Responses to Current Issues: The Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal

MEDIA

MAY 15

Photos, victim confront diocese, but blessed be the art of denial - Portland Press Herald
The two photographs, published by a newspaper halfway around the world, are the last thing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland wants to see. They show the Rev. Raymond Lauzon - the troublesome priest living abroad under strict orders that he not have contact with children - standing at altars in Lithuania surrounded by young girls and boys.
http://www.portland.com/news/nemitz/020515nemitz.shtml

Priests accused of child abuse in South Africa will be reported to police - Ecumenical News International
East London (ENI). The Catholic hierarchy in South Africa will report priests against whom there is prima-facie evidence of child molestation, according to a senior Catholic official. "Where the law says we must report a crime we will do so," said Richard Menatsi, secretary general of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference.
http://www.eni.ch/highlights/news.shtml?2002/05Papers Show Officials Knew of Priest's

Papers Show Officials Knew of Priest's Troubles in 1991 - New York Times
BOSTON, May 14 - Officials in the Boston Archdiocese were told in 1991 that the Rev. Paul R. Shanley had serious psychiatric problems, two years before they informed church officials in California, where Father Shanley was serving as a pastor, according to psychiatric and medical records released today.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/national/15BOST.html

Troubles in 1991 - New York Times
BOSTON, May 14 - Officials in the Boston Archdiocese were told in 1991 that the Rev. Paul R. Shanley had serious psychiatric problems, two years before they informed church officials in California, where Father Shanley was serving as a pastor, according to psychiatric and medical records released today.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/national/15BOST.html

Aide Defends Egan's Action in Priest Case - New York Times
The Archdiocese of New York issued a detailed defense yesterday of Cardinal Edward M. Egan's actions regarding a priest in Connecticut who had been accused of sexually abusing minors in the 1960's.

The statement was prompted by news reports over the weekend about videotaped testimony that the cardinal gave when he was bishop of Bridgeport in 1997. The testimony came in a lawsuit brought against the Rev. Laurence Brett, who was accused of serious sexual misconduct in 1964 and whom Bishop Egan allowed to keep working as a priest after becoming the leader of the Bridgeport Diocese.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/nyregion/15EGAN.html

Documents: Church Knew About Shanley - New York Times
CAMBRIDGE, Mass (AP) -- An attorney for alleged victims of an accused pedophile priest said a new batch of personnel records released by the Boston Archdiocese represents ``the strongest statement to date'' that church leaders knew how dangerous the priest had become.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Church-Abuse.html

Law recommended fired dean for college teaching position - The Boston Globe
Cardinal Bernard F. Law recommended the former dean of St. John's Seminary in Brighton for a teaching job at a Catholic college in North Carolina in 1997, less than two years after Law dismissed him for having improper physical contact with a 19-year-old seminarian at St. John's.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/135/metro/Law_recommended_fired_dean_for_college_teaching_position+.shtml

Doctor's question among Shanley papers - The Boston Globe
Three years before Cardinal Bernard F. Law said he would recommend the Rev. Paul R. Shanley as director of a New York City guest house, a psychiatrist familiar with Shanley's history of sexual abuse asked Boston church officials: ''How do we protect others from him?''
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/135/metro/Doctor_s_question_among_Shanley_papers+.shtml

Shooting suspect cites priest's abuse - Maryland Baltimore Sun
Dontee Stokes, 26, alleges Rev. Maurice Blackwell fondled him over 3 years; 'Wanted apology, didn't get one'; Enters Baltimore church, asks for salvation and tells pastor of shooting

A 26-year-old man charged with shooting a Roman Catholic priest he says molested him years ago walked into a Northwest Baltimore church service hours after the assault, came forward to seek salvation and later confessed, the pastor said last night.
http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-te.md.priest15may15.story?coll=bal%2Dhome%2Dheadlines

Ex-Catholic school teacher indicted again - Maryland Baltimore Sun
More charges surface of sexually abusing pupils

A teacher fired from a Baltimore Catholic elementary school, after his arrest and indictment on nine counts of sexual child abuse in incidents involving four pupils, surrendered to authorities yesterday after being indicted a second time on additional charges involving seven more pupils.
http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.indict15may15.story

Mom Says Her Son Who Shot U.S. Priest Had Snapped - New York Times
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The mother of a 26-year-old man who shot a Roman Catholic priest in Baltimore said on Wednesday her son was ``in and out'' emotionally after the priest years ago brushed off the man's accusations of sexual molestation.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-crime-priest-shooting.html

Ailing Pope John Paul II to Turn 82 - New York Times
VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Aides wheel him around on a chariot-like cart during ceremonies at the Vatican. They attach a ledger to the arms of his chair to hold the papers of his speeches. They hold him tightly fearing a fall.

Pope John Paul II turns 82 on Saturday, a stooped figure burdened by several health problems and the backlash from the sex abuse scandal rocking his church in the 24th year of his papacy, the longest pontificate since the 1800s.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Vatican-Bitter-Birthday.html

Catholic group in Boston sows seeds of revolution - The Philadelphia Inquirer
BOSTON - James Muller went to church every Sunday for almost six decades. He had honorary degrees from five Catholic universities for his work against the nuclear-arms race.

But there came a day in January when he felt he would have to leave. He could not abide a church that he believed had covered up the sexual abuse of children by priests.
"I felt almost ashamed to be a Catholic," he said, a view echoed on the streets of Boston of late by angry protesters picketing the city's cathedral and the nation's senior Catholic prelate.

Instead of leaving, Muller started a group that he and some church-watchers believe could revolutionize the church. Just three months old, Voice of the Faithful has enlisted 8,500 people via its Web site and expects 5,000 attendees at a conference July 20 at Boston's Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/3266114.htm

'I wanted to run' - The Boston Globe
When he was an altar boy in Salem, Bernie McDaid tried to hide from his priest's sexual advances. But he couldn't escape.

The gold Plymouth Fury would turn the corner onto Hathorne Street in Salem, and Bernie McDaid and his buddies would scatter as if playing a game of hide and seek - which, in a way, they were. They'd jump over bushes, hide in the house, run into backyards - anything to avoid the car and the man who drove it.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/135/living/_I_wanted_to_run_+.shtml

Sex abuse scandal profoundly personal - Maryland Baltimore Sun News
Reaction 'triggered' by reports, friends say

One evening last week, watching an NBA playoff game with friends at home, Dontee Stokes made a seemingly casual remark about the sexual-abuse scandal rocking the Roman Catholic Church.

"He just made a statement that it's messed up what these priests were getting away with," said Damon E. Fisher, a friend and co-owner of the barber shop where Stokes cuts hair.

But the conversation went no further, because some people present didn't know that for Stokes, the scandal was profoundly personal. A decade ago, he had accused a priest of molesting him - and later felt that both the legal system and the church had betrayed him, according to family and friends.
http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-te.md.stokes15may15.story?coll=bal%2Dhome%2Dheadlines

Hong Kong police probe two more cases of child sex abuse - Reuters
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong police said on Wednesday they were investigating two more allegations of child sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests as charges of paedophilia continue to haunt the Church across the world.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020515/wl_asia_nm/asia_105273_1

Victims' attorney believes archdiocese is hiding documents - The Boston Herald
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - An attorney representing alleged sexual abuse victims of retired priest Paul Shanley believes the latest batch of personnel records released by the church still do not tell the full story.

``We intend to get to the bottom of this,'' Attorney Roderick MacLeish said. ``This is a search for the truth. No one will give up until it comes out.''
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/ap_shan05152002.htm

Prosecutor puts church in the clear - Chicago Tribune
Archdiocese passes check on old abuse cases

Cook County prosecutors have completed an initial review of old sex-abuse allegations against priests in the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, finding that church officials had appropriately handled the complaints during the past decade.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-0205150079may15.story

Natick priest accused of molesting boy - The MetroWest Daily News
The ever-widening church abuse scandal has stretched to Natick as a priest who lives in the town stands accused of plying a boy with liquor and molesting him when the youth was asleep.

A civil lawsuit filed earlier this month against the Rev. Peter Frost also names as a defendant the Archdiocese of Boston, which allegedly ignored evidence that Frost was a danger to children.
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/local_regional/priestabuse05152002.htm

Abuse lawsuit accuses Presbyterian minister - Chicago Tribune
A Presbyterian youth minister in Chicago was accused in a lawsuit filed Tuesday of having sexually abused four minor boys repeatedly during the 1990s, including taking them out of school during the day to have sex.
The suit alleges that Douglas R. Mason of the San Marcos Youth Ministry, 2028 W. Augusta Blvd., sexually abused the high school boys, including taking explicit photographs and filming them, and providing alcohol and cigarettes.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/lake/chi-0205150176may15.story

MAY 14

Law deposition ends, for now - Boston Globe
On the third day of his sworn testimony, Cardinal Bernard F. Law yesterday answered questions about three 1989 evaluations of then-priest John J. Geoghan that diagnosed him as a pedophile, and Law's own decision to allow Geoghan to resume parish duties at St. Julia Church in Weston.
http://www.boston.com/globe/spotlight/abuse/stories2/051402_law.htm

Law's testimony mistakenly released - Boston Herald
Lawyers deposing Bernard Cardinal Law said they misunderstood a court procedure Wednesday, resulting in the near-simultaneous dissemination of the prelate's sworn testimony in the news media, according to a court transcript released yesterday.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/test05142002.htm

Church: We acted promptly - The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Abuse allegations shared at once, archdiocese says

The Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta told Cobb County authorities about sex abuse allegations against a former volunteer worker the day the issue was brought to their attention, the archdiocese lawyer said Monday.
http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/epaper/editions/tuesday/metro_c30ebacac3fb30c900a7.html

Ex-priest removed from parish in 1998 is wounded near home - Maryland Sun News
A former Roman Catholic priest who was removed from his West Baltimore parish after admitting to sexual abuse of a minor was shot and wounded last night outside his home in the city's Reservoir Hill neighborhood.
http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.priest14may14.story?coll=bal%2Dlocal%2Dheadlines

Church yet to deliver medical case history - Boston Globe
Superior Court judge has ordered the Archdiocese of Boston to immediately turn over all psychiatric and medical records pertaining to the Rev. Paul R. Shanley, who is being held on three counts of child rape for allegations dating to his tenure as a priest in Newton in the 1980s.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/134/metro/Church_yet_to_deliver_medical_case_history+.shtml

Once a Model, Panel on Priests Now Is Faulted - New York Times
A decade ago, as it reeled from the now familiar trauma of a sexual abuse scandal, the Archdiocese of Chicago pioneered an institution within the American Catholic Church: a review board that involved laypeople in deciding whether to remove from the ministry priests accused of molesting children.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/14/national/14REVI.html

Bush to Meet Pope on European Trip - New York Times
WASHINGTON (AP) -- White House officials are shifting President Bush's schedule his European trip that starts next week to make room for a visit with Pope John Paul II.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Bush-Pope.html

Pass the clergy reporting bill - Chicago Tribune Opinion
Bless me, father, for I have sinned." So begins the ritual of confession, or reconciliation, one of Catholicism's seven sacraments. If the sinner confesses to molesting a child, he also has committed a crime. And a substantial number of lawmakers in Illinois think the priest who hears such a confession ought to be required to report him to the earthly authorities. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0205140126may14.story

Cardinal denies negligence - Chicago Tribune
Law rejects blame in Geoghan case

As two alleged victims of a pedophile priest looked on, Boston's Cardinal Bernard Law on Monday heatedly denied that he had been negligent in failing to keep the Rev. John Geoghan away from children.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0205140143may14.story

Cardinal Recalls Letter About Problems, 2 Say - New York Times
BOSTON, May 13 - Testifying for a third day in the case of the pedophile priest John J. Geoghan, Cardinal Bernard F. Law said he did recall having read some documents that referred to Father Geoghan's problems in the 1980's, two plaintiffs who sat in on the deposition reported
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/14/national/14BOST.html

Judge Orders Access to Priest's File - Los Angeles Times
Courts: The Boston Archdiocese must hand over health records in a child abuse case. Testimony by Cardinal Law becomes heated.

The Boston Archdiocese was ordered Monday to hand over the psychiatric and medical records of Father Paul Shanley, the retired priest accused of child rape.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-000034116may14.story

I could die or heal - The Lutheran
Breaking the silence about clergy sexual abuse begins the healing journey

Linda Maue jokingly says she has a "big mouth." She admits it just may be because she has to speak for so many women who can't speak - because of fear or shame, or because they've taken their life.
Fear and shame aren't strangers to Maue. They've been her companions since a pastor, who was much beloved by her and the congregation he served, sexually abused her. He is no longer an ELCA pastor.
http://www.thelutheran.org/0206/page12.html

Crossing boundaries - The Lutheran
Power, vulnerability susceptible to sexual misconduct

Perhaps this is the greatest of understatements: It takes enormous courage to come forward as a victim of clergy sexual misconduct. Many victims don't report the abuse because of the myriad emotions. But some do.
http://www.thelutheran.org/0206/page16.html

Clergy sexual abuse case pending - The Lutheran
In contrast to the growing flurry of lawsuits gripping the attention of U.S. Roman Catholics, the ELCA has only one pending lawsuit involving clergy sexual abuse. The suit, filed in Marshall, Texas, involves a former ELCA pastor, Gerald P. Thomas Jr., 40, who had served Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Marshall.
http://www.thelutheran.org/0206/page18b.html

Battling poison with ink and holy water - The Fort Worth Star-Telegram Opinion
Holy water and ink can be quite effective against lies.
So went the thought last week as I read more developments in the priest pedophilia scourge and thought about ridiculous accusations that "the media" are deliberately sensationalizing the situation.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/columnists/david_house/3247790.htm

Police sift claims against priest - St. Petersburg Times
Prosecutors are working with police who are investigating sex abuse claims against a priest by ex-altar boys.

PINELLAS PARK -- Police and prosecutors are jointly reviewing allegations against a Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing six boys in the 1980s.
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/05/14/TampaBay/Police_sift_claims_ag.shtml

The Pilot navigates through personnel shake-up - Boston Herald
A personnel shake-up is under way at The Pilot, the archdiocesan newspaper that straddles the line between journalistic enterprise and public relations organ.
Monsignor Peter Conley, the longtime editor who recently scaled back his role to editorial writing as he took on more parish duties, is leaving altogether, sources said.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/pilo05142002.htm

Bay Area priests fear crackdown on gay seminarians - San Fransico Chronicle
Leaders at Roman Catholic seminaries in the Bay Area fear that the sex scandal roiling the church will inspire a crackdown on gay candidates to the priesthood -- even those who make a vow of lifelong celibacy.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/05/14/MN136183.DTL

`Loans' to priests aided the cover-up - Boston Herald Opinion
The response of officials of the Boston archdiocese to the scandal of priestly sexual abuse continues to turn common sense on its head.
While dozens of victims have been put on hold to await any possible compensation, we now know that hundreds of thousands of dollars have been channeled to accused priests for their own legal expenses. A case has been made that lawyers representing the victims will be making a killing off any possible settlements or jury awards in the cases - and like it or not that's very true.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/edt105142002.htm

MAY 13
Church paid legal fees for priests - The Boston Herald
The Archdiocese of Boston has shelled out hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees for priests accused of sex abuse, frequently granting unsecured loans to the penniless alleged molesters, according to church documents and lawyers familiar with the practice.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/lega05132002.htm

Abuse scandal leaves parents wondering what to tell the kids - Catholic News Service
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (CNS) -- Given the prominence of stories in the media and in ordinary conversations about sexual abuse by priests, there's a high likelihood that children, too, are aware of the crisis.
This leads parents to a difficult topic: How do we explain what is happening to our children?
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/20020513.htm

Court refuses to get involved in clergy case - Chicgo Tribune
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court sidestepped a timely question today: how can priests be sued for alleged misconduct?
Justices refused without comment to review an acrimonious case involving a priest, a divorced former governor and a secretly taped confrontation over the sexual infidelity of the governor's former wife.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-scotus-clergy.story

6 more priests linked to minors uncovered - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Six more priests who have questionable histories involving sexual conduct with minors are serving in active ministries and will have their cases reviewed by the community commission that Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland appointed, archdiocesan officials announced Monday.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/Metro/may02/43173.asp

Questions for the bishops - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial
"Bishops do not like to put pedophiles in positions where they hurt children," Green Bay Bishop Robert J. Banks said this week.
Then why did they keep doing it?
Time after time in case after case, priests accused of sexual abuse were "treated" and then reassigned to parish ministries or other positions where they would have close contact with minors.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/editorials/apr02/34612.asp

Catholic scandals speed victims' movement - Religion Newswriters Foundation
The scandals rocking the Roman Catholic Church have brought new awareness to the issue of child and adolescent sexual abuse. Across the country, child advocates, prosecutors, police and medical experts say the intense spotlight will likely speed along a growing movement to treat all young victims of abuse with more sensitivity. They also say they expect that more victims may feel comfortable coming forward - and that now is the time to improve the ways young victims are treated.
http://www.religionwriters.com/tips/051302a.html

Minn. Archbishop Leads Abuse Panel - New York Times
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- When Roman Catholic bishops gather next month to craft a new national policy for handling clergy sex abuse, a key committee will do much of the work. Leading that group will be Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, a man who knows all about helping the church recover from scandal.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Church-Abuse-Flynn.html

Church rite can hinder reporting of priests - Chicago Tribune
As legislators in Illinois and elsewhere seek to force Catholic clergy to report allegations of sexual abuse, they are finding the confession booth to be guarded by a thicket of legal, political and theological issues.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-0205130294may13.story

Gays and the Seminary - Newsweek
The schools that train U.S. priests require students to be chaste, but most allow them to be gay. A Vatican probe may change all that
May 20 issue -  There will never be a gay students' group-or gay film series or gay dance-at St. John's Seminary, one of the most respected training grounds for Catholic priests in the nation.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/751068.asp

Cardinal No-Knowledge - Newsweek
Boston Cardinal Bernard Law has become very forgetful
May 20 issue - During nine hours of testimony last week-which continued on Monday-Boston Cardinal Bernard Law showed signs of a presidential-quality forgetfulness, saying "I don't recall" often enough to evoke memories of Nixon, Reagan and Clinton alike.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/751069.asp

Why is `morality' a dirty word? - Chicago Tribune Opinion

Who would be so silly, by today's standards, to assert that not only does truth exist, that it is knowable, and that we've long known it? Certainly not anyone of influence in today's pop culture, which insists that we cannot have public discussions about morality. It's as if it is the last taboo. Even when it comes to something as clearly a moral issue as the sexual abuse of children. Or as today's morally cleansed society is beginning to call it, child-adult sex. Some scholars say they prefer that term because it is "morally neutral" and describes behavior "non-judgmentally."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/oped/chi-0205130297may13.story

Camden Diocese tries new tack in abuse crisis - Philadelphia Inquirer
A special 32-page paper went to 130,000 homes. It stressed safeguards and featured an interview with a priest's victim.

