ABUSE TRACKER

PENNSYLVANIA
We Are Central PA

JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY— A Somerset County Priest pled not guilty in Federal Court Tuesday to charges of sexually abusing young boys at an orphanage and having explicit photos of them.

The U.S Attorney is prosecuting the case against Rev. Joseph Maurizio. The 69 year old was arrested back in September. Attorneys alleged they found images of child pornography on his computer at the church in Central City, Somerset County. Agents raided the church a few days’ prior to his arrest, seizing computers, cameras and other digital equipment.

The defense team for Maurizio maintains that their client is innocent.

On Tuesday Maurizio was back in court for his formal arraignment. 35-40 people including family, friends and church members were there in support of the former priest who was at Our Lady Queen of Angels. Not one was willing to give a statement or comment to the media after the hearing.

The prosecution told the judge they felt Maurizio is a flight risk even with his passport taken away because of large sums of money he has access too. Maurizio’s accounts total more than $1 million, including cash, bonds and IRA’s.

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FLORIDA
Herman Law

Another child sex abuse lawsuit against Archdiocese of Miami alleges Father Neil Doherty drugged and sexually abused a 10-year-old boy

WHAT: JEFF HERMAN (www.hermanlaw.com), a nationally-recognized attorney for victims of sexual abuse, announces the filing of a lawsuit against ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI for the sexual abuse of a child by Father Neil Doherty, a priest sentenced last year to 15 years in prison for child sex crimes.

According to the Complaint:

JOHN DOE first met Father NEIL DOHERTY in or around 1989, when JOHN was ten years old and living in Liberty City, Miami. At all relevant times, DOHERTY worked as Pastor at the Holy Redeemer Parish, in Liberty City.

JOHN ran away from his foster mother to stay with his cousin in Miami. While JOHN was crying on the street, he met DOHERTY, who was driving by. DOHERTY told him that part of his job was to help troubled children. JOHN told DOHERTY that he ran away from his foster home and DOHERTY told JOHN he would help him find his birth mother.

DOHERTY took JOHN to a motel on Biscayne Boulevard. While in the room, DOHERTY gave JOHN a marijuana joint and a “soda”. Shortly therafter, JOHN passed out. When he came to, JOHN woke up feeling groggy and he noticed DOHERTY leering at him in a predatory-like manner.

On another occasion, DOHERTY drove past JOHN’s cousin’s house, wearing clergy attire. When JOHN noticed JOHN, DOHERTY invited JOHN into the car with him and again promised that he would help JOHN find his birth mother. DOHERTY drove JOHN to another motel on Biscayne Boulevard and again plied JOHN with marijuana and a “soda”. JOHN passed out. When he came to, JOHN was on his stomach as DOHERTY was sodomizing JOHN.

Doherty sexually abused other boys before, during, and after the time he abused John Doe, which was known to the Archdiocese and actively concealed.

JOHN DOE NO. 125 v. ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI was filed last week in Miami-Dade.

Jeff Herman, the attorney for the victim in this case, said: “According to our lawsuit, the Archdiocese of Miami chose to avoid scandal, in part by continuing to give Father Doherty unfettered access to boys, instead of taking action to protect children and help victims heal.”

CONTACT: KAYLA REPAN; krepan@hermanlaw.com; 305-931-2200 (OFFICE) or 561-302-1692 (CELL)

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MINNESOTA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Monday, October 13, 2014

Statement by SNAP leader Frank Meuers of Plymouth ( 952-334-5180, frankameuers@gmail.com )

This settlement and these promises are happening for two reasons: because caring victims take legal action and complicit officials fear trials. Let’s never forget these two simple facts. So we desperately hope that no matter how this agreement plays out, we hope that men, women and kids who have been sexually violated by Minnesota priests, nuns, seminarians, brothers and other Catholic officials keep filing police reports and civil lawsuits.

What may happen in the future is unclear. What’s happening now and what’s happened in the past, however, is crystal clear: Catholic officials don’t ever pledge reform – must less carry it out – unless they’re under tremendous external pressure. That hasn’t changed and likely won’t. That pressure must come from brave victims, witnesses, whistleblowers, journalists and our justice system.

We in SNAP support any moves toward reducing the nearly limitless power that bishops exercise over so-called church “investigations” into clergy sex crimes and therefore welcome today’s announcement. But we have also heard time and time again, Catholic officials claim that their processes and their new staff are “independent” when in truth, they almost never really are.

So we join with Al Michaud in urging continued vigilance and healthy skepticism. Thousands of clergy sex crimes and cover ups have happened, and keep happening in Minnesota. The reason is not inadequate staff or protocols. So more or different staff or protocols isn’t really the answer. Rather, it’s a strong and independent system of ‘checks and balances’ – involving all of us – on the inherent secrecy of a self-serving, all male monarchy that answers to virtually no one. While hoping these new systems will protect children, we urge anyone who saw, suspects or experienced inappropriate sexual actions or cover ups to call law enforcement promptly.

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WISCONSIN
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Monday, October 13, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com )

A courageous, compassionate and persistent clergy sex abuse victim who helped warn parents and the public about a serial child molesting Catholic cleric is being honored this weekend. He richly deserves it.

He is Arthur Budzinski, a deaf man who helped expose Fr. Lawrence Murphy, a now-deceased predator priest who assaulted dozens and dozens of children for decades.

Arthur is, plainly and simply, an absolute hero. Long before almost anyone publicly discussed clergy sexual abuse and cover ups, Arthur was leafleting to alert families about a dangerous priest. We are overjoyed at the recognition he’s receiving and hope that his bravery will inspire others who are in pain to break their silence, get help, expose predators and start healing.

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KENTUCKY
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com )

A Kentucky youth minister allegedly sexually abused and threatened one of his students. We are grateful to the brave victim who found the courage to speak up.

Rev. Allen Murphy, who was a youth pastor at Polly Ann Church of God in Eubank, was charged with three counts of sex crimes involving a minor.

We urge officials at Polly Ann Church of God to use their resources to reach out to anyone who may have seen, suspects, or suffered crimes by Murphy. We hope any other victims who might be suffering in silence and self-blame will find the courage to speak up, report abuse, help protect other kids, and start healing.

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REPUBLICA DOMINICANA
Observatorio Judicial Dominicano

[The extraterritorial application of the Act in the case of criminal Jozef Wesolowski and other
procedural issues]

Santo Domingo, 28 de septiembre de 2014

Junior Santana
Coordinador

Héctor Peña
Asistente de investigación

SUMARIO: 1. Introducción • 2. Inmunidad del agente diplomático • 3. Discusión acerca de la posibilidad de extradición • 4. La denegación a la solicitud de captura internacional en R.D. • 5. Las solicitudes de anticipo de pruebas • 6. Reflexiones finales.
1. Introducción

En los últimos 10 años se han suscitado en República Dominicana seis casos de abusos sexuales relacionados con autoridades de la Iglesia católica1, entre los cuales se encuentra el caso del exnuncio apostólico Jozéf Wesolowki. Ante esta situación, ha surgido la discusión sobre la posibilidad de someter a un diplomático a la acción de la justicia en el Estado receptor, en la misma se tiene en cuenta que la Convención de Viena de 1961 acerca de las Relaciones Diplomáticas establece que solo existen tres excepciones en las que personas con esta calidad podrían ser alcanzadas por el ejercicio jurisdiccional. Dichas excepciones serán abordadas más adelante.

Los órganos judiciales del Estado son competentes para ejercer la jurisdicción penal en contra de las personas que han sido imputadas por la comisión de ilícitos en el territorio en que ejerce su soberanía2. Esto es cónsono con el cumplimiento de la función esencial del Estado, que de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artículo 8 de la Constitución de República Dominicana consiste en:

“La protección efectiva de los derechos de la persona, el respeto de su dignidad y la obtención de los medios que le permitan perfeccionarse de forma igualitaria, equitativa y progresiva, dentro de un marco de libertad individual y de justicia social, compatibles con el orden público, el bienestar general y los derechos de todos y todas.”

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ALABAMA
Christian News

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A minister in Alabama is refusing to step down despite being voted out after he admitted from the pulpit last month that he has the AIDS virus and that he has been engaging in sexual activity with members of the congregation.

Juan Demetrius McFarland of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery announced during a sermon series last month that he had full-blown AIDS, and that he not only had been having sex with members in the building, but that he did not tell them that he had the virus. He has had HIV since 2003, and AIDS since 2008.

According to WSFA-TV, McFarland revealed further information little by little each week, including that he had been engaging in illicit drug use and that he had been misusing funds.

At first, the congregation expressed concern for McFarland’s health as all they knew during the early admissions was that their leader had AIDS. But as McFarland began to admit other deeds openly each week, they were horrified.

“He confessed to the entire membership and then to the City of Montgomery, because as soon as he got done confessing, it went all over Montgomery anyway,” Deacon Nathan Williams Jr. told the outlet. “So it’s nothing we [are] making up. It’s coming out of his mouth.”

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ALABAMA
NBC News

An Alabama minister who shocked his congregation by confessing he had sex with church members while afflicted with AIDS is now being sued. The congregation of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery voted 80-1 on Oct. 5 to dismiss Rev. Juan Demetrius McFarland as pastor, but he refused to give up the pulpit and presided over services Sunday. Deacons who tried to oust him filed a lawsuit on Tuesday asking the court to order McFarland to vacate the church, citing his “debauchery, sinfulness, hedonism, sexual misconduct, thievery and rejection of the Ten Commandments.”

The deacons’ lawyer, Kenneth Shinbaum, said they feel threatened by a McFarland supporter, Marc Anthony Peacock, who allegedly vowed to enforce “castle law” if they showed up again. “Most of the membership is scared to go to church right now,” Shinbaum said. “They don’t want someone to shoot them.” Peacock told NBC News the allegation was “incorrect” and declined to comment further.

In a series of Sunday sermons, McFarland reportedly admitted to a series of misdeeds, including using drugs, misappropriating church funds and adulterous affairs on church property while he had full-blown AIDS. He confirmed the disclosures to NBC affiliate WSFA but has not spoken publicly about the scandal. McFarland did not respond to numerous requests for comment and it’s not clear if he has an attorney.

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ALABAMA
WTOC

By Tametria Conner

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – A lawsuit is now pending in Montgomery Circuit Court against the embattled pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church who refuses to step down from his position even after being voted out by church members by an 80-1 margin.

Juan Demetrius McFarland was removed from his leadership role by the church after he made several pulpit confessions in which he admitted to sexual relations with congregants inside the church building while knowingly having AIDS, to drug abuse and to mishandling of the church’s finances.

Just moments after McFarland was voted out, a disturbance erupted in which Montgomery police were called to the church. Police say subjects refused to leave the property but the issue was

But even after being forced out, McFarland, as well as a second defendant identified as Marc Anthoni Peacock, are alleged to have changed the church’s locks and bank account access. Peacock is also said to have informed the church’s Board of Deacons that if they tried to attend the church, he would use “castle law”, meaning he would shoot them.

The attorney for the deacons who are suing for McFarland’s removal says he arrived at the church on Sunday October 12 with a prepared sermon on divine healing.

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PENNSYLVANIA
Catholics4Change

OCTOBER 14, 2014 BY SUSAN MATTHEWS

The 2011 Grand Jury Report on the Archdiocesan cover-up of child sex abuse was my wake up call. As a mom, I’d assumed there were nothing but allies for child protection in my Church leadership and my state government. How wrong I was. The last several years have been an education for both Kathy Kane and myself. We wanted to do more beyond providing this forum.

I recently founded a political action committee (PAC) called Protect PA Kids. Kathy and other dedicated professionals joined the board and generously donate their time. The PAC is non-partisan and not connected to any organization, candidate or ballot measure. Why a PAC? Lobbyists for financially-driven issues drown out the voices of grandparents, parents, law enforcement officials and advocates. As a PAC, we can leverage our collective resources on their behalf. We support candidates who are working hard to protect children and hold those who aren’t accountable. Please considering joining this PAC. Information is available at www.ProtectPaKids.com.

While we focus on issues ranging from teen driving laws to educator background checks, we’ve prioritized child sex abuse Statute of Limitations (SOL) reform. Child predators could be living in your community because of the current SOL. Bill blockers in the state house may say the current ages of 30 for civil and 50 for criminal are adequate. But we know that recourse doesn’t apply to all victims whose abuse happened prior to 2006, when that law was enacted. Our state representatives and senators should be concerned about whether a particular bill will lead to the financial duress of institutions, will cause insurers liability, give victims false hope or allow lawyers to profit. They should act on behalf of voters and children.

