PENNSYLVANIA
WJAC

by Daniel Hamburg

JOHNSTOWN – Monday, bishop Mark Bartchak announced sweeping changes in the Catholic church to protect victims of child sex abuse.

Victims of abuse by clergy are reacting to news of those reforms, including one victim, originally from Johnstown, who says he was abused as a child.

Shaun Dougherty said that Monday’s press conference was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done in Harrisburg at the state capitol to pass actual law.

Dougherty said he was surprised by the announcement, but happy to see it.

“It was the first big step for the church in moving forward,” Dougherty said. “I think it was a crucial first step for future generations of victims.”