The Diocese of Camden, facing a wave of allegations of sexual abuse by its priests, has devoted a 32-page special edition of its newspaper to the scandal - including an interview with a man who says he was molested as a child.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/3252946.htm

Treat the Abuser, Reduce the Risk? - Los Angeles Times

Those fighting to protect children from sexual molestation confront many unknowns. But some methods to curb ruinous impulses hold promises

The scandal that has engulfed the Roman Catholic Church has thrown light on a form of sexual abuse that, perhaps more than any other, has always hidden in the shadows.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-051302pedophiles.story

Mexican Parishioners Accept Priests Who Spurn Celibacy - Washington Post
Some Clerics Marry, Risking Wrath of Church Hierarchy

SAN BARTOLO COYOTEPEC, Mexico -- When the Rev. Manuel Marinero announced in 1997 that he had fallen in love with a female parishioner, the Roman Catholic Church immediately ended his 24-year career as a priest. But his village rallied around him.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5956-2002May11.html

Roman Catholic Church Shifts Legal Strategy - Washington Post
Aggressive Litigation Replaces Quiet Settlements

Eighteen months ago, she sued the Roman Catholic Church of Hawaii after a parish sacristan who trained her son as an altar boy pleaded guilty to molesting him. Assuming the church would settle before the case went to trial, the 41-year-old single mother was shocked last month when the diocese charged in a countersuit that it was she who was negligent for allowing her boys, then 7 and 10, to sleep over at the sacristan's apartment.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A8117-2002May12.html

Deposition of Cardinal Law may be extended - MSNBC
Two more days sought by lawyer for plaintiffs

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 13 -  As Boston's Cardinal Bernard Law began his third day of testimony Monday in connection with a lawsuit filed by dozens of alleged victims of sexual abuse by a priest, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said he will need two more days to complete his questioning of the prelate. Meanwhile, a published report said that the Boston Archdiocese has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees for priests accused of sex crimes or sued by alleged molestation victims.  
http://www.msnbc.com/news/732931.asp

Gays defending faith and selves - Akron Beacon Journal

A cloak of fear hangs over a part of the body of the Roman Catholic Church.
``They are on a witch hunt,'' said a gay priest who says Mass for a group of gay Catholics called Dignity meeting at a Congregational Church in downtown Columbus two Sunday evenings a month.
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/local/3252903.htm

 
MAY 12
Chicago church jolted by allegation against priest - Chicago Tribune
Like other priests, Rev. Daniel McCarthy has grieved over the sex-abuse scandal gripping the Catholic church. But he never thought it could touch his own parish.
When he learned that one of his associate pastors at St. Tarcissus might have had "an inappropriate relationship" with a minor, it was "a bolt from the blue," he said.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/yahoo/chi-0205120048may12.story?coll=chi%2Dnewsaol%2Dheadlines

The abuse that knows no gender - Seattle Times Opinion
The woman called with a tale of abuse by a member of the church, and my mind raced through the reams of horror stories I have read in recent weeks: Priest befriends parish family, grooms the child, then abuses him or her. Silence is kept until years pass and memories surge up - and our collective faith is rattled like a loose door in a hurricane.
Almost, the woman told me. But her abuser was a nun.
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=brodeur12m&date=20020512&query=priest

A Collection Conundrum - Newsday Opinion
The Catholic lay teachers, in motionless contract negotiations, had threatened to throw up a picket line. The teachers are in the Laborers International Union. The only thing that union knows about doing business with a cardinal is to pay him like they're supposed to. But they stand by the lay teachers, who get a huge $12,000 pension after 25 years and salaries of about $29,000. Nobody would cross their line. The dinner was off.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/columnists/ny-bres0512.column?coll=ny%2Dhomepage%2Dmore%2Dbreaking%2Dnews

The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth - New York Times
The law is entitled to every man's evidence, the adage goes. It's a nobly democratic principle. In practice, though, as when Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, the senior figure in the American Roman Catholic Church, was required by a local judge to answer questions under oath last week about his actions in the case of a pedophile priest, John J. Geoghan, the results are usually less than inspiring,
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/12/weekinreview/12LIPT.html

Physician has hand in healing the church - The Indianapolis Star
Priest sex-abuse cases spurred native Hoosier to form advocacy group and lobby for reforms.
When Dr. Jim Muller was in medical school in 1967, he decided he was going to prevent a nuclear war. It was a big dream for a young Catholic from St. Joan of Arc parish in Indianapolis.
"I'm sure some people thought I was crazy," he said.
But in 1985, an organization of international physicians Muller helped found won the Nobel Peace Prize for diminishing the risk of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union
http://www.starnews.com/article.php?muller12.html

Arch McColl: Catholic Church needs 'open window' - Dallas Morning News Opinion
Parishioners must work for change from the inside
As the lawyer who recently represented the Rev. Stephen Bierschenk in his dispute with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, I have concluded that a big issue facing the church is the lack of accountability of bishops.
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/viewpoints/stories/051202dnedimccoll.32fa4.html

The Cardinal in Court - Washington Post Opinion
Massachusetts Judge Constance Sweeney appears to be the kind of woman who was brought up to genuflect to a cardinal and kiss his ring. Her Honor attended Catholic schools; in the good old days a call from a monsignor suavely explaining His Eminence's dismay and his hopes for consideration from an estimable daughter of the church would have done the trick. But Judge Sweeney ordered Cardinal Bernard Law into the dock -- where Boston thinks he should have been since the Boston Globe broke the sickening saga of Law's pampering of the pedophiles slithering through his diocese.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3793-2002May10.html

DEALING WITH THE PAIN - AP
Oakland diocese reaches out to victims of abuse by clergy
OAKLAND, Calif. - Roman Catholic clergy in the Oakland diocese and victims of sex abuse by priests are working together in a groundbreaking effort to help other victims.
The effort, which includes a Web site and plans for a victims retreat, is the latest result of regular discussions between victims and diocesan officials that began two years ago.

Youth Group Unaffected by Scandal, but Aware of It - New York Times
In this room on Monday night, the scandal that is wrenching the Boston Archdiocese, of which St. Mary's is a part, seemed distant. Adult Catholics have expressed anger and disappointment over the revelations that Cardinal Bernard F. Law had moved two priests from parish to parish who he knew had been accused of sexual abuse. But these young people, whose enthusiasm for church has brought a special vibrancy to St. Mary's, say the scandal has little to do with their faith, or with their lives.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/12/national/12TEEN.html

Am I My Brother's Keeper? - New York Times Magazine
One night in early April, as the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church swept more and more priests into an unforgiving spotlight, David Clohessy stared at the telephone in his St. Louis home, wondering whether to warn one of the next priests in line. His stomach roiled. It would be easier, he reasoned, not to do it, and it would probably be best. But then he envisioned the priest in question rounding a corner the following morning without any knowledge that his name had hit the newspaper and facing a television camera he never saw coming. He imagined the man's humiliation. And he was not sure he could bear the thought of it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/12/magazine/12PRIEST.html

MAY 11
Cardinal questioned for 2d day - Boston Globe
Judge orders delay in release of transcript

Cardinal Bernard F. Law resumed his sworn testimony yesterday about his supervision of a pedophile priest, but a transcript of his answers to questions under oath was ordered withheld by a judge who said Law must have a chance to review it first.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/131/metro/Cardinal_questioned_for_2d_day+.shtml

Lawyers seek to depose priests: Aim to back Shanley case - Boston Herald
Lawyers suing the archdiocese on behalf of an alleged victim of the Rev. Paul R. Shanley said yesterday they would try to depose a rogues' gallery of problem priests in coming weeks - some serving jail time - as they prep for their own deposition of Bernard Cardinal Law in the church scandal.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/prie05112002.htm

Three priests in clear on sex charges - Delaware News Journal
Three priests whose names were given to Catholic Church officials by prosecutors this week cannot be charged with a sex crime, Delaware's chief deputy attorney general said Friday.

Chief Deputy Attorney General Ferris W. Wharton said the abuse claims made against the three men were either too old to prosecute or were not actually
http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2002/05/11threepriestsinc.html

Priest guilty of abuse sues family - Toronto Star (Canada)
Countersuit claims victim's parents were negligent

An Ontario priest convicted of sexually assaulting a teenager is suing the victim's parents, claiming they had a duty to protect and provide counselling for their son and were negligent in allowing him to spend time
with the Roman Catholic priest.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1021068132196&call_page=TS_Municipal_Election&call_pageid=968867504910&call_pagepath=GTA/Municipal

What they knew in 1985 - National Catholic Reporter
17 years ago, a report on clergy sex abuse warned U.S. bishops of trouble ahead

As attorneys across the nation press countless clergy sex abuse cases against the church, two critical questions they most often ask are: "What did the bishop know?" and "When did he know it?" At stake is episcopal culpability. Also at stake in thousands of lawsuits, many filed and many others still being planned, is potentially billions of dollars in payments to victims.
http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/051702/051702a.htm

Excerpts from 1985 document - National Catholic Reporter
The following excerpts have been compiled by Gary MacEoin from the June 1985 report by Fr. Michael Peterson, Dominican Fr. Thomas Doyle, and F. Ray Mouton titled "The Problem of Sexual Molestation by Roman Catholic Clergy: Meeting the Problem in a Comprehensive and Responsible Manner." Block letters appear as they appeared in the report:

The ordinary [bishop of a diocese], if convinced initially by his "trusted" chancery interviewer of the parent(s) that the allegation has any possible merit or truth, should suspend immediately the cleric. This may be done without a trial and by means of an extra-judicial decree (Canon 1342). I would next suggest that the cleric be moved IMMEDIATELY from the parish rectory and into a retreat house, monastery, and bishop's residence.
http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/051702/051702d.htm

Kelley says he abused dozens - Worcester Telegram & Gazette
The Rev. Robert E. Kelley admitted in a sworn deposition that he sexually molested "50 to 100" young girls while he was an associate pastor to St. Cecilia's parish in Leominster from 1976 to 1983.
     
Rev. Kelley, who on Monday was charged with rape for the second time, also said under oath that he had molested several other girls during his tenure at parishes in Southbridge, Lunenburg and Gardner.
http://www.telegram.com/news/page_one/kelley2.html

6 ex-altar boys allege sex abuse by priest - St Petersburg Times
Now ages 28 to 32, the men say they were sexually abused by the Rev. Robert Schaeufele, who resigned in April.

PINELLAS PARK -- Six men are accusing the Rev. Robert Schaeufele, a priest who served in nine area parishes for 27 years, of sexually abusing them when they were altar boys nearly 20 years ago at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/05/11/TampaBay/6_ex_altar_boys_alleg.shtml

Trial for priest OKd in attack on journalist - San Francisco Chronicle
Felony assault, battery among Kimball's charges

The alleged assault occurred April 9, as Kimball's recent two-month trial on sexual misconduct charges neared its end. The priest stormed out of the courtroom after the morning session that day and lashed out at a Chronicle news photographer, Penni Gladstone, 49, as she took pictures in a public hallway, witnesses said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/05/11/BA112033.DTL

Court Halts Release Of Sex-Abuse Files - Hartford Courant
The state Appellate Court on Friday halted the anticipated release next week of thousands of sealed court documents from sexual abuse lawsuits against the Bridgeport Diocese.

The diocese had requested the stay.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/hc-unseal0511.artmay11.story?coll=hc%2Dheadlines%2Dlocal

Accused priest stayed active - Detroit Free Press
Catholic leaders in Detroit backpedaled Friday from their public assurances a day earlier that a newly accused priest has not been working at any churches in recent years.

In fact, the Rev. Walter Lezuchowski, 69, has been saying mass regularly at St. Ronald Church in Clinton Township for the last five years, Detroit archdiocese officials said late Friday.
http://www.freep.com/news/metro/priest11_20020511.htm

Priests' records available -Allentown Daily Call
The Allentown Catholic Diocese has opened its files on six dismissed priests for review by the district attorneys in the five counties it covers, a diocesan spokesman said Friday.
http://www.mcall.com/news/yahoo/all-b1_1priests.1913803may11.story

Priest flees country before church acts - Chicago Tribune
The associate pastor of a Northwest Side Catholic church fled the country earlier this week before he could be questioned about alleged contact with a minor, according to Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago officials.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/yahoo/chi-0205110124may11.story?coll=chi%2Dnewsaol%2Dheadlines

Bail Is Reduced for Boston Priest - New York Times
BOSTON, A Massachusetts judge reduced bail today for the Rev. Paul Shanley, the Roman Catholic priest accused of child rape, to $300,000 from $750,000. But a person close to the case said Father Shanley did not have the resources to make even the reduced bail and would most likely remain in jail.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/11/national/11SHAN.html

Cardinal Law Wins a Delay in Release of New Transcripts - New York Times
A judge ruled that transcripts of the deposition of Cardinal Bernard F. Law could not be released until the cardinal had a chance to review and amend the transcripts.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/11/national/11BOST.html

Gay Priests and Sex Abuses: How the Past Shaped the Present - New York Times
Laurie Goodstein interviews Mark D. Jordan, a professor of religion at Emory University and the author of "The Silence of Sodom: Homosexuality in Modern Catholicism."
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/11/arts/11QNA.html

Treating the Priest, Under Church's Wing - Washington Post
Effectiveness of Diocese-Paid Programs Challenged

The red brick building in Silver Spring is set amid acres of wooded land. A sign near the front door with its name -- St. Luke Institute -- is inconspicuous to passersby on the street. Keeping a low profile is important, because most of the 70 residents are troubled Roman Catholic priests, a quarter of them accused of molesting children.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3465-2002May10.html

Egan Supported Priest Accused Of Sexual Abuse - Washington Post
NEW YORK, May 10 -- Cardinal Edward Egan of New York testified five years ago that he encouraged a priest to continue working and offered to write him a letter of recommendation even though he knew the priest was an admitted sexual abuser.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3541-2002May10.html

Student accused priest in '80s - Dallas Morning News
Jesuit order officials now acknowledge getting previous complaints of sexual abuse against a former Dallas priest who was recently suspended from ministry in Florida.

That contradicts a written statement made last month by the Catholic official who is investigating the allegation that led to the Rev. Vincent Orlando's suspension. The official is also investigating similar accusations against at least two other former employees of Dallas' Jesuit College Preparatory School.
http://www.dallasnews.com/religion/stories/051102dnmetjesuit.9d320.html

Catholics sound off about abuse crisis in church - Dallas Morning News Letters
For several weeks, The News has asked Catholics what they'd like to say to the bishops, or to share their thoughts about what's happening in the church.
http://www.dallasnews.com/religion/stories/catholics_11rel.ART0.b6b56.html

MAY 10
Lid Clamped on Law Deposition - Washington Post
Judge Reverses Course on Cardinal's Testimony in Suits Against Priest
In a surprising about-face, a Massachusetts judge today barred attorneys questioning Cardinal Bernard F. Law from releasing transcripts of the remainder of his deposition, including today's closed session at Boston archdiocese headquarters
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3871-2002May10.html

Egan Supported Priest Accused Of Sexual Abuse - Washington Post
Cardinal Edward Egan of New York testified five years ago that he encouraged a priest to continue working and offered to write him a letter of recommendation even though he knew the priest was an admitted sexual abuser.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3541-2002May10.html

Church's response criticized - Beacon Journal
Two who allege abuse by priests complain that area dioceses show little concern for them

Helen Zelsky-Gahera of Doylestown tells of being abused by a priest in her Barberton parish school 47 years ago, and diocese officials' response to her recent claim.

