PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Religion Dispatches

By Anthea Butler

“That man molested me. He knows it. He knows it. He knows it.”

So was the testimony of “Mark” on April 5, Holy Thursday, in the case of Monsignor William Lynn and the Rev. James Brennan, currently on trial in Philadelphia. Lynn is accused of attempting to hide evidence of abuse by clergy, moving pedophile priests among parishes, and of endangering the welfare of two children. Brennan is accused of raping a 14-year-old boy, “Mark,” whose abuse is described in court documents.

Mark has endured a troubled life, no doubt in part to the violation of his body and soul by someone entrusted to care for his spiritual life.What struck me about his testimony is the gut-wrenching manner in which victims of sexual abuse are crucified for speaking out. The defense’s cross-examination of Mark is not only in service of defending Rev….