IRELAND
Irish Examiner

By Claire O'Sullivan
Irish Examiner Reporter

While some people may warn against judging the past with the knowledge of the present, the Government’s initial probe into mother-and-baby homes shows stark questions were being asked about death rates at the homes 75 years ago.

Concerns were raised in and outside of the State in 1939 — with the quality of care even being raised by senior officials at the Department of Local Government and Public Health. Children born to unmarried mothers between 1923 and 1950 were four times more likely to die than those born to a married couple, according to studies of the Registrar General annual reports.

The interdepartmental report published earlier this week shows that in 1939, the inspector for boarded out children in the Department of Local Government and Public Health, Alice Litster asked why illegitimate children living in impoverishment seemed to be faring better than those in the care of religious orders.

“The chance of survival of an illegitimate infant born in the slums and placed with a foster-mother in the slums a few days after birth is greater than that of an infant born in one of our special homes for unmarried mothers... except the Manor House, Castlepollard, in which the infantile death rate is comparatively low,” Ms Litster said.

CHICAGO (IL)
The Tablet

24 July 2014 by Michael Sean Winters

One of the most important sees in the United States, Chicago, has to be filled, after Cardinal Francis George declared his wish to resign on the grounds of age and ill-health
Chicago’s cardinaL Francis George announced this spring that the process to select his successor has begun. He submitted his resignation two years ago, when he turned 75, as required by canon law. As well, George announced in May that his cancer had returned and he is re-entering treatment.

The appointment of a new Archbishop of Chicago will likely be the most important appointment that Pope Francis makes in the American Church. George is the sixth archbishop of the Windy City to be made a cardinal, and his successor is likely to be the only cardinal in America’s Midwest region as St Louis and Detroit have declined in significance. This will also be the first major diocese filled since Pope Francis shuffled the membership of the Congregation for Bishops and stated, on several occasions and in different ways, that he wants shepherds who “have the smell of the sheep” upon them, men as interested in loving their flock as teaching it, let alone hectoring it.

The appointment also comes at a time when divisions within the American episcopate have become more evident. Two years ago, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops could not pass a statement on poverty, a sign of how divided they are: poverty is not usually a neuralgic issue for clergy who have read Matthew 25. Last year, the bishops reportedly had a heated discussion about how to respond to the Obama administration’s contraception mandate during their executive session. Many bishops feel that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) staff have not shown much evidence of getting on board the Pope Francis bandwagon.

AUSTRALIA
Sydney Morning Herald

July 25, 2014

Rachel Browne
Social Affairs Reporter

The number of child abuse reports increased by 15 per cent over the past two years, but more than half of all reports were never investigated by authorities, according to new figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Almost 273,000 reports were made about children at risk nationally in 2012-13, up from a low of 237,000 in 2010-11.

Child welfare experts attributed the increase to greater pressures on families and a heightened awareness of abuse.

The 272,980 abuse notifications involved 184,216 children, the majority living in NSW and Victoria.

Only 45 per cent of reports were investigated nationally, leading to 53,666 proven cases of abuse involving 40,571 children which marks a 29 per cent increase on 2010-11.

INDIANA
TheIndyChannel

[with video]

TheIndyChannel.com Staff
6:39 AM, Jul 19, 2014

NDIANAPOLIS - A former pastor who admitted to hiding cameras inside a women's restroom at his Lafayette church has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Robert Lyzenga, 57, pleaded guilty in May to recording five women and five girls at Sunrise Christian Reformed Church.

INDIANA
The Raw Story

By Tom Boggioni
Saturday, July 19, 2014

A former pastor from Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced to four years in prison followed by three years of probation for secretly videotaping female parishioners in the women’s restroom of his church, reports the IndyStar.

Robert Lyzenga, 58, pleaded guilty to secretly filming five women and five girls over the course of several months in 2011 and 2012 at the Sunrise Christian Reformed Church.

Lyzenga’s youngest victim was five years old.

According to authorities, Lyzenga hid two cameras disguised as air fresheners in the restroom which were discovered by one of the church’s parishioners. Investigators recovered video footage on the devices, located files on Lyzenga’s computers, and still images taken from the footage.

According to Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Pat Harrington, Lyzenga had edited some of the videos including video of a 16-year-old girl in “slow-motion replays showing her exposed pubic area.”

Authorities also noted that the cameras had been repositioned multiple times to film at different angles, with one mounted in the ceiling pointing down into a bathroom stall.

INDIANA
All Christian News

BY MARIA IN CHRISTIAN NEWS · MAY 18, 2014

A 57-year-old Indiana pastor thought he could get away with viewing women going to the restroom by installing secret video cameras that captured footage he’d download later.

Robert Lyzenga (pictured) was eventually caught after getting away with his disgusting vοyeuristic habit for over two years. When it was revealed that the troubled pastor had been viewing young girls using the restroom, all he had to say for himself is that he didn’t intend to record children.

The pastor must’ve thought that it would have been perfectly okay for a trusted servant of God to abuse the position he had been given, if he had only recorded older women members of his congregation in their time of relief.

Judge Randy Williams apparently didn’t think much of his excuse and set a hearing for his sentencing on July 18, after the pastor had admitted to all 10 counts against him.

Lyzenga will now face a concurrent prison sentence ranging from 2-10 years for the five counts of Class C felonies for child explοitation and five counts Class D felony vοyeurism leveled against him for recording 10 juvenile victims.

Possibly one of the reasons that the judge did not have much sympathy for the pastor of Sunrise Christian Reformed Church in Lafayette, IN is because he had kept recording video of young girls age 5-16, even after he had realized that his cameras were capturing children.

UNITED KINGDOM
Daily Echo

A FORMER vicar described by police as a “sexual predator” has been jailed after abusing a 13-year-old boy.

Maxwell Hallahan was sentenced to 21 months in prison for a string of offences against the youngster in the 1970s.

They took place while he was vicar at St Faith's Church in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, and followed a previous conviction for a similar offence in 2011.

The retired priest will also be subject to a ten-year notification on the Sex Offender Register and a Safeguarding Order.

Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in Wessex Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit (RASSO), Richard Powell, said: “Maxwell Hallahan abused his position of authority as vicar in his parish.

NORTHERN IRELAND
Irish Times

Eamonn McCann

Thu, Jul 24, 2014

The former British intelligence officer Colin Wallace told Radio Ulster last weekend that any inquiry into Kincora Boys’ Home will not be able to get to the truth if it doesn’t have access to evidence about the role of MI5. If that’s so, the chances of the truth coming out are near to nil. Wallace has been trying for 40 years to expose child sex abuse at the east Belfast home. He has been ridiculed, ignored, lied to and lied about, and, as Paul Foot demonstrated in “Who Framed Colin Wallace?” in 1989, fitted up for manslaughter. Peter Robinson has suggested the Belfast home be added to the remit of the UK Child Abuse Inquiry. Others want a dedicated Northern Ireland inquiry. It matters little. MI5’s interests will take precedence over the rights of raped children. In the early 1970s, Wallace was based in Lisburn, a member of an undercover “psychological warfare” unit which worked closely with MI5. He was involved in “Operation Clockwork Orange”, a MI5 plot to smear Labour prime minister Harold Wilson and “wets” in the Tory opposition.

Clockwork Orange

In October 1974, Wallace told his superiors that he wanted out of Clockwork Orange. He then wrote a memo explaining in detail that destitute boys were being systematically sodomised by members of Kincora staff and were being supplied for abuse to prominent figures in unionist politics. The abusers – among them MPs, councillors, leading Orangemen and other influential individuals – became potentially important intelligence assets.

MI5 had come across Kincora through its interest in paedophile “housemaster” William McGrath, also leader of an eccentric loyalist organisation, Tara. The agency didn’t report the scandal, but allowed it to continue while monitoring the abusers. It wasn’t until an Irish Independent expose in 1980 that official notice was taken. An RUC investigation led to the imprisonment of McGrath and two other Kincora staff. Two inquiries were then established in succession by secretary of state James Prior.

The first, under complaints commissioner Stephen McGonagle, collapsed on its first day when three of five panel members resigned upon being told they couldn’t delve into any matter which might be the subject of police investigation. The collapse of an inquiry after one half-day session may be a unique occurrence.

OKLAHOMA
New York Daily News

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2014

BY NINA GOLGOWSK

A 19-year-old Oklahoma missionary has been charged with traveling to Kenya to engage in sex acts with disadvantaged children as young as 4 years old.

Matthew Lane Durham, of Edmond, faces life behind bars after allegedly admitting to the sickening abuse while volunteering at Upendo Children's Home in Nairobi this spring.

It was during Durham's fourth visit to the home between April and June that he sexually abused both boys and girls between ages 4 and 10. One of the kids is HIV positive, according to a FBI criminal complaint unsealed Friday.

The teen was confronted by the home's founder after a caretaker grew suspicious of Durham’s behavior around the children, the Edmond Sun reported.

When the children were pulled aside, they allegedly described him as inappropriately touching them.

MISSOURI
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Thursday, July 24, 2014

Statement by Mike Hunter of Kansas City, KC Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 913 634 6490, mhunter535@gmail.com )

We are glad that a former Catholic priest has lost his bid to have his sentence overturned.

For the sake of his victims, we hope that Shawn Ratigan refrains from more far-fetched legal maneuvers. We also hope that Kansas City Catholic officials are not paying for his lawyers.

Now, it's clearer than ever that Ratigan will remain locked up for a long, long time. We hope this assurance helps enable others who saw, suspected or suffered his heinous crimes to come forward and get help. Struggling in silence is unhealthy. Sharing one's burden is the first step towards recovery.

VATICAN CITY
Catholic News Service

By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Church law has procedures and penalties for effectively dealing with allegations of clerical sexual abuse, but the Vatican is working to revise a section of the Code of Canon Law to make those norms and procedures clearer and, therefore, more effective, said the president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.

"We want to make this delicate material more accessible, more understandable and easier for bishops to apply," Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, council president, told the Vatican newspaper.

In the interview published July 24 in L'Osservatore Romano, the cardinal said his office has been working since 2008 to revise "Book VI: Sanctions in the Church," a section of the Code of Canon Law.

The penalties and punishments offered by church law should be applied, he said.

"In the face of a negative action, which harms the good of a person and therefore the good of the church, penal law expects a reaction, that is the pastor inflicting a canonical penalty," the cardinal said.

If a bishop does not react by imposing a punishment on a priest guilty of the crime of sexual abuse, he said, "in some way that would be, or would seem to be, consenting to the evil committed. A negative act necessarily must be condemned; it requires a reaction."

KANSAS CITY (MO)
The Kansas City Star

A federal appeals court on Thursday upheld the 50-year prison sentence of Catholic priest and convicted child pornographer Shawn Ratigan.

Ratigan, who was sentenced last September after pleading guilty to federal charges of producing and attempting to produce child pornography, argued on appeal that the sentence was unreasonable.

But the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner did not commit procedural error or abuse his discretion in imposing the sentence requested by prosecutors.

MINNESOTA
Catholic League

Bill Donohue comments on an editorial in today’s St. Cloud Times urging Catholics in Minnesota to press for the ouster of St. Paul and Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt:

This editorial is based heavily on the uncontested testimony of a “church lawyer.” Because Jennifer Haselberger’s testimony was never challenged by a lawyer for the archdiocese, we have no way of knowing whether her version of events is correct. We do know, having gone through her affidavit, that even she admits to at least 17 occasions when her version was not shared by others with whom she worked.

The editorial accuses the archdiocese of a pattern of “deception, intimidation and silence.” This is similar to Haselberger’s position, stated at the beginning of her testimony, that she endured “months of harassment, threats, and intimidation—examples of which I will provide later in this affidavit.” Except she doesn’t: She provides not a single example of being threatened by anyone. Did the editorial board members even bother to read her account?

What about being harassed? Here’s an example of what she means. On p. 53, she says a priest “constantly harassed us to conclude the investigation [into alleged wrongdoing].” Did her co-workers also feel harassed? Is it harassment when an employee is told to “get moving”? Apparently, Haselberger does have a problem with getting things done on time. After all, she was suspended precisely because of her inability to complete an assignment. It gets better.

MINNESOTA
Waiting for Godot to Leave

Kevin O'Brien

One of the things revealed in the documents that have been released concerning the Fr. Kolar case in St. Paul is that after Kolar was sent away for treatment and it became obvious that he was both initiating sexual contact with adult women he was counseling, and also abusing a minors - and after

the psychiatrists who evaluated him indicated the he had a serious personality disorder, the archbishop and his cronies decided that their options were either ...

1. Make Fr. Kolar DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE at the seminary (where he could guide and form young men who were becoming priests)

2. Put him to work AT A PARISH (where he would be free to counsel more young women. Note that the archdiocese made a point of not informing any laity of Fr. Kolar's abusive behavior, so women approaching Fr. Kolar for counseling at a parish would not know the risk they were taking.)

And in neither case would any of the bishops around the country be informed of Kolar's previous work in NET Ministries nationwide, where he had access to plenty of teenage girls over the years. This despite the bishop of St. Cloud, who had caught wind of this, suggesting that they do so.

MISSOURI
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Thursday, July 24, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com )

In a heart-breaking new lawsuit, a Presbyterian minister is suing the Presbyterian church because of child sex crimes by another Presbyterian minister and cover ups by Presbyterian officials.

While all child molesters must be considered dangerous, this one is especially dangerous. He admitted in a Boone County court that he severed a man's genitals in an illegal gender reassignment surgery. He also admitted possessing child porn. And now he is being sued for allegedly sexually assaulting a boy from Sedalia.

He is the now-imprisoned Jack Wayne Rogers, formerly of Fulton, Missouri. Rogers has also been publicly named as a suspect in the disappearance of a northwest Missouri boy who went missing months after Rogers allegedly assaulted Rev. Kris Schondelmeyer.

Rev. Schondelmeyer has filed a civil lawsuit charging that Rogers sexually violated him at a nationally sponsored youth conference in Maryland in 2000. At the time, Rogers was a Presbyterian lay pastor for the Jefferson City-based Missouri Union Presbytery serving at Bellflower Presbyterian Church.

This is heartbreaking on so many levels. First, Schondelmeyer's pain is heartbreaking, especially because it could have been prevented. Second, the other crimes by Rogers are heartbreaking. Third, it's heartbreaking that Schondelmeyer feels compelled to file a lawsuit because Presbyterian officials refuse to reach out to others Rogers may have hurt. And fourth, it's heartbreaking to think about others who were likely assaulted by Rogers and who are still struggling today, mired in shame, confusion, and self-blame.

KANSAS CITY (MO)
National Catholic Reporter

Brian Roewe | Jul. 24, 2014 NCR Today

KANSAS CITY, MO. A group seeking to deliver a petition to Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Robert Finn on behalf of a fired gay foot pantry coordinator met resistance Wednesday afternoon as they attempted to enter the downtown chancery offices.

A group of about 30 people carried a copy of an online petition with more than 32,000 signatures asking that Finn apologize to Colleen Simon -- a woman dismissed from her parish position after her same-sex marriage was inadvertently made public by a local newspaper -- and to give her job back.

The group made their way into the first set of doors at the chancery before two security guards for the building blocked them from entering farther.

According to Georgia Walker, organizer of the Faithful America petition, the group prayed and sang in the lobby as they waited for a representative from the diocese to receive the petition. After calling several offices, she said a summer intern came to collect the petition. Walker said in an email to NCR that as she left police arrived, reportedly at the diocese’s request, to break up an “unauthorized protest.”

GUAM
Jungle Watch

[Pacific Daily News]

PDN: "Wadeson stated he's been falsely accused, but decided to leave because he didn't want the accusations against him to tarnish Archbishop Anthony Apuron."

JW: So how does running away save Apuron? In fact it "tarnishes" him even more, doesn't it. If you were falsely accused, then simply say so and challenge the accusations.

PDN: "I was in such shock at the viciousness and lies of what was being said about me and our archbishop, whom I hold in great esteem, that I was lost for words," Wadeson stated...

JW: What "viciousness and lies" would those be, Wadeson? All that was reported was your record as published by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. If that report is a "lie" then your issue is with Cardinal Mahoney, who published your record, NOT the people of Guam. Don't you think? And of course, have you no remorse for the "shock" you caused the people of this archdiocese? No. Only you are shocked. Apparently we have no right to be.

PDN: "For the good of the church, I thought it best that I leave the country, albeit with a very heavy heart, so that these false accusations that are being leveled at me do not become weapons to use against our archbishop or the Church of Guam," he stated.

JW; Hmmm. "Leave the country". Never heard it put that way before. Usually when people are leaving Guam, they say the are leaving "Guam", not "the country". Good chance Wadeson is either hightailing it to his native Australia or to a Kiko-refuge in Europe or Israel. In fact, look for him to have a new job at the Domus Galilee. By the way, who paid for your airfare? Us?

UNITED STATES
Hamilton and Griffin on Rights

“What’s the latest in the Catholic abuse crisis?”

If you ask people who follow the news closely they’d likely cite two high visibility happenings: The meeting between Pope Francis and six clergy sex abuse victims and the latest stunning revelations of cover ups in a Minnesota archdiocese.

But a month ago, another development – virtually unprecedented - took place with little public fanfare. Most people, we suspect, took a glance at the headlines about it and quickly moved on, assuming it was yet another settlement in a civil abuse lawsuit involving multiple victims.

That, however, is not the case.

In fact, it wasn’t a child sex abuse case at all. It was a “breach of contract” suit. We believe it’s one of just two in the US and the only successful one so far. We predict – and hope – there will be more like it.

An arbitrator has ordered Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn to pay $1.1 million to 42 victims of clergy sex crimes because he broke his pledges to improve how he deals with abuse cases.