Helen Zelsky-Gahera was hoping for healing when she wrote to Bishop Anthony M. Pilla detailing her account of sex abuse by a priest 47 years ago.
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/3235701.htm

Sex abuse, power abuse - The Tablet (UK)
Homosexual priests could emerge as the scapegoat for the sex abuse crisis in the United States, a professor of Christian ethics fears. But, he argues, the scandal was brought on not by sex, but by a misuse of power by priests and church authorities.
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/archive_db.cgi?tablet-00629

Christian Brother arrested - The Tablet (UK)
A 70-year-old Christian Brother has appeared in court in Co. Galway accused of 137 sex abuse charges against 25 boys dating back 43 years

Cannon law said to be of little legal weight - Boston Globe
In his depostion on Wednesday, Cardinal Bernard F. Law explained that he abandoned his agreement to pay 86 victims of pedophile priest John J. Geoghan after the archdiocese's finance council told him they wouldn't approve it and he learned that canon law required the council's approval for such a large expenditure.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/130/metro/Cannon_law_said_to_be_of_little_legal_weight+.shtml

Lawyers expect to press Law on Geoghan - Boston Globe
Reassignment role is seen as critical

Lawyers for alleged victims of pedophile John Geoghan are expected to continue their two-track deposition of Cardinal Bernard F. Law today, focusing on Law's role in reassigning the former priest despite reports he was a sexual predator, and probing the decision by Law's Finance Council to reject an agreement to settle 84 molestation lawsuits
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/130/metro/Lawyers_expect_to_press_Law_on_Geoghan+.shtml

Delegation of duty is called faulty - Boston Globe
Law should have tracked Geoghan case, some say

But business leaders and those who teach future CEOs said yesterday that they are surprised that Law so loosely delegated to subordinates explosive charges that one of his priests had been sexually abusing children.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/130/metro/Delegation_of_duty_is_called_faulty+.shtml

Shanley lawyer challenges case and bail - Boston Globe
CAMBRIDGE - A composed Rev. Paul R. Shanley was back in court yesterday, where his defense attorney argued it would have been impossible for Shanley to rape and molest a young boy each week for seven years while the alleged victim attended Catholic education classes at a Newton church.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/130/metro/Shanley_lawyer_challenges_case_and_bail+.shtml

Boston Catholic TV holds $31M in coffers - Boston Herald
Archdiocese of Boston officials are sitting on $31 million in unfettered assets at their television station, a pot of gold they have their eye on as they scramble for funds to pay sexual abuse victims' claims, officials confirmed.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/sett05102002.htm

Court: Separation of church, state won't protect Law - Boston Herald
Even as Bernard Cardinal Law crammed for Round 2 of his sworn deposition in the John J. Geoghan molestation case, Law's lawyers were before a judge again yesterday arguing state courts have no jurisdiction over his or his church's role in the clerical abuse scandal.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/shan05102002.htm

No more settlement silence: Worcester diocese lifts gag orders - Boston Herald
WORCESTER - The Diocese of Worcester will not challenge child sex abuse plaintiffs who decide to break gag orders barring them from talking about settlements with the church, a diocese official said following a victims' group rally here yesterday.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/snap05102002.htm

Chaotic Vatican summit produces flawed document - National Catholic Reporter
Pressures of time and conflicting views left the final communiqué from last week's Vatican summit with the American cardinals regarding clergy sex abuse a flawed document, according to participants.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/051002/051002a.htm

Fueling Boston's fires of outrage - National Catholic Reporter
The quiet but determined revolution underway here among the Catholic laity is gaining momentum, if numbers are any measure, even as the beleaguered leader of the archdiocese tries to clamp down on lay organizing.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/051002/051002d.htm

Ratzinger endorses day of penance for abuse - National Catholic Reporter
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the pope's top doctrinal official, has endorsed the idea of the American bishops performing a public day of penance connected to the spiraling sexual abuse scandal in the United States.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/051002/051002e.htm

Clerical sexual abuse: exploring deeper issues - National Catholic Reporter
Dealing with clergy sexual abuse was not exactly how either of us planned to spend Holy Week. But here it was in front us -- nightly news broadcasts, feature articles in newspapers across the country, and calls from reporters looking for one more lead on how to understand how this could have happened. "Does celibacy cause pedophilia?" No. But mandatory celibacy is undeniably linked to the crisis. "Are Catholic priests more likely than men in general to molest children?" Good question. As anxious as some people are to defend the church, this issue has not been seriously examined using available statistical data. "If homosexuality does not cause child molesting and pedophilia," asked one reporter, "how does the Catholic church explain the fact that most victims of priests are boys?" Another good question. Complex. But, nonetheless, one that has not been studied.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/051002/051002f.htm

Solutions that make matters worse - National Catholic Reporter
Facing a widespread uprising of Catholic laity and a relentless media, the U.S. bishops seem to be edging toward the adoption of a "zero-tolerance policy" for clergy sex abuse at their June meeting. As Pope John Paul II said last month to the American cardinals in Rome, there is no place in the priesthood for those who would harm the young. Looking ahead, it makes sense for the bishops not to equivocate on clergy abuse. Catholic parents need assurances their children will be safe.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/051002/051002o.htm

Duggan targets 16 priests in abuse inquiry - Detroit News
5 still active in parishes; one forced out of ministry

 DETROIT -- Sixteen current and former Metro Detroit priests are now under investigation for sexual misconduct in Wayne County, including an undisclosed priest who is stepping down from active ministry under pressure of what prosecutors called a "very credible" allegation.
 http://www.detroitnews.com/2002/religion/0205/10/a01-486321.htm 

Boston's Law Testifies for 2nd Day in Sex Case -Reuters
BOSTON (Reuters) - Boston Cardinal Bernard Law testified on Friday he relied on assistants to ensure a Roman Catholic priest accused of serial child sex abuse did not commit the same acts after being transferred to a new parish, lawyers said.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020510/ts_nm/crime_church_law_dc_2

Bishop, diocese priests gather - Akron Beacon Journal
About 150 Catholic priests in the Diocese of Cleveland gathered this week at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe to lend their support to three men scheduled to be ordained, and for an open discussion with Bishop Anthony M. Pilla.

Robert Tayek, spokesman for the diocese, said the discussion allowed Pilla to listen to the concerns of the priests and answer any questions they might have.
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/local/3235652.htm

Boston's Law Issues Prayer for Sex Abuse Victims - Reuters
BOSTON (Reuters) - Cardinal Bernard Law, under fire for his handling of a scandal over pedophile priests in the Catholic Church, issued a prayer on Thursday to "bring healing to the victims of clergy sexual abuse and their families" and asked his parishioners to use it daily.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020509/ts_nm/crime_church_prayer_dc_1

Church crisis calls for soul-searching - Seattle Post-Intelligencer Opinion
It was inevitable, I suppose, that conversation in our Bible study group would turn to the crisis in the Catholic Church.

I proffered a professional perspective. I noted the historical differences in the meaning of ordination among Catholics and Protestants. For Protestants, ordination has tended to mean being "set apart" (the meaning of the word "ordain") for the function of giving pastoral leadership to a congregation. For Catholics, ordination has tended to mean being "set apart" as different in status, different in kind, not just in function. So from the get-go priests experience in a more aggravated form what most clergy struggle to live with, being put on a pedestal, honored but isolated.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/69837_tonycol.shtml

Haitian bishop supports suspension of priest over abuse allegation - Catholic News Service
JEREMIE, Haiti (CNS) -- The head of the Haitian bishops' conference has supported the Jeremie bishop's decision to suspend a priest who made unsubstantiated allegations of sexual abuse.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20020509.htm#head10

The clergy sex abuse crisis - U.S. Catholic
Broken trust, broken lives: Survivors of priest sexual abuse speak out
Their stories are hard to hear, but unfortunately true. Kevin Clarke reports on the physical and spiritual rape suffered by victims of pedophilia-and how they have been trying to put their lives back together.

How to build a healthier church
Father Donald B. Cozzens is not one to mince words when it comes to talking about the crisis of the priesthood. In an interview with Meinrad Scherer-Emunds, he explains how some good might come out of the current clerical crisis.

Let's talk-but all of us!
Desperate times call for dramatic measures. Meinrad Scherer-Emunds calls for a national synod of clergy and laity to renew the church.
http://www.uscatholic.org/

Diocese to meet with abuse victims - Portland Press Herald
Catholic Church leaders plan to meet with Maine victims of clergy sexual abuse who demanded Thursday that the church stop protecting abusers and show more compassion toward their victims.
http://www.portland.com/news/state/020510victims.shtml

Accused priest's career file is slim - Evansville Courier & Press
Little is known of the former Owensboro, Ky., priest now accused of sexual molestation, other than he was reportedly dismissed from his religious order for disobedience and died in 1985.

The trail of the Rev. Raymond Waldruff, a pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Owensboro in 1968, is slim, with only a few documents available to track his career.
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/local_news/article/0,1626,ECP_745_1138466,00.html

Bishop in New Hampshire refuses to step down amid concerns about sex abuse scandal role - AP
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Bishop John B. McCormack said Thursday he will not step
down, despite mounting questions about his role in the sex abuse scandal that has rocked the Roman Catholic Church.

''Even though some think I should step aside, Pope John Paul II appointed me to be your shepherd,'' McCormack said in a written statement. ''I will remain your servant and toil ceaselessly on your behalf as bishop of Manchester.''
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020510/ap_wo_en_ge/us_church_abuse_1

A chance to be heard - San Francisco Chronicle
Victims of clergy abuse granted meeting with S.F. auxiliary bishop - San Francisco Chronicle
In an impromptu catharsis, victims of clergy sexual abuse crossed a momentous threshold Thursday, sharing their stories and their tears with officials of the San Francisco Archdiocese.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/05/10/BA126000.DTL

Bridgeport Diocese Moves To Keep Records Sealed - Hartford Courant
Ruling Opening Child-Molestation Case Files Challenged

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport moved swiftly Thursday to block a legal ruling that would unseal confidential court records amassed during nearly a decade of litigation involving priests accused of child molestation.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/hc-priests0510.artmay10.story?coll=hc%2Dheadlines%2Dhome

Reilly asked to drop confidentiality - Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Victims of sexual abuse by priests are asking the Catholic Church to free them from out-of-court confidentiality agreements that bar them from speaking about their cases.
http://www.telegram.com/news/page_one/gag.html

Abuse victims take their case to public
WORCESTER-- Men and women who say they were abused by priests asked Bishop Daniel P. Reilly to join them in supporting measures they believe will hold abusive priests and those who cover for them accountable under the law.
    
 Members of the New England Chapter of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests -- SNAP -- met yesterday in front of the chancery of the Catholic Diocese of Worcester.
http://www.telegram.com/news/page_one/chancery.html

Lawyer claims McCormack handled Paquin for church - The Union Leader
Church files on the Rev. Ronald Paquin, a retired Massachusetts priest charged this week with child rape, show Manchester Bishop John B. McCormack played a key role in handling his case, the attorney representing the alleged victim said yesterday.
http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_show.html?article=11017

Archdiocese's Crucial Fund Drive Turns to the Parishioners - New York Times
He came to town with a reputation for a golden touch at raising money and for being a tough, cost-cutting administrator.

Cardinal Edward M. Egan has done his part for this year's Cardinal's Appeal, bringing in a professional fund-raiser to run the campaign, imposing a tougher burden on his pastors to bring in donations and personally tapping wealthy Roman Catholics for more than $2 million.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/10/nyregion/10CHUR.html

Victims' Group Uses Spotlight to Seek Changes in Law - New York Times
For more than 10 years, the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests was little more than a loose support group of men and women who gathered in one another's homes to share tears, traumatic memories and legal advice.

All that changed when the sexual abuse scandal engulfed the church, giving the organization, known as SNAP, a news media platform it had never known. Now SNAP is trying to channel the attention and outrage into a lobbying effort to change the nation's laws on child sexual abuse.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/10/national/10VICT.html

Gay Pastor's History of Abuse Shocks a South Dakota City - New York Times
APID CITY, S.D., May 8 - Though it was never meant to be a secret, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Black Hills, which serves a gay and lesbian congregation, existed in relative obscurity in this community of 60,000.

That is, until last week, when news broke that the church's pastor, the Rev. James A. Forsythe, was a former Roman Catholic priest who 13 years ago pleaded guilty to molesting a 15-year-old boy while an associate pastor of a parish in Kansas.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/10/national/10DAKO.html

89 Rape By Priest, Coverup Are Alleged - Washington Post
A 53-year-old woman came forward yesterday and said that she was sexually assaulted by a Baltimore priest 13 years ago and that Cardinal William H. Keeler tried to cover it up.

Church officials immediately disputed the allegations.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63165-2002May9.html

Priest, 80, Accused of Sex Abuse - Los Angeles Times
Jesuit is charged in a case involving a mentally retarded kitchen worker.
 
Prosecutors in Santa Clara County on Thursday charged an 80-year-old Jesuit priest with sexually abusing a mentally retarded man.

Father Edward Thomas Burke was arrested and booked on $50,000 bail. He had been under investigation by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department for allegedly abusing the 51-year-old kitchen worker during the 1990s while both lived at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, Calif.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000033064may10.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2Dcalifornia

Sullivan acted quickly to investigate priest - The Virginian-Pilot Opinion
It must have been a painful spectacle for the Rev. John E. Leonard.

There he was, standing in church before his Richmond-area parishioners. The Roman Catholic priest, a former principal at Norfolk Catholic High School, informed his flock that diocesan officials were placing him on leave this week. The allegation: that Leonard had engaged in ``sexual misbehavior'' involving a minor more than 24 years ago at a now-closed high school seminary.
http://www.pilotonline.com/opinion/op0510eda.html

Catholic Order Pays Ex-Student in Sex Case - Los Angeles Times
 The order of Catholic nuns that runs Providence High School has paid an undisclosed amount of money to a former student who sued after she and a teacher allegedly had a sexual relationship.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000033062may10.story

Orillia priest faces sex charge investigation - Toronto Star
An Orillia Catholic priest has been temporarily removed from his duties after the RCMP launched an investigation into his alleged sexual abuse of children in the 1970s.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1020981682654&call_page=TS_Ontario&call_pageid=968256289824&call_pagepath=News/Ontario

City police investigating rape allegation by ex-nun - Baltimore Sun
She accuses former priest of attacking her in 1989

Baltimore police have opened an investigation into a 13-year-old allegation by a former nun who says she was raped by a priest in the rectory of a Park Heights parish.

Sister Rita D. Monahan, who made her complaints public in a news conference yesterday, said she went to church officials, including Cardinal William H. Keeler, in early 1990 seeking assurances that the priest, the Rev. Thomas R. Schwind, would be sent to a psychiatric center that treats sexual disorders.
http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-te.md.priest10may10.story?coll=bal%2Dlocal%2Dheadlines

MAY 9
Church inquiry widens
New subpoena demands more archdiocese records

A new and expanded grand jury subpoena demands that the Archdiocese of Cincinnati turn over virtually every scrap of paper in its archives related to child abuse in Hamilton County.
http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/05/09/loc_church_inquiry.html

Abuse Victims Ask Bishops for Help
NEW YORK (AP) -- Advocates for victims of clergy sexual abuse urged U.S.bishops Thursday to help them convince state lawmakers nationwide to make it easier to prosecute Roman Catholic priests who molest children.

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests wants legislatures to expand or
eliminate criminal statutes of limitations and to require that clergy in every state report suspected abuse.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020509/ap_on_re_us/church_abuse_victims_1

Allentown Diocese cases to be scrutinized - Allentown Morning Call
District attorneys will scrutinize the Allentown Catholic Diocese's handling of 20-year-old abuse allegations when they review the files of six priests who were dismissed for allegedly sexually abusing minors.

The diocese is expected to make the files available as early as Friday to district attorneys in Lehigh, Northampton, Berks,
http://www.mcall.com/news/yahoo/all-a1_5priestsmay09.story

Report: Hong Kong Catholics won't hand pedophile priest confessions to police - AP
HONG KONG - Although Hong Kong's Roman Catholic Church has said it will cooperate with police investigating allegations of sexual abuse of children, church officials will not hand over any written confessions by priests, a newspaper reported Thursday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020509/ap_wo_en_ge/hong_kong_church_abuse_1

Priest Pleads Guilty in Porn Case - AP
ST. LOUIS (AP) - A Roman Catholic priest pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal child pornography possession charges after he was caught in an FBI sting.

The Rev. John P. Hess faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced July 26.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020509/ap_on_re_us/church_abuse_missouri_1

A priest's belated penance - Toledo Blade Editorial
Something is not quite right about the Diocese of Toledo's suspension of a priest involved in sexual "improprieties" with a 14-year-old in 1988. The diocese admitted a few weeks before the suspension that it had, apparently years ago, reassigned three priests, presumably including the Rev. Robert J. Fisher, following bad behaviors with older teens or adults.