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PENNSYLVANIA
Daily American

Central City priest indicted on felony child sex abuse charges will remain in jail for at least 10 days until the judge decides whether to grant him bond.

Joseph D. Maurizio Jr., 69, a priest at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, was indicted last week on foreign travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors and possession of child pornography charges.

According to the indictment filed in federal court, each year between 1999 and 2009, Maurizio traveled to Honduras to assist a nonprofit organization that provides services to children there. While he was in Honduras, Maurizio provided money or candy to boys in an orphanage in exchange for sexual favors or silence, authorities said.

During Tuesday’s arraignment hearing prosecutors said they are concerned that he may have access to funds to use to flee the country.

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PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

October 14, 2014

A Somerset County priest charged with sexually abusing children in Honduras appeared briefly today in U.S. District Court in Johnstown for his arraignment and entered a standard not guilty plea.

Rev. Joseph Maurizio, 69, was indicted last week on child-sex charges and possession of child pornography after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

He is being held in the Cambria County Prison pending a detention hearing. Last week, the U.S. attorney’s office requested he be detained pending trial as a flight risk, and a magistrate today ordered that he will remain behind bars while his lawyer and federal prosecutors gather information about nearly $1 million in various bank accounts to which the priest has access.

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UNITED KINGDOM
Gloucestershire Citizen

The Bishop of Gloucester will not face any charges following an enquiry by the Metropolitan Police.

He had spoken to Met Police officers over historic sex abuse allegations against a child in the 1980s.

A statement from Bishop of Durham, Rt. Revd. Paul Butler, Lead Bishop on Safeguarding for the Church of England said: “We can confirm that we have been notified by the Metropolitan Police that following enquiries they are to take no further action regarding the allegations made against the Rt Revd. Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester.

“The Church of England takes any allegations of abuse very seriously and is committed to being a safe place for all. As in any case where allegations of this nature are made any police investigation is followed by a rigorous process to assess whether there are any ongoing safeguarding issues.

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UNITED KINGDOM
Gloucestershire Echo

The Bishop of Gloucester Michael Perham will not face any charges relating to historical child sex abuse allegations.

The Bishop ‘stepped back’ from his duties earlier this year when the matter was being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

But now the police say he will face no further action.

Speaking for Church House in Westminster, the Bishop of Durham the Right Reverend Paul Butler, lead bishop on safeguarding for the Church said: “We can confirm that we have been notified by the Metropolitan Police that following inquiries they are to take no further action regarding the allegations made against the Rt Revd. Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that no action will be taken against a 66-year old man who was interviewd in Gloucestershire on Tuesday August 5.

Bishop Michael said: “It was right that the allegations should be fully investigated and I am gratified that the police have completed the investigation and concluded that there are no grounds for further action to be taken

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UNITED KINGDOM
BBC News

The Bishop of Gloucester is to face no further action by police over two allegations of indecent assault.

The Right Reverend Michael Perham was questioned in August in connection with historical sex offence allegations dating back more than 30 years.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it would not be taking the matter any further.

In a statement, the Bishop said it was right the allegations were “fully investigated”.

He added that his family were grateful for the support they had received.

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UNITED KINGDOM
Telegraph

By John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor

14 Oct 2014

The Bishop of Gloucester is to face no further action from police over allegations of indecent assault in the early 1980s, it has emerged.

The Church of England confirmed that it had been notified by Scotland Yard that the Rt Rev Michael Perham will not be facing charges over the claims involving a women and a girl.

It comes just days after the bishop, who “stepped back” from ministry earlier this year because of the allegations, announced that his retirement service was being postponed amid the investigation.

Bishop Perham, 66, was questioned – but not placed under arrest – after attending a police station in August in connection with the allegations, which date back to 1980 and 1981.

He was a curate at St Mary’s Addington in Croydon, south London, at the time.

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MINNESOTA
Catholic News Service

ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) — With a historic courtroom in downtown St. Paul as the backdrop, attorney Jeff Anderson and officials from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Oct. 13 announced a settlement of one of the first cases filed under the Minnesota Child Victims Act.

They also released a history-making agreement to work together to protect children and help clergy sexual abuse victims/survivors heal.

“This is about truth, and this is about a new day; this is about a new way, this is about a safe way,” said Anderson, who has represented plaintiffs in dozens of lawsuits filed against the archdiocese during the past three decades. “It’s not just about pledges and promises. It is an action plan … words don’t protect kids. Actions do.”

During the news conference, a long line of survivors came forward to shake hands with Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens and Father Charles Lachowitzer, vicar general for the archdiocese.

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AUSTRALIA
Newcastle Herald

By MICHELLE HARRIS Oct. 14, 2014

Cover-up of abuse denied by Catholic Church’s former standards director John Davoren

THE Catholic Church’s former professional standards director has defended a practice of withholding victims’ names when he reported clergy sex abuse allegations to police, telling an inquiry there was never any attempt at a ‘‘cover-up’’ or a conspiracy with the NSW Police Force.

John Davoren told the Police Integrity Commission on Tuesday that ‘‘police weren’t happy’’ about not being given victims’ identities.

But most complainants would have simply ‘‘got up and walked out’’ rather than raising abuse allegations with the Church if told their details might be later handed over to police.

He also couldn’t recall police telling him to alter the practice.

The procedure, described to the commission as ‘‘blind reporting’’, resembles arrangements set out in a draft memorandum of understanding between the Catholic Church and NSW Police, the terms of which lawyers had warned NSW Police would breach criminal laws.

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MINNESOTA
National Catholic Reporter

Brian Roewe | Oct. 14, 2014

A “historic settlement” of a lawsuit Monday in Minnesota produced more than financial compensation for the alleged survivor of clergy sex abuse. It also saw the formation of an unlikely partnership among two dioceses and one of the nation’s most prominent abuse litigators.

Attorney Jeff Anderson, the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese and Winona diocese announced an agreement that has already yielded near-mirror 17-point action plans for each diocese and has each committed to work with Anderson’s law firm moving forward, including the disclosure of additional priests with substantiated claims of child sexual abuse.

“This is about a new day, this is about a new way, this is about a safer day,” Anderson said at a press conference Monday.

Part of that new way, he said, is the action plan “that not only protects kids in the future, but honors the pain and the sorrow and the grief of the survivors in the past.”

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MISSOURI
National Catholic Reporter

Brian Roewe | Oct. 14, 2014

INDEPENDENCE, MO.

He came into the courtroom late Friday afternoon and spoke without equivocation.

“I have never seen him touch or harm anyone,” Jeff Barlow said of Msgr. Thomas O’Brien, the now-deceased priest of the Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., diocese accused of forcing four altar boys into various sexual acts on numerous occasions in the early 1980s.

While other witnesses brought by the defense have made similar statements during the course of the now-two-week trial, Barlow’s words carried greater weight because he is the only living altar boy among the three that Jon David Couzens has alleged were sexually abused alongside him.

Couzens brought a lawsuit against the diocese in 2011, alleging that O’Brien sexually abused him, Barlow and two other boys between fifth and eighth grade at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Independence.

Couzens has stated that he blocked out the memories of the abuse for much of his life, recalling them once briefly in high school during a meeting with a priest and more recently after a friend called him in May 2011 with concerns that her daughter had been sexually abused.

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PENNSYLVANIA
Road to Recovery

Fr. Joseph Maurizio of Central City, PA, was indicted on October 7, 2014 on charges of having sex with a minor Honduran boy

Fr. Joseph Maurizio had already been accused of sexually abusing young boys in an orphanage in Honduras under the guise of conducting “mission work.”

Is it probable that Fr. Joseph Maurizio had sexually abused children in the United States as well?

Diocesan priests do not take the vow of poverty

What: A press conference alerting the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the greater Altoona-Johnstown citizenry, and the general public addressing to the issue of whether

Fr. Joseph Maurizio has sexually abused children in the United States as well as foreign countries such as Honduras.

Where: On the public sidewalk in front of the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA, 927 S. Logan Boulevard, Hollidaysburg, PA, 16648 – 814-695-5579.

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM

Who: Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D., co-founder and President of Road to Recovery, Inc., a non-profit charity that assists victims of sexual abuse and their families; and at least one other survivor of clergy sexual abuse.

Why: The research is clear: pedophiles do not stop at only one or two or three victims. They tend to have dozens, if not hundreds, of victims. Fr. Joseph Maurizio was stationed in Central City, PA at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish for a number of years. Many innocent children in the parish religious education and sacramental programs came across Fr. Joseph Maurizio on numerous occasions. Were one, two, three, or more of those children sexually abused by Fr. Joseph Maurizio? It is upsetting to think about the number of children in the Central City and greater Altoona-Johnstown area who may have been sexually abused by Fr. Joseph Maurizio. The Altoona-Johnstown area has already been confronted by the serial pedophile Br. Stephen Baker, a Hollidaysburg-based Franciscan whose victims number in the hundreds. Could Fr. Joseph Maurizio’s victims number in the hundreds? It is not inconceivable. Therefore, Road to Recovery will be in front of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese to appeal to victims of Fr. Joseph Maurizio to come forward, get the help they need to heal, and regain their lives. Road to Recovery will also discuss the fact that diocesan priests do not take the vow of poverty and are therefore allowed to accumulate wealth which can permit a pedophile priest to attract and lure children.

Contacts: Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D., Road to Recovery, Inc. – 862-368-2800
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, Boston, MA – 617-523-6250

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UNITED STATES
Bilgrimage

William D. Lindsey

Here’s commentary about the relatio published yesterday by the synod on the family that seems to me well worth reading (for the context of this opening remark, please see the preceding posting, of which this one is a continuation):

On her Facebook page, Heidi Schlumpf* notes that several comments Jamie Manson has made recently on her own Facebook page sum up for Heidi her reaction to the synod (as they do for me, too):

I’ve been silent on the Synod on the Family so far. But Jamie L. Manson has pretty much summed it up for me (I’m reposting three of her FB posts below:)

Reading my newsfeed this week feels like drowning in a deluge of male-privilege and hetero-normativity. #‎synod14

The Catholic media needs more white, privileged, ostensibly hetero men to explain this Synod to us. Otherwise, how will we ever get the unbiased viewpoint? #synod14
Yay! Another day of straight folks telling me how great the news from the Vatican is!

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KENTUCKY
Commonwealth Journal

Tuesday, October 14, 2014
BY CHRIS HARRIS

CORRECTION:
Rex Allen Murphy is a youth pastor at Polly Ann Church of God in Eubank.

A local youth pastor has been charged following accusations that he sexually abused a minor.

According to Colin Hatfield, Eubank Chief of Police, Rex Allen Murphy, 30, of Puncheon Creek Road, Eubank, was charged with first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D felony, use of a minor under 18 in a sexual performance, a Class C felony, and third-degree sodomy, a Class D felony.

Murphy was working as a youth pastor and Sunday School Teacher at Polly Ann Church of God in Eubank, said Hatfield.

Hatfield said that his department began the probe, along with the Department of Social Services, into possible sexual abuse occurring between the suspect and one of his students, a 16-year-old male.

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KENTUCKY
WKYT

By: Phil Pendleton

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – A southern Kentucky Sunday School teacher is in jail, accused of sexually abusing a teen.

Rex Murphy, 30, of Eubank, was arrested by Eubank Police.

We’ve learned he was a Sunday School teacher at Polly Ann Church of God.

The police chief tells WKYT that the victim is an underage boy, who told police that Murphy also threatened him with witchcraft.

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KENTUCKY
Local 8

EUBANK, Ky. (AP) — Police have charged a youth pastor in Pulaski County with sex abuse involving a juvenile.

Eubank Police Chief Colin Hatfield told The Commonwealth Journal that 30-year-old Rex Allen Murphy is charged with first-degree sex abuse, third-degree sodomy and use of a minor in a sexual performance.

The Pulaski County jail’s website shows Murphy was booked into the facility early Tuesday. It did not list an attorney for him.

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UNITED STATES
Catholic League

Bill Donohue comments on the interim report by the Synod of Bishops:

This is an interim report, and even when it is completed next week, it will not be definitive. That will not happen until next year when the synod meets. Still, this report has elicited much controversy, with more to come.