As best we can tell, there’s never been a case like this in which victims have successfully held a bishop responsible in court for breaking the promises he made during a settlement. And the amount of this award is significant because it may well deter more Catholic officials from breaking the promises they make to victims.

Here, in a nutshell, is what transpired:

1. In 2008, 47 victims settled child sex abuse and cover up lawsuits against Finn and his diocese. As part of that deal, they insisted that Finn commit to 19 non-economic child safety measures.
2 . In 2011, 44 of those victims formally charged that Finn broke many of those child safety measures, in part by keeping two credibly accused predator priests in ministry (Fr. James Tierney and Fr. Shawn Ratigan) and by hiding suspicions and knowledge of child sex crimes from law enforcement.
3. In March 2014, an arbitrator – harshly criticizing Finn and his KC church colleagues – awarded $1.1 million to the victims. (Finn is trying to have the award nullified.)

The attorney for these brave and persistent victims, Rebecca Randles, has described the award as “ground-breaking.” She’s right.

KANSAS CITY (MO)
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Statement by Mike Hunter of Kansas City, KC Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 913 634 6490, mhunter535@gmail.com )

Embattled Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn wants out of a contract he signed six years ago with more than 40 local clergy sex abuse victims. Shame on him.

In a KC courtroom today, one of Finn's lawyers (David Frye) asked “But are we going to be in endless litigation on these non-monetary commitments forever?”

Frye and Finn should know that when they signed a contract with no expiration date, and then broke it, they would be held responsible. That's what contracts are for: to ensure that people act the way they should.

There's a simple way for Finn to prevent “endless litigation.” He should honor his word. He should do what he promised to do in the contract: call police quickly when abuse is suspected and train all his employees on abuse prevention. It's as simple as that.

UNITED KINGDOM
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Thursday, July 24, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com )

A second victim of a Jehovah’s Witness elder, who earlier this month was found guilty of sexually assaulting two young girls and raping another woman, has spoken up. We are grateful to this brave victim for having the courage to speak up.

Mark Sewell was convicted of having “groomed” at least one of his victims, and using his position of power within the Jehovah’s Witness to prey on these girls. We are glad that another victim has found the courage to speak up.

Because of the brave victims who worked courageously to get Sewell behind bars, other children will be safer. We hope this gives courage to other victims of Sewell and others to speak up and start healing.

PENNSYLVANIA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Thursday, July 24, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com )

An attorney for a once-convicted preacher accused of sexual misconduct with a congregant is claiming that the victim was over 18 and consenting. Regardless of the age of the victim, there can never be true consent between a congregant and a religious authority figure.

Duane Youngblood works at Higher Call World Outreach Church in Homestead. His attorney referred to the abuse as a consensual relationship with an adult, but that is a dangerous and manipulative claim that obscures the true nature of what happened. There can be no true consent when the power difference between the individuals is so great. That's why it's illegal in all states for therapists to sexually exploit clients and doctors to sexually exploit patients. In 17 states, it's illegal for ministers to sexually exploit congregants. Age doesn't matter.

Youngblood also has a previous sexual assault conviction involving a minor.

We hope that church officials will aggressively reach out to anyone else who may have been hurt by Youngblood. And we hope anyone who saw, suspects or suffered sexual abuse by Youngblood or any other church official will find the courage to speak up and start healing.

WALES
Barry and District News

A SECOND victim of jailed Jehovah's Witness elder Mark Sewell has stepped forward to tell of her ordeal at the hands of the convicted rapist.

Tina Guy, a former employee of Sewell, has told of her horror at recalling an incident where she was driven onto wasteland against her will and locked in a car by him - only to narrowly escape from the man who had already committed rape.

When Sewell drove Mrs Guy onto barren land at Barry docks in the mid 90s, she had no idea that the boss who had targeted her with a campaign of suggestive behaviour and an eventual indecent assault had already committed a rape just a few years prior.

Sewell, 53, of Porthkerry Road, Barry, was jailed for 14 years at Merthyr Crown Court earlier this month after being found guilty of raping a fellow churchgoer, indecently assaulting two young girls - including his niece Karen Morgan - and also indecently assaulting Mrs Guy in their workplace.

UNITED KINGDOM
ITV

The Catholic Church has defrocked 52 priests in England and Wales since new rules were put in place to combat clerical sex abuse over a decade ago.

The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) statistics were revealed as the commission said there were 81 child protection allegations made last year - a leap from 59 in 2012.

The number of parishes without a safeguarding representative grew between 2012 and 2013 from 88 to 126, the commission said, possibly due to concern over increased paperwork associated with the role.

UNITED KINGDOM
The Tablet

24 July 2014 by Danny Sullivan

It is ten years since the Church began reporting annually on allegations of abuse received by the Catholic Church in England and Wales and on standards of safeguarding. This year’s report was published this week and shows how far we have moved. The first year, 2004, was two years after Lord Nolan's report that laid out recommendations and a pathway for the Church to follow to become more robust and consistent in dealing with allegations implementing safeguarding protocols. The Cumberlege Review of 2007 reviewed the progress since the Nolan Report and made further recommendations to the bishops of England and Wales, which were accepted in their entirety. This included the setting up of an independent commission which would always be chaired by a layperson. Hence the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) , of which I am chairman.

Ten years on, we have a national structure – the NCSC's responsibility for strategy and auditing the quality of safeguarding in dioceses through its procedures and guidelines – and agreed procedures for all dioceses and religious congregations to observe. This includes having clear criteria for the appointment of diocesan safeguarding co-ordinators and chairmen or women of diocesan commissions.

While we have rightly learned from the secular world about best practice, it is important to recognise that there is a theological heart to safeguarding and that it is integral to ministry. St John XXIII likened the Church to family, friends and neighbours gathered around a village fountain in Italy; all were welcome and there was a care and concern for each individual.

This vision was shattered by the abuse scandal, affecting not only victims and survivors but others who had their idealised perception of the Church and the priesthood demolished by such criminal behaviour. The Church has apologised for getting things so wrong in the past but in one sense it can never apologise enough, given the damage to the lives of individual victims and survivors.

UNITED KINGDOM
The Tablet

24 July 2014 by Ruth Gledhill

The Catholic Church is to attempt to rebuild relations with sex abuse survivors, who pulled out of talks with the Church when the Church contested an abuse case from the Portsmouth diocese as far as the Court of Appeal. In an attempt to heal divisions, the Church in England and Wales will next year launch a new national advisory board involving victims a well as psychologists and other professionals.

In 2011 survivors groups including the National Association for People Abused in Childhood and the Survivors Trust abandoned their dialogue with the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service (CSAS) and National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC). They acted in protest at Portsmouth Diocese’s decision to appeal a High Court judgment that made the diocese vicariously liable for abuse by its priests.

The case concerned alleged abuse by Fr Wilfred Baldwin in the 1970s at a care home then run by nuns of Our Lady of Charity. The diocese denied the abuse took place and took the case right up to the Court of Appeal, which ruled in 2012 that it was liable to pay compensation for both this case and alleged beatings inflicted by a nun.

The new advisory group, disclosed in CSAS’s annual report published last Thursday, represents its first significant attempt to make a fresh start. The report also reveals the administrative difficulties caused by the Coalition Government’s decision in 2012 to merge the Criminal Records Bureau and the Independent Safeguarding Authority to form the Disclosure and Barring Service. Because of the extra time it now takes to complete checks on parish safeguarding representatives, there has been a rise in the number of parishes without them: up from 88 in 2012 to 126 in 2013, an increase of 1 per cent in terms of all parishes.

UNITED KINGDOM
International Business Times

By Tabatha Kinder
July 24, 2014

More than 50 Catholic priests in England and Wales have been "defrocked" since 2001 to protect children and vulnerable adults from clerical sex abuse, it has been revealed.

The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) said 52 priests had their ordained powers revoked by the church following the implementation of new rules to combat the well-publicised litany of abuses.

The statistics are revealed as the commission said there were 81 child abuse allegations made last year alone in England and Wales – a leap from 59 in 2012.

The NCSC attribute the rise in allegations last year to the Jimmy Saville scandal that resulted in a surge in calls to child abuse survivor support groups.

New procedures to tackle prolific sex abuse scandals of paedophile priests in the Catholic Church were implemented after late Lord Nolan made 83 recommendations to improve child protection in 2001.

UNITED KINGDOM
Vatican Radio

[with audio]

(Vatican Radio) The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission in England and Wales issued its latest report on Thursday highlighting significant progress, including a “much more consistent and sensitive approach” to survivors of sexual abuse. The annual report also underlines the importance of religious congregations aligning themselves with dioceses through a ‘One Church’ approach to better coordinate responses to those coming forward with allegations of abuse.

The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission is an independent body working within the framework of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Over the past 3 years it has overseen audits across all of the 22 Dioceses with the aim of providing better child protection in churches and religious institutions throughout the country.

Danny Sullivan is chair of the Commission and earlier this month accompanied two survivors of sexual abuse for a meeting with Pope Francis at his Santa Marta residence. He told us more about the positive developments highlighted in this annual report….

Listen to Philippa Hitchen’s report:

Danny says the new report reflects the ongoing work on training and supporting from the Safeguarding Advisory Service, with diocesan coordinators working with parish coordinators to ensure that procedures and guidelines are robustly adhered to, “so that you’re making the Church the safe place it should be for children and vulnerable adults….”

IRELAND
Irish Independent

Sarah MacDonald
Published 24/07/2014

The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown, has met Pope Francis in the Vatican to update him on the church in Ireland.

It is believed the pontiff was briefed on the ongoing process of renewal in the Irish church – which Pope Francis's predecessor, Benedict XVI, instigated with the apostolic visitation which concluded in 2012.

The American archbishop is now two years into his first diplomatic role. He has overseen eight new appointments to the Irish hierarchy in that time, the most recent being the new bishop of Elphin, Dr Kevin Doran, who was ordained earlier this month.

Abuse

The Vatican briefing follows closely on the meeting between the Pope and two Irish survivors of clerical abuse, which was widely regarded as a success.

However, Dr Brown will also undoubtedly have raised the ongoing thorny issue of the Irish church's dissident priests, five of whom have been censured to varying degrees by the Vatican's doctrinal watchdog, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.

Some of the priests are members of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) and Dr Brown has yet to meet any representative of the group, despite the fact that it has over 1,000 Irish priest members.

UNITED KINGDOM
The Guardian

Press Association
theguardian.com, Thursday 24 July 2014

More than 50 Catholic priests in England and Wales have been defrocked since new rules were put in place over a decade ago to combat clerical sex abuse, it has been revealed.

The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) said 52 priests had been laicised – or defrocked – since 2001 following the implementation of new procedures to protect children and vulnerable adults in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

The statistics were revealed as the commission said there were 81 child protection allegations made last year – a leap from 59 in 2012.

The number of parishes without a safeguarding representative grew between 2012 and 2013 from 88 to 126, the commission said, possibly due to concern over increased paperwork associated with the role.

There were 384 "covenants of care" in place by the end of 2013 in England and Wales where either a priest or a lay person is placed under restrictions.

GUAM
Marianas Variety

THURSDAY, 24 JUL 2014

ARCHBISHOP Anthony Apuron owes Guam Catholics an apology, said Joelle Casteix, a member of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).

Apuron should apologize to Catholics, quit trying to silence his critics and reach out to the abused, she said. “He must name all credibly accused clerics who have worked in the archdiocese and post those names in parish bulletins and on his website,” Castiex said. “He must act immediately.”

Castiex also said it was troubling that a statement from SNAP was what prompted Apuron to remove John Wadeson. “Why weren’t the voices of Guam’s Catholics enough? Why isn’t zero tolerance enough?” she asked.

Wadeson was recently removed from active and public ministry by Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron due to growing public concern over Wadeson’s past.

OKLAHOMA
Fox 25

[with video]

By: Keaton Fox, Primetime Reporter/Weekend Anchor

19-year-old Matthew Durham is charged with 4 counts of leaving the country to engage in "illicit sexual conduct."

In a federal court filing, agents say Durham volunteered with the Upendo Children's Home in Kenya.

It reads that "in early June 2014, the live-in caretaker at Upendo began to notice odd behavior... and found Durham late at night lying beside some of the children..."

When the live-in caretaker asked Durham about it, the "children stated Durham often touched them in a sexual manner" and goes on to describe acts with several children.

Durham's attorney says the claims are preposterous.

"It's too wild, even for Hollywood," said attorney Stephen Jones.

Jones says Durham was held for days and never actually spoke with law enforcement or the embassy. All the claims come from the caretaker.

PENNSYLVANIA
Tribune-Democrat

BY DAVID HURST
DHURST@TRIBDEM.COM

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Stalled negotiations in a case involving 88 former Pennsylvania teens alleging abuse by a former Bishop McCort educator prompted a New Jersey nonprofit to take protest signs to the Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese’s administrative front door Wednesday.

And an attorney representing 33 of the people alleging abuse by the late Brother Stephen Baker said he’ll press on with litigation if the diocese and Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular don’t return to the mediation table soon.

“Mediation has been stalled.

“We’re getting nowhere with it ... and there’s no timetable for it to continue,” said Massachusetts attorney Mitchell Garabedian.

“If something doesn’t happen, I don’t think we’ll have a choice but to proceed.”

The matter has been in on and off negotiations for more than a year since dozens of alleged victims began filing suits against the diocese regarding Baker’s actions during his nearly nine years at McCort, which started in 1992.

MINNESOTA
St Cloud Times

Times Editorial Board

What will Catholics, pope do now that they know Minneapolis archdiocese let clergy abuse continue for decades?

What would you do if you just discovered the highest-ranking leaders of an organization you thoroughly believe in have for almost 30 years misled everyone to cover up crimes of their front-line leaders?

Catholics across Minnesota — along with the Vatican and even Pope Francis — need to be asking themselves that question about the the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul in the wake of astounding news reports this month from Minnesota Public Radio.

Yes, astounding.

“Betrayed by Silence” uses online reports and a radio documentary to detail how three archbishops — John Roach, Harry Flynn and now John Nienstedt — consistently told the public they were resolving clergy sex abuse while essentially doing the opposite.

As a five-part report posted Monday (http://bit.ly/1k8fiA6) shows, all three leaders routinely found ways to cover up, discredit and ignore an ever-growing number of cases against priests they supervised.

AUSTRALIA
The West Australian

TIM CLARKE The West Australian
July 24, 2014

A former Catholic priest who molested two girls while serving at two separate Perth churches in the late 1960s and early 1980s has been jailed for three years.

Father Patrick Holmes, 79, admitted the charges of indecent assault at his first appearance at Perth Magistrate's Court earlier this year.

And at Perth's District Court today, Judge Henry Wisbey told Holmes he had abused his position in order to abuse the girls - the youngest being just seven years old - at two separate parishes

The court was told the first allegation stemmed from his time as a priest at the Catholic Holy Name Church in Carlisle in 1969.

The abuse occurred in the presbytery on at least three occasions, when Holmes touched the girl on her vagina and rubbed his crotch against hers.

MISSOURI
News-Tribune

By Katherine Cummins
Thursday, July 24, 2014

A Fulton church has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit that also includes Jack Wayne Rogers, accusing him of sexually assaulting the plaintiff when he was a child 14 years ago.

Kristopher D. Schondelmeyer, formerly of Fulton, names First Presbyterian Church of Fulton, Missouri Union Presbytery, Synod of Mid-America, Presbyterian Church Inc. (U.S.A.), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation, Bruce W. Berry and Jack Wayne Rogers as defendents. The suit was filed April 14 in the Callaway County circuit court.

According to the petition, Schondelmeyer wants to hold the defendants responsible for abuse he allegedly suffered from Rogers in 2000.

The petition alleges the defendants knew Rogers had previously been convicted on child pornography charges, and had knowingly put youth at risk “by placing Rogers in direct authority over minor children” and failing to provide supervision.

UNITED STATES
Bilgrimage

William D. Lindsey

Rod Dreher on Nienstedt Story and Jennifer Haselberger Affidavit: "In the Present and Future War on Religious Liberty . . . the US Catholic Hierarchy All Too Often Behaves Like a Fifth Column"

Conservative columnist Rod Dreher, who left the Catholic church due to the disclosures about the abuse situation when the crisis broke wide open in 2002 and afterwards, weighs in on the Nienstedt story and Jennifer Haselberger's affidavit. Dreher stands with the bishops in their attacks on gay folks and women, and he agrees with them in their claim that religious freedom is under attack in the U.S. today. He reads the presidential executive order defending gay folks from discrimination in federal programs as an attack on religious liberty, as the U.S. Catholic bishops do, too.

But his argument about the Nienstedt story and Haselberger's affidavit: the bishops are seriously damaging their religious liberty crusade (and that of folks like Dreher) — they're "fifth columnists" undermining the efforts of right-leaning political and religious groups to protect religious liberty. His conclusion:

If Haselberger is telling the truth, it staggers the mind to think that Pope Francis — who has the right to remove Nienstedt — tolerates this man remaining in charge a single day longer. Then again, Bishop Finn still rules in Kansas City, and according to a comprehensive report done by BishopAccountability.org, the pope had a poor record on responding to abuse as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

I think of this, and it is not hard for me to understand why people have so little sympathy for religious liberty claims. They believe religious liberty is an excuse to let cretins like Archbishop Nienstedt and his minions get away with serving themselves, their careers, and their perverse sexual appetites. Just yesterday, I was speaking to a Protestant friend about the seal of the confessional controversy, and he said something to the effect of, "In this environment, there’s no way people are going to be predisposed to support the Church on this."

AUSTRALIA
Pro Bono

The way in which the Archdiocese of Melbourne has responded to victims of child sexual abuse will be the focus of the next public hearing involving the Catholic Church.

