearing, a Melbourne court has heard. The 76-year-old will face the pre-trial hearing in March next year on historical sexual offence charges, involving multiple complainants. No other details of the case can be reported for legal reasons. Cardinal Pell strenuously denies the allegations.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-12/george-pell-historical-sexual-offences-court-case-two-weeks/9248880

Child sex abusers won't be able to claim good character to get shorter sentences in Victoria.

Teachers and other community leaders convicted of child sex offences will no longer be able to claim they are of "good character" when seeking more lenient sentences in Victorian courts. New laws to be introduced into parliament on Tuesday, follow a recommendation from the child abuse royal commission, Attorney-General Martin Pakula said.

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/vic-child-abusers-loophole-scrapped/news-story/61e196d09aaf17ccbe920cc901a87bad

Settlement For Abuse Victims At Holy Name Church In Croton

ROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — The Archdiocese of New York has paid $750,000 to three men who were abused as children by former Hudson Valley priest Gennaro Gentile, The Journal News reports. Gentile served in Catholic churches in Croton-on-Hudson, Poughkeepsie, Tuckahoe and Yonkers, according to lohud.com. He was removed from the priesthood in 2005.

https://patch.com/new-york/ossining/settlement-abuse-victims-holy-name-church-croton

Dissenting Catholic Charities: Organizing for the Left

Anti-Catholic Activism | Changing the Unchangeable Organizing for the Left | Separating Church & Welfare State? Summary: Dissent has been with the Catholic Church from the very beginning. But since the Vatican II council in the 1960s, left-wing dissenters have sought to steer American Catholics towards far-left causes – and away from the Church – under the guise of fake Catholicism.

https://capitalresearch.org/article/dissenting-catholic-charities-3/

Australian bishop urges end to clericalism

Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen says culture of church contributed to sex abuse crisis in country. Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen of Parramatta, Australia, speaking to the National Council of Priests of Australia, urged an end to clericalism in the church and expressed hope that a newly revitalized Catholic clergy would emerge from the sex abuse crisis that has wracked the Catholic Church in Australia.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/people/australian-bishop-urges-end-clericalism

New York archdiocese stresses commitment to aiding victims of clergy abuse

Nearly 200 sex abuse victims of clergy in the New York archdiocese have received compensation through a program the archdiocese says shows the Church’s willingness to reach out to and listen to victims. “At a time when nearly every institution that involves minors has had to face allegations of abuse, the Church is now a model in how to respond to this horror,” the Archdiocese of New York said Dec. 7.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new-york-archdiocese-stresses-commitment-to-aiding-victims-of-clergy-abuse-75165

Catholic priest fired

The Roman Catholic has fired controversial and self-styled anti-Government cleric, Father Rungano Muchineripi of Archdiocese of Harare, but did not disclose the reasons, although speculation is rife that sexual scandals and his dabbling in politics could have played a major influence. In a letter dated December 8, 2017, Archbishop Robert C. Ndlovu of the Archdiocese of Harare disrobed Muchineripi and barred him from performing ministerial duties or associating with the church. “It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that Fr Rungano Muchineripi is no longer in good standing with the Archdiocese of Harare,” wrote Archbishop Ndlovu in a letter addressed to Bishops, Religious Superiors and the Clergy.

http://www.herald.co.zw/catholic-priest-fired/

Double standard for homosexual child abuse

As Hollywood bestows numerous awards on a new movie about a 24-year-old man pursuing a sexual relationship with a 17- year-old boy, we are not supposed to notice the glaring hypocrisy. Roy Moore, whose election will be decided by the time you read this, has been virtually drawn and quartered by women who waited until this year to make unverified, decades-old allegations. And the latest was from a woman, Debbie Gibson, who claims she dated Moore when she was 17 and he was 34.

http://www.wnd.com/2017/12/double-standard-for-homosexual-child-abuse/

The Reckoning, a major new podcast series on the child sexual abuse royal commission, launched by Guardian Australia

A powerful podcast series on Australia’s royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse is launched today by Guardian Australia, investigating faith, money, abuse and power. In his first podcast series, Guardian Australia’s award-winning writer and broadcaster David Marr examines how the commission came to investigate decades of child abuse, hidden by the Catholic church and other institutions.

https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-australia-press-office/2017/dec/11/the-reckoning-a-major-new-podcast-series-on-the-child-sexual-abuse-royal-commission-launched-by-guardian-australia