The midterm report tries to walk a delicate line between embracing the Church’s traditional teachings on marriage while at the same time extending a welcoming hand to those in irregular relationships.

For example, it speaks of “the value and consistency of natural marriage,” maintaining that “unions between people of the same sex cannot be considered on the same footing as matrimony between man and woman.” This affirms the traditional understanding of marriage and leaves no wiggle room for change.

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PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

By Liz Zemba
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014

A Somerset County priest accused of traveling to Honduras to have sex with a minor boy had access to almost $1 million, attorneys revealed Tuesday morning during a hearing in U.S. District Court in Johnstown.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Pesto on Tuesday ordered the Rev. Joseph Maurizio to remain in federal detention as a potential flight risk for another 10 days while his attorney and a federal prosecutor gather information on bank accounts to which he has access.

The priest is accused of traveling to Honduras under the guise of mission work.

A federal grand jury on Oct. 7 indicted Maurizio, 62, pastor at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Central City, on charges of engaging in illicit sexual conducted in foreign places and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Maurizio has been in the Cambria County Prison since Sept. 25, when he was arrested on similar allegations contained in a criminal complaint involving teenage boys at a Honduran orphanage.

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VATICAN CITY
National Catholic Register

by EDWARD PENTIN 10/14/2014

Cardinal Raymond Burke, the prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura (the Vatican’s highest court), is known for his straight talk and ardent orthodoxy to the Catholic faith.
A participant in the ongoing Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, Cardinal Burke, along with Cardinals Gerhard Müller, prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Walter Brandmüller, president emeritus of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences; Carlo Caffarra, archbishop of Bologna, Italy; and Velasio De Paolis, president emeritus of the Prefecture for Economic Affairs of the Holy See, wrote Remaining in the Truth of Christ: Marriage and Communion in the Catholic Church, affirming Church teaching on marriage.
He discussed the synod, marriage and the talk he presented to delegates in an Oct. 11 interview.

Your Eminence, could you share the contents of your intervention?

My intervention stressed to the [synod] fathers that the marriage nullity process, as it is, has been carefully developed over the centuries to provide for a response according to the truth, a response to a claim of a nullity of marriage.

It’s not just a question of juridicism or legal encumbrances and so forth, but a process that’s actually quite simple and straightforward. It guarantees, as much as we humanly can, that a judge will see all of the arguments, proofs in favor of nullity and all of those in favor of the validity of the marriage and then come to a judgment regarding the claim of nullity.

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Iglesia Decalza

I’ve been reading the results of the preparatory surveys for the Synod on the Family — and the numerous commentaries and opinions expressed by different individuals and groups. As the Synod begins, I would like to add my “wish list” of things I think this Synod could realistically achieve:

1. De-linking marriage and procreation

To me, one of the most troublesome questions on the initial survey was 7f: “How can a more open attitude towards having children be fostered? How can an increase in births be promoted?”. The Church should not be in the business of promoting increases in births. It should be in the business of promoting responsible parenthood — Catholic couples having only the number of children they want and are able to provide for. For some couples, the choice to remain childless is reasonable, whether due to life circumstances, the health of the wife or husband, or the desire not to pass on certain genetic abnormalities. The Church needs to respect that decision and allow couples to marry even when they cannot have children or don’t want to, and they shouldn’t have to lie about their intentions in order to receive the sacrament. It does so already in the case of post-menopausal women so it would not be much of a stretch to extend this practice to those who are childless by choice rather than biology.

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UNITED KINGDOM
The Spectator

Damian Thompson

This tweet about the Vatican Synod on the Family has appeared in my timeline and it speaks volumes about the chaos the debates are generating:

[Screen Shot 2014-10-14 at 13.06.28]

Cardinal Wilfred Napier, Archbishop of Durban, is a participant at the Synod and sometimes spoken of as the first black Pope. His quote refers not just to the media talk of an ‘earthquake’ in Catholic attitudes towards homosexuality but also to yesterday’s document that produced it.

To quote Prof James Hitchcock, writing in the National Catholic Register, ‘there are internal tensions at the Synod that have become public, despite efforts to keep them confidential. Some bishops seem to be working to achieve diverse goals, often in opposition to one another.’

Hitchcock is one of the world’s leading conservative Catholic intellectuals. I don’t share all his views on the Church’s attitude towards gay people, which has in the past seemed unremittingly harsh.

But you don’t have to be a conservative to grasp that yesterday’s mid-way report on the Synod debates was badly judged. Indeed, Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith – parish priest, Catholic Herald consulting editor and doctor of theology – describes it as ‘a car crash’.

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By JUDY L. THOMAS
The Kansas City Star

Jon David Couzens’ lawsuit alleges that the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph was told repeatedly that Monsignor Thomas O’Brien was a danger to children but failed to prevent the abuse.File photo by Jill Toyoshiba/The Kansas City Star

A former altar boy took the stand Friday and disputed Jon David Couzens’ allegations of sexual abuse by Monsignor Thomas O’Brien three decades ago.

Jeff Barlow told Jackson County jurors that Couzens’ claims that O’Brien sexually abused four altar boys, including Barlow, as a group in the early 1980s at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Independence were false.

Most notably, when asked Friday whether he knew of any instances in which O’Brien exhibited inappropriate behavior with boys, he told jurors, “Absolutely not.”

But he told The Star in a recorded interview in 2011 that he “absolutely” witnessed inappropriate behavior by O’Brien. In a second phone call, he said O’Brien was a “pedophile” and a “sicko,” and that it was very possible O’Brien could have done something to Couzens and another altar boy.

Barlow also took The Star to task in court, saying stories it published in 2011 about the altar boys angered him, although he said in a phone call after publication that it was a “fine story.”

The account of Couzens and the other altar boys was told in a three-day series called “The Altar Boys’ Secret.”

One of the boys, 14-year-old Brian Teeman, died of a gunshot wound at his home in November 1983. His parents, Don and Rosemary Teeman, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in September 2011 after Couzens told them of the alleged abuse. Their lawsuit contended that Brian took his life because of repeated sexual abuse by O’Brien.

“With God as my witness and without a doubt,” Barlow told jurors on the 10th day of a high-profile trial involving a civil suit filed by Couzens, “I was never abused.”

However, some of Barlow’s testimony Friday in response to other questions contradicted what he told The Kansas City Star in two recorded phone calls three years ago.

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OHIO
Beacon Journal

About the ‘Falling from Grace?’ series
TIMELINE: Ernest Angley in Akron area for 60 years
Ernest Angley’s Grace Cathedral rocked by accusations involving abortions and vasectomies
Allegations of sexual abuse are kept internal at Ernest Angley’s Grace Cathedral

ON THE WEB
Bob Dyer discusses how the ‘Falling from Grace?’ series evolved in Q/A session (audio)

Departed Grace Cathedral associate pastor was a liar, adulterer and drug addict, according to Ernest Angley church leaders

By Bob Dyer
Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: October 14, 2014

Former members of Ernest Angley’s congregation say people who leave the church are not only shunned, but also often criticized by name during services.

Perhaps no one has been subjected to more venom than former Associate Pastor Brock Miller, who stepped down July 4.

Miller told friends and family that he left because he had been “violated” by Angley for seven years and could no longer take it.

Angley “had him undress and touched him all over,” said a family member who did not want to be identified because many members of the large family are still devout followers. “I don’t believe he touched him on his part, but it doesn’t matter. That doesn’t belong in the church. It doesn’t belong anywhere, but it [certainly] doesn’t belong in the church.”

When asked whether Angley explained the reason for the touching, the person replied, “[Miller] was receiving ‘a special anointing.’ ”

Miller’s departure sparked so much conversation that church leaders addressed the situation during a Sunday service on July 13. A recording of the service was shared with the Beacon Journal.

The Rev. Chris Machamer, an associate pastor, did most of the talking. He declared, among other things, that Miller is “a proven liar.”

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ROME
Crux

By John L. Allen Jr. and Inés San Martín
Crux Staff October 14, 2014

ROME — Surprising words of appreciation for homosexuals, couples living together outside marriage and others that appeared yesterday in a working document from a summit of Catholic bishops in Rome have triggered a media tumult on the outside, and sharp debate on the inside.

While the Vatican tried to play down the significance of the document, insisting that it’s merely provisional, some bishops inside the Oct. 5-19 Synod of Bishops on the family seem to be taking it very seriously indeed.

During yesterday’s discussion, one bishop asked why the word “sin” seemed to be nowhere in the text, for instance, while another warned that it could encourage “conforming to the mentality of today’s world.”

The Vatican today released a summary of the discussion that followed release of the document, though without identifying speakers by name.

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POLSKA/POLAND
Ocaleni

ocaleni.polska@gmail.com

Czekałam 10 lat na „przepraszam” ze strony mojego oprawcy i Kościoła. Z czasem dałam się przekonać, że może udawanie, iż nic się nie stało będzie najlepszym lekarstwem. Nic bardziej mylnego.

Molestowanie nie kończy się w momencie, gdy oprawca znika z Twojego życia. Ono wciąż w Tobie pozostaje – mimo upływu lat, wciąż czujesz się brudny. Nie możesz spać po nocach i godzinami przechodzisz przez traumę kolejny i kolejny raz. Nowe związki? Wpadasz w zdumienie, że ktoś jest jeszcze w stanie Cię pokochać takiego „pokaleczonego” – dlatego przyzwalasz na to, by traktowano Cię jak oczywistość. Do dziś płacę za to, co mi zrobiłeś. Ale dziś też podejmuję ważny krok, żeby to wszystko zakończyć. Proszę biskupa elbląskiego o rozpoczęcie procesu kanonicznego w mojej sprawie.

Dziękuję Wszystkim, którzy zainspirowali mnie do działania i wciąż mnie wspierają. Wiem, że wiele osób odwróci się ode mnie lub zapyta „po co walczyć z wiatrakami ?”

Mam dość bycia ofiarą. Jestem Ocaloną.

IMG_20140917_092336

PREZENT NA 25. URODZINY. MÓJ LIST DO BISKUPA DIECEZJI ELBLĄSKIEJ. / A GIFT FOR MY 25TH B-DAY. MY LETTER TO BISHOP OF ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ELBLĄG.

I have been waiting for 10 years to hear “sorry” from my abuser and from the Church. I began to think that maybe acting like nothing had ever happened would be the best treatment. I was totally wrong.

Sexual abuse is not over when your abuser disappears from your life. It remains within you — even though so many years have passsed, I still can feel how stained and dirty I am. I cannot sleep at night and I sustain my trauma by recreating it in my head over and over again. New relationships? I believed that it’s a miracle that anyone could fall in love with such an emotional wreck — that is why I let them take me for granted. I am still paying for what you have done to me. But today, I am taking one step further. I need closure. I asked bishop of Elbląg to start a canonical process.

Thank you, my wonderful Friends and Supporters for inspiring me. I know that many people will turn their back on me. Some will ask “why are you tilting at windmills”?

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UNITED STATES
Catholic News Agency

Regnum Christi laity begin journey to renewal

Atlanta, Ga., Oct 14, 2014 / 12:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- North American lay members of the Legion of Christ’s apostolic movement Regnum Christi met Oct. 10-12 for their national convention in Atlanta, where they prepared to revise their laws and organizing structures.

“The goal of this journey you are about to undertake is to express more clearly the lifestyle you are called to live,” Father Eduardo Robles Gil, the new director of the Legion of Christ, told Regnum Christi lay members in an Oct. 2 letter anticipating the meeting.

He said the process will enable them “to delve deeper into your life, spirituality and mission.”

“I pray that this journey might be an occasion for you to better understand, love and live your vocation to Regnum Christi; that it might ‘stir into flame the gift of God’ and that you might experience more deeply the great trust God shows you by making you stewards of this gift.”

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VATICAN CITY
Catholic Herald (UK)

By EMER MCCARTHY on Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Under Francis, transparency, efficiency and austerity have become the new catchwords at the Vatican. The Pope has set up numerous secretariats and councils to oversee reform. They are focusing on the Vatican bank, the administration of Vatican departments and, last but not least, the Vatican’s various media outlets. These outlets include the Holy See Press Office, the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican Television Centre, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, the Vatican publishing house and Vatican Radio. The commission overseeing reform of the Vatican’s communication system is led by Lord Patten of Barnes. While the former chairman of the BBC Trust says the commission will not be engaging in “a running commentary” on what it is doing, it would appear that Vatican Radio is right in the eye of the storm.