The hearing will commence on Monday, August 18 and is scheduled to run for two weeks.

The public hearing will look into the principles, practices and procedures of the victim’s reparation scheme, the Melbourne Response, which was adopted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in October 1996.

The hearing will focus on the application of the Melbourne Response in responding to survivors of child sexual abuse as well as allegations of child sexual abuse against personnel of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

It will also look at the experience of people who have engaged in the Melbourne Response process, or otherwise sought redress from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Francis Sullivan, CEO of the Church’s Truth Justice and Healing Council, is coordinating the Catholic Church’s engagement with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

AUSTRALIA
New Zealand Herald

The South Australian government is prepared to consider radical laws, including banning men from working as child carers, after a carer was accused of horrific child sex abuse.

A 32-year-old Adelaide man employed by Families SA has been charged with seven counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with young children under his watch at a residential care facility.

Premier Jay Weatherill has flagged a royal commission into the sexual abuse of children, and foreshadowed "radical changes" to child protection protocols.

PITTSBURGH (PA)
CBS Pittsburgh

Harold Hayes

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A preacher accused of inappropriately touching a teenage male congregation member was in court Wednesday, but his attorney says whatever happened was between consenting adults.

Following the hearing, the defense attorney and a website reporter, who says he’s been tracking the case, got into a verbal exchange outside of the magistrate’s office in Munhall over whether the reporter had a relationship with the preacher.

Duane Youngblood was treated as a Bishop at the “Higher Call World Outreach Church” in Homestead and was charged with corrupting a minor earlier this month. He has a previous sex assault conviction.

Defense attorney Milton Raiford postponed Wednesday’s preliminary hearing for Youngblood. Raiford told reporters that church politics were behind the accusations and that the most recent sexual acts occurred when the alleged victim was over 18, contrary to the victim’s claims.

FLORIDA
News-Journal

By Frank Fernandez
frank.fernandez@news-jrnl.com
Published: Wednesday, July 23, 2014

A retired Edgewater detective said he had a gut feeling but no evidence a decade ago when someone reported seeing Matthew Graziotti engaging in suspicious activity with a child at his home.

So, former Edgewater Detective Dan Blazi said Tuesday he was not surprised when he learned that Graziotti, a teacher at Warner Christian Academy in South Daytona, was arrested July 14 on federal charges of production, distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography.

“All of my instincts told me that I was dealing with a person that had a high potential of committing that, but the problem is you have to prove it,” Blazi said.

Graziotti, 43, has been suspended without pay from Warner Christian, where he was a teacher and director of the summer camp program. Graziotti is being held without bail at the Seminole County Jail and has a hearing set for 10 a.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas B. Smith at the federal courthouse in Orlando.

LOUISIANA
ArkLATex Homepage

[with video]

Kimberly Rusley

Church members are standing by their pastor. Reverend Andre Lewis was sentenced to 6.5 years on Tuesday, July 22, in federal court for taking girls across state lines to have sex with them.

Tonette Fox has been a member of Act on Faith Ministries since 2006.

Even though her pastor, Reverend Andrea Lewis, has been convicted and sentenced, she still stands by him.

“I would like to say he is a good man, he's a man of god, and I have a five year-old and she loves him to death,” says Fox. “I wouldn't take him away from her for the world."

Prosecutors say between 1994 and 2000, Lewis would use choir trips and other church related travel to cover up the sexual abuse.

"I feel like the sentencing wasn't lengthy enough,” says Jane Doe III. “I mean, because I've endured 10 years plus, building the rest of my life. I'll always be affected by this, and 6.5 years will never equal up to the pain that I've endured, because of this situation."

IOWA
Press-Citizen

Daniel P. Finney, For the Press-Citizen July 23, 2014

Next time you use a public restroom, take a look around. Scan any vents, towel dispensers or other fixtures, including electric outlets and light switches.

Why? You just might be on camera.

In the past 13 months, hidden cameras have been found in restrooms and other facilities in at least three Iowa communities, including Iowa City, mirroring a nationwide problem.

In May, a church pastor in Indiana was convicted of hiding cameras in a women’s restroom. Chicago police are investigating a hidden camera in the restroom of a funeral home. And this week in Cleveland, a TV station told employees that a hidden video camera was discovered in a women’s restroom.

Prosecuting suspects for hidden cameras is a tricky matter under Iowa law. When cameras capture photographs or recordings of adults, prosecutors must prove the person intended to get nude images, said Kevin Cmelik, of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.

MISSOURI
Fulton Sun

By Katherine Cummins
Thursday, July 24, 2014

A local church has been named one of the defendants in a lawsuit that also includes Jack Wayne Rogers, accusing Rogers of sexually assaulting the plaintiff when he was a child in 2000.

In a suit filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Callaway County on April 14, Kristopher D. Schondelmeyer, formerly of Fulton, names First Presbyterian Church of Fulton, Missouri Union Presbytery, Synod of Mid-America, Presbyterian Church Inc. (U.S.A.), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation, Bruce W. Berry and Jack Wayne Rogers as defendants.

According to Schondelmeyer’s petition, the current lawsuit is being brought “in order to hold the Defendants responsible” for the abuse he allegedly suffered by Rogers in 2000.

The petition alleges the defendants knew Rogers had previously been convicted on child pornography charges, and had knowingly put youth at risk “by placing Rogers in direct authority over minor children” and failing to provide supervision.

The suit specifically names First Presbyterian Church and Berry as having appointed Rogers to be a lay minister for the Presbyterian Church of Bellflower in Montgomery County.

PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

By Richard Gazarik
Thursday, July 24, 2014

Retired Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland, who fell from grace in the Roman Catholic Church amid a sex and financial scandal, had hoped to return to St. Vincent Archabbey on Sept. 1 to live out his final days.

But the archabbey has withdrawn its invitation to the elderly cleric, he said.

Weakland, 87, said Archabbot Douglas Nowicki broke the news during a phone call last month, despite his ties to the Benedictine monastery for more than seven decades.

“He asked me to postpone indefinitely my coming,” Weakland told the Tribune-Review in a phone interview. “You don't want to interfere in the house, so I'm going to stay here. I did want to spend my final days there.”

Kim Metzgar, director of public relations at the archabbey in Westmoreland County, declined to comment.

MINNESOTA
KSTP

[with video]

By: Cassie Hart

New details have been released Wednesday surrounding the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis sex abuse investigation.

Documents detail the case of a priest who worked in the archdiocese, even after he was accused of sexually abusing girls.

Michael Kolar was ordained in 1969. He was permanently removed from ministry in 1991, and the Holy See removed him from clerical state in 1993. In that time, he allegedly impregnated one girl, who later miscarried. He was receiving treatment while he was still a priest.

Three girls publicly said he had sexually abused them.

In a deposition, Kolar admitted his actions constituted abuse.

According to a news release from Jeff Anderson and Associates, Kolar later alleged he was sexually abused by former head of Catholic Charities Msgr. Jerome Boxleitner and Kolar attempted to work for the Catholic Church again in 1995.

AUSTRALIA
Perth Now

AAP

Perth Catholic priest Father Patrick Holmes sentenced to three years jail for child sex offences

A CATHOLIC priest has been sentenced to three years in jail after admitting to indecently assaulting two young girls in the Perth parishes where he worked.

The District Court of Western Australia heard on Thursday that the six offences committed by Father Patrick Holmes occurred in Carlisle in 1969 when his victim was aged seven and in 1980-1982 in Subiaco when his victim was aged 10-11.

Holmes was aged 34 and 45-46 respectively at the time.

The court heard the first complainant was a student at the primary school next to his church.

She would regularly visit him after school and was given treats and cash in return for her co-operation and silence.

UNITED KINGDOM
Western Daily Press

More than 50 Catholic priests in England and Wales have been defrocked since new rules were put in place over a decade ago to combat clerical sex abuse, it has been revealed.

The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) said 52 priests had been laicised – or defrocked – since 2001 following the implementation of new procedures to protect children and vulnerable adults in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

The statistics were revealed as the commission said there were 81 child protection allegations made last year – a leap from 59 in 2012.

The number of parishes without a safeguarding representative grew between 2012 and 2013 from 88 to 126, the commission said, possibly due to concern over increased paperwork associated with the role.

There were 384 “covenants of care” in place by the end of 2013 in England and Wales where either a priest or a lay person is placed under restrictions.

AUSTRALIA
ABC News

By Joanna Menagh

A 79-year-old Catholic priest has been jailed for three years for sexually abusing two young girls in Perth decades ago.

Patrick Holmes pleaded guilty to six child sex charges, which were laid against him earlier this year.

The first three offences were committed in 1969 and involved a girl aged about six or seven.

Holmes was the parish priest at Holy Name Church in Carlisle and the offences were committed to a victim in the presbytery.

The last three offences happened in the early 1980s, in the presbytery of the Saint Aloysius Church in Shenton Park where Holmes was again the parish priest.

UNITED STATES
PopeCrimes& Vatican Evils.

Paris Arrow

The Vatican circus for idiot Catholics stretches far and wide as if the Octopus Dei Beast Tentacles has engulfed the four corners of the globe. Across the Pacific Ocean, from New Zealand (to placate the JP2 Army – John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army earthquake being unraveled by the Royal Commission in Australia) to the Philippines, the Octopus Dei Beast PR Deceits Team is brainwashing millions of idiot Catholics keeping them ignorant about truth of Vatican Evils and making them feel-good Francis-Maniacs about their podgy ass fattest-clown-in-white Pope Francis. Last month, it was in New Zealand. Opus Dei Beast PR Stunt of the Day: “Vatican leas war against child abuse” sounds like “Nazis leads war against terrorism”.

UNITED KINGDOM
Wales Online

Jul 24, 2014 10:32 By Chiara Rinaldi

The number of Catholic priests in Wales and England who have been defrocked for sex abuse totals more than 50, a report has revealed.

Fifty-two priests have been defrocked since 2001 when new procedures to protect children and vulnerable adults were put in place by the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC), who revealed the statistics, said there were 81 child protection allegations made last year – a leap from 59 in 2012.

The number of parishes without a safeguarding representative grew between 2012 and 2013 from 88 to 126, the commission said, possibly due to concern over increased paperwork associated with the role.

There were 384 “covenants of care” in place by the end of 2013 in England and Wales where either a priest or a lay person is placed under restrictions.

SPENCER (MA)
Bangor Daily News

By Scott Malone, Reuters
Posted July 24, 2014

SPENCER, Massachusetts — Tucked off a two-lane highway in a hilly, wooded section of central Massachusetts, a group of Roman Catholic monks has embraced a centuries-old tradition they hope can sustain their aging members in a world of rapidly rising health costs.

The 60 monks of St. Joseph’s Abbey still rise at 3 a.m. for prayers and pass most of their days in silence. But when it is time for work, a handful head down to the monastery’s new brewery, the first outside Europe to produce certified Trappist Ale.

The venture has proven to be less labor-intensive than the monks’ other businesses, making religious vestments and fruit preserves. More importantly, they believe it can generate enough money to sustain a community of men with an average age of 70, who spend about a third of their budget on health care.

“We’re trying to reinvent our economy,” said Father Isaac Keeley on a recent tour of the abbey’s low-slung stone buildings and starkly modern 30,000-square-foot brewery, nestled in a wooded property some 60 miles west of Boston. ...

Supporting an aging clergy is a challenge faced across the Catholic church in the United States. While monasteries and similar religious orders operate outside the structure of local parishes and dioceses, many of which have paid heavy costs to settle claims of sexual abuse by priests, their members also are aging.

The Retirement Fund for the Religious, a Catholic group that acts as a last-gasp source of funding for retired monks, nuns and other members of religious orders, supports 34,243 religious people over the age of 70. It forecast that by 2023, there would be four times as many retired members of such orders as those who are still working.

MINNESOTA
Twin Cities Daily Planet

By Andy Birkey, The Colu.mn
July 22, 2014

The investigation of alleged cover-ups of child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has brought a flurry of court documents which reveal some details of Archbishop John Nienstedt’s war on gay marriage. In one case, the Archdiocese allegedly considered having a priest labelled disabled to silence his support of marriage equality.

Father Michael Tegeder of St. Francis Cabrini and Gichitwaa Kateri has been an outspoken critic of Nienstedt’s assault on LGBT rights. He was sharply critical of the anti-gay marriage amendment that was on the ballot in 2012.

He was so outspoken, Nienstedt threatened to remove him from ministry.

“If you choose not to offer your resignation, but continue to act openly or speak publicly about your opposition to Church teaching, I will suspend your faculties to exercise ministry and remove you from your ministerial assignments,” Nienstedt wrote to Tegeder in a letter in November 2011.

But behind the scenes, Nienstedt was considering other measures to silence Tegeder. According to an affidavit by whistleblower Jennifer Haselberger, Nienstedt has the authority to label a church employee as disabled:

However, both the Archbishop and Mr. Haws would be aware (as would others) that the determination of who is considered disabled under the terms of the Priests Pension Plan is the exclusive prerogative of the Archbishop. It is a matter for his prudential judgment. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the Archbishop’s designation- no medical diagnosis is necessary, and it need not correspond to, for instance, a similar designation by the Social Security Administration. In other words, not only is the Archbishop qualified to evaluate who can be classified as disabled, he ís the only person who can make that evaluation.

IRELAND
Irish Times

Patsy McGarry

Thu, Jul 24, 2014

A number of new documents including Catholic Primate Cardinal Seán Brady’s handwritten account of answers provided at a secret 1975 inquiry into allegations of abuse by the notorious Fr Brendan Smyth, are contained in a book published this week.

Sworn to Silence, by Brendan Boland, also contains the handwritten record of the oath sworn by the then 14-year-old Mr Boland – who was abused by Smyth – to keep the inquiry secret.

A Garda investigation into the activities of the child sexual abuser began following the broadcast in 1994 on UTV of the programme Suffer Little Children which addressed Smyth’s abuse of children.

After the programme Frank Boland reported the abuse of his son Brendan by Smyth to gardaí in Dundalk and the fact that there has been a secret church inquiry into the allegations some two decades earlier.

On February 15th, 1995, as part the Garda investigation into Smyth’s activities in the State, Msgr Francis Donnelly, a priest of the Armagh archdiocese, was interviewed at his parochial house in Dundalk. He spoke of the inquiry in which he took part almost 20 years previously involving Brendan Boland. However, Msgr Donnelly refused to make a formal statement on the matter to gardaí.

MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press

By Emily Gurnon
egurnon@pioneerpress.com
POSTED: 07/23/2014

Michael G. Kolar, a former priest who directed the Catholic Youth Center in St. Paul, was kept in ministry even after officials learned he had sexually abused underage girls beginning in the 1970s, according to documents released Wednesday as part of a lawsuit.

The documents also reveal Kolar told officials that Monsignor J. Jerome Boxleitner, the former head of Catholic Charities, tried to rape him at his lake cabin when Kolar was in seminary. Boxleitner died in 2013.

Kolar, 70, asked to be removed from the priesthood in 1992. He later married and currently lives in St. Paul.

One woman alleged in a 1991 lawsuit that she was abused by Kolar beginning in 1972 when she went on a retreat to the Catholic Youth Center as a 10th-grader. That suit was dismissed after a judge determined the statute of limitations had run out.

MICHIGAN
MLive

By Angie Jackson | ajackso3@mlive.com
on July 23, 2014

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Former Christian radio host John Balyo now faces federal child porn and exploitation charges stemming from alleged incidents involving a 12-year-old boy.

The former radio host for WCSG, a Christian radio station based in Grand Rapids, was charged Wednesday, July 23, with a count each of sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids.

Authorities allege Balyo on April 19 took sexually explicit photos of a 12-year-old boy in Kalamazoo County using an iPhone, a computer and digital camera. Balyo in June allegedly possessed at least nine images of child pornography, some involving prepubescent minors.

Balyo, of Caledonia, in June was charged in Calhoun County with first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving an 11-year-old boy in Battle Creek in May. He allegedly admitted to some of the conduct and is jailed without bond.

UNITED STATES
The Permanente Journal

Les Gallo-Silver, MSW, LCSW-R; Christopher M Anderson; Jaime Romo, EdD
Perm J 2014 Summer; 18(3):82-87
http://dx.doi.org/10.7812/TPP/14-009

Abstract
The health care literature describes treatment challenges and recommended alterations in practice procedures for female survivors of childhood sexual abuse, a subtype of adverse childhood experiences. Currently, there are no concomitant recommendations for best clinical practices for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse or other adverse clinical experiences. Anecdotal information suggests ways physicians can address the needs of adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse by changes in communication, locus of control, and consent/permission before and during physical examinations and procedures. The intent of this article is to act as a catalyst for improved patient care and more research focused on the identification and optimal responses to the needs of men with adverse childhood experiences in the health care setting.

KANSAS CITY (MO)
The Kansas City Star

BY MARY SANCHEZ
THE KANSAS CITY STAR
07/23/2014

A gray-haired woman tilted her head, a hand held cupped to her ear, listening intently as the judge grilled attorneys representing the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese.

The former teacher liked what she heard from Jackson County Judge Bryan Round on Wednesday. He seemed to understand. To grasp why she and about a dozen others attended the hearing to determine if a breach-of-contract ruling ordering the diocese to pay a $1.1 million award will stand.

It’s for the children. To ensure that the diocese will continue to do whatever is within its power to protect children from sexual abuse.

From 1956 to 1995 Marie Mentrup taught at St. Gabriel Archangel School. Among her former eighth-grade students was a boy who later accused a priest of molesting him as a child. She said she knew other victims too. But that student, who died nearly two years ago, was among the plaintiffs in the diocese’s 2008 $10 million settlement to resolve such civil suits.

