Former Priest Accused of Sexual Assault Tells His Side of Story

By Ted Sullivan
Gazette
November 8, 2008

http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/nov/08/former-priest-accused-sexual-assault-tells-his-sid/

JANESVILLE — The Rev. Gerald Vosen was accused of sexually assaulting a Janesville boy at a time when pedophile priests made headlines, but he said he's innocent.

Yet the church didn't support him, a jury didn't believe him and people in his parishes were left wondering whether the allegations were true.

Vosen, 74, has written a book, "Pick a Number: Stories of Faith," and he tells his side of the story in a chapter that rips into the Janesville boy's accusations and the Catholic Church. He'll be in Janesville this weekend for a book signing.

He hopes the book will clear his name, even though the stink of sexual abuse has cost him everything: His career, his reputation and his trust in the Catholic Church.

"That had been my whole life for 42 years," Vosen said. "It was very devastating."

Vosen was accused of sexual abuse in 2003.

A then 26-year-old man told Catholic authorities that Vosen had sexually assaulted him when he was in fifth and sixth grade at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Janesville.

Vosen claims in his book that his accusers were aware of the church's large payouts to alleged victims. He claims his accuser's lawyer asked for $1.1 million.

In 2004, Vosen filed a defamation of character lawsuit against the man.

No credible evidence was presented to support the young man's accusations, said Patrick McDonald, Vosen's attorney.

The priest never had the opportunities to assault the young man, McDonald said, and his accuser had contradicted himself many times.

"I think everybody in the courtroom knew these things didn't happen," he said.

But a Rock County jury rejected Vosen's lawsuit.

The jury decided the man was telling the truth.

"That was a very dark day," Vosen said. "It was very shocking that they came to that conclusion."

Three jurors later told The Janesville Gazette there was "insufficient evidence for a criminal trial."

And the man never filed a lawsuit against Vosen or the church.

"I feel the entire chain of events was very unfortunate," McDonald said. "I feel badly for the family and for Father Vosen."

The fact that the Catholic Church didn't support Vosen and immediately dismissed him was more devastating than the allegations themselves, Vosen said.

"That was very difficult to accept after dedicating your whole life to the church," Vosen said. "I'm convinced, in the eyes of the church, if you are accused, they're going to just take that and run with it."

Since the lawsuit, Vosen has lived in Merrimac. He can't work in churches. He hopes someday that might change.

"My dream would be that I would be vindicated by the church and be available to help out other parishes or priests," he said.

IF YOU GO

Who: The Rev. Gerald Vosen
New book: "Pick a Number: Stories of Faith"
Book signing: 4:30–7 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 a.m.–noon Sunday.
Where: 461 S. Randall Ave., Janesville, next to the former Italian House.
Cost: $20 for book or audio book

READER COMMENTS

localboysince1968
Nov 8, 2008 at 10:09 p.m.

My question is; "how do you provide proof that you were raped by a priest"? Do you keep your clothes that can be checked by DNA? It is your word against the church. If you don't have proof, I think the Priest should be exonerated due to insuffecient evidence. Too many gold diggers out there.

peterisely
Nov 8, 2008 at 9:28 p.m.

The bishops of the US have acknowledged that over 5,000 clergy have sexually assaulted children or minors over the past several decades. The percentage of false reports, according to a review of their records by John Jay College for Criminal Justice, is under 5 percent. You can see much of this data at bishops-accountability.org. This means that 95 percent of abuse reports are true. Yet, only 3 percent of any of these clergy were ever prosecuted because bishops covered up these crimes and then transferred the offenders to new and unsuspecting parishes. At least now canon law requires a bishop to remove a priest from ministry when it has been determined, after a professional investigation, that the allegation is substantiated -- that's no different a standard than for any other licensed professional. That’s what Morlino was required to do that's why he and the Vatican removed Vosen from ministry. What Morlino is not doing—and some of these posts demonstrate what happens when you don’t—is exercise pastoral leadership and to personally minister to the victims, families and congregations that are hurting. An offender priest, like any other sex offender, doesn’t wear horns and announce his intention to molest a child. Offenders come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Many of them, such as those in the ministry, are gifted speakers, charismatic personalities and talented administrators. Being nice or charming is not a character quality nor does it reveal moral integrity and much less criminal intent. Vosen has made his case before 3 professional church boards and a civil jury. He has been found guilty each time. That’s much greater deference and due process than teachers, social workers, pediatricians or any other professionals working with children in civil society are granted. It’s time for Bishop Morlino to come to St. John’s, explain his decision to the faithful, and bring truth and healing.

Peter Isely
SNAP Midwest Director
SNAPnetwork.org

Rocky
Nov 8, 2008 at 7:24 p.m.