Church reform not over after abuse inquiry

The Australian Catholic Church must do more to atone for the widespread child sexual abuse within its ranks and its cover-up despite facing influential pockets of resistance, its key royal commission adviser argues. The need for reform and change in the church is far from over despite the end of the five-year inquiry that exposed "a massive concealment exercise", Truth Justice and Healing Council CEO Francis Sullivan says.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/aap/article-5163911/Church-reform-not-abuse-inquiry.html

Gov. Cuomo & Cardinal Dolan Refuse to Protect Disabled Women & Children from Sexual Predators

Keeping most sexual assault and rape crimes from 911, local police, criminal investigations, District Attorneys and courts is how Gov.
Cuomo and Cardinal Dolan are protecting thousands of sexual predators, pedophiles, and rapists of the disabled. Gov. Cuomo & Cardinal Dolan are involved in a massive sex scandal and sexual predator protection scheme allowing thousands of women and children to be raped Rampant sexual abuse and rape permeates the New York State mental health care system as Gov. Cuomo and Cardinal Dolan refuse to take significant actions to stop the sexual predators or protect victims.

http://dailytelescope.com/pr/gov-cuomo-cardinal-dolan-refuse-to-protect-disabled-women-children-from-sexual-predators/29534 

The church cannot judge its own case

A gata Diduszko-Zyglewska talks with Marek Lisiński, President of the “Do Not Fear” Foundation which works to change our society’s consent to such practice and to help victims of pedophile priests. Agata Diduszko-Zyglewska: As a child, you were abused by a local priest. Can you tell your story?

http://politicalcritique.org/cee/poland/2017/the-church-cannot-judge-its-own-case-marek-lisinski/

Julia Gillard warns government and churches that the public expects action Community is "waiting and watching" to see responses to royal commission final report and recommendations REMOVING tax concessions to push “recalcitrant” churches to act on child sexual abuse reforms would have community support because “the public won’t tolerate” inaction after the five-year child abuse royal commission, said Julia Gillard on the eve of the commission’s final report.
Australians would be “waiting and watching” for any sense of church or political delay after a final Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse sitting on Thursday and the handing of the final report and recommendations to Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove on Friday, Ms Gillard said this week after establishing the commission in 2012.

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/5117717/julia-gillard-warns-the-public-wont-tolerate-inaction-on-royal-commission-report/?cs=7 

Cardinal George Pell committal hearing to be held behind closed doors

The first half of the hearing that determines whether Cardinal George Pell will stand trial on historical sex offences will be closed to the public, when his alleged victims give evidence over a period of up to 10 days.
Prosecutors have booked a remote witness facility – a video link that allows complainants alleging sexual abuse to give evidence from a location outside the court room – for the first two weeks of Cardinal Pell's committal hearing, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/victoria/cardinal-george-pell-committal-hearing-to-be-held-behind-closed-doors-20171212-h03803.html 

Other People’s Children, Part 3, or Ghost Touches: Myriam Gurba’s “Mean” and Sexual Violence

MYRIAM GURBA’S Mean opens with the brutal rape and murder of a young homeless Mexican woman named Sophia. It’s a startlingly rendered scene, spare and painful. It’s also an unusual choice for a book that seems to be a memoir; instead of offering a story, however painful, from her own life, Gurba disturbs us with a deadly violent sexual assault on another woman.

https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/ghost-touches-myriam-gurbas-mean-and-sexual-violence/#! 

Abuse survivor says covering up paedophilia should be a major crime

Abuse survivor reflects on royal commission's damning findings into Newcastle's Anglican Diocese A survivor of child sexual abuse at the hands of the Anglican Church in the 1960s is calling for the Federal Government to fully implement the final findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The call comes in the wake of the royal commission delivering a damning assessment of the Newcastle Anglican Diocese's responses to abuse cases, when it handed down its findings last week.

http://newsround.io/family/abuse-survivor-says-covering-up-paedophilia-should-be-a-major-crime/1415642 

Why 'Silence Breakers' are key in any abuse crisis

Magazine announced a group of women and men as their collective Person of the Year. What do these people have in common?
They are what TIME called “The Silence Breakers” - people who have blown the whistle on sexual assault and abuse within the workplace, largely in the industries of film, politics, and media.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/why-silence-breakers-are-key-in-any-abuse-crisis-78943 

Colleyville woman will tell her story of domestic abuse at the Celebrity Chefs event