One might ask "where are the rest of them?" Or was it only Father Fisher whose behavior involved someone under 18?
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20020509&Category=OPINION02&ArtNo=105090104&Ref=AR

Fairness, faith and freedom to dissent - Indianapolis Star Opinion
The pain in her voice was evident long before the tears began. Her church, the Catholic Church, is in turmoil, and so is she.
A sexual abuse scandal is tearing at the fabric of trust within the church, and millions of people around the world are grieving. Yet, their pain has been made worse by opportunistic attacks on the church, often launched by outsiders peddling their own agendas.
http://www.indystar.com/article.php?ecolswarens09.html

Judge Orders Abuse-Suit Documents Unsealed - New York Times
A judge in Connecticut ordered yesterday that confidential court records be unsealed in 23 lawsuits involving priests who were accused of sexually abusing children.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/09/nyregion/09PRIE.html?tntemail0

Law Gives Deposition in Abuse Case New York Times - AP
BOSTON (AP) -- Alleged victims of now-defrocked priest John Geoghan reacted with disbelief after Cardinal Bernard Law said he didn't remember letters accusing Geoghan of sex abuse and complaining about his transfer from parish to parish.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Church-Abuse-Law.html

Law recalls little on abuse case - Boston Globe
Cardinal Bernard F. Law testified under oath yesterday that he cannot recall any of the critical events surrounding his 1984 decision to send pedophile priest John J. Geoghan to a Weston parish after abruptly removing him from a Dorchester parish where he had molested children.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/metro/Law_recalls_little_on_abuse_case+.shtml

Common-man treatment for a cardinal - Boston Globe
And now, it has come to this: Cardinal Bernard F. Law, the most prominent prelate of the nation's largest religious denomination, appearing under a judge's order at a towering county courthouse, protected by police, hounded by reporters, and questioned about sex.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/metro/Common_man_treatment_for_a_cardinal+.shtml

At court, cardinal avoids the crowd - Boston Globe
At the tender hour of 7 a.m., a few reporters had already clustered on the quiet sidewalk in Post Office Square. Then three protesters showed up, one clutching a paper bag of signs. By the time television cameras outnumbered the pigeons, even passersby were lingering, drawn by their own curiosity.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/metro/At_court_cardinal_avoids_the_crowd+.shtml

Paquin held on bail after denying he raped alter boy - Boston Globe
HAVERHILL - Ronald H. Paquin, a former priest who admitted in a Globe interview in January that he had molested boys for many years, was ordered held on $100,000 bail yesterday after pleading innocent to charges that he raped an altar boy he had befriended.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/metro/Paquin_held_on_bail_after_denying_he_raped_alter_boy+.shtml

Caught in the crossfire - Boston Globe
Boston Archdiocese spokeswoman Donna Morrisey has a job no one would envy
After a grueling decade of working nights and weekends with the media, Morrissey had been offered a plum new job as spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Boston. For Morrissey it was going to be the start of a new and blessedly more predictable life. No more toe-blistering nights at PR events. No more Diet Coke dinners. And who knows, she might even find a boyfriend.

It is a job that no one would want. But Morrissey, who assumed her post in the far more tranquil days of early 2001, has it, and how well she has performed is a subject widely debated in a town where the scandal in the church has become something of an obsession.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/living/Caught_in_the_crossfire+.shtml

Instant access to Law's testimony - Boston Globe
Only a select few people, including lawyers, church officials, and court employees, witnessed yesterday's historic deposition of Cardinal Bernard F. Law, which took place in a Suffolk Superior courtroom that was closed to the press and public.

But a partial transcript of Law's sworn testimony was available to the media a mere 3 1/2 hours after questioning began, and a full transcript was available within 90 minutes after the deposition ended for the day. Some media outlets, including the Globe, immediately posted those transcripts on their Web sites for public view.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/metro/Instant_access_to_Law_s_testimony+.shtml

Controversy has barely touched Law's titular parish in Rome - Boston Globe
ROME - Surrounded by Renaissance frescoes, the parishioners at Santa Susanna Church listened Sunday as an American priest talked about the troubles that have shaken the Catholic Church back home. This is also Cardinal Bernard F. Law's parish in Rome. Law is the 77th cardinal priest of Santa Susanna, a largely symbolic distinction for cardinals who for centuries have been assigned parishes near the Vatican in addition to their dioceses.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/nation/Controversy_has_barely_touched_Law_s_titular_parish_in_Rome+.shtml

Stepping up to the plate for Catholic Charities - Boston Globe
Roderick ''Eric'' MacLeish Jr., a lawyer representing dozens of alleged victims of sexual abuse by priests in the Archdiocese of Boston, wrote a check last week for $1,000 to Catholic Charities. He pointedly noted that the social services organization receives less than 2 percent of its operating budget from the archdiocese, which he is suing on behalf of his clients. The charity has said its donations have tanked since parishioners angry at the archdiocese stopped giving. http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/living/Stepping_up_to_the_plate_for_Catholic_Charities_Babbo_goes_to_Radius+.shtml

Todd seen as deft advocate for many high-profile clients - Boston Globe
Cardinal Bernard F. Law, confronting testimony under oath for the first time, has beefed up his legal team, recruiting as his personal attorney a former judge known as a deft, blunt advocate for high-profile clients facing treacherous legal terrain.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/129/metro/Todd_seen_as_deft_advocate_for_many_high_profile_clients+.shtml

Lawyers quiz Law on abuse deal's demise - Boston Herald
Bernard Cardinal Law conceded under oath yesterday he believed the scuttled $20 million to $30 million settlement in the John J. Geoghan abuse case was unconditional when he made it public March 12.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/law05092002.htm

Cross exam: Catholic Charities targeted by state auditors - Boston Herald
Catholic Charities officials, already reeling from dwindling donations due to the ongoing sex abuse scandal, have been ordered by the state to account for millions in missing revenue and make a full disclosure of their exorbitant administration and management expenses, according to records obtained by the Herald.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/mone05092002.htm

Sad church saga just gets worse - Boston Herald Editorial
In Middlesex County the Rev. Paul Shanley sits in jail facing a rape charge.... In Essex County, another priest, the Rev. Ronald Paquin, is being held on $100,000 cash bail, on charges he raped a 12-year-old boy over a period of two years....
In a Suffolk County courtroom Bernard Cardinal Law was being asked questions under oath about what he knew about the transfer from parish to parish of pedophile priest John Geoghan....
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/edt05092002.htm

Abuse-reporting bill advances - Chicago Tribune
Senate panel OKs clergy plan, but foes see loophole

SPRINGFIELD -- A Senate committee on Wednesday enthusiastically endorsed a bill requiring clergy members to report suspicions of child abuse, but critics of the measure say it contains a gaping loophole that renders the measure meaningless.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0205090264may09.story

3 women sue Leominster priests, diocese - Worcester Telegram & Gazette
WORCESTER-- Three women have filed a civil suit against the Catholic Diocese of Worcester and two priests who served at St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster in connection with alleged sexual abuse by Rev. Robert E. Kelley.

The suit identifies the priests as the Rev. George E. Denomme, who was pastor at St. Cecilia at the time of the alleged sexual abuse and now is the church's senior priest. Also named is Rev. Francis T. Goguen, who was associate pastor then and now is the parish's pastor.

Church assists in abuse inquiry - Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
After years of working to keep allegations of sexual abuse by priests from public view through quiet settlements and legal maneuvering, the Archdiocese of Miami is reaching out to Miami-Dade County prosecutors intent on uncovering such abuse.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/miami/search/sfl-dabuse09may09.story

Diocese clears priest of sexual improprieties - St Petersburg Times
The reinstatement of a Lutz priest - after interviews and a polygraph - shocks his main accuser and thrills his parishioners.

LUTZ -- A popular Catholic priest returned to work Wednesday, cleared by the Diocese of St. Petersburg after a 10-day suspension over allegations of sexual improprieties in the late 1980s.
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/05/09/TampaBay/Diocese_clears_priest.shtml

Two S. Fla. priests put on leave - Miami Herald
The Archdiocese of Miami on Wednesday suspended two South Florida priests accused of molesting two former Miami-Dade County altar boys and launched an internal investigation into the allegations.

The archdiocese placed the Revs. Ricardo Castellanos and Alvaro Guichard on administrative leave until the claims, dating from the 1970s, are investigated by a ''response team'' chosen by Archbishop John C. Favalora. Both priests have denied the accusations.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miami/3225961.htm

State attorney's office retracts report of deal with archdiocese on sex records - Miami Herald
A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Miami denied Wednesday that Archbishop John Favalora had reached an agreement with Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernández Rundle to give prosecutors church records on priests accused over the years of sexual misconduct.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miami/3225932.htm

Women accuse St. John's Abbey priest of abuse - Minneapolis Star Tribune
They were supposed to be joyous getaways with a priest well known by their families, a man who loved the outdoors and enjoyed taking groups of six or seven children on weekend outings in the 1970s.

But two women say what they experienced at a northern Minnesota cabin were weekends of horror.

"I remember Father Richard got mad about something and we ran over to the neighbors," said Helen Olson, 42, of Woodbury. "The woman and her boys wanted us to stay the night there, but we didn't. I was 11. Father Richard raped me that night."
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/2823237.html

Details still eerie 28 years after St. Cloud girls were slain - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Mary Reker's last diary entry is just as chilling today as when it was discovered 28 years ago, shortly after the 15-year-old St. Cloud girl and her younger sister, Susanne, were stabbed to death.

"Should I die," she wrote just before Labor Day 1974, "I ask that my stuffed animals go to my sister. If I am murdered, find my killer and see that justice is done. I have a few reasons to fear for my life and what I ask is important."

With Mary's last wish for justice still unfulfilled, the sisters' unsolved murders returned to the headlines this week when Stearns County authorities said they are investigating a priest who is a suspect in several decades-old sex-abuse cases involving children.

The priest, the Rev. Richard Eckroth, 75, a monk at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, took the girls and other church youth to a lakeshore cabin in Beltrami County two years before the sisters died.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/2823149.html

5-step pattern in church scandal - Orlando Sentinel Opinion
I have been alternately repelled and fascinated by the moral morass into which the Catholic Church has fallen.

Repelled, not just by the tales of depravity followed by duplicity but by the litany of excuses offered by the church hierarchy.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpmyword09050902may09.story?coll=orl%2Dopinion%2Dheadlines

Diocese settles with man molested by priest - Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
The Rev. William Lum admitted in 1997 that he molested boy, 16, in Greece.

(May 9, 2002) - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester has offered to pay for five years of counseling costs under a tentative agreement reached Wednesday with a man who was molested by a priest.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/0509story8_news.shtml

Protesters want accused clergy publicly named - Portland Press Herald
Two dozen Mainers who say they were molested as children by priests will gather at the Roman Catholic Chancery in Portland today to demand that Bishop Joseph Gerry publicly name those clergy accused of sexually assaulting children.The protestors also will ask for legal changes nationwide to strengthen mandatory reporting laws and lengthen statutes of limitations. The news conference is one of more than 20 planned for cities in the United States and Canada organized by SNAP, the Survivors
http://www.portland.com/

Owensboro man files abuse suit - Evansville Courier & Press
OWENSBORO, Ky. - For 34 years, Gerald Payne says he has lived with a memory that is too vulgar to remember yet too painful to forget.

Raised in Catholic schools and taught to respect those who spoke the word of God, Payne had visions of becoming a priest. He was 11 years old when he was selected as an altar boy - unaware at the time how it would change his life forever.
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/local_news/article/0,1626,ECP_745_1136178,00.htm

Prosecutors and the bishops - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Opinion
Most people understand that every organization has a few bad actors. So they're not necessarily surprised when a Catholic priest is accused of sexually abusing a child. They are shocked and angry, of course, but most people realize that these are individual criminal acts by a handful of men.

What really angers people and even makes them doubt their faith is hearing that church officials for years may have protected and abetted pedophiles, allowing them to thrive in an atmosphere of secrecy, denial and quiet settlements. And what people come to doubt is not their belief in the tenets of Catholicism but their trust in the men who are ultimately responsible for protecting the church - the bishops.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/editorials/may02/42022.asp

Retired cleric denies molestation charges - San Diego Union-Tribune
Jeremy Norton wept in his San Carlos home yesterday as he recalled the sexual abuse he says a San Diego priest inflicted on him 17 years ago, when he was just a boy.

In a nearby Mission Valley retirement home, the accused priest also cried, denying the accusations and asking for mercy from God.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20020509-9999_1m9priest.html

Priest kissed me, witness tells court - Toronto Star
SUDBURY - Father Donald Holmes lured troubled young schoolgirls to his church with compliments and promises of a sympathetic ear only to betray their trust with sexual advances and abuse, a Sudbury court has heard.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1020895305200&call_page=TS_News&call_pageid=968332188492&call_pagepath=News/News

Man details his alleged abuse - Pioneer Press
When Michael Flaherty went out to pick up the paper Wednesday morning, a story he says he buried deep inside himself for 45 years was in the headlines - allegations that he was sexually abused by a priest in Minneapolis in the 1950s.

Flaherty walked back inside the townhome in Savage he shares with his girlfriend, set the paper, a soda and a pack of cigarettes on the dining room table, and matter-of-factly began recounting details of the alleged abuse and of a life of drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, suicide attempts and failed marriages.

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis confirmed Tuesday it is investigating the Rev. Paul Dudley, a retired Roman Catholic bishop now living in Northfield, based on Flaherty's allegations. Flaherty alleges he was abused by Dudley four times. Dudley flatly denies the charges.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/3225815.htm

MAY 8
Text of Cardinal Law's deposition
May 8, 2002, Suffolk County Superior Court

Following is the text of the morning session of Cardinal Bernard Law's deposition in Suffolk County Superior Court, Wednesday, May 8, 2002:
http://www.boston.com/news/daily/08/law_deposition.htm

Shanley visited child sex havens in Thailand - Boston Herald
The Rev. Paul Shanley traveled to Thailand in March and spent as much as a month in a vacation spot infamous for its child-sex trade, likely meeting up with fellow priest and longtime companion John J. White, according to Thai immigration documents obtained by the Herald.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/shan05072002.htm

Shanley bail: $750G: Source says priest expects to beat rap - Boston Herald
The Rev. Paul R. Shanley was held on $750,000 cash bail yesterday on multiple charges of rape of a boy at a Newton parish in the 1980s - allegations that his defense lawyer hinted may be challenged on the grounds that the priest had no history of sexual activity with pre-pubescent children.

Judge anticipates role in mediating objections - Boston Herald
While today's extraordinary interrogation of Bernard Cardinal Law will take place in a closed Suffolk County courtroom, the judge overseeing the case said yesterday she will rule in open court on any objections raised by Law's counsel to questions posed to the prelate.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/law05082002.htm

Archdiocese getting mixed fund-raising results - Boston Herald
Two days after the launch of the Boston Archdiocese's annual fund-raising drive, parishes yesterday were tallying up the results of their weekend collections, with mixed results.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/mone05082002.htm

Ex-priest nabbed for child rape: Cops: Paquin was planning to flee before an indictment - Boston Herald
Admitted child molester and former Catholic priest Ronald H. Paquin was arrested for child rape yesterday when investigators learned he was possibly planning to flee in advance of his expected indictment by an Essex County grand jury.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/prie05082002.htm

Verbal OK could bind church, professor says - Boston Globe
If attorney Mitchell Garabedian and Boston Archdiocese lawyer Wilson Rogers Jr. orally agreed to a settlement of 84 molestation lawsuits against former priest John J. Geoghan, the settlement could well be binding even though church officials didn't sign it.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/128/metro/Verbal_OK_could_bind_church_professor_says+.shtml

Strategy on liability lacking, members say - Boston Globe
The notice informing the 16 members of the Boston Archdiocese's Finance Council about last Friday's meeting was sufficiently brief and to the point, stating: ''We will discuss current concerns relating to the misconduct issue.''
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/128/metro/Strategy_on_liability_lacking_members_say+.shtml

Judge at center of Geoghan case considered 'a fresh-air person' - Boston Globe
The city had just lost a $100,000 court judgment to a local businessman and then-Springfield Mayor Theodore Dimauro was leaning toward paying. Writing the check, he decided, would keep the city from wasting money on a fruitless appeal and, he knew, the lawyer on the other side was a big deal in city politics.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/128/metro/Judge_at_center_of_Geoghan_case_considered_a_fresh_air_person_+.shtml

Broken faith, blind justice - Boston Globe Opinion
It is no small challenge that confronts the criminal justice system, persuading a community that has lost its faith in the role of Law to place its trust in the rule of law.

Those who have watched Boston Cardinal Bernard F. Law employ the tactics of the mob to shield himself and his miscreant priests from prosecution can be forgiven for the temptation to fashion themselves into a mob of their own.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/128/metro/Broken_faith_blind_justice+.shtml

Panel Backs Abuse Case Bill - Los Angeles Times
Senate committee OKs measure lengthening statute of limitations on suits against Catholic Church or other third parties.