A lot has been said and written recently about Vatican Radio: that it takes the largest chunk out of the budget without generating any cash in return; that it is the Vatican’s largest employer; that its cost and its size do not correlate to the number of people it reaches; and that the medium of radio is out of date. Some of these claims are true and some deliberately misleading. So let’s separate fact from fiction.

When it was set up in 1931 by Guglielmo Marconi, Vatican Radio was at the cutting edge of modern communications. Fast forward 80-odd years and radio broadcasting has shifted from analogue to online digital and satellite broadcasting. This transition has come at a cost and that goes some way to explaining the rising budget deficit in recent years. Yet the change means that every event that takes place in the Vatican is now accessible to people worldwide at the touch of a screen – on a smartphone, tablet or home computer. This leap forward is entirely thanks to Vatican Radio’s web team. What’s more, the commentaries in various languages that accompany live Vatican television feeds, made available to media worldwide, are all provided by Vatican Radio staff.

It has been suggested that Vatican Radio should seek to generate more cash through advertising. In 2009, Vatican Radio began broadcasting adverts on its FM channel, which covers Rome and Lazio. These are understandably vetted to ensure they meet ethical standards that the Holy See seeks to promote. This narrows the field of potential advertisers and the possibility of making serious money. But the idea of introducing advertising across Vatican Radio’s 44 different language programmes is unfeasible. The majority of Vatican Radio programmes are re-broadcast by smaller, poorer partner radio stations across the globe. They are provided free of charge because, quite simply, we cannot put a price on proclaiming the Gospel.

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AUSTRALIA
Sydney Morning Herald

October 14, 2014

Paul Bibby
Court Reporter

The NSW Police Force had an informal agreement with the Catholic Church not to encourage victims of child sexual abuse to come forward, particularly if they were reluctant to make a formal statement, the Police Integrity Commission has heard.

The evidence emerged on Tuesday as the commission continued its examination of how the church and police have co-operated from the late 1990s until today in dealing with scores of abuse complaints against priests and other church employees.

It follows highly publicised allegations that the two bodies effectively conspired to cover up child sex abuse.

The commission is focusing on the church’s Professional Standards Office, and the Professional Standards Resource Group (PSRG) – a body made up of senior church members, police officers and community members.

The commission heard that the church had a policy of not giving the names of abuse victims to police if the victims chose to deal with the church rather than police.

Instead, police were provided with a “blind report” which set out the allegations and the alleged perpetrator but did not identify the complainant.

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MINNESOTA
Winona Daily News

[with related documents]

Winona diocese, archdiocese settle; Diocese calls Adamson’s actions ‘horrific crimes’

Victims of clergy sex abuse stood next to Catholic church leaders in Minnesota on Monday to announce a settlement to a novel lawsuit that includes new measures to keep children safe.

The settlement averts a November trial of the claim that the Diocese of Winona and Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis created a public nuisance by failing to warn parishioners about an abusive priest.

“We forged a new way and that new way is an action plan — an action plan that not only protects kids in the future, but honors the pain and sorrow and grief of the survivors of the past,” victims’ attorney Jeff Anderson said.

Among the new protocols: Church leaders won’t recommend a priest for active ministry or for a position working with minors if they’ve been credibly accused of sexual abuse; they won’t conduct an internal investigation or “interfere in any way” with law enforcement investigations; and each clergy member will sign a declaration stating he has not abused a minor.

The measures differ from national policy set forth by U.S. bishops more than a decade ago by requiring the archdiocese to reveal the names of all abusers and documents related to their cases. They also spell out in greater detail the care the archdiocese is required to provide victims, among other provisions.

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AUSTRALIA
ABC – PM

MARK COLVIN: The child abuse Royal Commission has been told that the Northside Christian College in Melbourne failed miserably in its duty of care after 30 children were sexually abused in the 1980s and 1990s.

The inquiry is looking at the serial offender Ken Sandilands.

It’s revealed explosive allegations that the school’s senior pastor bungled the handling of complaints from children, parents, and other teachers. The accusation is that that allowed Sandilands to go on abusing children several years after the first allegations emerged in 1986.

Pastor Denis Smith sat on the church board and chaired the school council. He’s accused of failing to sack Sandilands and concealing crucial information about his misconduct from the school board.

After lengthy and at times heated questioning, Reverend Smith admitted that he did bear some responsibility for what happened at the college.

Emily Bourke reports.

EMILY BOURKE: The Royal Commission has heard that the person at Northside Christian College making the decisions about former teacher and convicted sex offender Ken Sandilands was the former senior pastor, and that was indisputable.

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AUSTRALIA/NEW GUINEA
Radio Australia

Australian priest accused of child abuse suffers suspected drug overdose and awaits deportation

By Papua New Guinea correspondent Liam Cochrane

An Australian priest accused of child abuse has been discharged from a Papua New Guinean hospital after a suspected drug overdose and is awaiting deportation.

Father Roger Mount was rushed to Port Moresby General Hospital unconscious and vomiting on October 8, just hours after being made aware of plans to send him back to Australia.

Hospital and church officials said he has now been discharged and the ABC understands he is staying in Port Moresby while PNG immigration officials organise his deportation.

Father Mount has spent decades in Papua New Guinea, most recently at a small rural parish in Sogeri, 45 kilometres outside Port Moresby.

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AUSTRALIA
ABC News

By Nicole Chettle
Tue 14 Oct 2014

Three young schoolgirls were reprimanded for reporting the behaviour of a teacher who was later jailed for the indecent assault of children at a Melbourne school, an inquiry has heard.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is looking into how Melbourne’s Northside Christian College handled complaints made against Kenneth Sandilands, who was a teacher from 1983 to 1992.

In December 1986 the school principal, Ken Ellery, was made aware of allegations against Sandilands and found there was no case to answer.

The commission heard the principal wrote to the school’s senior pastor, Denis Smith, and said he was prepared to defend Sandilands “to the hilt”.

In March the next year, three girls in years five and six said the teacher had placed younger girls from years one and two on his knee and touched them on the lower stomach and legs.

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AUSTRALIA
Sydney Morning Herald

October 14, 2014

Rachel Browne
Social Affairs Reporter

Three student whistleblowers who reported a teacher for touching younger girls in a sexual way at their religious school were reprimanded by a senior church member for the “dangers and implications” of their stories, a royal commission has heard.

The Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was told three girls aged 11 and 12 who complained about Northside Christian College teacher Kenneth Sandilands were rebuked for speaking out in 1987.

The commission also heard that church management did not tell the police once they became aware of seriousness of the allegations because the head pastor believed it was the parents’ responsibility to contact the authorities.

The then head of Northside Christian College, Denis Smith, told the commission he did not advise parents of victims to contact police but said they could speak to Sandilands.

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AUSTRALIA
Sky News

The pastor who oversaw a Pentecostal primary school has denied he failed to fire an abusive teacher because he was protecting the school’s reputation.

Pastor Keith Ingram was assigned to deal with complaints against teacher Kenneth Sandilands, after students at the Northside Christian College came forward about abuse.

But Pastor Ingram apparently didn’t believe the students and took it on himself to give the girls a “firm lecture” about the dangers of making allegations.

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OHIO
Daily Mail (UK)

Ohio televangelist ‘forced members to have vasectomies and abortions, told women to treat pregnancies as tumors and allowed children to be sexually abused’

By STEVE HOPKINS FOR MAILONLINE

Televangelist Ernest Angley has been accused of running an Ohio church where men are forced to get vasectomies and women abortions, and where children were sexually abused.

Self-proclaimed prophet Angley has been described by some of 21 former members as a closeted-homosexual Jim Jones who’s turned a blind eye to sexual abuse.

But the 93-year-old has defended the allegations, saying he is simply an instrument of God.
He told the Akron Beacon Journal: ‘I’m not a homosexual. God wouldn’t use a homosexual like he uses me. He calls me his prophet, and indeed I am,’

Angley it is said to have played an active role in encouraging male followers to undergo vasectomies, and also monitored the results.

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AUSTRALIA
Guardian

Australian Associated Press
theguardian.com, Tuesday 14 October 2014

Parents of children allegedly abused over a 10-year period by a serial paedophile at a pentecostal primary school were told to take the matter up with the abuser, an inquiry has heard.

Kenneth Sandilands was accused of abusing up to 30 children at the Northside Christian College in Bundoora, Melbourne, between 1983 and 1992.

The school ran under the auspices of the pentecostal Northside Christian Centre when Denis Smith was senior pastor.

The royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse is looking at how the pentecostal movement and the school handled allegations against Sandilands, who was jailed in 2000 for two years for sexually abusing eight children at the school.

On Tuesday, Smith said he did not construe warnings given to Sandilands in 1986 and 1987 to be about “anything of a sexual nature”.

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MINNESOTA
Wall Street Journal

By TOM CORRIGAN And BEN KESLING
Updated Oct. 13, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS—The Catholic Church in Minnesota and a lawyer for victims of sexual abuse on Monday announced the settlement in the first-of-its-kind lawsuit claiming that clergy abuse and subsequent inaction by church leadership constituted a “public nuisance.”

The settlement also laid out wide-ranging protocols aimed at requiring greater disclosure and better protection of children, according to victims’ lawyers, and the case could open the door to more easily prosecute abusers in the future.

The public nuisance argument is “something that has not been used in the past,” said Mike Finnegan, an attorney for the victims. “It absolutely sets a precedent.”

This is also the first suit in the state filed since the Minnesota Child Victims Act, passed by the Minnesota legislature in 2013, expanded the statute of limitations for sexual-abuse cases.

Jeff Anderson, a lawyer representing the man who filed the lawsuit, joined other abuse victims and church officials in St. Paul on Monday to announce a 17-point protocol that the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona, Minn., have agreed to implement to protect children from abuse.

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MINNESOTA
KSTP

By: Megan Stewart

A Minnesota judge signed off on a settlement Monday in a groundbreaking case that accused Catholic church leaders in Minnesota of creating a public nuisance by failing to warn parishioners about an abusive priest.

It has been called a landmark case. St. Paul-Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt issued a statement calling it “a historic moment in our efforts to assure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.”

Dr. Charles Reid, a Catholicism expert and professor at the University of St. Thomas, sat down with KSTP.com Monday afternoon to discuss the long-term and wide-ranging effects of the settlement.

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MINNESOTA
The New York Times

By JULIE BOSMAN
OCT. 13, 2014

CHICAGO — Roman Catholic leaders in Minnesota pledged on Monday to enact new procedures to help protect children from sexual abuse by the clergy as they revealed some terms of the settlement for a lawsuit brought last year by a man who had been abused by a priest when he was a teenage altar boy.

Church officials and lawyers for the victim, known only as John Doe 1, described the settlement as a major step forward in how the church handles and investigates reports of sexual abuse. According to the settlement, if the archdiocese receives a claim of sexual abuse, it must alert law enforcement officials and wait until their investigation is complete before beginning its own.

The archdiocese also said it would not recommend any member of the clergy for an active ministry if there was a credible claim that he had sexually abused a minor.

At a news conference in St. Paul, Andrew H. Cozzens, an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, expressed his remorse to abuse victims and their families.

“I want to say I’m sorry this happened,” he said. “It shouldn’t have happened. We have heard your pain, and we are open to continuing to hear that.”

Patrick Wall, an advocate, former priest and lawyer who is employed by the law firm that represents the victim, said that in the near future, the people who initially deal with reports of sexual abuse would not be “the archdiocese’s lawyers or priests, but health care professionals” employed by a nonprofit.

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MINNESOTA
Star Tribune

Article by: EDITORIAL BOARD , Star Tribune Updated: October 13, 2014

Nothing about the settlement announced Monday in a lawsuit filed against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis can erase the years of pain suffered by victims of child abuse.

Nothing written on paper can undo the crimes committed by clergy members who preyed on those who trusted them as spiritual guides, only to have that trust broken by sexual predators wearing clerical collars.

The courageous victims who have pursued justice in the face of decades of stonewalling by the Roman Catholic Church deserve most of the credit for the child protection plan revealed Monday — not the lawyers or church leaders who forged the agreement. “Awareness is a painful process,” Vicar General Charles Lachowitzer said at a news conference in St. Paul. “We are humiliated.”

Humiliation is what too many victims of clergy abuse have felt — sometimes in silence and alone — for far too long. Like them, we want to believe the settlement signals a new era for the church — not only in Minnesota but in archdioceses across the country. But we remain skeptical.