Her abuser was an ordained Catholic priest who had formerly been an Episcopal priest. And he was her husband for 23 years. When she would get a haircut, he refused to speak to her or look at her for two days.
After that period of silencing, he read passages from the Bible referencing women having long, flowing hair and told her God wants women to have long hair and that her salvation was in jeopardy for not following these words of God.

http://www.star-telegram.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/social-eyes/article188981169.html 

Man sentenced to 1,000 years for sexual abuse of 2 girls

A San Marcos man on Monday was sentenced to 1,000 years in prison for sexually abusing two young girls over several years. Robert Franks, 39, was convicted on two counts of continuous sexual abuse, nine counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and six counts of indecency with a child, according to a statement from Hays County Criminal District Attorney Wes Mau’s office. The sentence he received for those crimes on Monday also included two life sentences.

http://www.wpxi.com/news/national/man-sentenced-to-1000-years-for-sexual-abuse-of-two-girls/655835887 

Notice of Credible Allegation of Abuse Dating to 1950s

The diocese recently received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Father Sylvester Hoppe dating to 1953 to 1956. The priest, who died in 2002, was chaplain to St. Mary’s Orphanage in St. Joseph at the time.
Consistent with diocesan policy, the allegation was reported to the civil authorities and investigated. It was found credible by the independent ombudsman, Independent Review Board and Bishop Johnston.

http://catholickey.org/2017/12/11/notice-of-credible-allegation-of-abuse-dating-to-1950s/ 

Three more women allege abuse by Caldey Island monk

Survivors’ organisation demands inquiry into allegations against Father Thaddeus Kotik, who died in 1992.  Three more women have come forward to claim they were sexually abused by a Cistercian monk at Caldey Island abbey in the 1970s and 80s, as a survivors’ organisation demanded an inquiry into the allegations.
Macsas, an organisation that supports survivors of clerical abuse, said an inquiry was needed to establish the extent of the alleged abuse. Meanwhile the children’s commissioner for Wales has asked the abbey for information on its child protection procedures.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/21/three-more-women-allege-abuse-by-caldey-island-monk 

Royal commission: Monsignor John Usher denies protecting Cardinal George Pell

The former chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney denied he was trying to save Cardinal George Pell from embarrassment by sticking to his claim about a paedophile priest in the face of conflicting accounts, a royal commission has heard.
In the final day of an inquiry into convicted paedophile John Joseph Farrell, Monsignor John Usher insisted the priest never admitted to crimes against children at a 1992 meeting.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/royal-commission-monsignor-john-usher-denies-protecting-cardinal-george-pell-20160921-grlrmk.html 

Archbishop accused of covering up child sexual abuse in landmark trial

Archbishop Philip Wilson allegedly told a boy he "should be ashamed of himself for lying" and ordered him to "say 10 Hail Marys" after the child allegedly disclosed he had been sexually abused by Hunter priest Jim Fletcher, a landmark trial has heard.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/archbishop-accused-of-covering-up-child-sexual-abuse-in-landmark-trial-20171206-h003lp.html

Exclusive Brethren on trial for allegedly raping his son

Details about the culture of the secretive Exclusive Brethren church are to be revealed in court as a dedicated member stands trial for allegedly sexually abusing his son.
Crown prosecutor Michael Blaschke told a jury in the Palmerston North District Court on Monday the church's culture helped frame the background of the alleged offending. The male member, who cannot be named without identifying his family, faces 10 sexual violation charges, and a charge each of indecent assault and assault with a weapon.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/99745076/exclusive-brethren-on-trial-for-allegedly-raping-his-son 

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Assault released a scathing report on Wednesday, which condemned the church’s Ballarat diocese leaders, who were responsible for parishes across the region. “That harm could have been avoided if the church had acted in the interests of children rather than in its own interests,” the report said. “It was only when there was a possibility that the sexual abuse of children by a priest would become widely known that any action was taken. “Invariably, that action was to remove the priest from the community for a short period and then place him in another, more distant parish.

Royal Commission slams Catholic Church leaders

A  "catastrophic institutional failure" by the Catholic Church to take action on cases of sexual abuse led to more south-west children being abused, a royal commission has found.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Assault released a scathing report on Wednesday, which condemned the church’s Ballarat diocese leaders, who were responsible for parishes across the region.

http://www.standard.net.au/story/5104882/churchs-catastrophic-failures-left-more-children-to-suffer/

Claims of sexual abuse at south-west parishes fell on deaf ears, Commission finds

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has released a scathing critique of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ballarat’s response to abuse claims.