SACRAMENTO -- A bill that would lengthen the statute of limitations so adult victims could sue the Roman Catholic Church or other organizations for damages in long-ago child-abuse cases sailed out of a Senate committee on a unanimous vote Tuesday.

When Trust Is Betrayed, Big Guys Should Answer Big Questions - Los Angeles Times Opinion
If anybody on God's green and just Earth deserves a great big "I told you so," it's a 40-year-old Los Angeles medical assistant named Rita Milla.

Eighteen years ago, she sued Los Angeles' Roman Catholic Archdiocese and seven of its priests. As a girl of 16, she said, she had been seduced by the seven, impregnated and sent off by the priests to their home country, the Philippines, to have the baby in secret.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000032621may08.story

For the good of the church, the bishop should step aside - Union-Leader Editorial (New Hampshire)
"We can do better," the Catholic Church now seems to be saying. We hope so. And while we believe that Bishop McCormack sincerely wants to help restore the trust that has been lost, that may be an impossible task for him. The Diocese of Manchester now needs leadership that has not been tarnished by this scandal. In the best interest of all, he should step aside as bishop.
http://www.theunionleader.com/Articles_show.html?article=10967&archive=1

Lay people want bigger role - Palm Beach Post
NORTH PALM BEACH -- Angry but hopeful Catholic believers in the Palm Beach Diocese brought their questions and their demands for answers directly to diocesan leader the Rev. James Murtagh on Tuesday night.
http://www.gopbi.com/partners/pbpost/epaper/editions/wednesday/local_news_c38d1a4c30d7d18c00f4.html

Philippine church apologises for sex deviants - Reuters
MANILA (Reuters) - Asia's largest Roman Catholic Church publicly apologised on Wednesday for the sins of paedophiles and other sexual deviants in its fold, and said transgressors would be punished.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020508/wl_asia_nm/asia_104028_1

Diocese to alert police to all abuse reports - Pittsburg Post-Gazette
In a major change of policy, Bishop Donald Wuerl said yesterday that the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh will now report all allegations of child molestation by priests to civil authorities, no matter how old the accuser is or how long ago the abuse is said to have taken place.

Up to now, the policy was to report only accusations made by minors, which is all that Pennsylvania law requires.
http://www.post-gazette.com/localnews/20020508bishop1.asp

Priest Exception Proposed For Bill - Hartford Courant
In an emotional debate that touched on the sanctity of Catholic confessionals and the separation of church and state, the state Senate early today was poised to strip a bill of a provision requiring priests to report child sexual abuse disclosures made during confessions.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/yahoo/hc-appriest0508.artmay08.story

Catholic Church critics demanding U.N. action on abuse crisis as summit begins - AP
NEW YORK - As the United Nations turns its attention to the plight of children, a maverick group of Roman Catholics is asking the international body to intervene in the priest sex abuse crisis.

Catholics for a Free Choice planned to hold a news conference to outline its demands on Wednesday, the first day of a U.N. special session on children.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020508/ap_wo_en_ge/us_church_abuse_un_2

Law unto himself - St Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial
PROBLEM PRIESTS

IF THE American Catholic church had sales instead of contributions, it would rank right in the middle of the Fortune 500, between Nextel Communications at No. 252 with sales last year of $7.57 billion and Kohl's Department Stores at No. 253, with 2001 sales of $7.48 million.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/Editorial/3AC44E7E2F44E0E286256BB3003F37D4?OpenDocument&Headline=Law%20unto%20himself

Priest sees the human failing behind lost dignity of his church - Pittsburg Post-Gazette Opinion
Rehabbing from a winter heart attack and retired from the priesthood now at 74, Frank Kelly looks at America's Roman Catholic Church convulsing in his rearview mirror and sees, as usual, more than is evident.

"If anything, the plus part of this will be a switch of power toward the laity, and the priests," he was saying yesterday. "The [church] hierarchy will come out the losers. They will have to listen to the people. The big question is, are the people going to go along?"
http://www.post-gazette.com/columnists/20020508gene4.asp

Clergy's day in court - USA Today
After years of denials, Boston Cardinal Bernard Law will give a court-ordered deposition today about his role in allowing a pedophile priest to prey on Boston's children for more than 30 years.

Since Law is the most senior U.S. cardinal, his deposition could be seen as a low point for the Catholic Church -- a rare intrusion of secular forces into its affairs. In the past decade, only one other cardinal has been hauled into court for questioning about sexual-abuse coverups.

But it is also an essential opportunity for cleansing. By protecting abusive priests, the church hierarchy and Law have destroyed their own credibility. Only a court can now provide convincing evidence that all information about priestly child abuse has been pried free.
http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20020508/4092859s.htm

Bishop Forwards Complaint - Hartford Courant
Bishop Daniel A. Hart has forwarded a sexual abuse complaint against two former priests of the Norwich diocese to state child welfare authorities, the diocese said Tuesday.

Hart acknowledged that he received a copy of the complaint in early April, but did not notify the state Department of Children and Families then because the letter was addressed not to him, but to one of the alleged abusers.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/hc-apology0508.artmay08.story?coll=hc%2Dheadlines%2Dlocal

Illinois Diocese confirms claims of priest abuse - AP
ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford Diocese said a priest who sexually abused three boys 25 years ago was removed from the ministry in 1997, shortly after the allegations were made.
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/home/article/0,1626,ECP_775_1134886,00.html

Suicide note accuses Roman Catholic priest of sexual abuse - CBC (Canada)
CAPE BRETON - Police in Cape Breton are investigating an allegation of sexual abuse against a Roman Catholic priest.
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2002/05/08/abuse_priest020508

Catholics seek UN action against Vatican - United Press Internatlonal
NEW YORK, May 8 (UPI) -- A coalition of Catholic abuse victims, legal experts and liberal Catholic groups accused the Vatican of violating the 1980 Convention on the Rights of the Child and called Wednesday for the U.N. committee monitoring the treaty to hold the Vatican accountable for the coverup of church sex abuse cases.
http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=08052002-070224-9297r

Scandal - The New York Review of Books
Gary Wills reviews Donald Cozzens' The Changing Face of the Priesthood: A Reflection on the Priest's Crisis of Soul
and Eugene Kennedy's The Unhealed Wound: The Church and Human Sexuality
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/15380

Accused priest subject of several new calls - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Cleric allegedly abused boys at weekend cottage retreats in '70s
(May 8, 2002) - A retired Rochester priest who took boys on weekend retreats to his cottage in Jefferson County in the 1970s is being accused of sexually abusing minors during that time.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester officials have received "several new calls" about the Rev. Robert O'Neill, stripped of his priestly faculties last week for sexual misconduct.

Ex-Catholic schoolgirl recalls the simple rules of Mrs. Law - Chicago Tribune Opinion
Cardinal Bernard Law's mother was my 1st grade teacher. I adored her. At St. Richard's School in Jackson, Miss., we were lucky because our teacher wasn't a nun and she didn't use dunce caps or rulers to punish. She called us children, not kids. We were not, she said, small goats.

I can't help but wonder what Mrs. Law would say about her son's role in the church, hiding and protecting sexually abusive priests. Surely, she would pray for him and for the victims.
But what would she say about the church and its role? What would she say about Pope John Paul II?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/women/chi-0205080030may08.story

Statutes of limitations hinder priest abuse cases, critics say - St Louis Post-Dispatch
A continuing frustration for prosecutors and people who say they have been sexually abused by a priest has been the inability to bring accused priests to trial, in most cases because victims and attorneys do not bring their cases to court within the legally allotted time.

The majority of cases against priests are thrown out or never come to court because the victims usually do not present their allegations of molestation until they reach adulthood, and by that time, the cases have exceeded the statute of limitations.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/83454348B401BF3086256BB400162280?OpenDocument&Headline=Statutes%20of%20limitations%20hinder%20priest%20abuse%20cases%2C%20critics%20say

Suspended priest in Illinois denies sex-abuse allegations, demands quick reinstatement - AP
OAK BROOK, Ill. - A Roman Catholic priest who was removed from his church because of a decades-old sex abuse allegation proclaimed his innocence and threatened legal action if he is not reinstated quickly.

The Joliet diocese said Wednesday that it could not substantiate the allegations against the Rev. John F. Barrett when they were originally brought up in 1991, but a committee was reviewing them along with all other allegations of sexual misconduct with minors involving the diocese.
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_1134873,00.html

MAY 7
Judge orders questioning of Law - Boston Globe
Testimony set for tomorrow in Geoghan case

Cardinal Bernard F. Law, the nation's senior Roman Catholic prelate and the man at the heart of the clergy sex abuse scandal, will be questioned under oath tomorrow on orders from a Suffolk Superior Court judge concerned Law might leave for Rome if the proceeding were further delayed.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/127/metro/Judge_orders_questioning_of_Law+.shtml

Heavily guarded Shanley flown to Boston - Boston Globe
A heavily guarded Rev. Paul R. Shanley returned to Boston last night from California to face three counts of child rape and is scheduled to be arraigned today in the clergy sexual abuse crisis that has rocked the Catholic Church.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/127/metro/Heavily_guarded_Shanley_flown_to_Boston+.shtml

Lessons in secrecy - Boston Globe Opinion
If there's any question about the devastating toll of institutional secrecy, consider the events unfolding this week within two vastly different but similarly troubled organizations, the Catholic Church and the FBI.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/127/metro/Lessons_in_secrecy+.shtml

Catholic teacher accused of abuse - AP
CONCORD, N.H. - A Hudson man says a teacher at a Roman Catholic high school in Nashua sexually molested him for two years starting in 1973, first at a summer camp and later at the school, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/127/metro/Catholic_teacher_accused_of_abuse+.shtml

Reversal of fortune - Boston Globe Editorial
CARDINAL Bernard Law has asked Catholic families anguished over the sex abuse scandal for patience and for bearance, for a chance to heal the church with the existing hierarchy and within the traditional archdiocese structure. At the same time, the archdiocese is reneging on its commitment to settle the child abuse cases brought by 86 alleged victims of former priest John J. Geoghan. It is a breathtaking rebuke.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/127/editorials/Reversal_of_fortune+.shtml

Law cancels speaking engagement - AP
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Cardinal Bernard F. Law of Boston has canceled his Saturday commencement speech at a seminary as a result of the growing clergy sex abuse scandal.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/127/metro/Law_cancels_speaking_engagement+.shtml

Priest who ran youth home in '70s accused - Boston Globe
A priest who ran the Alpha Omega home for troubled youths in Littleton during the 1970s was accused yesterday of molesting eight teenage boys, all but one of them at the home or at a vacation house in New Hampshire.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/127/metro/Priest_who_ran_youth_home_in_70s_accused+.shtml

DA quits diocesan panel on children - Boston Globe
With her office poised to prosecute a Boston priest who Cardinal Bernard F. Law knew had been accused of sexual abuse, Middlesex District Attorney Martha Coakley resigned yesterday from Law's Commission for the Protection of Children, saying that to remain on the panel would compromise her law enforcement duties.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/127/metro/DA_quits_diocesan_panel_on_children+.shtml

Under oath: Concerned judge orders Law deposed tomorrow
Saying she is not convinced that Bernard Cardinal Law is ``master of his own destiny,'' a Suffolk Superior Court judge yesterday ordered him to appear in her courtroom tomorrow at 9 a.m. for a sworn deposition in the Archdiocese of Boston sex-abuse scandal.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/card05072002.htm

Faithful' group gives Catholic donors an alternative - Boston Herald
Bernard Cardinal Law's annual $16 million fund-raising drive will soon have a rival from within the church.

Voice of the Faithful, a surging organization of Catholics who want to give lay people a stronger voice in church governance, plans to have its own charitable fund up and running by the end of the month. Money raised will be tax deductible and directed to charities similar to those supported by the Cardinal's Appeal.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/voic05072002.htm

Priest allowed to stay on after payout over abuse - The Age (Australia)
A Roman Catholic priest has been allowed to continue in the priesthood despite a Melbourne archdiocese investigation finding that he had sexually abused a teenager and awarding $15,000 compensation to the victim.

Focus on gay priests may be a powder keg - Chicago Tribune
For the last 20 of his 45-plus years, the dark-haired man at the altar has baptized babies, buried grandparents, married young men and women.

The fact that he is also gay had never been much of an issue, until now. "I've never felt personally discriminated against," he said. "But right now there's a lot of homophobia and hysteria going around."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-0205070244may07.story

Valley priest admits fathering child - Arizona Republic
Ex-parishioner says 1970s encounters not consensual

A Scottsdale priest who has been active in several Valley congregations since the 1970s admitted Monday that he fathered a child 24 years ago with a parishioner who came to him for counseling.

"I violated my vows. I violated her boundaries. That was terrible," Father Patrick Colleary said. "The words shame, guilt, I don't know what to use. It's almost like the line from the Old Testament: My guilt is before me always."

But the woman who bore his child was unswayed by biblical references.
http://www.arizonarepublic.com/news/articles/0507PRIEST07.html

Woman Seeks to Find Priest She Says Fathered Her Child - Los Angeles Times
Alleging she was impregnated by one of seven clerics, she asks for cardinal's help.
 
A woman who alleges that she was made pregnant at the age of 16 by one of seven Catholic priests who had sex with her 20 years ago said Monday that she wants Cardinal Roger M. Mahony to help her daughter identify which man is her father.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000032400may07.story

Priest, convicted 15 years ago, suspended - Beacon Journal
No new allegations surface. Toledo bishop says current climate influenced decision
Associated Press

TOLEDO - A Roman Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in 1988 has been suspended even though most parishioners at his church knew about his past.
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/local/3212607.htm

Bishops Must Not Stay Wedded To The Past - Star Ledger (NJ) Editorial
Several religious leaders believe that the crisis over abusive priests is the worst thing to happen to Roman Catholicism since the Reformation.

People of faith within the Catholic Church believe that since the church is guided by the Holy Spirit, it. will not only survive but will be
stronger than it was before this springtime crisis. The more realistic Catholic feels that as long as the American church is controlled by the Vatican, nothing really positive or dramatic will happen at the U.S. bishops' June 13-15 meeting in Dallas

MAY 6
Former altar boy files new sex abuse suit against 2 S. Fla. priests - Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
HOLLYWOOD ­ A 45-year-old former altar boy scheduled a Monday afternoon press conference to announce he was suing two Catholic priests on sex abuse charges.

The 45-year-old man is the second male to come forward claiming he was a victim of the two priests while they worked at the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables in the Archdiocese of Miami.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-56priestsued.story?coll=sfla%2Dhome%2Dheadlines

Pilla reaches out with apology, vows accountability, openness' - Cleveland Plain Dealer
Bishop Anthony Pilla said yesterday that there is no place in the priesthood for those who harm the young, and he promised to consult lay Catholics on policy decisions to win their confidence about the safety of their children.

In his most visible attempt to apologize for the sex-abuse scandal roiling the church, Pilla also told people attending a healing service last night at St. John Cathedral that future church policies will be designed to heal the wounds of victims and their families.
http://www.cleveland.com/abuse/index.ssf?/xml/story.ssf/html_standard.xsl?/base/cuyahoga/1020681001287201.xml

Cardinal Spellman's Dark Legacy - New York Press Opinion
Whatever Clark's rant was meant to convey, it represents a dangerous path for the Catholic Church to embark upon, one that will only embolden media-savvy gay activists­and a press corps much less loyal to the church than in years past­to begin exposing the many twisted, personal sexual hypocrisies that envelop the increasingly tainted, lying bishops and cardinals who are running the church.
http://www.nypress.com/15/18/news&columns/signorile.cfm

Ceremony inspires victims of abuse - San Jose Mercury News
On Sunday, Oakland Bishop John Cummins joined a gathering of nearly 100 people, including some who say they were sexually abused by clergy, in wearing yellow ribbons. The ribbons, they said, symbolized the victims' freedom from the captivity of shame and fear brought on by such abuse.

Nearly a hundred people gathered at the Roman Catholic Church's Oakland Diocesan Youth Retreat Center in the hills of Lafayette on Sunday to kick off the diocese's ``No More Secrets'' campaign, a public outreach effort designed to end decades of denial about sexual abuse involving clergy.
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/3206700.htm

Statute of limitations debate revived amid sex abuse claims - Daily Herald
The national crisis in the Catholic Church over allegations of sexual abuse by priests is reviving debate about whether Illinois should change its laws governing how long a victim has to press charges.

