BishopAccountability.org
	Man Wants Priest Abuse Lawsuit Opened up By Christy Gutowski and Tia Jones Daily Herald [Joliet IL] August 9, 2005 A Glen Ellyn man's lawsuit against the Diocese of Joliet alleging a priest molested him decades ago has survived the usual legal death knell sounded in such cases and is forcing church leaders to take notice. For at least the second time in 26 years of leading the diocese, Bishop Joseph Imesch will be deposed Thursday in a videotaped interview as part of the lawsuit. The deposition will be held behind closed doors, which is routine, but the accuser and his advocates argue church records and related evidence, such as the videotape, should be open for public inspection. On Monday, DuPage Judge Stephen J. Culliton ruled he will evaluate each piece of evidence individually rather than issue a blanket edict. The diocese had requested the court file be sealed from public view — a move that prompted criticism. "Bishop Imesch is trying to keep a lid on all the dirty secrets," said Barbara Blaine, president of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "He has been playing hardball tactics in court with the victims for years. We believe until the truth is told, people are still at risk." Unlike similar sex abuse allegations, the 48-year-old man's lawsuit has survived legal challenges arguing the statute of limitations long ago expired. His lawyers successfully argued the clock did not start until after their client remembered what happened, which meant the case is viable.