“It hasn’t stopped,” Mentrup said, alluding to how this wound up back in the courts.

The largest indicator that the diocese failed to live up to its obligations from the settlement is the 2011 conviction of former priest Shawn Ratigan for child pornography. And the deplorable ways the diocese failed to follow up on what turned out to be credible questions about Ratigan’s behavior around children.

PENNSYLVANIA
WeAreCentralPA

Jim Madalinsky

ALTOONA - Close to 90 people have come forward saying they were sexually abused by Franciscan Brother Stephen Baker.

Baker committed suicide in January of 2013.
In early May the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese was set to take part in settlement negotiations when they were called off pending the attorney general's investigation. On Wednesday, the mother of one of Baker's alleged victims was in Altoona.

"Brother Steve was put in place and I handed my son to him and that didn't have to happen," Barbara Aponte says.

Brother Steve is Brother Stephen Baker. He's accused of sexually assaulting close to 90 boys across three states for years.

KANSAS CITY (MO)
KCUR

By DAN MARGOLIES

A Jackson County judge heard arguments Wednesday on whether the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph should pay a $1.1 million arbitration award for breach of contract in its ongoing litigation over clergy sex abuse.

The diocese contends the arbitrator, Kansas City lawyer Hollis Hanover, exceeded his authority when he made the award after finding the diocese had violated the terms of a $10 million settlement it reached with 47 sex abuse victims in 2008.

Under the terms of the settlement, the diocese pledged to adopt a variety of child safety measures.

Forty-four of the victims claimed the diocese and Bishop Robert Finn had breached those measures by failing to promptly inform authorities after it found child pornography on the laptop computer of a diocesan priest, the Rev. Shawn Ratigan.

Last September, a federal judge sentenced Ratigan to 50 years in prison.

Earlier this month, Hanover found that the diocese had breached five of the safety measures spelled out in the 2008 agreement. He awarded the plaintiffs $1.1 million atop the $10 million they were awarded in 2008.

GUAM
Pacific News Center

SNAP Accuses Archbishop Apuron of "Dangerous" Behavior; Calls Father Wadeson's Parting Remarks "Self-Aggrandizing"

Guam - SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, has issued another statement accusing Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron of harboring a twice accused predator priest on island until SNAP revealed the accusations against Father John Wadeson in a release last weekend.
Father Wadeson is named in Los Angeles Archdiocese records, and in LA news reports, as having been accused on 2 occasions of being a predator priest. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has barred Father Wadeson from ministry in LA.

The accusations date back to the early 90's, they were never brought to trial.

Father Wadeson was incardinated on Guam by the Archbishop Apuron in 2000. Archbishop Apruon removed Father Wadeson from "active and public ministry" on Guam this past Tuesday, 4 days after SNAP issued a release calling attention to the decades old accusations against Father Wadeson.

However, local catholic observer, Tim Rohr, was the first to bring the issue to light on his blog last Wednesday. And last Friday, Father Adrian Cristobal told PNC News that the Archdiocese was aware of the accusations against Father Wadeson in California. But the allegations were just that: allegations.

AUSTRALIA
The Conversation

James Boyce
University Associate at University of Tasmania

The statistics attached to the Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse have confirmed what many people suspected – that while child abuse has been widespread in Christian and secular institutions, the Catholic Church is dramatically over-represented.

Of the 1,033 faith-based institutions reported to the Commission, 68% were Catholic. Even when state-run and private sites are included, the figure is 41%.

The Commissioners report that they want to “find out why there have been a significant number of perpetrators in certain institutions". Given the extent to which our Government has handed over responsibility for publicly-funded education, health and social welfare services to the Catholic Church, so should we all.

This is not a matter of Catholic bashing but of civic responsibility. There is no question that Catholic schools and welfare institutions are now essentially shaped by professional and secular values, but this is still not uniformly the case. Grappling with the Church’s self-evident problem cannot be an in-house chat.

What is distinctive about the Catholic Church that might have fostered child abuse? The grim stories coming out of Ireland and other countries have meant this question has been part of the Western conversation for more than a decade. Compulsory celibacy, the priestly pedestal, and a cloistered culture have all been widely discussed, but what has received much less attention to date is the Church’s core ideology of childhood.

PENNSYLVANIA
Tribune-Democrat

Update: Victims group calls for end to 'delays' involving Altoona-Johnstown diocese, other agencies in Baker sexual abuse cases

BY DAVID HURST
DHURST@TRIBDEM.COM

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The founder of a New Jersey nonprofit formed to help child sex abuse victims stood outside the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on Wednesday calling for an end to delays in the Brother Stephen Baker sex abuse case, which has been tied up in litigation.

“Let’s settle this case morally, justly and quickly,” Road to Recovery Founder Robert Hoatson said.

Attorneys for the local diocese and other agencies, and those representing Baker’s alleged victims, have been negotiating off and on for more than a year.

AUSTRALIA
Broken Rites

By a Broken Rites researcher (article posted on 23 July 2014)

New South Wales Police announced on 23 July 2014 that they have charged a 66-year-old religious Brother regarding indecent assaults of a child, committed 40 years ago. Broken Rites understands that the alleged victim was a pupil at a Marist Brothers boys' school which then existed at Maitland, north of Sydney in the Newcastle region.

The police announcement said that, in March 2013, detectives from Strike Force Georgiana received information about an alleged indecent-assault matter involving a child and they then commenced an investigation. (Strike Force Georgiana is a special unit of investigators located at Charlestown.)

On 22 July 2014, detectives from Central Hunter Local Command and Lake Macquarie Local Command attended Surry Hills Police Station in Sydney and spoke with a 66-year-old man about the alleged offences against a boy.

UNITED STATES
PopeCrimes& Vatican Evils

Idiot Catholics, ‘Don't believe what you read from AP, Reuters and Boston Globe’. Small newspaper detects deceit reporting from Opus Dei Beast PR Deceits Team

Paris Arrow

A small newspaper writer Joseph Tevington of the Bucks County Courier Times in Pennsylvania has detected the subtle snaky deceits coming out of giant journalists from AP, Reuters and Boston Globe and he is not afraid to special mention them. Tevington wrote in his article entitled boldly, Don't believe what you read: Church teaching isn't changing. Whoa, don’t believe what you read, idiot Catholics!

Tevington began his article, “Like many local newspapers, the Courier Times relies on large news organizations for national and international news. In the area of religious news, those organizations have a small pool of writers who may or who may not be well-equipped for their specialized work”. Then he gave specific examples.

Further on he wrote, “Whether one agrees with what the Catholic Church teaches, it strikes me that anyone seeking information would want, and be entitled to, accurate reporting. Whether it is intentional or not, the reports from the AP, Reuters and Boston Globe seem misleading”.

KANSAS CITY (MO)
The Kansas City Star

BY JUDY L. THOMAS
THE KANSAS CITY STAR
07/23/2014

The Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese told a judge Wednesday that it shouldn’t have to pay the $1.1 million ordered by an arbitrator last spring for violating the terms of a 2008 settlement with priest sexual abuse victims.

The main reason, diocesan lawyers argued, was because the arbitrator overstepped his authority in issuing the award.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Bryan Round heard arguments from both sides during a 90-minute hearing attended by more than a dozen victims or their family members. The plaintiffs asked the judge to confirm the arbitrator’s order, while the diocese argued that the order be vacated or modified.

“This is obviously a difficult matter for a variety of reasons,” Round said as the hearing concluded. “It’s going to take me a little bit of time to go through everything.”

The order, issued March 23 by arbitrator Hollis Hanover, stems from a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed three years ago alleging that the diocese and Bishop Robert Finn violated parts of the 2008 settlement, putting children in danger. The lawsuit was filed in Jackson County Circuit Court by 44 of the 47 plaintiffs from the previous case.

ALABAMA
Associated Baptist Press

By Bob Allen

A victim of a former children’s minister sentenced to 30 years in prison has sued both his perpetrator and the church that hired him.

The victim, identified by initials J.G., filed a lawsuit July 22 in U.S. District Court alleging injury by Jeffery Dale Eddie, longtime associate pastor for children and church administration at Highland Park Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

The civil suit claims Eddie, who pleaded guilty to numerous sex crimes in March, molested the man now living in Louisiana over the course of 12 years beginning when he was 11.

The lawsuit accuses Highland Park Baptist Church, a congregation associated with the Colbert-Lauderdale Baptist Association, the Alabama State Board of Missions and the Southern Baptist Convention, of failure to properly supervise Eddie, an employee from 1998 until he was caught storing child pornography on his church computer in 2014.

The lawsuit claims church leaders waited 10 days before reporting the incident to police, after an internal investigation, violating a state law that requires clergy to report suspected abuse immediately.

ALABAMA
AL.com

By Greg Garrison | ggarrison@al.com
on July 23, 2014

MUSCLE SHOALS, Alabama – A victim of former Highland Park Baptist Church Children's Pastor Jeff Eddie, charged this year with 36 counts of child sexual abuse, has filed a lawsuit against Eddie and the church.

The lawsuit was filed in Birmingham July 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama Western Division. The plaintiff identified as "J.G.," now living in Louisiana, seeks unspecified damages for the sexual abuse that he said began in 2001 when he was 11. The lawsuit states that Eddie pleaded guilty on March 7 to 16 counts of sodomy for oral sex, three counts of sexual abuse of a child under 12 and one count of possession of child pornography. Eddie, 41, was arrested Feb. 4.

Eddie was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Colbert County District Attorney Bryce Graham said the number of Eddie's victims was in the double-digits.

Eddie was administrative and children's pastor at Highland Park, a Southern Baptist Church in Colbert County, from 1998 through 2014. The lawsuit said that sexual abuse took place at Highland Park

MINNESOTA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)

St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson chose as his spiritual advisor a Minnesota priest who later admitted to being a sex addict. And Carlson, in turn, became his “close friend” and spiritual advisor too, according to hundreds of pages of long-secret Catholic Church abuse files have just been released.

The documents show that Carlson has had direct, first-hand knowledge and experience covering up sexual abuse for almost 40 years.

They involve a serial predator priest, Fr. Michael G. Kolar. He and Carlson, the archbishop admits, were or are “close friends.” In fact, Carlson wrote “Because of my past and continuing friendship with Fr. Kolar, it would be inappropriate for me to be involved (in his abuse case).” (ARCH 018348)

Still, Carlson meddled in Fr. Kolar's case, refusing to follow up on leads, corresponding with some victims, and telling others that their allegations had no merit. In fact, Kolar was promoted to head of the Archdiocese Youth Conference after Carlson knew that the priest was molesting vulnerable girls.

Carlson also admits that Fr. Kolar “was my spiritual director.” And Carlson became the priest's spiritual advisor. (“Fr. Kolar asked me if I would be his spiritual counselor and I agreed to do that.” p. 25- 26)

Fr. Kolar is accused of molesting innocent girls and exploiting devout women. He admitted that he “was simply using (women and girls) because of my sexual needs.” (ARCH 018513)

Despite multiple credible allegations against him over a span of years, Fr. Kolar was quietly moved from parish to parish and even sent to work in Venezuela among unsuspecting families. (The files contain a 1990 letter urging St. Paul's archbishop to bring Kolar back from South America before he hurt more girls. (ARCH 019734): “Please do not allow any opportunity for more abuse and pain to be inflicted in the future.”

FLORIDA
Florida Times-Union

When Pope Francis recently met with six victims of clerical sexual abuse, he made an important statement that the Roman Catholic Church is committed to change.

He compared priests who abuse minors to “a sacrilegious cult.”

He begged for forgiveness.

He vowed to take action on priests abusing their vows.

And Pope Francis referred to the “sins of omission” by those who covered up or failed to report incidents of child sexual abuse.

The pope has also appointed a commission to confront the sexual abuse issue.

History suggests that’s a wise and proactive step.

UNITED STATES
Slacktivist

July 23, 2014 By Fred Clark

Amy @ Watch Keep highlights a rare story of a local church responding appropriately to finding an abuser on its payroll.

John Sluder was an associate pastor at Believers Church in Auburn, Alabama:
His arrest in May got him kicked out of the church where he had been for 30 years. Lee County Sheriff’s detectives say the two adult victims came forward in April to report they were abused in the early 1990′s.

… ”The full extent of the law needs to be handed down. And we have to do everything we can to protect these kids ant they need to know they are safe and that society will come to their defense,” said Hand.

Amy contrasts this response by Believers Church with the image-control, stonewalling and circling of the wagons she more often encounters in her work with SNAP (the Survivor’s Network of those Abused by Priests):

FLORIDA
Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos and Lehrman

by Adam Horowitz James Larkin sexual Tampa Day School abuse lawyer

James Larkin is a long-time educator, having worked as Prinicpal in Tampa Day School and Headmaster at St. John's Greek Orthodox School. According to a docket entry on Hillsbrough County Clerk's office dated July 21, 2014, James Larkin now faces felony sex charges in Hillsborough County for the molestation of a minor, who was his former student at Tampa Day School. (Hillbrough County Case No. 14-CF-005573-A)

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, when the boy's mother was out of town for the weekend in March 2014, Larkin and his wife watched the alleged victim and his sister. Larkin came into the boy's room at night, laid down next to him and put his hands down the boy's pants and fondled the boy's genitals. Larkin admitted his actions were "inappropriate" in a phone call between the student and principal that was recorded by the sheriff's office. Larkin was 63 years old at the time of the alleged incident. In April, Larkin was terminated after his arrest by Tampa Day School, where he had served for five years. Prior to serving as principal at Tampa Day School, Larkin resigned at headmaster at St. John Greek Orthodox School where he worked for over 30 years.

According to its website, Tampa Day School is a "specialized school for students in grades K-8 with mild to moderate learning disabilities, dyslexia, anxiety, and ADHD." Larkin founded and led a "dad's club" at Tampa Day School to develop social bonds between fathers and their sons enrolled in the school. Larkin was also involved in the Boy Scouts and numerous youth groups during his time as an educator. Larkin befriended the alleged victim and his mother over a period of months after the victim's father passed away. Over time, Larkin became a surrogate dad for the child and routinely took the alleged victim to "Dad Club" meetings and other recreational activities.

AUSTRALIA
Perth Now

[with poll]

Families SA insider says new child-protection policies will fail without extra resources to help overstretched social workers

LAUREN NOVAK SAM KELTON THE ADVERTISER JULY 23, 2014

A FAMILIES SA insider says a radical rewriting of child-protection policies will be useless without extra resources to help social workers already stretched to breaking point.

In the wake of revelations a man working for Families SA was last month charged with child sex offences against seven preschool-aged children in his care, the State Government has promised an urgent review of policies and processes to shield vulnerable children from predators who use the care system to gain access to them.

But a Families SA worker who contacted The Advertiser said there was no point making major changes without providing extra staff to support them.

GUAM
Pacific Daily News

Written by
Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno
Pacific Daily News

A day after he was stripped of authority as a Guam priest over child molestation allegations in Los Angeles, Father John Howard Wadeson has left the island.

Wadeson stated he's been falsely accused, but decided to leave because he didn't want the accusations against him to tarnish Archbishop Anthony Apuron.

"I was in such shock at the viciousness and lies of what was being said about me and our archbishop, whom I hold in great esteem, that I was lost for words," Wadeson stated, in response to the Pacific Daily News' request for comment.

"For the good of the church, I thought it best that I leave the country, albeit with a very heavy heart, so that these false accusations that are being leveled at me do not become weapons to use against our archbishop or the Church of Guam," he stated.

"I will continue to pray for our church, our archbishop as well as for those who attack him," Wadeson stated.

Wadeson left yesterday morning, said Father Pablo Ponce, rector of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary. where Wadeson had been staying.

AUSTRALIA
The Australian

JULY 24, 2014

Dan Box
Crime Reporter
Sydney

A CHILD sex abuse victim has criticised the royal commission over an alleged “opportunistic personal attack” on a senior prosecutor during a recent public hearing.

Peter Gogarty, who was repeatedly abused by a Catholic priest, wrote privately to commission chairman Peter McClellan about the treatment of Margaret Cunneen SC, a barrister who led a separate commission of inquiry into child sex abuse.

Earlier this month, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse spent days dissecting confidential advice provided by Ms Cunneen in 2004 about the prosecution of Olympic coach Scott Volkers for allegedly abusing teenage swimmers.

“In all of the circumstances, I am forced to the conclusion that Ms Cunneen during her evidence … was the subject of an opportunistic personal attack unrelated to the question at hand,” said Mr Gogarty’s letter said. “Given my public and strident support of ... (the) commission, I am very disappointed that the media has been offered the spectacle of an apparent ‘in-house’ spat.”

GUAM
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Wednesday, July 23, 2014

For more information: Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach, 949-322-7434 cell, jcasteix@gmail.com, David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, SNAPclohessy@aol.com

Abuse victims blast priest & archbishop
Twice-accused cleric lived in Guam for years
SNAP: Archbishop knew about abuse but did nothing
Now exposed, child molesting cleric heads to Bay Area

A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is blasting a twice-accused Catholic predator priest for "hurtful, self-aggrandizing comments" he made as he left Guam for California.

Leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, are criticizing Fr. John H. Wadeson for calling accusations about his alleged abuse “viciousness and lies ... about me and our (Archbishop Anthony Apuron).”

Fr. Wadeson worked in Hagatna in Guam until a few days ago, when SNAP publicly exposed that he has been accused of abuse twice and has been banned from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Archbishop Apuron then suspended Fr. Wadeson. The comments were made after Wadeson was removed.

The information about Fr. Wadeson was on the internet and posted in Los Angeles Archdiocese documents dating back to 2004. Guam Catholics have also publicly called on the Archbishop to take action.

SNAP believes that Apuron's behavior is dangerous.