I knew Fr. Vosen years before he came to Janesville. I was a young boy (one of many) that was in his "club" where he took (along with many adult chaperones) kids up to a place he had on Lake Wisconsin. In all the times I went, and with all the other kids I went with, I ABSOLUTELY NEVER witnessed, heard of, or experienced anything even remotely inappropriate. Fr. Vosen was an absolute picture of what a priest should be. Did he love kids? Absolutely. I find the accusations completely unbelievable.

wshafer
Nov 8, 2008 at 6:26 p.m.

Well, I don't know whether this man is guilty or not. I wasn't there and don't know the accuser. I will say that there have been false accusations of abuse, sexual and otherwise inside and outside the Catholic Church, even before this crisis started. It is now to the point that being a man you are almost putting your life on the line working with children, as a teacher or counselor or in any other capacity. I agree that the Catholic Church did not do what it was supposed to do in reference to these priests, but that doesn't mean that every priest out there is a pedophile. This problem exists also in our society at large so it isn't only in the Catholic Church, but the Church should of handled this whole thing much better.

gazettefan
Nov 8, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.

Answer: Institutionalized child rape.

SMPTURLISH
Nov 8, 2008 at 5:49 p.m.

"Victims of clergy sexual abuse have been urging Vosen’s bishop, Robert Morlino, to release Vosen’s file and speak to the parishes where Vosen served and explain why he considers Vosen so dangerous he will not let him be a priest. Morlino has exercised extraordinary deference to Fr. Vosen. If he was a member of any other profession, his ordination “license” would have been revoked years ago, he would not be receiving benefits, and he could not maintain the public use of his professional title or credentials."

Peter Isley raises a valid point when he mentions Bishop Morlino's "extraordinary deference to Fr. Vosen."

If the deference is "extraordinary," the question is, Why?

gazettefan
Nov 8, 2008 at 5:02 p.m.

lovestoscrap, I didn't say "every priest." Why don't you get a comprehension level that will allow you to read plain English?!

You too, whatever.... Then the both of you should re-read peterisley's post below.

Your blind allegiance is not healthy.

----------------

Vosen, according to his own account, has had three victims and seven witnesses come forward to the diocese. A Catholic bishop is required under canon law to remove a priest from public ministry if he determines that priest has sexually molested a child or minor. He cannot publically present himself as a priest. But that is exactly what Vosen is doing anyway with his book, hoping, no doubt, to intimidate any more victims and witnesses from coming forward, call his bishop’s bluff, and turn a profit to boot off the misery of those harmed.

Vosen has had not one, not two, but three separate due process hearings where he has brought all his evidence: a lay review board of professionals and experts, a canon law trial composed of his priest peers, and a civil law trial before a civil jury.

He has been found guilty before all three hearings.

When a teacher, psychologist, medical doctor or any other of the dozens of licensed and certified professionals in the state of Wisconsin are found by their professional board to have committed ethical and especially criminal misconduct, the results of that investigation, including the revocation of his or her license, is publicized and the ruling and evidence is readily available, including being posted online by the State Department of Regulation and Licensing.

Victims of clergy sexual abuse have been urging Vosen’s bishop, Robert Morlino, to release Vosen’s file and speak to the parishes where Vosen served and explain why he considers Vosen so dangerous he will not let him be a priest. Morlino has exercised extraordinary deference to Fr. Vosen. If he was a member of any other profession, his ordination “license” would have been revoked years ago, he would not be receiving benefits, and he could not maintain the public use of his professional title or credentials.

Peter Isely
SNAP Midwest Director
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
SNAPnetwork.org.

lakennedy
Nov 8, 2008 at 5:02 p.m.

This is not a topic I feel at all comfortable commenting on.
+
Except this one comment.

lovetoscrap
Nov 8, 2008 at 4:53 p.m.

gazettefan...I see you still believe every catholic priest is guilty of child abuse. Sheesh...get a life. There was no evidence against this man...just one man's accusations, who never filed charges and just wanted money. There are a lot of people in this world who are looking for handouts every day by taking advantage of others. Like others have said here...this man was guilty until proven innocent. This is a travesty!

wHaTeVeR
Nov 8, 2008 at 4:39 p.m.

I went to St. John Vianney 1-6th grades. I also knew Father Vosen. He was always kind, decent, and caring. I don't know anymore than anyone else if the allegations against him are true. I don't believe it is up us to judge him. No proof, no stone can be thrown.

gazettefan
Nov 8, 2008 at 4:33 p.m.

MrScott, what is it about you that needs to ignore the information in peterisley's post?

The fact that pedophile priests were not punished but instead were sent to other parishes with a fresh flock of victims all for the protection of the Catholic Church and not the children is prima-facie evidence of institutionalized child rape.

I am a non-Catholic who grew up in a largely Catholic area and witnessed the effects of what that church does to its children.

MrScott
Nov 8, 2008 at 3:56 p.m.

Wow gazettefan, one person accusing one man hardly appears to be institutionalized rape of children. No one knows whether or not it happened except the two parties involved. You've demonized the Catholic church every opportunity on this website, including comments in articles which had nothing to do with the Catholic Church. It appears you have a personal problem with the Church, especially pushing the notion that this gentleman is automatically guilty just because it has happened elsewhere.

gazettefan
Nov 8, 2008 at 3:23 p.m.