Illinois, like many other states, limits the time in which criminal charges can be filed in sex crimes, even those involving children. Many of the allegations being made against priests across the country date back a quarter-century, and deadlines to file charges expired long ago.
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/cdh/20020506/lo/statute_of_limitations_debate_revived_amid_sex_abuse_claims_1.html

Catholic cleric says Hong Kong church didn't handle abuses properly - AP
HONG KONG - A senior Roman Catholic cleric acknowledged Monday the church did an inadequate job handling past allegations of child sex abuse, but he pledged that officials will respond better to any future cases.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020506/ap_wo_en_ge/hong_kong_church_abuse_21

Loyal Catholics defend church - USA Today Opinion
As a layperson who works closely with the clergy and has seen firsthand how heroically selfless and self-sacrificing our Roman Catholic priests truly are, I have some advice for the beleaguered Catholic faithful of this country: Stop playing defense.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usatoday/20020506/cm_usatoday/4086037

Admitting problems may be difficult, but it's necessary - Los Angeles Times Opinion
 For those who do not understand why certain high-ranking officials in the Catholic Church were disposed to cover up the pedophilia scandals by sweeping them under the rug (paying large sums of money to the victims, transferring guilty priests to other parishes or simply failing to recognize and act on the problem) do not comprehend the fundamental nature of sin or institutions.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-iv0022413may06.story

Faith in God Is Stronger Than Man - Los Angeles Times Letters
Could Douglas Kmiec actually believe that homosexuality within the priesthood is a larger issue than child sexual abuse? If that's the prevailing view, then no wonder the church has been shaken to its core. It has been estimated that the priesthood may be up to 40% gay, but no one has suggested that 40% are child molesters. As for whether gays can be good priests, ask the firemen who carried Father Mychal Judge's body from the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-000032159may06.story

Catholics aksed not to lose faith, vow to support priests - UCA News
HONG KONG (UCAN) -- Parish priests in Hong Kong diocese have asked the lay faithful not to lose faith despite some local priests' involvement in child sex abuse scandals, saying that the Church is doing its utmost to restore the credibility of the clergy.

On May 5, parish priests explained to churchgoers during Sunday Masses how the diocese is dealing with the priests' sex abuse scandals. All parishes, religious congregations, Church schools and institutions have posted a copy of the "Declaration on Pedophile Priests" to explain the situation.

Priests and Abuse: The Celibacy Factor - New York Times Letters
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/06/opinion/L06CHUR.html?tntemail0

Some See Review of Seminaries as Reassuring; Others Call It Unnecessary - New York Times
The recent meeting of Vatican officials and Roman Catholic cardinals of the United States has led to at least one unequivocal order: a team of church officials is to visit every American seminary and theology school that trains priests "without delay" and report its findings back to Rome.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/06/national/06SEMI.html?tntemail0

Reform group calls for Vatican III - Independent Catholic News
We Are Church (UK), has written to Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O,Connor as President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales, and to Archbishop Keith O'Brien, President of the Scottish Catholic Bishops' Conference, calling for new international and national church councils.

In a statement, WAC: "urges the bishops to move away from panic reactions to what is portrayed as a sudden crisis, occasioned particularly by concerns over the ever expanding panorama of abuse in the Church."
http://www.indcatholicnews.com/reform.html

The Mary Louise Cervone Story - AP
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Mary Louise Cervone has been a practicing Roman Catholic all her life and, as a lesbian, has long hoped for acceptance from the church.

But finding a welcoming place has never been easy and now with the clergy sex abuse scandals raging in dioceses across the country, Cervone and other gay Catholics feel that homosexuals are being scapegoated by church leaders.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020506/ap_on_re_us/church_abuse_gays_1

Pope Law - Nando Times Opinion
What would Cardinal Bernard Law do with his life if he was forced to resign as archbishop of Boston?
Well, for one thing, he could become the next pope.

Unlikely? Yes - particularly since he has come under fire in the wave of sex scandals that currently bedevils the American Catholic Church. Impossible? Hardly. Stranger things have happened in papal elections.
http://www.nandotimes.com/opinions/story/382012p-3045672c.html

4 Joliet priests ousted - Chicago Tribune
Allegations of sexual abuse involve pastors in Elmhurst and Itasca

The Diocese of Joliet removed four priests from public ministry Sunday, including two suburban pastors, because of sexual misconduct allegations.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/showcase/chi-0205060229may06.story?coll=chi%2Dnews%2Dhed

Church Law Adequate for Sex-Abuse Cases, says Vatican Official - CWnews
VATICAN, May 6, 02 (CWNews.com) -- While American bishops will meet in June to determine national policies regarding priestly sexual misconduct, the Vatican's top canon-law official has pointed out that existing Church law already provides adequate means of addressing the problem.

Archbishop says church will work to prevent abuse - Evansville Courier and Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly spoke publicly for the first time Wednesday to dicusss sexual misconduct allegations that have been brought against priests in the Louisville diocese.

"We must do everything that prevents the occurrence of future sexual abuse cases," Kelly said.
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/home/article/0,1626,ECP_775_1134876,00.html

Attorney seeks church records, combines lawsuits - Evansville Courier and Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- An attorney for more than a dozen parishioners who allege sexual abuse by the same Roman Catholic priest asked a judge Monday for access to records under the care of Louisville Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly.
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/home/article/0,1626,ECP_775_1131303,00.html

Law says council 'refused' request - Boston Globe
Asserts his backing of Geoghan accord

As Cardinal Bernard F. Law kicked off his annual fund-raising appeal yesterday by asking for ''heroic generousness,'' he also tried to distance himself from the Archdiocese of Boston's recent rejection of a multimillion-dollar settlement with victims of clergy sexual abuse. Law told parishioners at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross that his handpicked Finance Council ''refused my request'' to authorize the settlement.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/126/metro/Law_says_council_refused_request+.shtml

With too much to lose, Congress holds its tongue - Boston Globe
WASHINGTON - In the halls of Congress, where lawmakers are eager to offer opinions and hold hearings on virtually any topic, the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church has generated a startlingly unusual reaction: dead silence.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/126/nation/With_too_much_to_lose_Congress_holds_its_tongue+.shtml

Still out of touch - Boston Globe
Inside the sanctuary, hierarchy commanded its traditional respect. Cardinal Bernard F. Law spoke softly, explained quietly, once again asked for the prayers of the faithful.
...
Obviously, there is nothing to laud about this. Whatever shred of credibility Law and his advisers had left evaporated Friday. They say they are looking at other options, but at this point that's like declaring that the check is in the mail.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/126/metro/Still_out_of_touch+.shtml

ANNUAL APPEAL - Boston Globe
Parishes seek to distance themselves from cardinal

Given the mood of his congregation, the Rev. Peter Casey knew that the best way to solicit contributions for Cardinal Bernard F. Law's annual fund-raising drive was to separate the drive from Cardinal Law.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/126/metro/Parishes_seek_to_distance_themselves_from_cardinal+.shtml

Church: Cap on payout is $40M - Boston Herald
The chief money man for the Archdiocese of Boston said yesterday the church would cap spending near $40 million to settle all abuse claims against the church, and would not cover jury awards against individual clerics or their supervisors beyond what is available in insurance.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/chur05062002.htm

Father Fixit - Newsweek
Since the scandal began, 177 priests have been removed from their posts. Who tends the flock?  
http://www.msnbc.com/news/747856.asp
   

2 priests step down amid sex file review - Detroit Free Press
Archdiocese to discuss allegations today

Two local priests stepped down from their parishes Sunday, two days after the Archdiocese of Detroit surrendered internal case files to prosecutors regarding priests accused of sexual misconduct.

The Rev. Tony (A.J.) Conti of All Saints Catholic Church in Memphis and the Rev. Dennis Laesch of St. Alfred Catholic Church in Taylor abruptly left their pastorships Sunday, according to archdiocese spokesman Ned McGrath.
http://www.freepress.com/news/religion/priest6_20020506.htm

MAY 5
Scandal opens door for causes of reformers - Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
"There's an outcry from Catholics," said Claire Noonan of Call to Action, at 25,000 members the largest American Catholic reformist group. "They're very angry. Their trust has been broken. They want a change.

"There should be ordained women and priests even if this had never happened," Noonan added. "But as it is, opening up the priesthood would break up the old-boy network that had a hand in covering up sex scandals for so long."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/religion/search/sfl-rcliberalsmay05.story

Accused Catholic pastor resigns - St Louis Post-Dispatch
An official with the Archdiocese of St. Louis informed parishioners at St. James Church in Catawissa over the weekend that their priest was the latest to resign amid allegations of sexually abusing minors.

Msgr. Richard Stika, vicar general with the archdiocese, appeared at Masses Saturday night and Sunday and read a letter that the Rev. Hubert E. Creason had mailed to the small parish in Franklin County last week.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/2F70AB7B27900A8986256BB1000DAB74?OpenDocument&Headline=Accused%20Catholic%20pastor%20resigns

A prelate's pretense - Boston Globe Opinion
Whither the Boston archbishop who brooks no dissent, who abides no challenge to his iron rule from pulpit or pew? What poseur pretends so preposterously to be our prince? Who has spirited away our authoritarian archbishop and installed in his place this compliant cardinal? What has the Finance Council done with Bernard F. Law?
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/125/metro/A_prelate_s_pretense+.shtml

Church weighs borrowing to settle claims - Boston Globe
Plaintiffs pressing to depose cardinal after deal rejected

The chief financial officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston said yesterday that the church is considering mortgaging some of its real estate to help raise the tens of millions of dollars it would need to fund a proposed global settlement with alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse, including those molested by pedophile John J. Geoghan.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/125/metro/Church_weighs_borrowing_to_settle_claims+.shtml

FUND-RAISER - Boston Globe
Some say 'no' as Law launches appeal

When the collection plates are passed at St. Mary's Parish in Charlestown today - the day Cardinal Bernard F. Law hopes to raise $16 million in his annual appeal to parishioners - Grazia Walker won't give any money.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/125/metro/Some_say_no_as_Law_launches_appeal+.shtml

A Catholic icon wrestles with scandal - Boston Globe

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - When the spirit moves them, Notre Dame students mobilize. Nearly 7,000 flocked to a memorial Mass on the grassy South Quad on the afternoon of Sept. 11
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/125/nation/A_Catholic_icon_wrestles_with_scandal+.shtml

Retired monsignor says he abused boy in 1970s - AP
UTICA, N.Y. - A retired monsignor who served as a clergyman for decades admitted Friday to sexual misconduct with a boy in the late 1970s.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/125/nation/Retired_monsignor_says_he_abused_boy_in_1970s+.shtml

Church turmoil: Angry victims vow action - Boston Herald
A day after the Boston Archdiocese backed out of a multi-million-dollar settlement with 86 people allegedly abused as children by defrocked priest John Geoghan, several said they are prepared to go to trial to expose the ``decay'' within the church.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/cath05052002.htm

Law may face money risk - Boston Herald
In protecting the Archdiocese of Boston's assets by reneging on a settlement deal with victims of former priest John J. Geoghan, Bernard Cardinal Law's finance council may have put him at extraordinary personal financial risk, legal experts said yesterday.

Lawyers indicated they will press forward with suits that name Law personally for moving priests he knew to be pedophiles among parishes
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/fina05052002.htm

Catholic Charities donors dwindle - Boston Herald
State budget cuts and the sexual-abuse scandal engulfing the Boston Archdiocese have forced Catholic Charities to bow out of another program that helps the poor.

On June 30, the state's largest private social-service provider will turn over Seton House, a Lynn transitional home for children in foster care, to another agency, said Patricia Devoe of Catholic Charities.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/char05052002.htm

Hundreds Hear Priest's Call To Action - Hartford Courant
FARMINGTON -- One of the first questions the Rev. Richard P. McBrien was asked Saturday after he spoke to a jam-packed room of lay people was how to make Catholic Church leaders understand their anger over the burgeoning sex scandal.

The answer from the noted theologian with Hartford and Notre Dame ties did not encourage optimism.
"The truth is it's not going to make much of a difference until there is a new pope and a change in the church hierarchy," McBrien said. "The reality is the hierarchy of the church has been more concerned with doctrinal purity than they have been with the safety of children. They've spent $1 billion of your money not to care for the victims of these awful crimes, but to keep them secret."
http://www.ctnow.com/news/yahoo/hc-mcbrien0505.artmay05.story

LI Bishop: Church Must Keep the Faith - Newsday
Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre said yesterday that Catholic-bashing has reached a level similar to Communist witch-hunts, making him yearn to "slip away and spend the rest of my life only in prayer."

But "despite what others say, despite what they claim we are doing, we continue to do what is right and good," Murphy said in a strongly worded homily at an anti-abortion Mass and convocation at Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston.
http://www.newsday.com/news/yahoo/ny-nymass052694872may05.story?coll=ny%2Dnewsaol%2Dheadlines

Hong Kong's Catholic Church Seeks to Ease Fears About Sex Abuse Cases - Los Angeles Times
HONG KONG -- Roman Catholic officials in Hong Kong say they will be ready to address questions from parishioners today about the church's handling of three recently disclosed cases of sexual abuse of children by local priests.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-000031937may05.story

A Revolution From Below in Cardinal Law's Church - New York Times
Cardinal Law, whom some of his own clergymen have called arrogant, haughty and autocratic, has come in his 19 years in Boston to represent the kind of "father knows best" attitude the church has assumed under John Paul II. A protégé and confidant of the pope, he embodies the patriarchal and authoritarian church this pope has tried to foster.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/05/weekinreview/05ZERN.html

More than One Factor at Play in Brooklyn Diocese Accord - New York Times
Bishop Thomas V. Daily has agreed to turn over the names of accused priests, after initially refusing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/05/nyregion/05DAIL.html?tntemail0

Sexual abuse cases: Plenty of public information on 15 Joliet Diocese priests - Joliet Herald News
Prosecutors and investigators checking out claims of sexual misconduct by Joliet Diocese priests had plenty of public records to review even before the diocese agreed to share some information from sealed court files.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/top/j05diocese.htm

A Rift Over Abuse Reports - Hartford Courant
Despite months of turmoil and controversy, Connecticut lawmakers, prosecutors and Roman Catholic Church officials still can't seem to agree on whether all recent allegations of past sexual abuse must be reported to the authorities.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/hc-complaints0505.artmay05.story

Police arrest priest accused of having sex with 15-year-old - Chicago Tribune
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL -- Brazilian police have arrested a Roman Catholic priest on charges of having sex with a 15-year-old boy, a police spokeswoman said Saturday.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0205050298may05.story

Prosecutors Examine Legal Culpability Of Church Officials - Washington Post
Hiding Sex Abuse Could Bring Charges

In a dramatic shift in their approach to child sexual abuse cases, prosecutors in several parts of the country are exploring whether bishops and other high-ranking Catholic Church officials should be held criminally accountable for concealing sexual misconduct by priests under their supervision.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33800-2002May4.html

Diocese never reported incidents - Evansville Courier & Press
The Evansville Catholic Diocese acknowledges it has two priests who had sexual contact with minors more than 20 years ago, and the incidents were never reported to authorities.

The diocese has offered to keep the details of the alleged abuse confidential on the condition that the alleged victims sign letters of confidentiality.
http://www.myinky.com/ecp/local_news/article/0,1626,ECP_745_1128516,00.html

Hereford priest accused of abuse - Amarillo Globe-News
A Hereford priest has said he has been accused of abuse by a former Alamo Catholic High School student.

In a letter sent to St. Anthony's Church parishioners, Monsignor Orville Blum, pastor of the Hereford church, said the individual making the allegation said it occurred in the 1970s.
http://www.amarillonet.com/ns-search/stories/050402/tex_hereford.shtml?NS-search-set=/3cd97/aaaa29866d973fb&NS-doc-offset=0&

Pedophile priest: 'I believed I was acting out of love' - Dayton Daily News
Albrecht, on leave since '93, molested local boy in '70s

The Rev. G.R. Keith Albrecht considered himself a friend to troubled teen-age boys.

He counseled them and let two live in his Coldwater parish rectory. The Catholic priest also masturbated with boys, fondled their genitals and allowed them to touch his.
http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/local/0505priest.html

SEX AND RELIGION - San Francisco Chronicle Opinion
Maybe Common Sense Would Work . Church needs to grow up when it comes to sexual doctrine

Now is the time for all current and former faithful to come to the aid of the church. The world's last, great medieval fiefdom is stumbling. Princes of the church clutch their skirts as they seek cover behind sonorous statements that seem increasingly frail.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/05/05/IN241819.DTL

MAY 4
Catholic laity to re-examine role - Dallas Morning News
Grassroots groups want more say about decisions
In Belleville, Ill., Catholics are organizing a diocesan-wide synod only for lay people. In Boston, a grassroots group called Voice of the Faithful is drawing hundreds of Catholics to discussions about the role of the laity in the church.

Similar movements are emerging elsewhere. Catholics say bishops' mishandling of predatory priests is triggering the gatherings. They're demanding change and calling bishops to greater accountability, openness and at least some oversight by laity.

"Nobody speaks to us," said Lena Woltering, an organizer of the June synod in the Belleville Diocese. "It's gotten lay people to realize they need to take more responsibility for their church."
http://www.dallasnews.com/religion/stories/catholics_04rel.ART.Zone1.Edition1.934a8.html

Speak no evil - The Age (Australia)
American Catholics are distraught that church leaders failed to protect their children from predatory priests. Is Melbourne's record any better? Peter Ellingsen investigates.
   