“Apuron knew that Fr. Wadeson was a predator and had been banned from Los Angeles, but he simply didn't care,” said Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach, SNAP Western Regional Director. “That behavior is unacceptable, reckless, and against common morality.”

KANSAS CITY (MO)
KCTV

By Chris Oberholtz, Multimedia Producer
By Erika Tallan, Reporter

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
Earlier this month a judge ordered the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph to pay $1.1 million to 42 victims of clergy sex crimes.

A Jackson County judge is hearing arguments Wednesday about whether the award should stand or be overturned.

The diocese is facing the penalty for not doing more to stop now-defrocked priest Shawn Ratigan from taking pornographic pictures of young parishioners after the diocese had pledged more than five years ago to prevent future abuse cases.

The diocese and Bishop Robert Finn, who has previously admitted in a criminal court that he failed to report child abuse by Ratigan to state authorities, are seeking to have the arbitrator's order nullified.

The diocese is appealing the judge's decision to pay up.

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a prominent victim's group, hopes it is upheld and that it will push employers to be more responsible in child sex cases.

MINNESOTA
Jeff Anderson & Associates

The priest file of former Archdiocesan priest Father Michael Kolar was made public due to a civil lawsuit filed in Ramsey County in 2013 by a survivor of Father Thomas Adamson. Doe 1 and his attorneys successfully sought and obtained the release of a list of credibly accused priests and their secret files from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Diocese of Winona.

Father Michael Kolar worked in the Archdiocese for decades and with the help of top Church officials, including now-Archbishop Robert Carlson and former Vicar General Kevin McDonough, Kolar was allowed to remain in positions where he sexually abused numerous girls and evaded civil authorities. Warnings from abuse survivors, parents, another priest and Kolar’s therapist were ignored by the Archdiocese and Kolar was sent to St. Luke Institute. To avoid scandal, Kolar was then sent to South America and finally Archbishop Roach pushed Kolar into laicization telling the Holy See, because of the legal and media climate, he was unable to assign Kolar.

Kolar later alleged he was sexually abused by former head of Catholic Charities Msgr. Jerome Boxleitner and Kolar attempted to work for the Catholic Church again in 1995. He is still living and resides in St. Paul.

In 1991 ABC and XYZ sued the Archdiocese of Saint Paul Minneapolis, Reverend Michael Kolar and Mr. Jim Kolar for childhood sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of Father Kolar. At the time, Father Kolar was director of the Catholic Youth Center and NET. It is now known that the Court did not have the full record of Kolar that is produced below. The Court with the Appellate Court affirming, dismissed ABC and XYZ saying as a matter of law that ABC and XYZ brought their action too late and that the statute of limitations barred a lawsuit. In 2013 the Child Victims Act was enacted eliminating the Statute of Limitations in Minnesota.

[ABC v. Archdiocese of St. Paul]

Father Michael Kolar Summary
Father Michael Kolar Timeline
Michael Kolar Hot Docs Part 1
Michael Kolar Hot Docs Part 2
Michael Kolar File, part 1
Michael Kolar File, part 2
Michael Kolar File, part 3
Michael Kolar File, part 4

CALIFORNIA
Orange County Weekly

By Gustavo Arellano Wed., Jul. 23 2014

Last week, California Governor Jerry Brown announced two new Orange County Superior Court judges: Thomas A. Delaney, and Nancy E. Zeltzer. No idea on who Zeltzer is, but Delaney's inclusion raised alarms in the part of my brain that tracks pedophile priests and their secular pedophile pals.
Simply put, our new Hizzoner made mucho money defending pedophile-protecting groups in the past couple of years, especially as the Catholic Church sex-abuse scandal spilled over into other organizations that had long protected perverts in plain sight.

Roll call!

* The Boy Scouts: Delaney represented the Scouts, arguing against them turning over secret personnel files that showed how the Scouts knew about the perverts within their midst over the decades. He lost that argument

*Catholic Church: Delaney represented different parts of the Catholic Church, including the Salesians against brothers who said they were molested by a Salesian. Delaney won that one, arguing statute of limitations invalidated their claims--ain't it nice!

* Los Angeles Unified School District: Delaney was the lead lawyer for the LAUSD in its current fight against dozens of pervert teachers over the decades. In that case, a judge sanctioned Delaney's firm for withholding evidence. Delaney, for his part, was charging LAUSD $500 an hour for his firm's services--because there's nothing like bilking cash-strapped schools, eh?

NEW YORK
WNYT

By: WNYT Staff

A court date for a local priest charged with endangering the welfare of a child has been postponed.

Father James Michael Taylor was an associate pastor at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Schenectady. He's accused of having inappropriate contact with a 15-year-old girl.

Taylor was due in court on Wednesday but the court date has been postponed until mid-August.

MISSOURI
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

David Clohessy

I'm sad to share the news that a dear friend and colleague, Kay Goodnow of Kansas City, has passed away at the age of 77.

Kay was a long time member of SNAP and, years ago, of Link Up. She had an acerbic wit and a huge heart. Kay was also a firm believer in using “letters to the editor” and “comment” sections to criticize the corrupt and empathize with the wounded.

While she was healthy, Kay often attended SNAP events, especially in Kansas City. She never hesitated to speak her mind and each time she did, her words rang with truth and compassion.

Often, she spoke highly of her friends in this movement, including Nancy Meyer of Canada, Rick Springer of Chicago, Mike Hunter of Kansas City and Joe McGee of Colorado.

Just two or three weeks ago, right after a news conference outside Bishop Robert Finn's headquarters, long time SNAP member Abott Durocher drove me to the suburban retirement home where Kay was living. The three of us had a wonderful time catching up and reminiscing.

Kay was visibly glad to see us. And she recounted tales of discussing clergy sex crimes and cover ups with other residents and staff (noting with some glee, that the topic made some of her neighbors feel a little uncomfortable).

CHICAGO (IL)
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Wednesday, July 23, 2014

For more information: David Clohessy ( 314-566-9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com )

Clergy sex abuse victims hold 25th anniversary conference in Chicago
Group celebrates 25 years of “growth, healing, justice and prevention”
Speakers include Pulitzer prize winner and noted St. Paul whistleblower

The world's largest and oldest support group for men and women sexually abused as children will be celebrating its 25th anniversary at a Chicago conference August 1.

SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPNetwork.org), was founded in Chicago in 1988 by clergy abuse survivor Barbara Blaine. What started as an informal group of survivors is now a global network, with support group meetings in 65 US cities and members in 79 countries.

SNAP has become the leading voice in the fight against sexual abuse in religious and institutional settings, with leaders continually quoted as experts by the global media on the topics of abuse, cover-up and healing. The group's advocacy on behalf of survivors has exposed abuse and cover-up around the world, including the Vatican.

The SNAP Annual Conference will bring together experts in the area of clergy sex crimes, law enforcement, psychology, health, healing, advocacy, and research. This event attracts hundreds of survivors and supporters from the US, Canada, South America, Africa and Europe.

NEW YORK
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com)

A Round Lake priest, who was arrested for inappropriate conduct with a minor, will go to court August 13. We are grateful this predator is being held accountable, but worried that his case has been adjourned for another three weeks. In this time it is possible that he might abuse more children.

We hope, although it is unlikely, that his inappropriate conduct with a minor was an isolated incident. Predators rarely attack only once. Fr. James Michael Taylor was a deacon and youth minister for the Corpus Christi Church during the alleged abuse and is now an ordained priest at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Schenectady.

Church officials should aggressively seek out any other people who may have been hurt. Bishop Edward Scharfenberger should personally go to each parish where Fr. Taylor worked and beg victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to speak up and call police.

We hope that anyone who saw suspected or suffered abuse will contact law enforcement. It is not too late to speak up and help protect innocent children.

MISSOURI
The Kansas City Star

KATHARINE A. (LONDON) GOODNOW

1936 - 2014 | Obituary

KATHARINE A. (LONDON) GOODNOW Katharine (Kay) Goodnow, 77, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2014, at Lakeview Village in Lenexa, Kansas, surrounded by the love of her family, her friends and Crossroads Hospice. Kay was born on July 20, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late William J. and Emily London. She attended Notre Dame de Sion High School, Baker University and the University of Missouri. Kay's seemingly endless energy and phenomenal communication skills served her brilliantly in her insurance, publishing, retail and real estate careers. She gave tirelessly of her time and talent to the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Daughters of the American Revolution, Johnson County Young Matrons, Shrine Ladies, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and the Philanthropic and Educational Organization for Women. She was also an accomplished classically-trained pianist and published author. For the last several years, she was actively engaged in the Lakeview Village community; volunteering in the "What Not Shop" and the Lakeview Pantry, contributing writings to the Lakeview Journal and assisting with the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Kay was preceded in death by her brother, William J. London, Jr., who gave his life to his country in 1970 while in the service of the United States Air Force. She is survived by her loyal husband of 51 years, Weston E. Goodnow of Lakeview Village, Lenexa; her devoted sister, Allison "Peachy" Smith and partner Bob Williams of West Plains, Mo.; her daughters, Allison (Goodnow) Verman and husband Brian of Independence, Mo., and Betsy (Goodnow) Masters and husband John of Merriam, Kan., her son, Bill Goodnow, nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Kay's life will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, Lakeview Village, 9100 Park St. Lenexa. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory are suggested to the Child Protection Center; 3101 Broadway, Suite 750, Kansas City, MO 64111, or to Crossroads Hospice, 11150 Thompson Ave., Lenexa, KS 66219.

Ever a crusader in life, our mother has waged her final battle. We mourn her passing, yet rejoice that she finally can be at peace.

Published in Kansas City Star on July 23, 2014

GUAM
KUAM

by Jolene Toves

Guam - Father John Wadeson is no longer on Guam. It was on Tuesday Archbishop Anthony Apuron took action against Father Wadeson who was twice accused of child molestation in California.

Father Wadeson became a part of the Archdiocese of Guam in 2000.

Four years later his name appeared in a list of accused priests and he was banned from the Los Angeles Archdiocese.

Although he was not convicted these allegations were brought to light by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests who wrote to Apuron expressing their fear for our islands children.

NEW YORK
CBS 6

[with video]

Updated: Wednesday, July 23 2014

CLIFTON PARK-- A court appearance is set for Wednesday afternoon by a local priest accused of having inappropriate contact with a Saratoga County teen.

Prosecutors say James Michael Taylor exchanged phone calls, text messages and pictures with a 15-year-old girl between October 2013 and April 2014. T

aylor met the victim while serving as Deacon and Youth Minister for the Corpus Christi Church in Round Lake. He most recently served as a priest in Schenectady and is on administrative leave.

AUSTRALIA
Eureka Street

Andrew Hamilton | 23 July 2014

'Benedict, Me and the Cardinals Three' by Bill Morris

Many of Pope Francis' metaphors have to do with smell. He has urged priests and bishops to go out of the churchy world, saying that it is better to be accident prone than to grow sick through living in fetid air. He has said the clergy must smell like the sheep. And he has remarked on the stuffy air of the Vatican administration.

In mines, where bad air could be lethal, miners used to bring canaries with them. If they fell ill and died, the miners had warning to get out. The recent book by Bishop Bill Morris, replete with documentary evidence, tells the story of a canary caught in the shafts of Vatican culture. His early expiry date pointed to something amiss in the governance of the church, heralding the larger disclosures in the Royal Commission on sexual abuse.

Morris' story needs no retelling. He was Bishop of Toowoomba, sought to empower the laity and local communities, engaged in serious pastoral planning, was informal in his manner and, earlier than most, understood sexual abuse from the perspective of the victim rather than of the institution.

A small minority of Catholics hostile to him complained regularly to Roman officials and were given credence. Pope Benedict decided on the evidence of his officials that Morris' grasp of theology was inadequate and that he had to go, and after the many representations and meetings described in this book, he eventually retired.

IRELAND
Washington Post

By Terrence McCoy July 23

More than 60 years ago, a fair-skinned Irish politician named Sally Mulready was born into a home for unwed mothers called St. Patrick’s. It sat on a road named Navan in Dublin, and Mulready was one of four siblings born there. Her brother John never made it out of St. Pat’s. Like hundreds of other babies born into an Irish homes for “fallen women,” John died in 1947. He was two months old.

“Inanition,” his death record read, according to RTE News. “Failure to thrive.”

But RTE News said the record carried a mystery. John for some reason wasn’t buried until 1950 — three years after his death. The oddity was first discarded as a clerical error.

But it wasn’t. John’s records had the designation “AS,” or “anatomical study.” His infant remains had in fact been given to researchers at Trinity College Dublin, who used them for medical research — though it’s unclear whether his mother had given consent for this.

Mulready eventually tracked down his burial plot, she explained to the Irish Times, but found it marked by a “stick with a number on it. … I cannot imagine that happening to children or young babies who died in … well-to-do-families, families with influence.”

AUSTRALIA
ABC News

A Hunter Valley priest has been charged with indecently assaulting a boy in the early 1970's.

Police were alerted about the religious brother in March last year and investigators from Strike Force Georgiana were called in.

Yesterday a 66-year-old man was charged with three offences of alleged offences of indecent assault against a boy.

Officers allege the offences happened at Maitland between 1971 and 1972.

AUSTRALIA
ABC News

Advocates on child protection say it is clear people remain able to circumvent efforts by authorities to keep children safe.

A royal commission is likely to be held in South Australia into another case of alleged child sexual abuse.

A man, 32, from Adelaide's southern suburbs is facing charges of unlawful sexual intercourse involving seven preschool-aged wards of the state over 18 months to late 2012, as well as pornography offences.

Authorities say the man had cleared police, child protection and psychological checks before he was hired to care for children in a government-run residential facility.

AUSTRALIA
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

22 July, 2014

The Royal Commission will hold a public hearing in Melbourne commencing on Monday 18 August 2014.

The scope and purpose of the public hearing is to inquire into:

The principles, practices and procedures of the Melbourne Response adopted by the CatholicArchdiocese of Melbourne and their application in responding to:

a. Victims of child sexual abuse; and

b. Allegations of child sexual abuse against personnel of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

The experience of people who have engaged in the Melbourne Response process, or otherwise sought redress from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Any other related matters.

Any person or institution who believes that they have a direct and substantial interest in the scope and purpose of the public hearing is invited to lodge a written application for leave to appear at the public hearing by 4 August 2014.

Applications for leave to appear should be made using the form available on the Royal Commission website entitled ‘Application for Leave to Appear at the Royal Commission’ and include a short submission setting out the basis on which it is said the applicant has a substantial and direct interest in appearing.

AUSTRALIA
Daily Mail (UK)

By AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Melburnians who survived child sex abuse within the Catholic Church will have a chance to have their stories heard by the royal commission next month.

Over two weeks of public hearings to be held in Victoria, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will investigate allegations of abuse in the Melbourne archdiocese and the church's response.

The church says its formal course of action in Melbourne, adopted in 1996 and known as The Melbourne Response, is the first institutional response in Australia.

The archdiocese will have to explain to the royal commission why it has the Melbourne Response and what it was supposed to achieve.

"This will be a warts-and-all examination of what is arguably the first institutional redress scheme developed in Australia, perhaps the world, to address clerical child sexual abuse," the CEO of the church's Truth, Justice and Healing Council Francis Sullivan said.

UNITED KINGDOM
The Guardian

SA Mathieson and Saba Salman
The Guardian, Tuesday 22 July 2014

The Salvation Army failed to investigate allegations of historical child abuse, according to a woman who told the charity 16 years ago that four of its members had sexually assaulted her in the 1970s.

In 1998, Lucy Taylor (not her real name) told the Salvation Army that four men at her local branch of the charity in the north of England had abused her. Her story suggests she was groomed from the age of 10, assaulted from 12 years old and the abuse continued for eight years until she left the organisation.

Taylor says her complaints were not handled seriously either at the local branch, known as a "citadel", which was at the centre of her allegations, or at the national headquarters in London. When she later approached police, an investigation resulted in two of the four men being arrested on suspicion of indecent assault. They were later released without charge. For legal reasons the Guardian cannot name the alleged victim, now in her 50s, or the men.

Taylor says: "I want somebody to take me seriously – listen to my problem and help me sort this out". She adds of her alleged abusers: "I just want them to realise what they've done to me [but] part of me doesn't, part of me doesn't want them to know how it's upset me and ruined my life."

CANADA
Alberni Valley Times

Eric Plummer / Alberni Valley Times
July 23, 2014

One of the most vocal opponents of the Alberni Indian Resident School has died, leaving behind a host of unanswered questions in what many believe is a black mark on the Alberni Valley's history.

At the age of 10 Alvin Dixon was taken from his family in Bella Bella to attend the school in 1947, part of a mandatory federal program designed to assimilate First Nations children into mainstream society. He would spend the next eight years at the Alberni school, eventually studying at the University of British Columbia and leading careers in teaching, councilling and social activism. Dixon passed on Sunday at the age of 77 in Vancouver.

He was one of several former students at the local school to accuse the institution of experimenting the effects of malnutrition on students. A study released last summer by University of Guelph historian Ian Mosby backed up Dixon's claims, determining that students were deficient in vitamins A, B, C, iodine and riboflavin due to a lack of fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk and cheese. To measure the effects of an enhanced dairy intake, the amount of milk in students' diets was tripled.

"There's no question that there's more to be discovered and there's no question that the health issues are reverberating today. It's disgusting," said Dixon in an interview with the Victoria Times Colonist last year. "This government is no different from the government 40 or 50 years ago. Racism is still rampant."