Suzanne, you need help.

nomad, the victims are the solid evidence. It is infinitely more likely that the guilty will deny the truth than it is that someone will lie about being raped.

The institutionalized rape of children in Catholic Church depends on the disturbing mentality that the both of you share.

Suzanne
Nov 8, 2008 at 2:47 p.m.

I believe Fr. Vosen.

These are evil times and Satan is laughing because people do not believe in evil power of deception and Satan is out to make minced meat out of Consecrated souls. The devils stategy is to confuse by coinciding authentic sexual abuse with false accusations against good and holy priests. Who would believe their innocence in view of the horrendous crimes of a few (who were false shepherds in the first place) especially when they no longer believe in the most powerful deceiver, the liar from the beginning, Satan? People do not understand his stategies.This is happening in the culture everywhere now, not just in priesthood, false accusations in the midst of authentic sexual crimes. Confusion is the devils business and families are being ripped apart everywhere. My own good father was falsly accused so I understand well this deceptive evil in our culture. I would encourage Fr. to trust completely in Christ, he is sharing in the same cross of accusation that the Lord withstood. Jesus was physically crucified, Fr. Vosen is being morally crucified. I would encourage him to offer his suffering for the millions of lost souls including the accusers.

nomad
Nov 8, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.

Without solid factual evidence, I can not understand how a person can be convicted on an accusation. This case sounds like guilty before proven innocent instead of innocent before proven guilty.Makes one wonder how many priests who have been accused are truly innocent. I support criminal punishment for those who it can be proven without doubt that they are guilty.

Then there is the on going cases of public school teachers doing the same, no outrage from the media or society.

peterisely
Nov 8, 2008 at 1:10 p.m.

Vosen, according to his own account, has had three victims and seven witnesses come forward to the diocese. A Catholic bishop is required under canon law to remove a priest from public ministry if he determines that priest has sexually molested a child or minor. He cannot publically present himself as a priest. But that is exactly what Vosen is doing anyway with his book, hoping, no doubt, to intimidate any more victims and witnesses from coming forward, call his bishop’s bluff, and turn a profit to boot off the misery of those harmed.

Vosen has had not one, not two, but three separate due process hearings where he has brought all his evidence: a lay review board of professionals and experts, a canon law trial composed of his priest peers, and a civil law trial before a civil jury.

He has been found guilty before all three hearings.

When a teacher, psychologist, medical doctor or any other of the dozens of licensed and certified professionals in the state of Wisconsin are found by their professional board to have committed ethical and especially criminal misconduct, the results of that investigation, including the revocation of his or her license, is publicized and the ruling and evidence is readily available, including being posted online by the State Department of Regulation and Licensing.

Victims of clergy sexual abuse have been urging Vosen’s bishop, Robert Morlino, to release Vosen’s file and speak to the parishes where Vosen served and explain why he considers Vosen so dangerous he will not let him be a priest. Morlino has exercised extraordinary deference to Fr. Vosen. If he was a member of any other profession, his ordination “license” would have been revoked years ago, he would not be receiving benefits, and he could not maintain the public use of his professional title or credentials.

Peter Isely
SNAP Midwest Director
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
SNAPnetwork.org.

nurse4u
Nov 8, 2008 at 12:17 p.m.

There are statutes of limatations on when a person can be convicted of sexually abusing a child. Sadly, that child will never have closure in their adult life.

As a victim, I know that sexual predators can get away with their crimes. If a child is in foster care, as was I, those children are extremely vulnerable.

I was unable to have justice. I carried hate with me for a long time.

I do not know if this man is guilty or not. If he is innocent, that is a horrible stigmata to carry indeed. If he is guilty, well that is at the very least, a miscarriage of justice.

janesvillean
Nov 8, 2008 at 11:25 a.m.

If he is innocent -- he was never charged with a crime -- then he has my sympathies. Sadly, as Sr. Maureen's post below suggests, one of the biggest problems is the stonewalling of the Catholic church itself. For too many years they tried to be judge and jury for sexually abusive clergy, even moving them to new churches or schools knowing they had a history of molestation, and preventing criminal prosecutions from taking place by destroying records. This makes it more difficult to know the truth of any single case such as Vosen's.

SMPTURLISH
Nov 8, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.

This case in Wisconsin shows that the bishop there should be releasing all files and records on the Rev. Gerald Vosen but even more importantly, he should be proactive in his support of the Child Victms Law along with the Wisconsin Catholic Conference.

Removing all statutes of limitation in regard to the sexual abuse of children in the single, most effective means of holding sexual predators and their enablers, if they exist, accountable befor a court of law.

Sister Maureen Paul Turlish
Victims' Advocate
New Castle, Delaware
maureenpaulturlish@yahoo.com