TORONTO (CANADA)
The Real News
August 20, 2018
Pennsylvania Grand Jury report uncovers 70 years of sexual abuse of at least a thousand children by 301 priests. We speak to theologian Matthew Fox about the scandal’s causes and consequences
Story Transcript
MARC STEINER: Welcome to The Real News Network. I’m Marc Steiner. It’s good to have you with us.
The grand jury findings in Pennsylvania that 301 Catholic priests over a period of 70 years sexually abused and molested at least 1000 young people who were in their charge shattered the world and the Roman Catholic Church. Because of these widespread charges of sexual abuse by priests, not just them, the United States, Chile, and Australia and Ireland, over these years, it’s clear that a massive coverup by bishops took place, who rule their diocese and the church. Why did it take place? First, listen to these voices; the voices of people who are now adults in Pennsylvania, who suffered unmentionable horror by priests they trusted.
SURVIVOR 1: This report is me getting my life back, saying these are the evil bastards that stole my life.
SPEAKER: How many of you believe that right now a child is being abused at the hands of a priest?
SURVIVOR 1: Why statute of limitations ended for my abuse. But to me they’re re-abusing me right now.
SURVIVOR 2: I want the right to stand in court and face my abuser.
SPEAKER: And say?
SURVIVOR 2: Just have him go through the court process, tell my story, make him listen to me. I would say to him, why did you do this to me? And I believe his answer is going to be because I can. Because I could.
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