Priest' sex-abuse victim suing archbishop - The Age (Australia)
A man whom a paedophile Catholic priest sexually molested when the man was a schoolboy is blaming the archdiocese for his abuse.

Voices from the pews are full of anger, hurt - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
These days, when the collection plate passes Terry Ryan's way, she drops something in all right, but sometimes it is not what the Archdiocese of Milwaukee wants to see.

Instead of the check she used to write to the Archbishop's Combined Appeal Campaign, Ryan, a former nun, now married and living in New Berlin, often tosses in a note saying she is giving to another charity instead.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/may02/41053.asp

Catholic Donors Debate Responses - AP
Edward Ricci was sickened as he watched his bishop, the Most Rev. Anthony O'Connell, resign in March from the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fla., after admitting to sexual misconduct years earlier in another state.

He is a major Catholic philanthropist, threatening to withhold his six-figure donation to his church unless the nation's bishops agree to oust all errant clergy. Through his Web site, www.nopeds.org, he is urging other Catholics to join him, and some benefactors already have.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020504/ap_on_re_us/church_abuse_donors_1&printer=1

Extent of Abuse in Church Not Understood - New York Time Opinion
Do you think you have learned all you need to know to understand the sexual-abuse scandal that has overtaken the Roman Catholic Church in the United States? Think again.

Despite the blizzard of wrenching stories that have appeared over the last four months, some basic facts remain obscure.
Consider three questions: When did most of the abuse that has recently been made public or reported in files provided to prosecutors actually occur? What has happened to the priests who were credibly accused? What changes, if any, have Catholic dioceses made to deal with abuse?
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/04/national/04BELI.html

Priest cases affect three valley cities - Los Angeles Times
San Bernardino police forward information from diocese to departments in Fontana, Montclair and Ontario for further investigation.
 http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-iv0022379may04.story
 
 Church money - Chicago Tribune Letter
Hinsdale -- I agree with many Catholics who believe that the best way to get the church's attention with the sex-abuse issue is to withhold monetary contributions. My family has stopped all contributions to our church until the Joliet Diocese adopts a zero-tolerance rule, turns over any information to local law enforcement authorities concerning accusations of abuse and defrocks any priest found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, even on the first offense.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-0205040202may04.story

Bishop Lori Named To Investigative Committee - Hartford Courant
Bishop William E. Lori's swift action to purge the Diocese of Bridgeport of priests accused of sexual abuse has earned him a spot on a national committee that will set the standard on how the Roman Catholic Church deals with the continuing scandal.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/hc-lori0504.artmay04.story

Priest's sex-abuse victim sues former archbishop - The Age (Australia)
A man whom a paedophile Catholic priest sexually molested when the man was a schoolboy is blaming the archdiocese for his abuse.

The man is suing former Melbourne archbishop Sir Frank Little and his then vicar-general, now Ballarat Bishop Peter Connors.

Bishop turns over priests' records - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Relin says alleged abuse cases are not expected to go to court

(May 4, 2002) - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester has begun forwarding information to Monroe County District Attorney Howard Relin regarding three priests who resigned Thursday amid decades-old allegations that they sexually abused minors.
http://www.rochesterdandc.com/news/0504story4_news.shtml

Teen's sex allegation costs priest his post - Palm Beach Post
PORT ST. LUCIE -- A priest at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church has been removed from active ministry after a 17-year-old parishioner told church authorities he discovered the priest in bed with another man.

The Rev. Francis Maloney, who called the teen "very confused," admitted he made some inappropriate statements to him on a topic unrelated to sex but said, "What (the teen) concluded is all wrong." Maloney's dismissal on Thursday comes about three years after he was forced to retire and undergo treatment for engaging in sexual activity with a man while working as an associate pastor at St. Luke Catholic Church in Palm Springs, said Sam Barbaro, spokesman for the Diocese of Palm Beach.
http://www.gopbi.com/partners/pbpost/epaper/editions/saturday/news_c33d850296ef129b00c6.html

Archdiocese abandons deal in Geoghan case - Boston Globe
Committee rebuffs Law, cites serious fiscal threat

The Archdiocese of Boston yesterday abandoned its agreement to make monetary payments to 86 victims of serial pedophile John J. Geoghan after Cardinal Bernard F. Law's hand-picked Finance Council rejected it, citing concerns that its cost would leave the archdiocese in grave financial peril.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/124/metro/Archdiocese_abandons_deal_in_Geoghan_case+.shtml

Shanley set for Mass. return; Coakley eyes roles conflict - Boston Globe
One day after his arrest in San Diego on three counts of child rape, the Rev. Paul R. Shanley yesterday waived his right to fight extradition to Massachusetts and is expected to face arraignment in Newton as early as next week.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/124/metro/Shanley_set_for_Mass_return_Coakley_eyes_roles_conflict+.shtml

Swift signs bill on clergy - Boston Globe
Acting Governor Jane Swift yesterday signed a bill requiring clergy members to report suspected cases of child abuse, a measure that child advocates had sought for several years but took on new urgency this year after revelations that priests accused of abuse were allowed to remain in ministry in the Boston archdiocese.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/124/metro/Swift_signs_bill_on_clergy+.shtml

Judge defends staying on priest case - Boston Globe
A Suffolk Superior Court judge presiding over a negligence lawsuit against the Boston Archdiocese and against the priest who supervised convicted pedophile Christopher Reardon has defended his decision to remain on the case, even though he attended seminary with the priest in the mid-1960s.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/124/metro/Judge_defends_staying_on_priest_case+.shtml

Church restructuring urged - Boston Globe
A day after the Rev. Paul Shanley was arrested on charges of sex crimes, an international group of Catholics gathered in Boston to decry the ''deteriorating credibility'' of the church and promote its vision for a more democratic church.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/124/metro/Church_restructuring_urged+.shtml

Church will cleanse itself - let Law help - Bostoh Globe Opinion
WHILE THE BATTERIES of TV cameras lined up in front of the Boston Archdiocese have provided suspenseful lead-ins for the nightly news, the death watch has failed to deliver the much desired announcement. No resignation of the resident cardinal has been forthcoming, nor should it be.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/124/oped/Church_will_cleanse_itself_let_Law_help+.shtml

Priests regret silent ways: Panel urges discussion of problem - Boston Herald
Priests from the Archdiocese of Boston said too little about the sex abuse scandal and other problems over recent years, leaders of a new Roman Catholic clergy association said yesterday.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/prie05042002.htm


Tucson Diocese stayed mum on priest's trouble - Arizona Republic
When a 17-year-old boy complained two years ago that a Tucson priest had molested him, the diocese didn't call Child Protective Services. Instead, court filings show, it launched an internal investigation that dismissed the priest's actions as accidental.

Months later, in February 2001, the diocese suspended the priest, the Rev. Steven Stencil, for violating a diocese policy forbidding clerics from being in the company of minors overnight, diocese officials said.
http://www.arizonarepublic.com/arizona/articles/0504PRIESTTUCSON040.html

5 more priests accused of abuse in Wilmington - Delaware News Journal
26 who worked in Wilmington Diocese are subjects of complaints

Five more priests have been accused of child abuse in the Diocese of Wilmington, Attorney General Jane Brady said Friday, bringing the total to 26.

None of the alleged incidents took place in recent years, Brady said, and prosecutors are trying to determine if any of those fall within the statute of limitations.
http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2002/05/045morepriestsacc.html

Hong Kong Catholic Church gets more sex abuse complaints - Reuters
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's Roman Catholic Church said on Saturday it had received two more complaints that priests had sexually abused children, just days after confirming similar cases involving three clergymen
http://asia.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml;jsessionid=RT1XKITHAY3AYCRBAEZSFFAKEEATIIWD?type=topnews&StoryID=918083

MAY 3
Boston Archdiocese Rejects Victims' Settlement - Reuters
BOSTON (Reuters) - The Boston Archdiocese's finance council on Friday rejected a proposed multimillion-dollar settlement with 86 sexual abuse victims of defrocked Roman Catholic priest John Geoghan, saying to pay the settlement would "consume substantially all the resources of the Archdiocese."

In its decision, the council ignored Cardinal Bernard Law's plea to approve the agreement.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020503/ts_nm/crime_church_boston_dc_1

Catholic Leaders Create Ministry for Abuse Victims - KPIX
Victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy have a new place to turn for help.

Friday, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland unveiled its new ministry for victims of clergy sexual abuse. The program will offer support for victims and their families, as well as educational programs for church leaders.
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/kpix/20020503/lo/3156_1.html

More Catholic Groups Pushing For Change - WCVB
Another group of local Catholics is calling for change in the church in response to the ongoing sex abuse scandal.

The Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church wants laypeople to have more a say in how the church is run.
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/wcvb/20020503/lo/1183399_1.html

Catholics struggle to define zero tolerance - Christian Science Monitor
Since Cardinal Bernard Law proclaimed his zero-tolerance policy for the Boston Archdiocese ­ removing from ministry all priests with allegations of sexual abuse in their files ­ "zero tolerance" has become the watchword of many Roman Catholic clerics seeking to reassure the faithful.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0503/p03s01-ussc.html

Local extradition hearing today for priest accused of child rape - San Diego Union Tribune
A retired Catholic priest who has found himself in the center of a national scandal over sexual abuse may soon be back in Boston, where the church crisis began and where he faces criminal charges of repeatedly raping a young boy while serving a suburban parish. After spending last night in a San Diego jail, the Rev. Paul R. Shanley is scheduled to go to
court here this morning on a Massachusetts warrant that accuses him of three counts of raping a child.
http://www.uniontrib.com/news/uniontrib/fri/news/index.html

Pedophile Victims' Lawyer Says Church to Blame - Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A lawyer for victims in the U.S. Catholic church's sex-abuse scandal said on Friday the institution's leaders had "nurtured, protected and financed" the priest arrested this week on child rapecharges.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020503/ts_nm/crime_priest_dc_19

Next Holy Thursday: A vision for healing the church - Philadelphia Inquirer
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH is now in visible crisis, precipitated by the pedophilia scandal. But this crisis is now made visible because of another very real but less visible one: The church's authority and leadership, vested in a male-dominated hierarchy, is unwilling to include and engage all of its members in the governance of the faithful. And the faithful are losing faith in them.
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/3187992.htm

Bishop lists steps to prevent sex abuse - Los Angeles Times
Roman Catholic leaders say mandates will help curb problems and make church more accountable.

SAN BERNARDINO -- Bishop Gerald Barnes unveiled nine reforms on Thursday to prevent the sexual abuse of children in the diocese.The changes include mandated fingerprinting for all priests, deacons, nuns, and employees, as well as volunteers who come into contact with children.
http://www.latimes.com/tcn/ontario/news/la-iv0022359may03.story

Vatican penance letter stirs ire - AP
VATICAN CITY -- Amid the intensifying clerical scandal in the United States, the Vatican on Thursday stressed the need for Catholics to confess their sins -- but said some "habitual" sinners could never be forgiven. The Vatican did not identify the sinners, experts said Pope John Paul II was referring to homosexuals and divorced Catholics who remarry. Last week, the pontiff said priests accused in the sex abuse scandal could be forgiven.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0205030286may03.story

State House Backs Stricter Penalties For Sex Abusers - Hartford Courant
As one of the central figures in the child-sex scandal engulfing the Roman Catholic Church was arrested, the state House of Representatives approved legislation early today that would greatly extend the statute of limitations on child molestation and increase penalties for abusers.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/hc-2ped0503.artmay03.story?coll=hc%2Dheadlines%2Dhome

Bishop Forces Priests to Quit Over Sex Abuse Charges - Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
Victims say resignations are too little, too late

Three Catholic priests continued working in Rochester-area churches for more than two decades despite credible allegations that they had sexually abused teenagers.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/0503story2_news.shtml

Cardinal's words surprise scholars - Philadelphia Inquirer
Cardinal Anthony M. Bevilacqua's sweeping rejection of gay men becoming priests diverges from mainstream thinking by U.S. Catholic theologians and policymakers, a range of church scholars said in interviews this week.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/3188587.htm

Cardinals promise tough policy on abuse - National Catholic Reporter
At the close of a hastily organized, dramatic summit on the sex abuse crisis, American cardinals and virtually the entire Vatican brain trust seem to have decided on a "get tough" approach. The idea applies not only to abuser priests, but to homosexuality in the priesthood and doctrinal dissent in the church.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/050302/050302d.htm

Documents in Milwaukee abuse case unsealed - National Catholic Reporter
Legal documents previously under court seal detailing sex abuse allegations against a priest have been opened following the request of a newspaper, this time in Milwaukee. The records detail allegations brought against Fr. William Effinger in 1993 and were made open to the public April 4.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/050302/050302e.htm

Rome trip brings Law little relief - National Catholic Reporter
Cardinal Bernard F. Law headed home from the extraordinary meeting in Rome, leaving the solidarity and support he enjoyed among his fellow U.S. cardinals and Pope John Paul II. He returned to persistent difficulties arising from the sex abuse scandal.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/050302/050302f.htm

Secret meeting misses the larger picture - National Catholic Reporter Editorial
Consider this picture: Two dozen prelates meet in secret to discuss the endemic clergy sex abuse scandal. No victims are present, no mothers or fathers, no experts in the fields of psychological, social or criminal behavior.
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/050302/050302m.htm

Lessons in earthly management - National Catholic Reporter Editorial
The church today. Anguish. Pain. Conjecture. Bewilderment. The erosion of trust.

Why did it happen? Who is to blame? How can it be stopped? How do we prevent it from happening again? Have we heard the worst? What is all this telling us? Will good grow out of it?
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/050302/050302n.htm

Priests Told to Cut Back on Absolution for Groups - New York Times
VATICAN CITY, May 2 " The Vatican announced today that it was cracking down on priests who had become too free in granting group absolution to sinners or otherwise become lax confessors.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/03/national/03VATI.html?tntemail0

Catholics Back Strong Steps on Abuse, Poll Finds - New York Times
American Roman Catholics say that priests who sexually abuse children and teenagers should be barred from participating in parish life, according to a new poll.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/03/national/03POLL.html?tntemail0

Bishop Tells of His Role in Shuffling - New York Times
MANCHESTER, N.H., May 2 (AP) John B. McCormack, the Roman Catholic bishop of Manchester, acknowledged in an interview published today that in a previous post as an official of the Boston Archdiocese, he reassigned priests accused of molesting children.
Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/03/national/03BISH.html?tntemail0

Opinion: Women and the Church - New York Times
"A Nun Feels Betrayed in a Male-Led Scandal" (news article, April 27) leads me to ask: Where are the thousands of religious women in the church crisis? They are respected teachers, witnesses and leaders for many in the church. We need to hear their collective and individual voices, calling for healing for the victims of clergy sexual abuse; justice; honesty; openness; and multifaceted reform within the church, which is long overdue.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/03/opinion/L03NUNS.html?tntemail0

Priest sued by woman is put on leave; officials believed affair consensual - Seattle Times
A Seattle priest accused of mentally and physically abusing a female parishioner during a six-year affair was placed on administrative leave yesterday, after the woman filed a lawsuit against the priest, his religious order and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle.

Archdiocese officials and an attorney for the priest's religious order said yesterday they had known about the affair but believed it was consensual and not abusive. Archdiocese spokesman Bill Gallant said the priest had been allowed to continue his ministry after receiving "glowing" recommendations from his order.
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=kingpriest03m&date=20020503&query=priest

Church leaders evaded the issue - Portsmouth Herald Opinion
The ecclesiastical show held at the Vatican didn't alter the power structure. Catholic Inc. will not become "democratized" despite the sex abuse scandal. Church leaders addressed a symptom while avoiding a key issue - the accountability of those in positions of authority, like bishops and cardinals, who show deceit, incompetence and corporate arrogance.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/5_3jesep.htm

Local priests: concern for victims comes first - San Francisco Catholic
"The pain of the victims should go first before my pain," said Father Ed Dura of San Francisco's St. Anne of the Sunset, who describes his state of mind as "an emotional hemorrhage."