A number of these claims occurred in parishes throughout the south-west, including Warrnambool and Mortlake.

http://www.standard.net.au/story/5103743/claims-of-sexual-abuse-at-south-west-parishes-fell-on-deaf-ears-commission-finds/ 

Archbishop sent $1000 to victim's parents

More than 30 years after Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson ignored an altar boy's claims he'd been abused by a pedophile priest he sent $1000 to the parents of another boy abused by the same priest, a court has heard.
Wilson, accused of concealing sexual abuse by the now-dead priest James Fletcher in the NSW Hunter region when told about it in 1976, sent the cheque in 2009, Newcastle Local Court was told on Friday.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/38194962/archbishop-failed-altar-boy-nsw-court/ 

Newcastle Anglican diocese's dark child sex history exposed in final report

IN some ways the royal commission's Newcastle Anglican diocese public hearings in August and November 2016 were the most shocking hearings of all. And that’s saying something of a commission that ran 57 public hearings over five years and uncovered truly horrifying sexual abuse of children over decades in thousands of institutions across Australia.
The Newcastle Anglican hearing stands out because of the banality of abuses of power, the normalising of brutish behaviour and the breathtaking arrogance and hypocrisy of people who purported to represent God on earth, but committed and covered-up crimes.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5108174/royal-commission-teaches-us-that-institutions-fail-when-many-individuals-do/#slide=1 

Father Roy Moore would be suspended

I never thought that anyone could be more stupid than the U.S. Catholic bishops in dealing with sexual abuse of minors, but the Republican Party has done it.
Before the sex abuse crisis began to be exposed by the National Catholic Reporter in the mid-1980s, bishops would move an abusive priest to another parish and try to cover up the crime. This does not happen today. Now any accusation is referred to the police and, if the accusation is credible, the priest is suspended until an investigation has taken place

https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/signs-times/father-roy-moore-would-be-suspended 

It's time for Muslims to talk about sexual misconduct among our Islamic preachers

Activist Alia Salem had just finished watching the Oscar-winning film Spotlight, detailing sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, when she received a text message from a Muslim mother asking for help.
Her daughter was in an inappropriate relationship with a Muslim clergy member from whom she had sought counseling. The clergyman had used his authority over the young woman to coerce her into a sexual relationship and the mother had no idea where to turn.

https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/12/07/time-muslims-talk-sexual-misconduct-among-islamic-preachers 

Ex-priest found guilty of 19 historic sex abuse charges

A former abbot who fled to Kosovo to escape justice has been convicted of abusing 10 boys at a Catholic school in west London during the 1970s and 80s. Andrew Soper, 74, was found guilty of 19 charges of rape and other sexual offences after a lengthy trial at the Old Bailey. He will be sentenced on 19 December.
In a statement issued today, Ealing Abbey said: Andrew Soper has finally been brought to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his victims. We admire them for their courage in coming forward as witnesses in order to secure his conviction.

https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/33946 

Newcastle Anglicans had “do nothing” approach to abuse: Royal Commission

THE Anglican Diocese of Newcastle had a “do nothing” approach to child sexual abuse under bishops Alfred Holland and Roger Herft, meaning perpetrators were not called to account, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has found.
In a 320-page report with sections blacked out so as not to prejudice any related court cases, the commission said “the cumulative effect of a number of systemic issues” allowed a group of perpetrators to operate within the diocese for at least 30 years.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5107897/newcastle-anglicans-had-do-nothing-approach-to-abuse-royal-commission/ 

Altar boy let down by Archbishop: court

A witness in the trial of Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson has told a NSW court he trusted the Catholic priest to do something about his abuse claims.
He had been an altar boy with a terrible secret who had faith in young priest Philip Wilson to do the right thing. But Peter Creigh told a NSW court on Thursday that Wilson, now the Adelaide Archbishop, failed him.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/altar-boy-let-down-by-archbishop-court 

Caldey Island: Victim's call to remove abuse monk's body

A survivor of abuse perpetrated by a monk from Caldey Abbey has called for his body to be exhumed and removed from the island.

The woman, who was abused by Father Thaddeus Kotik in the 1970s and 80s, said she wants an inquiry to be held. Charlotte said that she did not speak out about the abuse as a child because Kotik threatened her.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-42257053 

Former Xavier College teacher jailed for four years for sexually abusing teenage boys

A convicted paedophile who taught at one of Melbourne's top private schools has been jailed for four years for sexually abusing two boys aged in their early teens.