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MINNESOTA
The Raw Story

REUTERS
14 OCT 2014

A lawsuit that forced Roman Catholic officials in Minnesota to release decades of files on clergy accused of child sex abuse has been settled along with agreements on new child protection protocols, church officials and a victim’s attorney said Monday.

The lawsuit brought by a man identified as John Doe 1 accused the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona of creating a public nuisance by concealing information on sex abuse by clergy.

He accused a priest of sexually abusing him in the mid 1970s when he was a child and the archdiocese and diocese of failing to supervise the priest properly. Financial terms were not disclosed in the settlement that applies to both the archdiocese and diocese.

“The question of compensation and accountability for all the others who have been wounded is now going to be a work in progress,” said attorney Jeff Anderson, who represents numerous plaintiffs in lawsuits alleging clergy sex abuse.

Anderson said they would slow down the litigation process and engage in mediation and settlement.

Vicar General Charles Lachowitzer said during the joint news conference with Anderson that all financial options are on the table for the archdiocese.

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MINNESOTA
Minnesota Public Radio

Attorneys for a victim of clergy sexual abuse settled a landmark public nuisance lawsuit Monday against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona.

St. Paul attorney Jeff Anderson filed the suit last year in Ramsey County on behalf of a man who said he was sexually abused as a child by the Rev. Thomas Adamson in the late 1970s. Adamson, who served in the Twin Cities archdiocese and the Winona diocese, is no longer a priest.

The lawsuit accused the Twin Cities archdiocese and the Winona diocese of creating a public nuisance by keeping information on abusive priests secret. Anderson and his colleague Mike Finnegan argued in court that the secrecy placed children at risk of abuse from unknown offenders.

Those claims were bolstered by MPR News stories last fall that showed how top church officials continued to protect priests accused of abuse.

The Doe 1 case

At the end of May 2013, an alleged victim of the Rev. Thomas Adamson sued the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the Diocese of Winona and Adamson for negligence and creating a public nuisance that puts children at risk. It was the first suit brought under Minnesota’s new Child Victims Act.

The initial filing

The lawsuit alleges that Adamson abused the victim, Doe 1, while he was an altar boy at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Paul Park, in 1976 and 1977. It says the victim’s father reported the abuse to the archdiocese’s chancellor, but that church leaders failed to report Adamson to police.

Unlike a standard negligence case, the public nuisance argument allowed Anderson to obtain more than 50,000 pages from the files of every priest accused of abuse dating back decades — over the objections of a team of church lawyers who argued that the information was not relevant and could ruin the reputations of innocent men.

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AUSTRALIA
Daily Telegraph

Girls who reported paedophile teacher admonished, child sex abuse royal commission hears

JANET FIFE-YEOMANS THE DAILY TELEGRAPH OCTOBER 14, 2014

THREE girls who tried to alert their school to the fact that a teacher was a paedophile were admonished and their parents called to the school, the child sex abuse royal commission has been told today.

The girls were aged 11 and 12 when they reported their concerns that Kenneth Sandilands had a six-year-old girl on his lap at Northside Christian College and had been touching her inappropriately in 1987.

The headmaster, Neil Rookes, found that there were “some inconsistencies in their account but perceived an element of sincerity” but church pastor Keith Ingram found the girls had largely embellished the incident.

In the witness box today, the former senior pastor of the Northside Christian Church, Denis Smith, was quizzed about whether there was any way to look at the college’s handling of the claims other than “rising” to defend Sandilands.

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AUSTRALIA
Sydney Morning Herald

October 14, 2014

Rachel Browne
Social Affairs Reporter

Three student whistleblowers who reported their teacher for touching a younger girl in a sexual way were reprimanded by a senior staff member for the “dangers and implications” of their stories, a royal commission has heard.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was told three girls aged 11 and 12 raised concerns about teacher Kenneth Sandilands with Northside Christian College staff in 1987.

Sandilands, 69, was jailed in 2000 for sexual offences committed at Northside Christian College in the 1980s and was last month sentenced to a further 26 months in prison for sexual offences committed at another school in the 1970s.

Denis Smith, the then head of Northside Christian Centre, which ran the school, asked assistant pastor Keith Ingram to investigate the claims, despite him having no educational qualifications or teaching experience.

The commission heard that Mr Ingram found the “incident spoken of was largely embellished by the girls” and they were to be given a “firm lecture as to the dangers and implications of their stories”.

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UNITED STATES
The Worthy Adversary

Posted by Joelle Casteix on October 13, 2014

With the recent news about 7th Heaven star Stephen Collins, everyone is talking a little bit more than usual about child sexual abuse. As the Collins story is unveiled and we learn more details, chances are that many adult victims of child sexual abuse—victims who were too scared or ashamed to come forward earlier—may confide in you or someone you know that they have been abused.

What do you do?

1) Tell the person that you are sorry and that the abuse was NOT his or her fault.

2) Openly acknowledge that what happened was a crime.

3) Do NOT say things like:

“Why didn’t you tell earlier?”

“You WERE 16. You should have known better.”

“Where were your parents?”

“But you were a boy and she was a woman. That’s not abuse.” (Note: IT IS)

“Why didn’t you fight/say no?”

“But you DID have a crush on the teacher/coach/priest.”

“Are you just after the big payout?”

4) Do not blame the victim for coming forward, breaking down, or triggering at big events (such as weddings or parties) or at a time that is inconvenient for you. It’s not because the victim is being manipulative or trying to “ruin things” for everyone else. Usually, it’s because the person finally feels safe enough to talk. Embrace the victim, tell him or her that s/he has your support, and work on finding a time that you can really devote your attention to the survivor.

5) Set boundaries. Tell the survivor you can help him or her get treatment, find support groups, and/or call the police and report the crime. But remember that you cannot “save” or “cure” the victim.

6) If the crime is recent or a child tells you he or she has been sexually abused, dial 911. If the crime is not recent, but you suspect that children are still in danger of abuse, report to law enforcement.

The best places to start are ChildHelp and the National Child Abuse Helpline and the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). They will ask you questions about what you know, guide you through the process, and help you report the crime to the right authorities.

You may also want to research the criminal and civil statutes of limitations for child sex crimes in your state. There may be a possibility that you can help expose a predator and/or put him or her behind bars.

If other victims of the predator have come forward, call the law enforcement agency that has been investigating the crimes.om/3158-what-do-you-do-when-a-friend-says-i-was-abused-as-a-child#sthash.j79kjOqd.dpuf

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MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press

rosario@pioneerpress.com
POSTED: 10/13/2014

The unprecedented public reconciliation was held Monday afternoon in the most appropriately named building in the Saintly City.

Indeed. The joint announcement of a financial settlement and a child-safety plan hammered out by Roman Catholic archdiocese officials and a noted lawyer who has waged, at least litigiously, a holy war on behalf of child clergy-abuse victims for over three decades, was held at the Landmark Center. The number of the room where the historic gathering was held was also symbolic — 317.

Look up Luke 3:17 and this is what it says: “His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Essentially, Jesus will hold folks accountable and ultimately keep the good and do away with the bad.

Room 317 turned into a mass confessional box on Monday afternoon. All that was needed were the exterior green and red lights to determine whether the room was occupied or empty to receive another sinner’s atonement.

But occupied this afternoon it was, except that the roles were reversed. This time, it was the church expressing the mea culpa to the aggrieved congregants.

More than 100 people — including more than 20 male abuse survivors — came not only to hear details about a court-approved resolution to a pending lawsuit, but to witness something they have never seen before — St.

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MINNESOTA
Star Tribune

Article by: JEAN HOPFENSPERGER and CHAO XIONG , Star Tribune staff writers Updated: October 13, 2014

A settlement reached Monday in a historic lawsuit that has rocked the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese will require the archdiocese to overhaul how it handles reports of clergy sex abuse, how reports are investigated, and how it responds to abuse victims.

A 17-point child protection plan was revealed at an often emotional news conference in St. Paul that brought together on the same platform — for the first time — archdiocese officials, victim’s attorney Jeff Anderson and abuse victims.

The plan requires the archdiocese to report any child abuse claim to law enforcement, and refrain from conducting its own internal investigation until law enforcement finishes its investigation. The provision comes in response to victim’s complaints that the archdiocese has dismissed their claims based on their own findings.

“We’ve forged a new way and that new way is an action plan that not only protects kids in the future but honors the pain and sorrow and the grief of survivors in the past,” Anderson said at the news conference in downtown St. Paul.

He was joined at the microphone by Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens, vicar general Charles Lachowitzer, two survivors of sexual abuse, and his co-attorney on the case, Mike Finnegan. Also on hand was Minneapolis attorney Charles Rogers, who represented the archdiocese in the negotiations over the past month that led to the historic plan.

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MINNESOTA
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Date: Monday, October 13, 2014
Source: Anne Steffens, Interim Director of Communications

From Archbishop John Nienstedt, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

The joint agreement that has been reached between the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and Jeff Anderson and Associates and the survivors he represents is a historic moment in our efforts to assure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. The agreement embodies a strengthened spirit of collaboration in addressing the issues related to clerical sexual abuse.

I am deeply saddened and profoundly sorry for the pain suffered by victims, survivors and their families.

Today we take a significant step closer to achieving the goals we set nearly a year ago to protect children, to help survivors heal, and to restore trust with our clergy and faithful. I am grateful to all those on both sides of the courtroom aisle who have worked so diligently to bring about this agreement.

I pray that this local Church will continue to be inspired by the Word of God to respond to the needs of those who have been harmed and seek healing as we move forward toward a new day for this Archdiocese as well as for our local community.

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MINNESOTA
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Date: Monday, October 13, 2014
Source: Anne Steffens, Interim Director of Communications

Today, attorney Jeff Anderson and officials from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced a settlement of the first case filed under the Minnesota Child Victims Act and a history-making agreement to work together to protect children and help clergy sexual abuse victims/survivors heal. A court meeting in the Doe 1 case this morning precipitated the afternoon press conference. Please see the news release from Jeff Anderson and Associates and the statement from Archbishop John Nienstedt.

As part of global settlement negotiations, the archdiocese committed to abiding by a set of 17 child protection protocols that were developed and approved by both archdiocesan leadership and by Jeff Anderson and Associates. The protocols form the template to be expanded upon in archdiocesan safe environment policies and codes of conduct. Some existing archdiocesan child protection policies are more extensive than the protocols. All existing policies that are more extensive will remain in place.

Letter from Doe 1 to Vicar General Charles Lachowitzer

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MINNESOTA
Star Tribune

Article by: JAMES NORD , Associated Press Updated: October 13, 2014

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Ramsey County judge dismissed a groundbreaking clergy abuse case after victims’ attorneys and Catholic church leadership in St. Paul and Winona came to a settlement on Monday. Some questions and answers about the case:

WHAT HAPPENED?

Attorneys representing victims of abuse and Catholic church leaders in Minnesota settled what appears to be unprecedented litigation regarding allegations of clergy abuse and whether the church’s withholding of information represented a public nuisance. St. Paul attorney Jeff Anderson’s firm filed the lawsuit in May 2013 under a state law that temporarily opened up the statute of limitations for victims of past sexual abuse, which in this case was said to have occurred in 1976 and 1977 in St. Paul Park, Minn.

WHAT’S IN THE SETTLEMENT?

Details are private because the victim, identified as Doe 1, didn’t want them disclosed. Victims’ attorneys and church officials, though, outlined 17 “Child Protection Protocols.” Some of those include adopting a whistleblower policy about reporting abuse, making available documents regarding a substantiated claim of sexual abuse, continuing to disclose those claims and not moving forward with any internal investigations until police inquiries are closed or law enforcement authorizes such an investigation.

WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE?

Anderson and church officials touted the settlement and new protective policies as a way to cut down on lawsuits and instead work together. Victims said the new policies would help protect childrenin the future, and church officials apologized for their missteps. The settlement heads off a November trial that would have tested Anderson’s argument that Minnesota Catholic officials created a public nuisance by withholding information about an abusive priest from parishioners.

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MINNESOTA
Fox 9

by Fox 9 staff

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) –
St. Paul attorney Jeff Anderson, sexual abuse survivor Al Michaud and officials with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis gathered at the Landmark Center on Monday to announce a major settlement in the case of John Doe No. 1. Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed, at the request of the victim, but the settlement also includes 17 child protection protocols that have been implemented by the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona.