Afflicted with pain by those they trusted the most, their "brother priests," some priests say they are "sinking deeper in depression," with each new headline.
http://www.catholic-sf.org/FPArticle01.htm

When in Rome - Commonweal
As we go to press, thirteen U.S. cardinals are meeting with the pope and his advisers in an effort to formulate a response and a policy that can restore the church's credibility in the wake of the sex-abuse scandal. Will this extraordinary meeting succeed at its appointed task? After initially seeming to ignore the crisis, the pope and the Roman bureaucracy made a sudden turnabout, apparently after being convinced of the magnitude of the problem by visiting American bishops and Cardinal Bernard Law. It is good that Rome has finally recognized the gravity of the situation. But if the pope continues to rely on Law as well as a few other prominent conservative American bishops and theologians, it is unlikely that he or the Vatican will come to understand the depth and scale of the mistrust felt by a significant portion of the laity toward much of the church's hierarchy. Certainly the pope and the church's cardinals and bishops must correct the mistakes of the past. But the high drama of summoning the cardinals to Rome should not detract attention from the fact that, with few exceptions, these very men-and unfortunately John Paul II must be included here-are the ones responsible for much of the damage in the first place.
http://commonwealmagazine.org/

MAY 2
California Priest Is Accused of 8-Year Sexual Relationship - New York Times
A 31-year-old man said yesterday that the Rev. David F. Granadino, who is now pastor of a close-knit parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, cultivated a sexual relationship with him when he was a boy and continued it for eight years. The accusations of the man, Jeffrey L. Griswold of Norwalk, Calif., are being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Mr. Griswold said that after investigators wired him w

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/02/national/02ANGE.html

Hong Kong Cops Probe Church Abuse - New York Times
HONG KONG (AP) -- Police said Thursday they are investigating allegations that three Roman Catholic priests here were found by church leaders to have sexually abused children, cases the Hong Kong church never reported to authorities.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Hong-Kong-Church-Abuse.html

A father laments deference to priest - Boston Globe
CANTON - At St. Gerard Majella Church, Kenneth A. MacDonald was a constant presence, to the parish's substantial benefit: a lector at Sunday Mass, a religious education teacher, a member of the Parish Council, and a force in St. Gerard's effort to build a school for the poor in Haiti.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/122/metro/A_father_laments_deference_to_priest+.shtml

Shanley wants records private - Boston Globe - AP
CAMBRIDGE - Lawyers for the Rev. Paul Shanley argued yesterday that the former Newton priest's medical records should not be turned over to a family that has accused the Roman Catholic priest of sexual abuse.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/122/metro/Shanley_wants_records_private+.shtml

Lawyer calls Law flight risk: Wants cardinal's passport impounded - Boston Herald
A lawyer seeking to depose Bernard Cardinal Law in a sexual abuse case later this month petitioned a court yesterday for a temporary restraining order to impound his passport, calling the embattled prelate a potential flight risk who could be whisked away to Rome to avoid giving sworn testimony.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/law05022002.htm

Holy Hollywood! Priest scandal coming to theater near you - Boston Herald
We have come up with the movie titles. ``Cardinal on A Hot Tin Roof.'' For one brief moment the Rev. Al Capone of Lowell, a brave priest in a sea of yes-men, held his light high, like The Big Guy said we all should do. Capone told Cardinal Law what to do with his brazen annual appeal: stick it. ``Bye, Bye, Bernie,'' we cheered, gleefully imagining other marquee possibilities: ``Sacristy Night Fever.'' ``Lake Street Blues.'' ``Law and Disorder.'' And ``Dude, Where's My Cardinal?''
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/eagan05022002.htm

Church $ appeal may suffer from name recognition - Boston Herald
Parish priests throughout the Boston archdiocese will go to their church podiums this weekend to stump for the Cardinal's Appeal, the annual fund-raising campaign whose name has become its Achilles' heel. In years past, the use of Bernard Cardinal Law's name or title brought the kind of attention that virtually guaranteed success, but this year, archdiocesan officials are bracing for a backlash from Catholics outraged by the church's pedophilia scandal.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/card05022002.htm

Recorder Used in Priest Probe - Los Angeles Times
An alleged victim of priestly sexual abuse said Wednesday he wore a hidden recording device to confront the cleric in an effort to help prosecutors and detectives develop evidence against the priest.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000031250may02.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2Dcalifornia

Can Gays Be Good Priests? - Los Angeles Times Opinion
Catholic tradition holds that God can find good even in the most profound evil. Great evil has apparently been lurking in the church for a while, so God may have his work cut out for him. Yet the outlines of good are beginning to emerge. After having been taken to the Vatican woodshed, the American cardinals, "in communion with the Holy Father," minced no words in finding child abuse to be "rightly considered a crime by society and an appalling sin" to be promptly reported to civil authority.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-000031176may02.story?coll=la%2Dnews%2Dcomment%2Dopinions

Catholic Church Can Right Its Own Wrongs - Los Angeles Times letters
Robert Scheer, true to form, plays the knee-jerk role of apologist for homosexuals, claiming that they are being scapegoated for priestly scandals in the Catholic Church ("Blame Church Arrogance, Not Oversexed Society," Commentary, April 30). It is part of the Catholic catechism that homosexuality is an intrinsically disordered evil and homosexual conduct is regarded as a grave moral sin. Such individuals who celebrate and flaunt the sin of homosexuality have no place either in the Catholic priesthood or as deacons or eucharistic ministers. Priestly pederasty is directly linked to homosexual orientation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/la-000031185may02.story?coll=la%2Dnews%2Dcomment%2Dletters

Joliet diocese gives up files - Chicago Tribune
The Joliet diocese delivered sealed court documents containing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests to the Will County state's attorney Wednesday after a judge said prosecutors could have the documents to determine whether any criminal charges could be filed.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0205020322may02.story

In real world, sensationalism gets you noticed - Chicago Tribune
One contingent argues that I was too soft on the executive committee of the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women. At the top of Saturday's column I called for their resignation because of their hasty, intemperate demand that Cardinal Francis George step down.

They'd gotten wind of remarks the cardinal had made related to the sex-abuse scandal in the Catholic Church and were displeased. But then, toward the bottom, I rescinded my call, in part because NOW had rescinded its call after learning more about the context and hearing conciliatory words from George.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/printedition/chi-0205020138may02.story

Laity is not up to running churches - USA Today Letters
The headline, ''Lay Catholics are demanding more control of the church,'' sent shivers down my Protestant spine (Cover Story, News, Monday). If things aren't bad enough with all of the sexual abuse, just wait for the laity to really muck it up.
http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20020502/4077744s.htm

Lawyers Battle Over Priest Records - AP
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - Despite the release of hundreds of pages of documents that paint a troubling portrait of the Rev. Paul R. Shanley and his relationship with the Boston Archdiocese, the Ford family wants more.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=533&ncid=718&e=4&u=/ap/20020502/ap_on_re_us/church_abuse_201

Abusive priest accused again - Detroit New
MACOMB TOWNSHIP -- Michigan police are investigating a new sex abuse claim against a notoriously abusive priest -- a man who once avoided criminal charges here in 1970 by agreeing never to return.
http://www.detnews.com/2002/religion/0205/02/a01-479914.htm

Priest relieved of duties after allegations - The Kansas City Star
The Rev. Dennis Schmitz, who once oversaw recruiting of new priests for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, was relieved of his duties today because of allegations of sexual impropriety.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/3183355.htm

Ex-Asbury priest facing sex allegation - Asbury Park Press
A Roman Catholic diocese in southern Illinois this week removed a priest after the Trenton Diocese forwarded information arising from an allegation of sexual misconduct during the priest's service in Asbury Park during the 1970s.

The allegation against the Rev. Edward Balestrieri is one of about seven cases reported by religious orders to the Trenton Diocese since the diocese's review of its own files from the past 50 years turned up evidence of sexual offenses involving 13 priests. A spokesman for the Trenton Diocese said there were approximately 20 files in the hands of prosecutors.
http://www.app.com/app2001/story/0,21133,554996,00.html

Archdiocese's listening sessions on sex abuse by priests are set for May 16 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee will hold all six public listening sessions on sexual abuse of minors by priests on May 16.

The sessions are being held to get feedback from the laity both on the archdiocese's handling of the issue and on preliminary recommendations by a community commission appointed by Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland.
http://www.jsonline.com/lifestyle/religion/may02/40499.asp

Local parishes try to force change in Catholic Church - Portsmouth Herald Editorial
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that a petition drive is under way calling for the resignation of New Hampshire Bishop John B. McCormack. It comes on the heels of allegations by 26 more men that as children they were abused by priests, and it is the latest fallout from the crisis that is facing the Catholic Church, particularly here in the New England.

There is a move afoot here in some southern New Hampshire parishes to write "IOUs" on the requests for donations and drop them in the collection plates. Payment of those IOUs is contingent on the removal of McCormack.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/05022002/opinion/2522.htm

Church's rallying prayer: Not our Father Al - New ark Star-Ledger
The parishioners clasped hands in the muted light of a Morris County church, their heads bowed, some in tears.

Their prayer, a plea repeated in emotional speeches, was unanimous: that the sexual abuse scandal convulsing the Catholic church would not claim one of their own.
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-1/102033060682759.xml

Turning the other cheek: South Shore parishioners angry, but slow to join protest groups - Patriot Ledger
Linda MacKay is a faithful member of St. Agatha's Catholic Church in Milton. She has nothing but respect for her pastor and parish council.

But that hasn't stopped the Boston College program administrator from getting involved with Voice of the Faithful, a new grassroots group based in Wellesley that wants the laity to have a greater role in church decisions and actions.
http://www.ledger.southofboston.com/display/inn_news/news01.txt

The sister's battle with the bishop - MSNBC News
One nun's outrage helped bring down a church leader

SANTA ROSA, Calif., April 29 - Until he resigned, Bishop Patrick Ziemann wielded sweeping powers in the Diocese of Santa Rosa. But the outrage of one elderly nun from Ukiah helped knock him off his feet. For Sister Jane Kelly, exposing the bishop turned out to be the final step in an exasperating battle against the institutional power of the Catholic church
http://www.msnbc.com/news/744928.asp?0sp=v3b3

Nuns demand more power in 'male' Church - The Times (U.K.)
AMERICAN nuns are intensifying pressure for changes that will give them more power in the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. They blame male domination by a secretive old boys' network for the paedophile troubles that have divided the Church.

Leading the call for a greater role for women in decision-making is Sister Kathleen Pruitt, head of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the biggest organisation of American nuns.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-284719,00.html

McCormack says he reassigned abusive priests, wishes he'd recognized danger - AP
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) Bishop John B. McCormack acknowledges reassigning Roman Catholic priests accused of molesting children, but says poor file keeping kept him from knowing the extent of the problem.
http://www.boston.com/dailynews/122/region/McCormack_says_he_reassigned_a:.shtml

MAY 1
Weakland's retirement may wait until fall - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Vatican not accepting U.S. resignations at this time, he says

Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, who had expected to retire within the next couple of weeks as leader of the 10-county archdiocese's 685,000 Catholics, now thinks he could remain in charge until the fall.

Indirectly citing the current turmoil in the American Catholic church over sexual abuse of minors by priests, Weakland said in a recent interview that the Vatican has delayed accepting the retirements of United States bishops.
http://www.jsonline.com/lifestyle/religion/may02/40135.asp

Priests scandal reopens old hurts - Pittsburg Post-Gazette
His voice was no longer spitting anger. Fourteen years after filing a lawsuit that shook the Vatican, the young man seemed at peace, and proud of what he had become.

The money he received in a molestation settlement with the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh is gone, and his spiritual and sexual wounds remain. But he is not angry with Catholic priests or with Bishop Donald Wuerl.
http://www.post-gazette.com/localnews/20020501victim0501p2.asp

Priest case hit a brick wall - Joliet Herald News
Misconduct alleged: Powerful attorney stepped in - no one would file police report

Former St. Isaac Jogues parishioner Linda Pieczynski, an attorney who is village prosecutor for Hinsdale, said she was shocked to learn last week that Lenczycki was still a priest.

  "I was horrified when I heard that," said Pieczynski, who also is media spokesperson for Call To Action, a Chicago-based group that advocates greater openness within the Catholic Church and increased involvement by laity.

  After watching the clergy abuse scandal unfold in the Joliet Diocese, Pieczynski believes Imesch is not telling the truth.

  "I say that with a heavy heart because at Call To Action we've always thought of Imesch as rather progressive," she said.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/top/j01diocese.htm

Clergy accused of sexual abuse remain at St. John's Abbey - Minneapolis Star Tribune

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. -- Between 13 and 15 monks or priests live and work under restrictions at St. John' s Abbey after being accused of or admitting to sexual abuse, the abbot for the monastery said.

The number represents about 7 percent of the 196 monks and priests affiliated with the monastery and nearby St. John' s University, a preparatory school and a religious press.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/2418234.html

Region's Catholic bishops endorse zero tolerance on abuse - Altanta Journal-Constitution
The Catholic bishops of Georgia and the Carolinas have come out in favor of a zero-tolerance policy for all priests guilty of sexually abusing minors --- a recommendation that goes much further than a statement of U.S. cardinals last week.
http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/epaper/editions/today/news_c3fc697236f191dc0014.html

Fund To Aid Woman Impregnated By Priest - Hartford Courant
A national advocacy group for victims of clergy sexual misconduct has created a charitable fund to support a former member of a church youth group in Bridgeport who, at age 16, became pregnant by a priest and gave birth to his child.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/hc-babyfund0429.artmay01.story?coll=hc%2Dheadlines%2Dlocal

Italian Catholic Magazine Reveals Pedophilia
ROME (AP) - At least seven priests in Italy have been sent to prison for pedophilia, a Catholic magazine reported Wednesday.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020501/ap_on_re_eu/italy_church_abuse_2

Brazilian bishops says Church should rethink compulsory celibacy - AP
BRASILIA, Brazil - Diverging from Catholic Church doctrine, prominent Brazilian bishops are urging the Vatican to rethink its policy on celibacy for priests, newspapers reported.

While that view isn't endorsed by the Brazilian Bishops Conference, the Church's ruling body here, Bishop Angelico Bernardino of the southern city of Blumenau said celibacy shouldn't be made compulsory if the Church hopes to attract more priests.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020501/ap_wo_en_ge/brazil_church_celibacy_1

Allegation will not lead to new charge - Los Angeles Times
Statute of limitations has expired in case of Gardena woman who reported that Pomona priest groped her.
 
Los Angeles County prosecutors decided Tuesday not to file additional charges against a Pomona priest who already faces four felony counts for allegedly molesting underage girls.
http://www.latimes.com/tcn/ontario/news/la-iv0022309may01.story

Church Sued for Abuser's Transfer - Los Angeles Times
Scandal: Bishops sent to Orange County a priest convicted of molestation, suit alleges. Man says he became a victim.
 
An Orange man filed suit Tuesday against the Roman Catholic Church, alleging that two former bishops conspired to move a Milwaukee priest who had molested boys there to Orange County, where he is accused of sexually abusing more minors. In his lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court, Eric Nathan Paino, 25, alleges that Father Sigfried F. Widera molested him and his older brother in 1985 under the guise of tucking the boys, then 8 and 7, into bed as a favor to their single mother.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000030966may01.story

BRIDGEPORT: Assistant Pastor Resigns - New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/01/nyregion/01MBRF2.html?tntemail0

Church Basketball Director Leaves After Abuse Charge - New York Times
The director of the Riverside Church youth basketball program, the prestigious proving ground for dozens of professional players, has left his job amid accusations that he sexually abused a teenage player nearly 20 years ago.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/01/nyregion/01COAC.html?tntemail0

National: Boston Priest Eases Position on a Boycott - New York Times
BOSTON, April 30 " A priest who announced that his church would not participate in two major fund-raising campaigns for the Archdiocese of Boston said today that he did not intend to show a lack of support for archdiocese leaders, including the archbishop, Cardinal Bernard F. Law.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/01/national/01BOST.html?tntemail0

Hispanics Still Backing Catholic Leaders, for Now - New York Times
The Roman Catholic Church in America is counting on its Hispanic-American members as it tries to repair damage caused by recent sex scandals.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/01/national/01ANGE.html?tntemail0

Clergy In Crisis: Hotline callers claim diocese misled them - Sacramento Bee
When Dolores Sharp Nelson called the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento last month to report being abused by a priest years earlier, she thought she would be talking to a counselor.

But after a series of calls to the toll-free hotline set up by Bishop William K. Weigand to deal with the crisis rocking the Catholic Church, she discovered she had been speaking to a woman trained as an attorney who now works for the diocese and who wanted to tape record their conversations.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/2447844p-2892390c.html

No time for deference - Boston Globe Opinion
A judge should not be hearing a case involving a Catholic priest with whom he attended the seminary.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/121/metro/No_time_for_deference+.shtml

In about-face, Lowell priest to back appeal - Boston Globe
A Lowell pastor who said in a recent church bulletin that he would not ask parishioners to contribute to the Cardinal's Appeal this Sunday said yesterday that he will ask them to donate at a later date.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/121/metro/In_about_face_Lowell_priest_to_back_appeal+.shtml

26 more men allege abuse by late priest - Boston Globe
More than two dozen men from four Roman Catholic parishes have joined a lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Boston, alleging they were sexually abused as children by a priest known for his flashy black convertible and wrestling with boys.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/121/metro/26_more_men_allege_abuse_by_late_priest+.shtml

Abuse-case lawyers push to settle with church - Boston Herald
Three attorneys representing about 200 people suing the Archdiocese of Boston in sexual abuse cases said yesterday they would embrace mediation rather than litigation to help pull the church out of its legal quagmire.
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/card05012002.htm

Catholics drawn to lay group in Wellesley - Boston Globe
WELLESLEY - In the basement of a parish school at Saint John the Evangelist Church, a quiet revolution is brewing.

A group that started three months ago as a listening session for parishioners upset about clergy sexual abuse has grown explosively in the past few weeks, drawing about 4,200 supporters from 36 states and 19 countries.http://www.boston.com/globe/spotlight/abuse/stories2/050102_wellesley.htm

Click here for media coverage April 30, 2002 and earlier