INDIA
Times of India
Bella Jaisinghani,TNN | Dec 4, 2015
MUMBAI: Fr Lawrence Johnson (51), accused of abusing a teenage boy from his parish in Shivaji Nagar, could be disrobed or divested of priesthood if allegations against him are substantiated.
Fr Johnson was arrested for allegedly sodomising the 13-year-old at Christ the King Church in Govandi on November 27. The police have registered offences under Section 377 of the IPC and POCSO.
Senior inspector Balasaheb Jadhav told TOI that a medical examination had revealed grievous injuries to the victim’s private parts. “We have also sent fluid samples for chemical tests but those reports could become available after weeks. Such cases from all parts of the state are examined in sequential order,” he said.
Another officer said Fr Johnson did not appear remorseful. He said, “Even as the boy and his mother were sobbing, Fr Johnson shrugged and said, what is the need to arrest me?”
The case’s outcome will be the benchmark for how the Church deals with abuse. Fr Nigel Barrett, spokesman of the Archdiocese, indicated that they have a zero-tolerance policy in such matters. The Church has appointed a three-member committee to conduct an internal investigation.
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