“This child protection protocol, invested in by Doe 1, survivors and the Archdiocese, signals a new day and a new way for protection of children, healing of survivors, and full transparency and disclosure in a new way we’ve never seen,” Anderson said at a news conference.

17 child protection protocols

1. Abuse claims + active ministry: The Archdiocese shall not recommend any clergy for a position in active ministry (i.e., those clergy with permission to exercise priestly ministry to the faithful) or a position that provides for access to minors, who has a pending credible or previously substantiated claim of sexual abuse of a minor against him, or is otherwise deemed unsuitable for ministry under circumstances that arise in whole or in part, out of accusations or risk of sexual abuse of a minor. Unsuitability determinations are made by the Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis with recommendations from the Director of Ministerial Standards and the Clergy Review Board. Likewise, the Archdiocese shall not recommend, and shall direct clergy not to recommend, any non-clergy employee for a position that provides access to minors, who has a pending credible or previously substantiated claim of sexual abuse of a minor against him or her.

2. Disclosure of sexual abuse claims: The Archdiocese shall disclose any accusation of sexual abuse of a minor to any Diocese, Catholic entity or secular employer who inquires about the existence of any accusation of sexual abuse of a minor with regard to a past or present Archdiocesan clergy member to the extent that communication is allowed by federal and state law. The Archdiocese shall also disclose the status or resolution of that claim as reflected in its records as allowed by federal and state law. This policy does not apply to ministerial assignments within the Archdiocese.

3. Meetings with survivors of abuse: Archdiocesan leadership shall meet with any survivor or his or her support person as reasonable in a supervised setting with a facilitator when appropriate, with due respect for the needs of the survivor. Meetings shall be private and may be interrupted or delayed by the facilitator if the setting becomes overly difficult.

4. Requests for victims to report abuse: The Archdiocese shall publish in the Catholic Spirit four times per year for five (5) years and one time per year for an additional five (5) years thereafter a statement urging those subject to the sexual abuse of a minor to contact law enforcement to make a report of the abuse.

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MINNESOTA
Huffington Post

Shawn Lawrence Otto

A historic turn in the international battle against sexual abuse by priests may have begun today in Saint Paul, Minnesota. For the first time in 30 years, the world’s leading clergy sex abuse litigator, Jeff Anderson, stood with two high-ranking Catholic priests and some 70 survivors of child sexual abuse, and announced what he called “a transition from litigation to mediation and to resolution” of claims.

Anderson says that for the first time, a Catholic Archdiocese and its attorneys have come to the table and sought to work with his firm to proactively stamp out priestly sex abuse and create a safe place for children, instead of battling with him in court over money. “They are finally putting survivors first,” he said.

Anderson acknowledged that is was big change for some survivors to swallow, and to help allay doubts he was joined at the podium by prominent survivors and moral activists Al Michaud and Jim Keenan, who expressed hope that the agreement would lead to a new era in Church conduct in handling sex abuse claims.

In taking the step, Anderson acknowledged he is putting his international credibility with survivors on the line. But he says it’s not the end, it’s the beginning of a new “trust but verify” approach involving a 17-point protocol that, he says, will improve transparency and accountability by turning over much of the power in the situation to outside parties.

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MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press

[with video]

By Emily Gurnon
egurnon@pioneerpress.com
POSTED: 10/13/2014

Attorneys for sexual abuse victims stood alongside church officials Monday in downtown St. Paul to announce the settlement of a sweeping lawsuit and a landmark agreement for future child protection.

“We’ve come here together today because we’ve forged a new way,” said plaintiff’s attorney Jeff Anderson. “That new way is an action plan. It not only protects kids in the future. It honors the grief and sorrows of survivors of abuse.”

Andrew Cozzens, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, said that Archbishop John Nienstedt, who approved of the agreement, wanted to be present but is in Africa confirming African students in a remote village.

“I do want to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry it happened. It shouldn’t have happened,” Cozzens said.

A former courtroom at the Landmark Center was standing-room-only Monday afternoon with abuse survivors, attorneys, media and onlookers.

At one point, Anderson asked all abuse survivors who were willing to come to the front the room. Cozzens and Vicar General Charles Lachowitzer walked down the line of mostly male survivors and shook hands with them. Many survivors wiped away tears.

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OHIO
WFMJ

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio –
The Diocese of Youngstown says it is in compliance with a set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.

A statement issued on Monday says that an annual audit has concluded that the diocese has procedures in place to conform with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The Charter was established by the USCCB in June 2002. The Charter includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse.

According to the USCCB, the Charter provides churches with ways of creating a safe environment for children and young people, and sets up rules for making prompt and effective response to allegations.

It also sets guidelines for cooperating with civil authorities and disciplining offenders.

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WISCONSIN
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

By Annysa Johnson of the Journal Sentinel Oct. 13, 2014

Arthur Budzinski, a deaf man who helped expose one of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s most notorious child sexual abusers, the late Father Lawrence Murphy, will be honored Saturday by the Wisconsin School for the Deaf Alumni Association.

Budzinski, who graduated from the school in 1968, is among 10 alumnae who will be inducted into the Delavan school’s Hall of Fame for their service to the community.

“Arthur has been a courageous and staunch advocate for victims abused by priests since the early of 1970s,” the association said in announcing the award.

Budzinski was among dozens of boys molested by Murphy as children at the archdiocese’s St. John’s School for the Deaf in St. Francis between 1950 and 1974. One church psychologist estimated Murphy may have molested as many as 200 deaf children before he died in 1998.

Budzinski was among a group of alumni who had been pushing the church since the 1970s to remove Murphy and confront its failure to protect children. Their work has been documented by the Journal Sentinel and New York Times and was featured in the 2012 Alex Gibney documentary, “Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God.”

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VATICAN CITY
Washington Post

Vatican stuns Catholic world with greater openness toward gays and lesbians

By Josephine Mckenna | Religion News Service October 13

VATICAN CITY — The world’s Catholic bishops on Monday (Oct. 13) signaled a move toward greater tolerance of gays and lesbians, an about-face so unexpected that leaders of the church’s right wing called it a “betrayal.”

Noting that gays and lesbians have “gifts and qualities” to offer the church, the midpoint assessment reflected the impact that Pope Francis seems to be having on the two-week Synod on the Family as he pushes for a more open, less doctrinaire approach.

“Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing them a fraternal space in our communities?” said the communique from the nearly 200 bishops and lay delegates. “Often they wish to encounter a church that offers them a welcoming home.

“Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?”

While they reaffirmed their opposition to gay marriage and same-sex unions, the bishops’ groundbreaking document nonetheless said homosexuality called for “serious reflection” and described it as an “important educative challenge” for the church.

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MINNESOTA
Minnesota Public Radio

Madeleine Baran St. Paul, Minn. Oct 13, 2014
Updated 2 p.m.

Attorneys connected to a landmark public nuisance lawsuit against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona confirmed Monday that a settlement had been reached and that the case has been dismissed.

“We’ve forged a new way and that new way is an action plan that not only protects kids in the future but honors the pain and sorrow and the grief of survivors in the past,” Attorney Jeff Anderson said in an afternoon press conference with church officials where he offered details of the settlement.

It was unclear, however, how much of the agreement involved new actions by the Catholic Church.

In a statement, the Winona diocese said the settlement “reaffirms” child protection policies it already has in place.

“Today is not a promise of future action. Today is the announcement of actions already taken, and the steps we will follow on a path of healing and reconciliation, restitution,” Archdiocese Vicar General Charles Lachowitzer told reporters.

Anderson laid out 17 “child protection protocols” at the heart of the agreement.

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MINNESOTA
dotCommonweal

Grant Gallicho October 13, 2014

At a press conference today, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona, Minnesota, with attorney Jeff Anderson, announced the settlement of a sexual-abuse lawsuit that has rocked the Minnesota church for over a year. Plaintiff John Doe alleged that by failing to disclose information about predator priests, both dioceses had created a public nuisance. This is the first time a diocese has settled such a suit. The full terms of the agreement remain unclear (financial terms have not been made public), but both dioceses have agreed to implement a set of seventeen protocols governing their response to cases of accused priests.

Several of the protocols simply require the dioceses to maintain policies they already have, such as not reassigning credibly accused priests and providing regular abuse-awareness training to staff and volunteers. (A credible allegation is one that is not “manifestly false.”) But the protocols go further. Both dioceses agreed to make public the personnel files of accused priests (after a canonical proceeding has concluded). They also agreed to publish the names not only of accused priests, but also the names of priests who are taken out of ministry “under circumstances that arise, in whole or in part, out of accusations or risk of sexual abuse of a minor.” Perhaps most surprisingly, the diocese agreed to obtain signed statements from every priest affirming that he has not sexually abused any minors, and that he has no knowledge of abuse committed by any other priest or employee of the diocese.

Some have expressed skepticism about the plan. First, how will the protocols be enforced? Second, to what extent does this make priests responsible for the crisis? “I want to express my gratitude to the many good priests of this archdiocese,” said Jennifer Haselberger, Archbishop John Nienstedt’s former top canon lawyer who went public last with her concerns about the way he and others were handling the crisis. “I fear that the burdens of this agreement will fall disproportionately on them, rather than on those whose leadership, or lack thereof, brought us to this end,” according to her statement. “This settlement is a heartbreaking acknowledgment of how far the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has strayed from its mission.”

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OHIO
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Monday, October 13, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Executive Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314-566-9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com )

An Ohio televangelist church leader allegedly hid multiple allegations of abuse and sexually abused parishioners and associates himself. We are grateful to the brave victims, witnesses, whistleblowers and journalists who have brought these horrendous accusations and deeds to light.

Ernest Angley is the leader of Grace Cathedral in Cuyahoga Falls. The Akron Beacon Journal has been investigating a number of disturbing allegations surrounding Rev. Angley, including that he prodded women to get abortions and men to get vasectomies.

Rev. Angley admits asking boys to get naked and encouraging men to have vasectomies and examining them afterwards. He’s accused of encouraging abortions and ignoring child sex abuse reports. He has no business pretending to be a spiritual figure. He should be investigated by law enforcement and, if possible, prosecuted.

We urge anyone in the community – whether victim, witness or whistleblower – to speak up now and safeguard innocent kids and vulnerable adults by exposing wrongdoers. We especially call on current and former church officials to act responsibly and share what they know or suspect about those who commit or conceal child sex crimes with the police, prosecutors, congregants and the public right away.

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MINNESOTA
CBS News

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota judge signed off on a settlement Monday in a groundbreaking case that accused Catholic church leaders in Minnesota of creating a public nuisance by failing to warn parishioners about an abusive priest.

Ramsey County Judge James Van De North approved the settlement after meeting with both sides Monday, said Jeff Anderson, an attorney for the plaintiffs.

“This is a landmark case,” Anderson said on emerging from the settlement conference. “It’s monumental in a lot of ways.”

St. Paul-Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt issued a statement calling it “a historic moment in our efforts to assure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.”

Full details of the settlement weren’t given, but the sides did release 17 “child protection protocols.”

Among them: Church leaders said they will not recommend a priest for active ministry or a position working with minors if they’ve been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. They also said they would disclose any accusation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest when asked by the priest’s potential employer – whether it’s by another diocese or outside the church – along with the resolution.

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MINNESOTA
ABC News

MINNEAPOLIS — Oct 13, 2014

By AMY FORLITI Associated Press

Catholic church leaders in Minnesota say they won’t recommend any priest for active ministry if they’ve been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

The pledge is part of child protection protocols called for in Monday’s settlement of a groundbreaking public nuisance lawsuit against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona.

Church leaders were accused of failing to warn parishioners about an abusive priest.

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NORTHERN IRELAND
Belfast Telegraph

Historical Abuse Inquiry: Alleged victim refused copy of her child abuse statement

13 OCTOBER 2014

A woman who says she was molested at a children’s home has lost a legal battle to obtain a copy of her private statement to the Historical Abuse Inquiry.

Court of Appeal judges upheld a decision that she has no right to be provided with a recording of her account to a panel.

Emphasising the need for confidentiality, Lord Justice Gillen ruled there was no basis for declaring the refused disclosure unreasonable or unfair.

He said: “The grim truth is that if it were to become commonplace for such recordings to be provided, with all the attendant risks of such material innocently or otherwise getting into the public domain, we can readily see the deleterious effect this might have on the process as a whole.”

The woman, who cannot be identified, claims to have been subjected to physical and psychological abuse at Nazareth House in Belfast during years she spent there in the 1970s.

