CAMDEN (NJ)
Courier-Post
Written by
Jim Walsh
Courier-Post Staff
The Diocese of Camden wants to question an Ohio man for two days over his claim he was sexually abused by a priest, then repressed the memory for more than 40 years.
A lawyer for the diocese contends extensive questioning at a pretrial deposition, including asking the man to describe his abuse in detail, is necessary to protect the church’s rights.
But an attorney for the priest’s accuser, Mark Bryson, asserts the request is “excessive and harassing.” He wants a federal judge to limit questioning of his client to seven hours, or a single day. And a group opposed to the Catholic Church’s handling of the sex-abuse issue contends the legal tactic is intended to send “an intimidating signal.”
“I think the church officials and lawyers think that, by making this as tough as they can, they’ll discourage others from coming forward,” said David Clohessy, a spokesman for Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests.
Diocesan Spokesman Peter Feuerherd sees it differently.
“This is a 45-year-old claim that should not be rushed,” he said Friday.
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