NEW YORK
Broadway World

This month, as a part of the 15th Anniversary Season of the Midtown International Theatre Festival, Michael Mack will perform the NY premiere of his acclaimed solo show Conversations with My Molester: A Journey of Faith, which will run thru Saturday, August 2 at the Jewel Box Theater (312 West 36th St, 4th Floor). Spanning four decades after his childhood experience of clergy sexual abuse, Mack's award-winning solo play is his spiritual autobiography charting the crime, the wreckage, and his astonishing, redemptive return to the Catholic Church.

Written by and starring Michael Mack, and featuring direction from Boston stage veteran Daniel Gidron, the production premiered in Boston in 2012 at the 10-year anniversary of the clergy sexual abuse crisis. It won an Artist Grant for Dramatic Writing from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the state's most competitive and prestigious individual arts fellowship. Mack's autobiographical work goes where few have ventured on this topic - depicting one clergy survivor's odyssey full-circle from life-changing trauma to genuine reconciliation.

As a boy from a devout Roman Catholic family, Boston-based playwright Michael Mack wanted to be a priest. That dream ended at age 11 when his pastor first invited him to the rectory to help with "a project." Mack soon left the Church, haunted for decades by disturbing questions about spirituality and sexuality, but forty years later he landed on his former pastor's doorstep for the conversations of a lifetime.

LOUISIANA
ArkLaTex Homepage

[with video]

Nikki Henderson
Kimberly Rusley

A former Shreveport pastor will spend 6.5 years behind bars for sex crimes.

Today, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Andrea Lewis for taking young girls across state lines for sex.

Two of his victims say the sentence was too light.

“I don't like the length,” says Jane Doe, one of Lewis’ victims. “If it had been done in the early 2000's or later, he would have had a harsher sentence, but because it was done in 1998/1999, his sentence wasn't as strong."

"I feel like the sentencing wasn’t lengthy enough,” says Jane Doe III, another victim of Lewis’. “I mean, because I've endured 10 years plus, building the rest of my life. I'll always be affected by this and six and a half years will never equal up to the pain that I've endured, because of this situation."

Lewis is the former pastor of Act on Faith Ministries off of Hollywood Avenue.

GUAM
Pacific Daily News

Written by
Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno

Father John Howard Wadeson, who has been removed from the Archdiocese of Agana over a cloud of sexual abuse allegations in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, has left Guam.

As he left, Wadeson responded to the Pacific Daily News. Here are excerpts:

“…I was in such shock at the viciousness and lies of what was being said about me and our (Archbishop Anthony Apuron), whom I hold in great esteem, that I was lost for words.

For the good of the Church I thought it best that I leave the country, albeit with a very heavy heart, so that these false accusations that are being leveled at me do not become weapons to use against our Archbishop or the church of Guam. Years of evidence shows that our Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron has been in the forefront against gambling and the corruption that it would bring; he has consistently defended marriage and the family; he is encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life to help in the evangelization of the Pacific. He has truly been a pastor and those who are attacking him know not what they do!

NEW MEXICO
KOB

[with video]

By: Tom Joles, KOB Eyewitness News 4

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe is looking for a new archbishop and not because it wants to.
Archbishop Michael Sheehan just turned 75 and that means he has to retire.

In a very candid conversation KOB Eyewitness News 4’s Tom Joles talked about him, the church, and that rumored half million dollar house.

“Have you ever questioned whether there's really a God?” asked KOB’s Tom Joles.

“No. It's beyond my pay grade,” joked Sheehan. ...

“If you could change one thing about the church, what would it be?” questioned Joles.

"Holier priests. There wouldn't be any of this sexual abuse garbage. And stuff like that and meanness and whatever. Holier priests. That's the thing I would like to see happen,” answered Sheehan.

Sheehan understands flawed humans, which compelled Joles to ask him if Sheehan has stumbled in the job at all or had anything to regret.

LOUISIANA
KATC

A 54-year old Shreveport pastor has been sentenced to over 7 years of imprisonment for engaging in sexual activities with minors.

Andrea Lewis, a Shreveport pastor was found guilty for engaging in sexual acts with girls under 18-years old. They were among members of the choir he formed, and of his congregation.

Lewis used his status as a pastor to coerce the girls. He then used choir trips and church related travel to cover up the sexual abuse, and threatened the girls not to tell anyone.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley says Lewis was found guilty for three counts of transporting minors across state lines to have sex. Evidence collected had proved that Lewis transported at least three minors to and from Texas to have sex with him.

"Unfortunately, this defendant took advantage of his position to abuse young girls in his care and left them with emotional and physical scars that may never heal," Finley stated.

IRELAND
Irish Examiner

By Claire O'Sullivan
Irish Examiner Reporter

A decision is likely early next year on an appeal by a Cork priest into a secret Church court’s decision to defrock him for the serial sexual abuse of minors and teenagers.

As part of the appeal, the priest, Dan Duane, aged 76, was invited to Rome by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith to outline his objections to the diocese’s decision. He is not obliged to attend.

He was the subject of 11 complaints of abuse and three years ago, Cork Circuit Criminal Court directed that he be found not guilty of indecently assaulting a teenager.

The judge made the direction on the grounds of the 30-year delay in making the complaint.

A month later, Duane was found not guilty of indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl 31 years earlier.

PENNSYLVANIA
Road to Recovery

MEDIA RELEASE - JULY 22, 2014

Mother of sexual abuse victim of Br. Stephen Baker, T.O.R., of the Franciscan Friars of Hollidaysburg, PA, to speak of harm done to victims and their families by continuing delays

What: A press conference announcing the disappointment and frustration of dozens of
sexual abuse victims, their family members, and their advocates toward the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA, the Franciscan Friars of Hollidaysburg, PA, and the Diocese of Youngstown, OH because of their foot-dragging regarding the settlement of cases of sexual abuse by Br. Stephen Baker, T.O.R.

When: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 11:00 AM

Where: On the public sidewalk in front of the headquarters of the Diocese of Altoona-
Johnstown, PA, 927 S. Logan Boulevard, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 – 814-695-5579.

Who: Barbara Aponte, mother of Luke Bradesku, an alleged Ohio victim of Br. Stephen Baker, T.O.R., who took his life after suffering from the effects of allegedly having been sexually abused as a high school student at John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in Warren, OH; and Dr. Robert M. Hoatson, co-founder and President of Road to Recovery, Inc., a non-profit charity that assists victims of sexual abuse and their families.

Why: Religious leaders, including the Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, Mark L. Bartchak,
and attorneys representing the Franciscan Third Order Regular Friars of Hollidaysburg, PA; the Diocese of Youngstown, OH; and the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA have expressed hollow sentiments that they wish to settle in a timely fashion dozens of cases of sexual abuse by Br. Stephen Baker from Bishop Mc Cort High School, Johnstown, PA, the greater Altoona-Johnstown area, and the Youngstown, OH area. The victim/survivors have waited long enough. It is now time for settlements to occur. One mediation session in May, 2014, was cancelled as a result of foot-dragging, and Bishop Mark Bartchak has promised that cases would be settled in a timely fashion. Another summer has come and nearly gone, and victim/survivors continue to suffer. Barbara Aponte, mother of an alleged Br. Baker victim from Ohio, will speak about the devastating effects not only of the sexual abuse on families but of foot-dragging by church authorities. Because of these delays, victim/survivors are unable to reach closure and heal from the sexual abuse.

Contacts: Dr. Robert M. Hoatson, Road to Recovery, Inc. – 862-368-2800
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, Boston, MA – 617-523-6250

ALABAMA
Associated Baptist Press

By Bob Allen

Leaders of a Baptist association in Alabama investigated questions raised in recent media reports about a director of mission’s handling of alleged child sex abuse decades ago in 2009 and found no evidence of cover-up, according to a news story dated July 17 in the Alabama Baptist.

Recent news stories about the May 20 arrest of a former youth minister at Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., included comments by one of the alleged victims claiming the pastor at the time, Mike McLemore, knew about the abuse but kept it quiet to protect the congregation’s image.

Mack Allen Davis, 73, minister of youth and recreation at Lakeside Baptist Church from 1977 until his retirement in 1999, faces 15 charges from three counties stemming from allegations by two men who stepped forward to claim that Davis molested them 30 years ago.

One of the men, Davis' nephew, Andrew Guffey, 44, told the Birmingham News that McLemore, now director of missions for Birmingham Baptist Association, knew about the abuse by the late 1990s but did not report it to the police.

TENNESSEE
Associated Baptist Press

By Bob Allen

A former Tennessee Baptist youth minister avoided a maximum 20-year sentence for child pornography found on his cell phone during an investigation of his previous arrest on charges of statutory rape and sexual battery.

U.S. District Judge Harry S. “Sandy” Mattice sentenced 38-year-old Joseph Todd Neill to three years and four months for a single charge of possessing child pornography July 21.

Neill, former youth director at North Fork Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Tenn., pleaded guilty Feb. 23 in a plea bargain that included up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the judge said in reviewing Neill’s record that the incident seemed to be isolated. Neill will receive credit for the five months he has already been in jail.

MONTANA
Sun Herald

The Associated Press
July 22, 2014

HELENA, MONT. — The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday publicly reprimanded a judge who gave a lenient sentence to a rapist after suggesting the 14-year-old victim shared some of the responsibility for the crime.

District Judge G. Todd Baugh, of Billings, appeared before the court in Helena, where Chief Justice Mike McGrath read the prepared censure statement. A censure is a rarely used public declaration by the high court that a judge is guilty of misconduct.

"We have determined that, through your inappropriate comments, you have eroded public confidence in the judiciary and created an appearance of impropriety in violation of the Montana Code of Judicial Conduct," McGrath said. The Supreme Court also suspended him for 31 days, effective in December.

Baugh stood at the podium to receive the reprimand, but he did not speak. McGrath did not read a sentence in the transcript of the censure that asked if Baugh had anything he wanted to say.

MONTANA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com )

We are glad that Helena Judge Todd Baugh will be suspended in December for his inappropriate rape comments.

We encourage him to spend that month doing community service at a rape crisis center or similar agency so he will learn to be sensitive about horrific sex crimes.

UNITED STATES
Addicting Info

AUTHOR: STEPHEN D FOSTER JR JULY 22, 2014

Could Tom Petty be the counterbalance to Ted Nugent that many Americans have been looking for? It certainly seems that way considering the Heartbreaker blasted the Catholic Church and so-called “Christians” who aren’t acting very Christ-like in a recent interview with Billboard magazine.
The legendary rocker talked a great deal about religion during the interview, pondering why those of the Catholic faith still give money to the Church knowing that it’s being used to shield pedophile priests or cover up their crimes. “I’m fine with whatever religion you want to have,” Petty told the publication.

Petty then went on to criticize alleged Christians who thirst for war and defend killing people like conservative “Christians” do today.

Religion seems to me to be at the base of all wars. I’ve nothing against defending yourself, but I don’t think, spiritually speaking, that there’s any conception of God that should be telling you to be violent. It seems to me that no one’s got Christ more wrong than the Christians.

The Catholic Church has been rocked for decades by the massive pedophile priest scandal that has resulted in thousands of molested and abused children around the globe. The image of the Church has taken a major hit over the years because of it, but they still rake in the cash from Catholics who seem not to care that their money is helping the Church prevent victims from getting justice.

Meanwhile, Conservative “Christians” here in America are bloodthirsty. They support perpetual war, guns everywhere, and senseless violence. The current border crisis involving refugee children has revealed conservative “Christians” for what they really are as they hurl racial epithets and threaten violence against them in the most un-Christ-like manner. In addition, conservative “Christians” want to punish poor people severely by taking food stamps and health care away from them, which is something else that Jesus wouldn’t do.

OKLAHOMA
The Raw Story

By Travis Gettys
Tuesday, July 22, 2014

A 19-year-old Oklahoma man accused of sexually abusing children while volunteering in Kenya is blaming his actions on “pseudo-tribal psychological voodoo.”

Matthew Durham was charged Friday in federal court with four counts of traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct, reported The Oklahoman.

The Edmond man was accused of sexually abusing up to 10 children of both sexes, between the ages of 4 and 9 years old, while volunteering this spring at Upendo Children’s Home in Nairobi.

At least one of the victims is HIV-positive, authorities said.

Durham had previously volunteered three times at the children’s home, which was founded by a couple from Edmonds and provides neglected kids with housing, clothing, education and religious instruction.

He was accused of committing the sex acts on his fourth trip, from April 30 to June 17, when he asked to stay overnight at the children’s home.

UNITED STATES
Watch Keep

A comparison of responses to allegations of child sex abuse- Prestonwood Baptist Church and Morrison Heights Baptist vs. Believers Church: image over child protection

AUBURN, AL (WTVM)
A longtime associate pastor at Believers Church in Auburn has been arrested on child sex abuse charges.

His arrest in May got him kicked out of the church where he had been for 30 years. Lee County Sheriff's detectives say the two adult victims came forward in April to report they were abused in the early 1990's.

Every Sunday, for nearly 30 years at Believers Church on Moore's Mill Road, 53-year-old John Sluder, an associate pastor, would play guitar during services.

"People have shed tears because of what he appeared to be, a gentle old man. So yes, we were very shocked," said attorney Ben Hand. ...

Tears for the victims. Anger at the perpetrator. This is a refreshing response from a church who gets it. It's not about them. It's about the kids harmed by one of their own. But they don't protect their own image and shun and silence these kids, now adults, who though it took a long time, bravely came forward to report the harm done to them. Kids will be safer now, and other possible victims of Sluder will know they are not alone and perhaps have the courage to come forward as well, begin to heal and protect others.

Prestonwood Baptist Church, where are the tears for the victims? Where is the anger at one of your own former ministers, John Langworthy, who confessed publicly to sexually abusing kids at your church? The only public anger we have seen from Prestonwood staff is at those who have dared to ask simple questions of the executive staff like why Langworthy wasn't reported to police in 1989?

TENNESSEE
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com )

A Tennessee youth pastor has been sentenced to 3 years in jail on child pornography charges. We are glad he is going to jail but believe his sentence should have been much stricter.

Joseph Todd Neill was the youth pastor at North Fork Baptist Church prior to him being investigated on a statutory rape charge. Investigators later found violent and graphic child pornography at his home.

We urge North Fork Baptist church officials to immediately reach out to congregants and beg anyone who saw, suspects or suffered crimes by Neill to call police immediately.

We hope any victims suffering in silence and self blame will find the courage to speak up. Children are kept safe when those who know about or suffered crimes call police and share what they know.

OKLAHOMA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com )

A teenaged missionary from Oklahoma is accused of sexually abusing several young children from an African orphanage. Our hearts ache for the vulnerable children who, instead of receiving much needed aid, were sexually assaulted. We hope the children will now, more than ever, receive the care they need.

Matthew Durham has traveled several times to Kenya to work at a children’s home with an organization called Upendo. The allegations of abuse stem from his most recent trip, but we are concerned there are more victims who have been suffering in silence and self blame from previous trips. We urge Upendo to publically explain how one of their volunteer missionaries was able to sexual assault the children they were meant to help.

We suspect Durham was or is affiliated with a church in Oklahoma. Officials at that church must aggressively seek out others in their congregation who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes or misdeeds by him.

Children sexually abused in developing countries face added hardships of limited access to recourse and rehabilitative services. Upendo should immediately provide the children with access to rehabilitative services and reach out to anyone else who might be suffering in silence and self blame.

CHILE
Juan Carlos Cruz Chellew, James Hamilton Sánchez and José Andrés Murillo Urrutia

Santiago, July 22, 2014 -- As part of the civil lawsuit we filed against the Archdiocese of Santiago for its complicity, negligence and willful ignorance in the case of abuse by Fr. Fernando Karadima, we would like to report that the conversations initiated in March have stopped; thus, ending the conciliation stage.

On the one hand, we recognize and appreciate the efforts and willingness of lawyers hired by the Archdiocese and the priest chosen by both parties as a mediator, to find common ground, smooth roughness and reach a common story based on the facts established by Chilean criminal justice and the Vatican itself.

However, we were unable to reach the main three key points in our lawsuit: 1) the Archbishop and current head of the Archdiocese of Santiago, Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, would recognize their negligent liability in the abuse cases that happened to us and several others for more than 30 years; 2) for this reason, the Archbishop would publicly apologize; and, 3) that this damage would be compensated materially according to its severity.

Our effort and openness have continuously sought to establish these three points that are essential not only for our particular case, but for all cases of abuse involving the Catholic Church worldwide. We also believe that the Catholic Church, as a universal institution, has taken a significant step when Pope Francis apologized for the complicity, concealment and omissions of the hierarchy of the CatholicChurch, embodied by Bishops and Cardinals, in cases of sexual abuse.

His words, unlike the words of the Chilean hierarchy, are unambiguous: "I humbly apologize for the leaders of the Church who have not responded adequately to allegations of abuse by relatives and those who were victims of abuse. This brings still further suffering to those who have been abused and endangered other children who were at risk" (Vatican City, July 7, 2014) That recognition and apology should be translated, in the words of Francis himself, in the best abuse prevention policies and material reparation for victims.

However, in Chile these words did not find the expected repercussion. Apparently Cardinal Ezzati, along with his predecessor, Cardinal Francisco Javier Errázuriz – who sits in the Pope’s Council of 8 “reformer” Cardinals -- and most of their fellow bishops, interpretedthis step to a possible agreement as an opportunity to rewrite history and clean, instead of their conscience, their image.

We will not take part of this whitewash. We believe that victims of sexual abuse and abuse of conscience deserve justice. We also believe that many members of the Catholic Church at all levels, that are honest and committed men and women that pursue truth and justice, don’t deserve a hierarchy that does not represent them.

We continue to look for a respectful dialogue but in justice and truth. We will not accept a dialogue that benefits these Cardinals’ and Bishops’ self-image by trying to distort history and manipulate the conscience of survivors and the people of Chile.

