Latest in Priest Abuse Case: Victims Praise Monsignor's Imprisonment for Child Endangerment

The Republic
April 30, 2015

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/37d2007079cc46c19cfb1702ca29a7b6/PA--Priest-Abuse-Appeal-The-Latest

FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2014, file photo, Monsignor William Lynn walks from the criminal justice center after a bail hearing in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling Monday, April 27, 2015, upholds the 2012 conviction of Lynn over abuse committed by a diocesan priest years earlier. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Victim advocates are praising a judge's decision to send a Roman Catholic church official in Philadelphia back to prison.

A judge Thursday refused to grant a stay that would have allowed Monsignor William Lynn to remain free while he pursues other appeals.

The 64-year-old Lynn was convicted of child endangerment over his handling of priest abuse complaints. He had served half of a three-to-six-year sentence before a state court tossed his conviction in 2013. Pennsylvania's highest court this week reversed the decision.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, better known as SNAP, called the order sending Lynn back to prison a "victory for vulnerable youngers."

The group says it believes the action will do more to safeguard boys and girls than the church's own abuse policies and protocols.

PHOTO: FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2014, file photo, Monsignor William Lynn walks from the criminal justice center after a bail hearing in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling Monday, April 27, 2015, upholds the 2012 conviction of Lynn over abuse committed by a diocesan priest years earlier. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2014, file photo, Monsignor William Lynn walks from the criminal justice center after a bail hearing in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling Monday, April 27, 2015, upholds the 2012 conviction of Lynn over abuse committed by a diocesan priest years earlier. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

10:40 a.m.

A Roman Catholic church official has been ordered back to prison after his Pennsylvania conviction over the handling of abuse complaints was reinstated.

A judge Thursday refused to grant a stay that would have allowed Monsignor William Lynn of Philadelphia to remain free while he pursues other appeals.

Lynn has served half of a three-to-six-year sentence for felony child endangerment. He's been on house arrest since the state Superior Court tossed his conviction in 2013.

The state Supreme Court reversed that decision Monday.

Lynn is the first U.S. church official prosecuted over his handling of abuse complaints against priests.

The 64-year-old Lynn served as secretary for clergy from 1992 to 2004.

His lawyers have long argued that Lynn was not responsible for the welfare of victims.