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MINNESOTA
Jeff Anderson & Associates

[with 1 p.m. Central live stream]

Press Conference to begin at 1:00 P.M. Central
Audio will become available once the press conference begins.

On Monday, October 13, 2014, St. Paul, Attorney Jeff Anderson and sexual abuse survivor Al Michaud, along with: Tim O’Malley, Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens and; Vicar General Rev. Charles Lachowitzer, came together to announce the settlement of the Doe 1 v. Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Diocese of Winona and Thomas Adamson civil lawsuit.

As part of this historic settlement, 17 child protection protocols have been implemented by the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona. A copy of the protocols for the Archdiocese and Diocese of Winona are below, along with a letter from Doe 1.

“This child protection protocol, invested in by Doe 1, survivors and the Archdiocese, signals a new day and a new way for protection of children, healing of survivors, and full transparency and disclosure in a new way we’ve never seen,” said Attorney Jeff Anderson.

Archbishop Nienstedt Statement
Archdiocese Child Protection Protocols
Doe 1 letter to Fr. Lachowitzer
Winona Child Protection Protocols

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MINNESOTA
Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona

[Bishop Quinn video]

Posted on October 13, 2014 10:02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joel Hennessy, Director of Mission Advancement
jhennessy@dow.org office 507.858.1249 cell 507.254.3948

A Statement from Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona

WINONA, MN – October 13, 2014 – Today the Diocese of Winona, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Plaintiff, known as Doe 1, have agreed to fully settle a lawsuit pending in Ramsey County District Court. At the request of the Plaintiff, the terms of the Settlement Agreement are confidential. Doe 1 has asserted claims of negligence and public and private nuisance against the Diocese of Winona. Today’s settlement fully resolves all issues in this case that stems from the sexual abuse by former priest of the Diocese of Winona, Thomas Adamson.

We are ashamed of the horrific crimes that Thomas Adamson has perpetrated against children in our Diocese and in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. We are committed to ensuring the safety of the children entrusted to our care in our schools and in our parishes. As part of the settlement in this case the Diocese of Winona has committed to a series of child protection protocols which will further help to ensure the safety of all of God’s children. Most of the child protection protocols that the Diocese of Winona has committed to have been previously adopted and implemented. This agreement reaffirms the existing protocols and demonstrates our resolve and conviction to take every possible step to ensure the safety of all God’s children. The protocols are posted on the Diocese of Winona website along with our entire Safe Environment Program www.dow.org/safeenvironment.

The Diocese of Winona remains committed to providing support and healing to those who have been tragically abused by clergy. We encourage anyone that has been abused recently or in the past to report the abuse to civil authorities.

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MINNESOTA
Crux

By Associated Press
October 13, 2014

Winona Bishop John Quinn says his diocese has already implemented some protocols adopted as part of a settlement between the church and a man who claimed he was abused by a former priest.

A judge on Monday approved a settlement that resolves a case against the Diocese of Winona and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The lawsuit alleged church leaders created a public nuisance by failing to warn parishioners about an abusive priest.

Quinn’s statement says the Winona Diocese is “ashamed of the horrific crimes … perpetrated against children.”

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MINNESOTA
Star Tribune

Article by: JEAN HOPFENSPERGER , Star Tribune Updated: October 13, 2014

A settlement has been reached in a historic lawsuit that had forced the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to make public the names and personnel files of priests who had abused children over the past four decades.

Attorneys for the archdiocese and the victim’s attorney Jeff Anderson met with Ramsey District Court Judge John Van de North Monday morning. Van de North has filed an order for dismissal of the case.

As part of the settlement, 17 child protection protocols have been implemented by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona, both defendants in the case. Details will be announced at a news conference this afternoon.

The financial settlement will not be made public, under the request of the man identified as John Doe 1, who filed the lawsuit that has rocked the Catholic Church in Minnesota.

However, the settlement includes a process for making public the names and church files of priests accused of abuse that are currently sealed, something that the archdiocese had long opposed.

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MINNESOTA
KTTC

[with video]

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) — A landmark settlement has been reached in a clergy sex abuse lawsuit against the Diocese of Winona, and Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The details of the settlement will likely be made public during a news conference Monday afternoon in St. Paul. This historic agreement comes just weeks before a trial was scheduled to begin in a case accusing the Diocese of Winona of creating a “public nuisance” by covering up clergy sex abuse cases for decades.

As part of the settlement, 17 child protection protocols have been implemented by the Diocese of Winona, and Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

In a statement, Winona Bishop John Quinn said the terms of the settlement agreement are confidential. He said the settlement fully resolves all issues in this case related to sexual abuse by former priest Thomas Adamson. Adamson, a native of Byron, was ordained a priest in 1958 and got his first assignment in Winona with pastoral duties at St. Casimir’s Parish. Adamson was removed from ministry in 1985 and defrocked in 2009.

“We are ashamed of the horrific crimes that Thomas Adamson has perpetrated against children in our Diocese and in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis,” Quinn said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of the children entrusted to our care in our schools and in our parishes. As part of the settlement in this case the Diocese of Winona has committed to a series of child protection protocols which will further help to ensure the safety of all of God’s children. Most of the child protection protocols that the Diocese of Winona has committed to have been previously adopted and implemented.” Read the rest of the statement here.

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UNITED STATES
A Room with a Pew

Paul Fericano

“Forgiveness is a word no one can agree on.”
–Marina Cantacuzino, The Forgiveness Project

Forgiveness is often a complex and confusing aspect of any healing process, particularly for those molested by the clergy. According to my own traditional Catholic school upbringing, the act was designed to be simple. We were told to forgive and we felt obligated to do so. We merely spoke the right words and our faith transformed us. But any movement in that direction was mostly driven by guilt, fear and control. I wasn’t the only one who was left feeling empty and unfulfilled. Most of us had no understanding of either the act or the method. How could we know otherwise? When forgiveness was preached it was often more about imposing beliefs and values and less about helping others find comfort and stillness.

In truth, there’s nothing simple about forgiveness. It involves diligence, a desire to chart a new course, and a willingness to be honest with our feelings. Forgiveness is not a convenience. It’s a conversation. There are no guarantees that those we forgive today will be forgiven tomorrow, including ourselves. It’s a fluid and ever-deepening practice. Like a river that constantly flows into and from our own experiences, it’s an ongoing process that reflects our struggles. When we freely immerse ourselves in that river our choices become clearer and our efforts more meaningful.

In my first column for “A Room With A Pew” which appeared in December, 2013, I briefly mentioned forgiving my offender, Franciscan friar, Mario Cimmarrusti, who had passed away that November. Two months later, I was compelled to publish an “In Memoriam” piece on Mario in which I discussed my relationship with him over the years, and how forgiveness helped me come to terms with his presence in my life. In both articles, I didn’t relate the details or circumstances of my decision to forgive. Instead, I chose to focus on the effects of my resolution.

In the last few months I’ve received a number of inquiries from clergy abuse survivors asking me to share more of my personal experience regarding those details and circumstances. This hasn’t surprised me. The language of forgiveness may be foreign to many survivors, but more and more men and women have begun to explore this issue in earnest. One survivor spoke of her failed attempts to convince herself. “I’m not really clear about what forgiveness means to me anymore,” she wrote. Another survivor struggled with direction. “I’d read things and figured I could do this,” he explained. “I had no idea how or where to start.” Others felt trapped or disappointed in the theological propositions of inclusion and exclusion. One survivor aptly summed it up: “My cynicism makes forgiveness impractical.”

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ALABAMA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Monday, October 13, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com )

It’s an outrage that a minister who admits having sexually exploited congregants while infected with AIDS is still preaching at his church.

We urge his flock to denounce this and take immediate steps to permanently oust him. And we call on other pastors in Alabama to preach this weekend about how wrongdoers and misguided believers abuse and misconstrue the notion of forgiveness in ways that put innocent children and vulnerable adults at risk of more crimes, harm and betrayals.

We should forgive the school bus driver whose alcoholism led to an accident. But we should not let her drive a bus again.

We should forgive the man who shoots someone in a fit of rage. But we should not let him have a gun again.

And we should forgive a minister who abuses his powerful, prestigious position to sexually exploit devout, vulnerable congregants. But we should not let him be a minister any more.

Forgiveness is secondary. Safety is primary. So right now, the job of current and former members and staff of Pastor Juan McFarland’s church is to seek out and comfort others who have been hurt by this man. It is to call police and prosecutors with any information or suspicions they may have. And it is to do whatever they can to help make sure that McFarland can’t con and hurt others.

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OHIO
The Raw Story

DAVID EDWARDS
13 OCT 2014

Former members of Grace Cathedral have accused televangelist Ernest Angley of forcing them to have abortions, and vasectomies. And they said that he sexually abused boys in the church, which he has denied.

In the first part of a six-part series on Sunday, the Akron Beacon Journal said that church members had provided it with a recording of a recent church service where 93-year-old televangelist Ernest Angley addressed accusations that he had inappropriately touched a former pastor.

“I’m not a homosexual. God wouldn’t use a homosexual like he uses me. He calls me his prophet, and indeed I am,” Angley explained. “They called Jesus a homosexual, did you know that? And still do. Because he was with men.”

As for the claim that Angley encouraged men in the church to have vasectomies, he said that he had “helped so many of the boys down through the years.”

“They had their misgivings,” he recalled. “Sure, I’d have them uncover themselves, but I did not handle them at all.”

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MINNESOTA
KSTP

A support group for victims of clergy sexual abuse is applauding a man who pursued a public nuisance claim against church leaders in Minnesota.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests says it hopes victims in other states will also use the public nuisance law to force church officials to release records on priests accused of abuse.

A judge approved a settlement Monday between the man, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona. The settlement includes 17 child protection protocols.

SNAP says it welcomes efforts to force Catholic officials to be more responsible about the safety of children and more open about clergy sex crimes, however it urges caution. The group says it has seen church officials violate pledges for change in the past.

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MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press

By Emily Gurnon and Kristi Belcamino
Pioneer Press
POSTED: 10/13/2014

Years ago, he was a young Minnesota priest — and alleged rapist
A Ramsey County judge has signed the order dismissing a sweeping priest sexual abuse lawsuit, both sides announced Monday morning.

“Doe 1 has settled,” plaintiff’s attorney Jeff Anderson told reporters outside the chambers of Judge John Van de North.

The Rev. Charles Lachowitzer, vicar general of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, concurred. “It’s good to be on the same side,” he said.

Though financial terms will remain confidential, the parties will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. Monday at the Landmark Center in St. Paul to announce what Anderson called a new set of “protocols … to ensure transparency and child protection.”

“As part of this historic settlement, 17 child protection protocols have been implemented by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona,” Anderson said in a written statement.

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MINNESOTA
Minnesota Public Radio

Madeleine Baran St. Paul, Minn. Oct 13, 2014

Attorneys connected to a landmark public nuisance lawsuit against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona confirmed Monday that a settlement had been reached and that the case has been dismissed. But they said financial terms of the settlement will remain confidential.

Attorney Jeff Anderson this morning said Ramsey County Judge Van de North approved the settlement terms in a meeting this morning. An attorney for the archdiocese said the financial settlement will be confidential at the request of the victim.

Part of the deal will include a process for releasing the names of accused priests currently under seal.

Anderson is expected to speak in detail to the media at a 1 p.m. press conference. He has said generally the agreement will require ongoing disclosure to his law firm and the public about abuse cases and that the agreement is more extensive than a deal reached years earlier with St. John’s Abbey about its handling of clergy abuse claims.

Anderson had filed the suit in Ramsey County last year on behalf of a man who said he was sexually abused as a child by the Rev. Thomas Adamson in the late 1970s. Adamson, who served in the Twin Cities archdiocese and the Winona diocese, is no longer a priest.

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MINNESOTA
Jeff Anderson & Associates

Media Advisory

October 13, 2014

Jeff Anderson, with Survivors and Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Officials, to Stand Together and Announce Historic Child Protection Action Plan and Settlement of the Doe 1 Civil Lawsuit

Protocols outline 17 requirements to ensure transparency and child protection

This is the first time in 30 years Anderson will stand with Archdiocese Officials to work in cooperation for child protection

WHAT: At a news conference today in St. Paul, attorney Jeff Anderson and sexual abuse survivor Al Michaud, along with: Tim O’Malley, Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens and; Vicar General Rev. Charles Lachowitzer, will come together to discuss the settlement of the Doe 1 v. Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Diocese of Winona and Thomas Adamson civil lawsuit.

