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  Archdiocese Sued for Alleged Pedophilia

United Press International
October 1, 2009

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/10/01/Archdiocese-sued-for-alleged-pedophilia/UPI-48371254438249/

MIAMI — The Archdiocese of Miami may be liable for sexual abuses by its priests, despite a recent court case to the contrary, a lawyer for an alleged victim said.

Two suits filed against the archdiocese said the Revs. Neil Flemming and Neil Doherty committed sexual abuse 40 years ago at a Miami rectory and in a Boystown facility against two unnamed men who were teenagers at the time, The Miami Herald reported Thursday.

The law surrounding these cases is unclear due to a Third District appellate court's decision last month suggesting that pedophiles' employers are not to be held liable for negligence resulting in abuse, Jessica Arbour, a lawyer for one of the men said, adding that the cases will go forward as the men continue to be traumatized by the abuse.

"Both Father Neil Doherty and Father Neil Fleming retired in 2002 without faculties. They are not permitted to wear clerical garb, celebrate the sacraments or have an assignment," Mary Ross Agosta, an archdiocese spokeswoman said.

The archdiocese has dealt with multiple sexual abuse allegations against both priests, and has settled many of them, the newspaper said.

 
 

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