Vili Kovac, 85, repeatedly indecently assaulted one of the boys while he was a teacher at Xavier College in the early 1960s before taking a job at Marcellin College where he raped a student on a school camp in 1968. His first victim was not a student at Xavier College

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-07/xavier-college-teacher-sentenced-over-child-sexual-abuse/9234618 

Prosecutors allege Archbishop told victims to be ashamed

South Australia’s most senior Catholic Church leader was involved in a deliberate and systematic cover up of child sex abuse in the Church, a court has heard.

The stunning allegations were aired on the first day of a trial in Newcastle Local Court for the Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/12/06/20/57/adelaide-archbishop-told-alleged-abuse-victims-they-should-be-ashamed-say-prosecutors 

Judge sets deadline for parties in church sex abuse cases

To date, close to 150 clergy sexual abuse lawsuits have been filed in the local and federal courts. While the majority have showed interest in settlement, there could be some dealbreakers ahead. The local court giving those uncertain parties a deadline to figure it out, or go to trial.

Will majority of the clergy sexual abuse lawsuits be settled out of court? That depends if parties can agree on pre-mediation protocol. The Court, during a status hearing on Tuesday, hoping to push parties along. Superior Court Judge Michael Bordallo said, "The reality is dates tend to get people to move."      That day is January 16.

http://www.kuam.com/story/36993026/2017/12/Tuesday/judge-sets-deadline-for-parties-in-church-sex-abuse-cases 

Revealed: monk who abused children on 'crime free' Caldey Island for decades

You know what RAPE by priest and nuns does to me?... I have lost everything... my Soul and my Faith... I can not go into a church... Christmas is the worst time of the years for me... because as a child I had what I wanted the most... even though I was raped and abuse most days... I still had my Faith... until that one day a priest raped me... I did not know what he was doing to me... but to me it was bad... it was like the devil had ripped me apart that day... I could not talk... my head was always down looking at the floor... I was not allowed to look at the nuns... I wish I could explain it better for you... I find it so hard to express myself in matters like this....well in most things... it's so hard... Ann

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Abuse by a monk who preyed on girls on a tiny island off the coast of Wales was covered up in the 70s and 80s Summer holidays on Caldey Island were seemingly idyllic. The tiny island off the Welsh Coast at Tenby is a place of beauty and holiness, with bluebell woods, clifftop walks, tea gardens and picturesque beaches. Pilgrims come for religious retreat, staying in the island’s cottages, joining the monks in prayer at the imposing Italianate Abbey of Our Lady and St Samson.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/18/revealed-monk-who-abused-children-on-free-caldey-island-for-decades 

Woman abused by Caldey Island monk tells of lasting impact

‘Alice’ says she fled UK to escape the painful memories but would return to give evidence in any inquiry into abbey.  A victim of a monk who abused girls on Caldey Island has described how she took drugs to numb the emotional pain and eventually fled the UK to escape the memories.
Alice – not her real name – told the Guardian her earliest memories were of the monk, Thaddeus Kotik, and how he lured her with sweets and pets into dens he had set up around the remote island off the Welsh coast.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/dec/05/woman-abused-by-caldey-island-monk-tells-of-lasting-impact 

Why trust in the clergy is plummeting And what we can do about it

A recent piece of research shows that trust in the clergy has declined markedly in recent years, as this magazine reports. Though the clergy are far more trusted than politicians and journalists, they lag behind nurses and doctors.
The survey should not come as a surprise to anyone, but one might like to give a little thought to why this is the case.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2017/12/04/why-trust-in-the-clergy-is-plummeting/ 

Melbourne archdiocese had culture of secrecy to protect Church interests, new report says

THE Archdiocese of Melbourne allowed paedophile priests to abuse scores of children, according to a report released by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The report, which describes “a culture of secrecy” inside the Melbourne archdiocese, was released on December 5, just 10 days before the Commission’s final report is due to be handed down. It found former Melbourne Archbishop Frank Little, who headed the archdiocese from 1974 until 1996, “sought to protect the archdiocese from scandal and liability and prioritised the interests of the Church over those of the victims”.

http://catholicleader.com.au/news/melbourne-archdiocese-had-culture-of-secrecy-to-protect-church-interests-new-report-says