Juan Carlos Cruz Chellew
James Hamilton Sánchez
José Andrés Murillo Urrutia

CHILE
Bio Bio

Víctimas de Karadima rechazan acuerdo con Iglesia y acusan intento de lavado de imagen

Las víctimas de abusos sexuales del sacerdote Fernando Karadima rechazaron el acuerdo propuesto por el arzobispado de Santiago para poner fin a la demanda por 450 millones de pesos que interpusieron contra la iglesia.

El periodista Juan Carlos Cruz Chellew, el médico James Hamilton y el filósofo José Andrés Murillo, a través de un comunicado, anunciaron el cese del proceso de conciliación que se inició en marzo de este año.

“Aparentemente el Cardenal Ricardo Ezzati, junto con su antecesor, el Cardenal Francisco Javier Errázuriz, y otros colaboradores eclesiásticos interpretaron esta etapa de posible acuerdo como una oportunidad para reescribir la historia y limpiar, en lugar de su conciencia, su imagen. No estamos disponibles para ello” dice la declaración. ...

TENNESSEE
Greenville Sun

Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2014

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — A one-time youth pastor from Shelbyville has been sentenced to three years and four months in federal prison for possessing child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Harry S. "Sandy" Mattice could have leveled a 20-year sentence on 38-year-old Joseph Todd Neill on Monday for downloading "violent" and "sadistic" prepubescent child pornography on his home computer.

Shelbyville police were investigating Neill on charges of statutory rape and searched his home computer, finding 72 images of minors, 32 of whom were children. Images contained depictions of bondage and child rape and molestation of children ages 5 to 9 years old. Neill worked at North Fork Baptist Church.

NORTH CAROLINA
The Raw Story

By David Edwards
Tuesday, July 22, 2014

A North Carolina pastor shot himself to death over the weekend as deputies were trying to arrest him on child sex charges.

According to WCOC-TV, Michael Mullis, the former pastor of Near Calvary Baptist Church in Concord, knew that he was being investigated for indecent liberties with a child before Rowan County deputies showed up on Saturday to serve warrants on him.

The sheriff’s office said that when deputies arrived to arrest him, he went to the bathroom to put on his shoes, and shot himself with a pistol.

“I’m sure he knew because our investigators had talked to him about this incident,” Concord Police spokesperson Maj. Gary Hatley told WSOC. “Or attempted to talk to him anyway — he knows we were investigating.”

A timeline provided by the victim indicated that Mullis was still serving as pastor at Near Calvary Baptist during the years of sexual abuse. The abuse allegedly ended in 2004, and Mullis resigned from the church in 2011 after 20 years as pastor.

VATICAN CITY
National Catholic Reporter

Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service | Jul. 22, 2014

VATICAN CITY
The Pentecostal bishop who used his iPhone to film a video of Pope Francis addressing other Pentecostals died Sunday after a motorcycle accident.

Bishop Tony Palmer, whom Pope Francis referred to as his friend, was riding the motorcycle when he crashed head-on with a car traveling in the wrong lane, according to Ian Findlay, principal of Embassy Bible College in Bath, England.

Palmer, a member of the independent Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches, "was airlifted to [the] hospital and was in [the operating] theater for 10 hours, but the doctors could not save him," Findlay told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview Monday.

The bishop served as the dean of the Bible college and was "a very dear friend," Findlay said. "I'm praying the fruits of his ministry," particularly his promotion of ecumenical cooperation, will continue.

Findlay said the bishop was in his early 50s and leaves behind a wife and two teenage children. As of Monday, funeral arrangements were pending.

Palmer, who was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in South Africa, was co-founder of The Ark Community, which describes itself as "an internet-based, interdenominational" Christian community. Previously he served as the director of the South Africa office of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, a U.S.-based Pentecostal group offering mega-prayer meetings around the world.

Pope Francis' iPhone video message, which Palmer filmed in January, was addressed to participants in a conference sponsored by Kenneth Copeland Ministries.

OKLAHOMA
The Edmond Sun

Mark Schlachtenhaufen
The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — A federal grand jury alleges a 19-year-old Edmond man staying at a children’s’ home in Kenya engaged in illicit sexual conduct with residents ages 4-9.

An Edmond couple originally from Kenya established Upendo Children’s Home, located in the Juja area of Nairobi, so impoverished children and orphans could have a place to go to school for free. U.S. churches send financial support and volunteers to the home.

Monday morning, the office of U.S. Attorney Sanford Coats announced that on Friday a criminal complaint was unsealed charging Matthew Lane Durham, 19, of Edmond, with traveling to Kenya to engage in illicit sexual conduct with underage children, both male and female, ages 4-9 from April to June.

Durham is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defense counsel information was not available Monday.

An effort to gain comment from the founding couple was under way; they are not named in the complaint.

Federal law makes it a crime for any U.S. citizen to travel in foreign commerce and engage in any illicit sexual conduct with another person under the age of 18. Durham traveled to and from Kenya out of Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport, according to court records.

OKLAHOMA
KSWO

EDMOND, Okla_An Oklahoma man faces several charges after allegedly sexually abusing young children on a mission trip to Kenya.

According to court records, 19-year old Matthew Lane Durham of Edmond volunteered at a children's shelter in Kenya from April to June of 2014. While there, prosecutors say he sexually abused both male and female children ages four to ten years old. According to investigators the children first came forward with the claims, Durham later confessed.

OKLAHOMA
NewsOK

by Matt Dinger Published: July 22, 2014

A 19-year-old Edmond man is accused of engaging in sex acts with children while volunteering in Kenya this spring.

Matthew Lane Durham was charged late Friday in Oklahoma City federal court with four counts of traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

Lane is accused of committing the acts with four to 10 children of both sexes, according to the probable cause affidavit. The children range in age from 4 to 9 years old.

At least one of the children is HIV positive, records show.

Durham volunteered at the Upendo Children’s Home in Nairobi. The home, which is funded through sponsorships and donations, provides neglected Kenyan children with food, housing, clothing, education and religious instruction. Durham has previously volunteered three times: June 2012, June 2013, and in December. He stayed with sponsor families during prior visits.

The sex acts are alleged to have been committed on the fourth trip, from April 30 to June 17, when Durham requested to stay overnight at the children’s home, the complaint states.

Durham’s attorney, Steven Jones, said, “The affidavit is shot through with inaccuracies.

OKLAHOMA/KENYA
KTLA

JULY 21, 2014, BY CNN WIRE

An Edmond teenager faces a possible life in prison sentence after authorities say they learned about shocking crimes he allegedly committed on an African mission trip.

The suspect was volunteering at a Kenyan children’s home when he allegedly raped and molested a number of young children.

According to court records, 19-year-old Matthew Durham confessed to raping several young girls, forcing some boys to perform oral sex on him and even making other kids watch.

“This is a young man in our community that made choices to exploit children in an orphanage,” said United States Attorney Sanford Coats. “It’s a true tragedy all the way around.”

The 19-year-old suspect traveled overseas with a group called Upendo.

Upendo is an organization that assists neglected Kenyan kids by providing food, housing, clothes and religion.

MISSOURI
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Tuesday, July 22, 2014

For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, SNAPclohessy@aol.com

Crucial court hearing is tomorrow
It involves embattled Catholic bishop
Judge may OK “ground-breaking” award
Arbitrator says 42 abuse victims to get $1.1 million
SNAP: “Top Catholic official broke his prevention contract”
Group encourages parishioners to attend court session on Wednesday

A Kansas City judge will hear arguments tomorrow about whether an unprecedented $1.1 million award to 42 clergy sex abuse victims should stand or be overturned.

Judge Bryan Round will hear lawyers for embattled KC Bishop Robert Finn claim that the sum should be tossed out because an arbitrator exceeded his authority during binding arbitration.

A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is urging local parishioners to attend the 10 a.m. hearing Wednesday in Division 8 of the Jackson County court.

The group applauds the arbitrator's award and agrees with the finding that Finn is guilty of "breach of contract."

Leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, have called the award “ground-breaking.”

“As best we can tell, there's never been a case like this – anywhere in the U.S. - in which victims have successfully held a bishop responsible in court for breaking the promises he made during a settlement,” said David Clohessy, SNAP’s director. “And the amount of this award is significant because it may will deter more Catholic officials from breaking the promises they make to victims.”

In 2008, 47 victims settled child sex abuse and cover up lawsuits against Finn and his diocese. As part of that deal, they insisted that Finn commit to 19 non-economic child safety measures.

In October 2011, 44 of those victims formally charged that Finn broke many of those child safety measures, in part by keeping two credibly accused predator priests in ministry (Fr. James Tierney and Fr. Shawn Ratigan) and by not reporting suspicions and knowledge of child sex crimes promptly to law enforcement.

MINNESOTA
Minnesota Public Radio

Madeleine Baran St. Paul, Minn. Jul 22, 2014

A Ramsey County judge decided Monday to allow a clergy abuse lawsuit filed against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona to go forward on claims of negligence.

However, Judge John Van de North said he needed more information before he decided whether a claim that the church created a public nuisance should also go forward to a jury.

Archdiocese attorney Tom Wieser said he's hopeful that the judge will dismiss the public nuisance claim.

"The majority of courts that have ruled on that have ruled that there's no legal basis for that claim to move forward," Wieser said.

Victims' attorney Jeff Anderson says he's pleased with the ruling, since it means the case is headed for a trial in September.

"And it's very clear that the judge gets it," Anderson said. "And it's very clear that we're going to get another opportunity every day for the rest of these days forward to get more information out there to protect kids."

MINNESOTA
Bilgrimage

William D. Lindsey

New Minnesota NPR Report on Cover-up in St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese: "Nienstedt Chose Not to Reveal the Cover-Up. Instead, He Contributed to It"

Not to be missed: Madeleine Baran's stellar four-part series "Betrayed by Silence" published today at the website of Minnesota NPR. Baran does an outstanding job of showing how deep-seated the cover-up of clerical crimes against children is in the Catholic archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, despite repeated assertions of one archbishop after another that the archdiocese was exemplary in its handling of cases of molestation of minors by priests. Here's an excerpt from the final chapter of the four-part series, speaking of the arrival of John Nienstedt in 2007 as archbishop:

The new archbishop exuded self-control. At age 61, 6 feet tall, trim, with perfect posture, Nienstedt kept his black clerical outfit spotless and his short gray hair neatly trimmed. When he walked into a room, he expected everyone to stand.

But the archbishop would soon encounter a situation more troubling than financial debt. He had walked into an archdiocese that was nearly three decades into a cover-up of clergy sexual abuse.
Nienstedt would later claim that he was "blindsided" in the fall of 2013 by an MPR News investigation that showed top church leaders had covered up abuse for decades.

FLORIDA
News 13

By Joel Schipper, Reporter
Last Updated: Monday, July 21, 2014

SOUTH DAYTONA --
About 200 members of the Volusia County community, including parents, teachers and social workers, met Monday night to discuss how the community can grow together while moving forward after an elementary teacher was arrested and accused of making and distributing child porn.

Matthew Graziotti, 42, of Edgewater, was arrested July 14, after the FBI raided his home. They said they found thousands of porn images on his computer. They also found a folder labeled "personally known." In one of the subfolders, the FBI said they found a picture of Graziotti abusing one of the victims.

Graziotti is a teacher at Warner Christian Academy and summer day camp counselor at White Chapel Church of God. He is currently on unpaid administrative leave.

But on Monday night, people focused on how they can move forward.

AUSTRALIA
Eureka Street

Chris McGillion and Damian Grace | 22 July 2014

'Reckoning' by Chris McGillionIt is widely assumed that rules are the solution to transgressions such as those being investigated by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Rules without doubt are useful. They can be framed to aid compliance and deter wrongdoing. It is no argument against them to say that people will still offend, but if rules are more legal requirements than the expression of genuine morality, they will have limited effectiveness.

The most desirable form of social control is self-restraint — the work of morality. For a minority of people, morals do not have this effect, but pathologising normal conduct because we are fearful that deviants are impervious to morality and law is no way for free people to live. Indeed, moral counsel and tighter regulation are wasted because they do not work on the very people at whom they are directed. Instead, barriers are raised to protect children that distort normal responses and have their own abusive aspect.

When teachers in New South Wales, for instance, were forbidden to touch children, even to comfort them, because a few teachers had abused their office, it was the children who bore the consequences. The lesson teachers took from this regulation was that they were not sufficiently trusted to comfort distressed children. Because of an aberrant few, all teachers were regarded as suspect, and distressed children lost the comfort of a responsible adult.

This response was disproportionate and eventually came to be seen as such by the authorities.

Trust was nonetheless eroded not only by the actions of abusers but also by those seeking to protect children from abuse. Representing formal accountability as more reliable than personal trust actually destroys trust, first by making it very much a second best option when a system of checkable procedures is available, and then, as a consequence, suggesting trust is less safe than documented dealings.

TRINITDAD AND TOBAGO
Newsday

By SEAN DOUGLAS Tuesday, July 22 2014

RAMPANT abuse, including of a sexual nature, at the St Michael’s Home for Boys in Diego Martin is not a recent phenomena and has been going on, at the very least, for the past 30 years, a former inmate told Newsday yesterday.

The ex-inmate, now a happily married, gainfully employed father in his mid-40s, who owns his own home and car, spoke on the basis of strict anonymity with Newsday yesterday. He said the so-called “startling” revelations coming to light about wanton abuse at the Home, are nothing new.

The ex-inmate said that when he was incarcerated at the Home in the early 1980s, an attractive woman who was among the staff at that time, would habitually choose specific inmates with whom she would have sexual relations — sometimes at the institution and sometimes elsewhere.

“Back when I was at that facility, everyone knew what was going on,” the man recalled. The woman would sometimes intimately touch and fondle her “boyfriends” while they were showering, he related.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Guardian

Tuesday, July 22, 2014
ANNA-LISA PAUL

The teenager who came forward to report allegations of sexual and physical abuse and negligence at the St Michael’s School for Boys, Diego Martin, says he is willing to give the police a statement on the matter which is currently under investigation. The 19-year-old victim said he had remained silent before because he thought no one would believe him. But after a probe into the death at the school of Brandon Hargreaves, the teenager said he was ready to speak out. Referring to the teenager’s T&T Guardian interview, during which he confirmed the allegations in the report, chairman of the Child Protection Task Force Diana Mahabir-Wyatt said: “It sounds entirely believable. It is consistent with the findings of the investigative committee.”Commenting on that report, she said: “The report is accurate. We have known for years that things were wrong at the home. It's horrible.” Asked to comment on the statement she made just after Hargreaves’ death that there was no need for further investigation, Mahabir-Wyatt said: “No outside investigation at that time was warranted because there was already an internal investigation going on. “The ministry had set up an investigative committee and it was not appropriate to appoint another investigative committee when that was going on.” There are now reports that Hargreaves was beaten to death by another boy at the home in a fight which was ignored by supervisors sitting nearby. But at the time Mahabir-Wyatt was also reported as saying: “Think back over Brandon and his mom. Accidents do happen and boys do battle each other and from the report Brandon was trying to kickbox somebody and fell backwards. “Well, I have seen my own son try to do that.

UNITED STATES
The Amrican Conservative

By ROD DREHER • July 21, 2014

Minnesota Public Radio’s Madeleine Baran is doing an incredible job of reporting on the roots of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’s current clerical sex abuse scandal. I was stunned to discover from her reporting that the present-day scandals there have their roots in the Diocese of Lafayette, La.

She got her hands on some unsealed court records and went down to south Louisiana to talk to people who knew former Minneapolis bishop Harry Flynn when he was made a bishop and sent to Lafayette to clean up the mess left behind by his predecessor, who allowed the convicted child molester Fr. Gilbert Gauthe stay in ministry, despite knowing that he was raping boys. Bishop Flynn came to town with an agenda to heal the Church. When he left town years later, his reputation as a caring bishop who went the extra mile to rebuild the diocese and to help the families of the abused boys carried him to Minneapolis. Later, after Boston broke big, he became the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ point man on dealing with the sex abuse scandal. Who better than Harry Flynn, right?

Except, reports Baran, everything people thought they knew about Archbishop Flynn was a lie. Excerpts:

Another Catholic attorney who had represented victims, Anthony Fontana, was frustrated in his efforts to get the bishop’s attention. “There’s another problem you need to know about,” he told Flynn. A Lafayette priest named Gilbert Dutel had been accused of coercing young adult men into having sex.

Flynn offered a calm reply. He explained that Dutel was cured and that, regardless, he needed to keep him in ministry because of the priest shortage.

Fontana said that in a sworn affidavit that was part of the 1990s lawsuit. More:

The files do not support the claim that Flynn healed the diocese. They also contain no suggestion that Flynn called police about priests accused of sexually assaulting children. Hundreds of documents reveal that Flynn’s diocese used many of the same aggressive legal tactics that he would later employ in the Twin Cities.

Attorneys hired by the diocese argued that victims waited too long to come forward and that the public didn’t need to know the names of accused priests. The diocese fought efforts by victims to seek compensation from the church and focused on keeping the scandal as private as possible, which meant that fewer victims came forward to sue.

MINNESOTA
Star Tribune

Article by: JEAN HOPFENSPERGER , Star Tribune Updated: July 22, 2014

Charges of church negligence in the handling of sexually abusive priests will be heard by a jury this fall.

The clergy sex abuse lawsuit against the Twin Cities archdiocese will move to a jury trial, a Ramsey County district judge ruled Monday.

Attorneys for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona had asked the court for a summary judgment that would dismiss the case.

But Judge John Van de North said a jury trial would proceed, now set for Sept. 22.

“This case needs to be tried,” said Van de North. The alleged victim “deserves a day in court, at least on the negligence claims.”

