PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Catholic Sentinel

Catholic News Service

PHILADELPHIA — A young man took the stand for two days and repeated numerous times that he had been allegedly abused by Father James Brennan, one of two priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on trial in the landmark case.

At turns both emotional and combative with Father Brennan’s defense lawyer, William Brennan, who is no relation to his client, the now 30-year-old witness described in his testimony April 4 an incident in 1996 that he called rape. But state prosecutors have charged the priest with attempted rape in the alleged incident.

Conviction or acquittal on the charge would be significant not only for Father Brennan, 48, but also because the case represents a charge of endangering the welfare of a child against former archdiocesan secretary for clergy Msgr. William Lynn, 61.

As head of the office that dealt with troubled priests…