The judge said he would take under advisement a separate claim that the church’s handling of sex abusers posed a public nuisance.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed last year on behalf of a man who claimed he was abused in the mid-1970s by the former Rev. Thomas Adamson. It contends that church officials here and in Winona put children and others at risk of abuse by failing to disclose information about Adamson and other abusive priests — and that the practice has continued to the present day.

IRELAND
Irish Examiner

By Dan Buckley

'Sworn to Silence' a recollectuion of the clerical abuse of a boy, reflects on blame and shame in 1970s Ireland, says Dan Buckley

BLESS me, Father, for I have sinned.

Those are the words that the Catholic Church authorities in Ireland expected of a 14-year-old boy as his response to years of abuse by paedophile priest Brendan Smyth.

“I knew that the quizzing about confession was all about me and my fault,” says Brendan Boland, now 53, in Sworn To Silence, his memoir published today.

It was three years before he plucked up the courage to tell another priest. An inquiry was quickly called in which Brendan was subjected to a barrage of questions from three priests, among them Fr John Brady — later to become primate Cardinal Seán Brady.

Sworn To Silence details the highly intrusive and inappropriate questioning that the young lad was subjected to during the meeting.

“Then I was just terrified and scared. Today I am angry, furious,” Boland writes. “Even as I am recounting this, I want to smash my fist against the bloody wall beside me.”

Smyth was later uncovered as the most notorious child abuser in the Irish Catholic Church, carrying out more than 130 sexual assaults against 40 youngsters over 20 years. He later died in jail.

MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press

By Emily Gurnon
egurnon@pioneerpress.com
POSTED: 07/21/2014

A Ramsey County judge ruled Monday that at least part of a sweeping priest sexual abuse lawsuit should go forward.

"Doe 1 deserves his day in court on this important case," Judge John Van de North told attorneys for the plaintiff, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona.

Doe 1 is the pseudonym for a Twin Cities man who alleges he was sexually abused by then-priest Thomas Adamson between 1976 and 1977 while Adamson worked at St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Paul Park.

Van de North ruled that the plaintiff's claims of negligence by the diocese and archdiocese should be decided by the jury. Attorneys for the defendants had argued that the judge should dismiss those claims.

A larger question for the judge is whether the plaintiff can allege that church officials created a "public nuisance" by allowing offending priests to remain active and concealing information about their misconduct from the public.

Van de North said he would rule on that issue after the defendants present more electronically stored information the plaintiff has requested. That is expected to happen within two weeks.

"It's very clear that the judge 'gets it,' and it's very clear that the jury's going to 'get it,' " Anderson said of the judge's decision Monday.

GUAM
Pacific Daily News

Written by
Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno
Pacific Daily News

Archdiocese of Agana Archbishop Anthony Apuron announced just minutes ago he has removed Father John Wadeson from public ministry over community concerns that the priest faces sex abuse allegations in Los Angeles.

"In response to concerns in the community regarding Father John Wadeson serving in the Archdiocese of Agana, the archbishop has decided to remove Father Wadeson from active and public ministry at this time," a statement from the archdiocese states.

"The Archdiocese of Agana has a policy regarding sexual misconduct and sexual harassment and takes these matters very seriously," according to the statement.

Wadeson was accepted as a priest under the Archdiocese of Agana after the archdiocese in Los Angeles barred him from priestly duties there over two sex abuse allegations, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests announced over the weekend.

The network had urged Apuron "to immediately remove Father Wadeson from ministry and make public announcements about Father Wadeson at every parish where he has worked or celebrated Mass."

GUAM
KUAM

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The Archdiocese of Agana has issued the following statement regarding Father John Wadeson.

“In response to concerns in the community regarding Father John Wadeson serving in the Archdiocese of Agana, the Archbishop has decided to remove Father Wadeson from active and public ministry at this time. The Archdiocese of Agana has a policy regarding sexual misconduct and sexual harassment and takes these matters very seriously.”

The announcement follows the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) calling on Archbishop Anthony Apuron to have him removed.

According to a press release from SNAP, Father Wadeson was accused twice of child molestation and had been banned from the Los Angeles Archdiocese. The allegations however had not as of yet resulted in any convictions. “Although Fr. Wadeson has not been convicted of abuse, the fact that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has banned him from ministry is just cause for Apuron to remove the cleric immediately. We fear that Apuron is putting Guam's children at direct risk and protecting a credibly accused predator instead of protecting his flock,” the SNAP press release stated.

GUAM
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana

In response to concerns in the community regarding Father John Wadeson serving in the Archdiocese of Agana, the Archbishop has decided to remove Father Wadeson from active and public ministry at this time.

The Archdiocese of Agana has a policy regarding sexual misconduct and sexual harassment and takes these matters very seriously.

The Archdiocese of Agana, 562-0000.

GUAM
Pacific News Center

[with statement from the archdiocese]

VIDEO: Archdiocese Admits They Were Aware of Allegations of Sexual Abuse Against Father Wadeson

Written by Janela Buhain Carrera
Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Guam - After allegations surfaced last week that a priest with a record of sexual abuse was being protected by Archbishop Anthony Apuron, the Archdiocese of Agana today announced that they are removing Father John Howard Wadeson from active ministry.

But not before the Archdiocese confirmed that it knew about Father Wadeson’s tainted past.

Father John Howard Wadeson was incardinated on Guam by the archbishop in 2000. But the allegations of sexual abuse date back to the early 1990s, according to Archdiocese of Agana Chancellor, Father Adrian Cristobal. Local catholic observer Tim Rohr was the first to bring the issue to light on his blog. Last Wednesday, Rohr spoke to PNC about why he wanted to expose Father Wadeson’s past.

"He sent out a very hostile email and essentially fingered me for reporting on my blog what I had heard about the meeting," said Rohr, who was talking about a blog post he wrote on the controversial closed door meeting religious leaders had with the Papal Nuncio last week.

"I truly believe he’s innocent until proven guilty, however, in the year 2000, Archbishop Apuron incardinated him, which means made him an official priest of this diocese, and according to my sources, without any background checks, without his advice from the presbyterial council," he argued.

PNC contacted Father Adrian last Friday, who confirmed that Father Wadeson had a record in California. But he denied claims that Father Wadeson was being protected by the Archbishop. Father Adrian said the Archdiocese is aware of Father Wadeson’s past, but the allegations were just that: allegations.

MINNESOTA
southernminn.com

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A man who says he was sexually abused by a priest around 1976 deserves his day in court, a judge decided Monday in a case that has forced top local church officials including Archbishop John Nienstedt to give sworn testimony and disclose lists of priests accused of sexual misconduct.

The plaintiff, identified only as Doe 1, says he was a 14-year-old altar boy at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Paul Park when Thomas Adamson molested him.

Lawyers from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona asked Ramsey County District Judge John Van de North to dismiss the lawsuit. They agreed that Adamson abused the plaintiff but argued that there weren’t sufficient legal grounds to present to a jury. But the judge said from the bench that he’ll let Doe 1 proceed with his negligence claims and decide later whether to allow him to assert a novel claim that the archdiocese created a “public nuisance” by failing to disclose its lists of accused priests.

“Generally speaking, this case needs to be tried,” Van de North said. “Doe 1 deserves his day in court, at least on the negligence claims, and I’m going to take a closer look at nuisance.”

MINNESOTA
Fox 9

[with video]

Posted: Jul 22, 2014

video report by Tom Lyden

Pressure is building on Archbishop John Nienstedt to resign as the latest sexual abuse lawsuit brought against a priest makes its way through the legal system -- and it's raising an interesting question.

What's unusual about the case against Father Thomas Adamson is that the victim's attorneys are arguing that the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is a public nuisance because it failed to protect children. That contention has given them pretty wide latitude in the discovery process -- but a judge is still considering that rationale even as he allows the case to move forward to trial.

"Nuisance is the anchor that we have to expose the painful truth," Jeff Anderson said.

Adamson chillingly has admitted to molesting more than 20 boys. On Monday, a Ramsey County judge decided that one victim, identified only as John Doe, deserves his day in court.

In 1975, Adamson came to St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Paul Park, Minn., from the Winona Diocese. By then, he had already molested boys and was in therapy, but the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis claims it was unaware of any of that until 1980.

"There are no documents to show that the archdiocese knew Adamson was a bad guy, to put it very bluntly," Thomas Wieser, attorney for the archdiocese, told Fox 9 News.

Except maybe for Exhibit 23 -- a 1984 letter from Bishop Watters of Winona to then-Archbishop Roach. In it, Watters writes, "I am very sorry Father Adamson's many talents continue to be compromised because of his involvement with juvenile males."

MORE: Exhibit 23 on Scribd

PHILIPPINES
Sun.Star

By Ver F. Pacete
As I See It
Tuesday, July 22, 2014

I LOVE Pope Francis. He is firm in his stand not to tolerate clergy sex abuse. His words were crisp when he said that this is “the shame of the Church” (the church founded by Jesus Christ).

We should be aware that the Vatican has made a compromise on two international agreements prohibiting sexual abuse of children. These two treaties are “The Convention on the Rights of the Child” (ratified by the Vatican in September 1980) and the “Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography” (OP-CRS, ratified on October 2001).

Based on these, we can view the stand of the Church on pedophiles and on the victims (thousands of them) of sexual abuse. Was there concealment on the part of Vatican? Did Vatican acknowledge, rectify, or make amends on what happened? Was there a confirmation that there were children who were victims of Vatican’s agents and priests?

Why is Pope Francis seeking forgiveness? My idol Pope is asking forgiveness because Church leaders did not respond adequately to their reports. We do not generalize Church leaders. We have good cardinals, bishops and priests. Many of them are our personal friends and we salute them. They are the best breed of leaders in our Church. They are exempted in this storytelling.

MINNESOTA
KMSP

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) -
If Pope Francis is serious about holding bishops accountable for sexual abuse and cover-ups in the Catholic Church, the New York Times editorial board says his first stop should be the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

“When Pope Francis met earlier this month with victims of rape and sexual abuse by priests, he vowed to hold bishops accountable for covering up the scandal instead of confronting it,” the board wrote in a July 17 opinion. “A good place to start is with the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese, where calls are mounting for the resignation of Archbishop John Nienstedt, a warrior against same-sex marriage who, it turns out, is facing accusations that he indulged in improper sexual conduct in the past with priests, seminarians and other men.”

In a 107-page deposition released last week, former canon lawyer Jennifer Haselberger detailed several cases of the archdiocese allowing priests accused of sex offenses to remain in the ministry.

IRELAND
Irish Examiner

By Claire O'Sullivan
Irish Examiner Reporter

Nearly a quarter of the babies born to Irish mothers and exported to the US for adoption were born at the Sean Ross Abbey, Co Tipperary, the convent at the centre of the film Philomena.

Adoption rights groups have suggested that the high rates could be for “geographic reasons”, as it was so close to Shannon airport.

Department of Foreign Affairs records show that, of the 1,962 babies sent abroad for adoption between 1950 and 1974, 1,911 went to the US and approximately 438 of these children came from Sean Ross Abbey.

The highest rate of US adoptions was from St Patrick’s Guild in Dublin, from where 515 were sent, while Sean Ross’ figures for the same period stand at 438.

It is believed that American parents paid religious orders from €1,000 to €10,000 for their babies.

NORTH CAROLINA
Independent Tribune

Staff reports
ROCKWELL, N.C. -- A Rockwell man allegedly shot himself Saturday while Rowan deputies were serving arrest warrants related to sex offenses in Concord.

Michael Reese Mullis, 63, of 145 James Drive, Rockwell, died at his home after he allegedly shot himself in the head in the bathroom with a .357 magnum pistol, according to information provided by the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies say they went to Mullis' home on Saturday to serve two arrest warrants issued by the Concord Police Department.

The warrants were for taking indecent liberties with a minor, Concord police said. The crimes were reported on July 10, 2012 but occurred years earlier when the victim was less than 16 years old.

NORTH CAROLINA
WSOC

By Paige Hansen

CONCORD, N.C. —

A former concord pastor took his own life days after authorities took out warrants to arrest him on child sex charges.

Channel 9 learned Monday the former pastor shot himself in front of deputies this weekend.

Police said the former pastor appeared to have one victim and the two knew each other.

She came forward about the alleged abuse two years ago.

Now, investigators cannot do anything more with the case they’ve worked on for two years.

“The case is over,” said Maj. Gary Hatley with the Concord Police Department. “As far as for us, we’ll never get to serve the warrants.”

Those warrants were taken out last week and Rowan County deputies tried to serve them Saturday to arrest Michael Mullis on two counts of indecent liberties with a child.

Channel 9 learned Mullis’ death was a suicide. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said when deputies arrived, Mullis asked to put on shoes, then made his way to the bathroom where a deputy saw Mullis with a pistol in hand when he shot and killed himself.

NORTHERN IRELAND
UTV

First Minister Peter Robinson had said on Friday that the inquiry's work could be suspended if the Executive failed to agree on budget adjustments.

He said the June Monitoring Round is yet to be signed off due to ongoing disagreement over welfare reform.

Prior to the funding being secured, victims expressed their anger at Stormont on Monday in response to the First Minister's comments.

Margaret McGuckin, from Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse (SAVIA), said that while they were given some reassurance that the inquiry would be funded, the initial comments were "inhuman and abusive".

"We let them know that we're very very angry, it's living through this nightmare. It was very unkind, it was untimely, it was uncalled for," she said.

UNITED STATES
National Catholic Reporter

Brian Roewe | Jul. 21, 2014 NCR Today

Step aside, Mary Jane.

Tom Petty is dancing with the Catholic church in his next album “Hypnotic Eye.”

In new song titled “Playing Dumb,” famed rocker Petty and his band the Heartbreakers -- who together have produced classics such as “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” “Free Fallin’” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” -- address their outrage with the church’s decade-long abuse scandal.

“For every confession that wasn’t on the level/For every man of God that lives with hidden devils,” Petty sings at one point.

“Playing Dumb” does not appear among the album’s 11 main tracks, but is included as a bonus song on Blu-Ray and vinyl editions.

In an interview with Billboard magazine, Petty said he did not intend to attack Catholics or religion in general. But the abuse scandal, however, has left him seeing it difficult for people to maintain their faith.

UNITED STATES
Huffington Post

By Antonia Blumberg
Posted: 07/21/2014

Rocker Tom Petty has taken on a weighty and controversial topic in the bonus track to his new album, "Hypnotic Eye," and it's not bound to win him any friends at the Vatican.

The song -- "Playing Dumb" -- addresses the victims of the Catholic Church's sex abuses over the last several decades and will appear as a bonus track on the new album's vinyl release.

In an interview with Billboard preceding the album's release, Petty said:

"I'm fine with whatever religion you want to have… [But] if I was in a club, and I found out that there had been generations of people abusing children, and then that club was covering that up, I would quit the club. And I wouldn't give them any more money."

Billboard quoted several lines from the song that illustrate a sense of distrust toward the church: “For every confession that wasn’t on the level/For every man of God that lives with hidden devils.”

Although "Playing Dumb" may be one of the first songs explicitly written about the Catholic Church's sex abuses, Petty isn't the first mainstream artist to publicly condemn the church its response to the allegations. In 1992 singer Sinéad O'Connor unexpectedly ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on the set of Saturday Night Live to protest sex abuse in the church.

OHIO
National Catholic Reporter

Nicholas Sciarappa | Jul. 21, 2014

The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests donated $1,000 to a Catholic Worker house that shelters homeless women after the Cincinnati archdiocese retracted its funding because a woman priest led a prayer service at the shelter.

The archdiocese had promised Lydia's House, which offers shelter to homeless women and their children, $1,000 toward the purchase of a new washer and dryer. A number of community organizations support the house, which can hold up to four women and six children, and the archdiocese was an irregular donor.

"We spent the money in June with the promise that it would be reimbursed at the start of the new fiscal year July 1, and we submitted the receipt on July 5," said Mary Ellen Mitchell, one of the founders of Lydia's House. "We found out Wednesday, July 16, of this week that [the archdiocese] wouldn't do the reimbursement."

The archdiocese withdrew the donation after learning that Debra Meyers would hold a July 20 prayer service at the house. Meyers is a Roman Catholic Woman Priest, but the house's monthly newsletter, which contained information about the prayer service, did not identify her as such.

UNITED STATES
Billboard

By Fred Schruers | July 21, 2014

n a new track — and a blunt conversation — Petty won't back down when asked about a religious scandal

During his hard-fought, ascendant career, Tom Petty has often been labeled as intense. The artist wouldn't disagree — and a corrosive new track called "Playing Dumb" won't change anyone's mind. Though the song didn't make the new album — it was hard to sequence with the rest of the tracks, says Petty — it will be included as a bonus cut on the accompanying vinyl release.

Petty hitches back in his seat when "Playing Dumb" comes up. In the lyrics, he proposes lighting a candle "For every confession that wasn't on the level/For every man of God that lives with hidden devils."

The song mourns the victims of sex abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy, and takes aim at the controversial financial settlements the church eventually made. This is not a love song.

When asked about "Playing Dumb," Petty arches an eyebrow at the digital recorder before him. "Catholics, don't write me," he says. "I'm fine with whatever religion you want to have, but it can't tell anybody it's OK to kill people, and it can't abuse children systematically for God knows how many years."

ST. LOUIS (MO)
KMOV

(KMOV) – The hearing in the case of Joseph Jiang scheduled for Monday morning, was delayed and the prosecutor said the trial is set to start September 2, 2014.

The Reverend Xiu Hui “Joseph” Jiang is charged with two counts of first degree statutory sodomy involving a boy younger than 14 at the St. Louis Cathedral School.

His lawyer has said Jiang denies the allegations.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis suspended Jiang from duties pending the case.