As part of this historic settlement, 17 child protection protocols have been implemented by the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona. A copy of the protocols will be available at the press conference and on our website later today.

“This child protection protocol, invested in by Doe 1, survivors and the Archdiocese, signals a new day and a new way for protection of children, healing of survivors, and full transparency and disclosure in a new way we’ve never seen,” said Attorney Jeff Anderson.

WHEN: Today, October 13, 2014, at 1:00PM CDT

WHERE: Landmark Center – Ramsey County Room #317
75 5th Street
St. Paul, MN 55101

NOTES: We will live stream the press event online from our website www.andersonadvocates.com.

Broadcasters wishing to take in a live feed of this press conference can access the following Satellite Coordinates:

Galaxy 17 21K Upper, Digital Only
Uplink Frequency: 14429.0000 V
Downlink Frequency: 12129.0000 H
Specs: HD Mpeg-2 4:2:0 DVB-S QPSK
Access Contact: Intelsat
Access Phone #: 800.321.3959
Access Reference #: 1390442
Window Opens at 12:30 PM Central for Testing

Event is Live from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Central

Contact Jeff Anderson: Office/651.227.9990 Cell/612.817.8665
Contact Mike Finnegan: Office/651.227.9990 Cell/612.205.5531
Contact Anne Steffens, Interim Director of Communications, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis: Office/651.291.4525

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MINNESOTA
Washington Post

By Associated Press October 13

MINNEAPOLIS — Victims of clergy sex abuse and church officials in the Twin Cities and Winona have reached a settlement in a landmark case that alleged church leaders created a public nuisance by failing to warn parishioners about an abusive priest, a person with knowledge of the case said Monday.

The person says the settlement resolves the public nuisance case against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to talk about the settlement ahead of an official announcement, planned for 1 p.m. Monday.

The archdiocese was not commenting before a scheduled news conference. A statement from victims’ attorneys said survivors of abuse and archdiocese officials would announce a plan to protect children.

Joel Hennessy, a spokesman for the Diocese of Winona, said the diocese would release an official statement later Monday regarding any potential settlement.

The case against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona is believed to be the first clergy sexual abuse case nationwide to use the public nuisance theory at trial.

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MINNESOTA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Monday, October 13, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com )

Evidently, John Doe 1 has settled his civil child sex abuse and cover up lawsuit against the Twin Cities Catholic archdiocese and the Winona diocese.

We applaud John Doe 1 for his courage and his persistence. We especially praise him for his creative use of the public nuisance law to force complicit and self-serving Catholic bureaucrats to disclose records of those who committed and are concealing known and suspected child sex crimes. We hope other victims in other states explore the possibility of using nuisance laws to disgorge the deeply-hidden truth about child molesting clerics and their corrupt colleagues.

Because he was strong enough and brave enough to file suit and seek justice, Doe has been able to extract more secrets from complicit Catholic officials than all but a few abuse victims anywhere. Minnesota citizens and Catholics, including law enforcement officials, owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. We hope he feels proud of himself for all that he has achieved and we hope that his example will prod others who have been assaulted as kids to get help from independent sources and use the time-tested US justice system to protect kids, expose wrongdoers and deter cover ups.

Based on our 25 years of experience, we urge caution regarding the claims by St. Paul archdiocesan officials of “change.” We welcome innovative efforts to force Catholic officials to be more responsible about kids’ safety and more open about clergy sex crimes and cover ups. At the same time, however, we have repeatedly seen Catholic officials violate their pledges about child protection, even those pledges that may seem to have strong enforcement mechanisms.

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VATICAN CITY
Christian Catholicism

Jerry Slevin

The Family Synod’s initial and disappointing report confirms what was obvious all last week. Pope Francis and his Synod appear to be changing the sharp lyrics, but so far basically to be retaining the harsh tune. It appears to me that the report had been mostly written before the Synod even began.

See the report at:

[Vatican.va]

As stated in pertinent part in the report’s conclusion:

“58. The reflections put forward, the fruit of the Synodal dialog that took place in great freedom and a spirit of reciprocal listening, are intended to raise questions and indicate perspectives that will have to be matured and made clearer … These are not decisions that have been made nor simply points of view. All the same the collegial path of the bishops and the involvement of all God’s people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will lead us to find roads of truth and mercy for all. ….

Cutting through the scholastic smokescreen of “graduality” and “mercy”, the Bishops have in effect decided, it appears, at the direction of Francis and his Vatican clique, obviously, with no effective input from 99.9% of the world’s Catholic faithful, that “sinners”, included the divorced and remarried, those who rely on the Pill to responsibly plan their families, and gay couples, should not be called “sinners” so often or so loudly.

Instead, these sinners must be smoothly dragged through better theological messaging to enable them to follow more closely the Holy Bishops’ “divinely inspired” and ultimately condemnatory message against divorce, contraception and gay marriage. And maybe the Vatican will also make annulments easier, if not cheaper, another hypocritical Vatican exercise.

In the ultimate irony, the Catholic hierarchy appears now to be applying their failed approach to the clerical rape of children to a new, “more merciful” , “more gradualitistic”, approach to divorce, contraception and gay marriage — acknowledge these are all seriously sinful, but avoid talking about them so much, while somehow still inculcating the Vatican’s party line. This appears theologically to be talking out of both sides of the papal mouth, no?

The Sopranos “FUGEDABOUTIT” is seemingly being baptized by “graduality” and “mercy” into a theological maxim. Why should or would Catholics accept this massive dose of papal “doublespeak”? Will this initial report by reversed during this next week? Given the careful “stage management” so far, this is highly unlikely.

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PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Big Trial

By Ralph Cipriano
for Bigtrial.net

In court nearly two years ago, Leo Omar Hernandez was the only witness who could corroborate any part of Billy Doe’s wildly improbable tale about being repeatedly raped as an altar boy by a couple of priests and a school teacher.

Hernandez was supposedly the “best guy friend” that Billy Doe first confided his story of sex abuse to back when they were high school classmates at the International Christian Academy in Northeast Philadelphia.

Hernandez told the jury that when he and Billy were sophomores at the Christian Academy, they used a Bible verse as a weapon against a male teacher who got “touchy-feely” with them. In court, Hernandez presented himself as a clean-cut, straight-arrow, honorably-discharged Air Force vet living with his girlfriend and newborn son at a house he owned in Mayfair. But none of that turns out to be true.

Billy Doe is currently suing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and his alleged abusers in a civil suit in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. Meanwhile, his former “best guy friend” Leo Omar Hernandez has filed a medical malpractice case filed in Common Pleas Court against a Philadelphia osteopath, a male doctor that Hernandez claims got him hooked on drugs and then had an abusive sexual relationship with him.

Records gathered for that medical malpractice case show that while Leo Omar Hernandez claims he’s a victim, he also admits he’s a former drug addict, steroid abuser, and dancer in gay male strip clubs.

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MINNESOTA
Fox 9

by Bill Keller

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) –
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is expected to announce a major settlement in a clergy sex abuse lawsuit, just weeks before a trial was set to start. Attorney Jeff Anderson will present terms of the settlement to a judge Monday morning.

For decades, Anderson has been trying to hold the Catholic Church accountable for alleged abuse by priests and other clergy. On his Twitter account, Anderson said, “this will be the first time in 30 years [he] has stood with archdiocese officials to work in cooperation for child protection.”

Details of the confidential settlement between victims and the church will be presented to a Ramsey County judge later Monday morning.

The lawsuit, involving John Doe No. 1, was scheduled to go to trial in just a few weeks, but sources said the settlement also covers hundreds of others who are accusing the clergy of sexual abuse. Anderson said not only will there be a financial settlement, but there will also be new protocols put in place on how to handle future claims of sexual abuse against priests.

Legal action against several dioceses has not only triggered the release of thousands documents and forced the church to release the names of known offenders, but the deposition of top church officials including Archbishop John Nienstedt.

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MINNESOTA
St. Cloud Times

A settlement between child sex abuse victims and church officials will be announced Monday, only a few weeks before a groundbreaking trial accusing the Roman Catholic church of turning a blind eye to clergy abuse was scheduled to begin, the victim’s attorney said.

Details of the confidential settlement between victims and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona will be outlined before a Ramsey County judge Monday morning before an official announcement is made later in the afternoon.

Sources said the landmark agreement not only settles a lawsuit slated to go to trial Nov. 3 but also covers hundreds of other alleged abuse victims who have been waiting in the wings with their own allegations.

Along with the financial settlement, the agreement will stipulate how future allegations of abuse are handled.

“This feels to me like a new way and a new day,” said Jeff Anderson, attorney for the victims. “There is a strict difference between policy and protocol and action, but they (archdiocese officials) are committed to working with us than against us.”

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CHICAGO (IL)
CBS Chicago

[with video]

Nancy Harty

(CBS) — Priest sex abuse survivors leafleted outside a Catholic church on Chicago’s North Side Sunday to draw attention to an ongoing investigation, reports WBBM’s Nancy Harty.

Many parishioners at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Lakeview didn’t know about a Cook County Sheriff Department’s investigation into the parish’s pastor, according to Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests spokeswoman Kate Bochte.

“We’re here to clear the record that the investigation [into] Michael O’Connell, as far as the criminal investigation, is still open and ongoing,” Bochte said.

A handful of SNAP members passed out flyers outlining the sheriff’s investigation that began in December and ended in April after police were unable to support any charges. A review by the Archdiocese also failed to substantiate claims against O’Connell, so he was reinstated.

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VATICAN CITY
John Thavis

In pastoral terms, the document published today by the Synod of Bishops represents an earthquake, the “big one” that hit after months of smaller tremors.

The relatio post disceptationem read aloud in the synod hall, while defending fundamental doctrine, calls for the church to build on positive values in unions that the church has always considered “irregular,” including cohabitating couples, second marriages undertaken without annulments and even homosexual unions.

Regarding homosexuals, it went so far as to pose the question whether the church could accept and value their sexual orientation without compromising Catholic doctrine.

While defending the traditional teachings that reject divorce and gay marriage, the synod said the modern church must focus more on the “positive elements” in such relationships, rather than their shortcomings, and open a patient and merciful dialogue with the people involved. The ultimate aim, it said, is to use these “seeds” of goodness to bring people more fully into the church.

It summed up the pastoral challenge for the church in this way:

“It is necessary to accept people in their concrete being, to know how to support their search, to encourage the wish for God and the will to feel fully part of the Church, also on the part of those who have experienced failure or find themselves in the most diverse situations. This requires that the doctrine of the faith, the basic content of which should be made increasingly better known, be proposed alongside with mercy.”

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VATICAN CITY
Catholic Herald (UK)

Introduction

During the prayer vigil held in St Peter’s Square on 4 October 2014 in preparation for the Synod on the family, Pope Francis evoked the centrality of the experience of family in all lives, in a simple and concrete manner: “Evening falls on our assembly. It is the hour at which one willingly returns home to meet at the same table, in the depth of affection, of the good that has been done and received, of the encounters which warm the heart and make it grow, good wine which hastens the unending feast in the days of man. It is also the weightiest hour for one who finds himself face to face with his own loneliness, in the bitter twilight of shattered dreams and broken plans; how many people trudge through the day in the blind alley of resignation, of abandonment, even resentment: in how many homes the wine of joy has been less plentiful, and therefore, also the zest — the very wisdom — for life […]. Let us make our prayer heard for one another this evening, a prayer for all”.

The source of joys and trials, of deep affections and relations – at times wounded – the family is truly a “school of humanity” (“Familia schola quaedam uberioris humanitatis est”, Vatican Council II, Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, 52), of which we are in great need. Despite the many signs of crisis in the institution of the family in various contexts of the “global village”, the desire for family remains alive, especially among the young, and is at the root of the Church’s need to proclaim tirelessly and with profound conviction the “Gospel of the family” entrusted to her with the revelation of God’s love in Jesus Christ.

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VATICAN CITY
Vatican Information Service – Bolletino

[Unofficial translation]

Introduction

Part I

Listening: the context and challenges to the family
The socio-cultural context
The relevance of emotional life
Pastoral challenges

Part II

The gaze on Christ: the Gospel of the Family
The gaze on Jesus and gradualness in the history of salvation
The family in God’s salvific plan
The discernment of values present in wounded families and irregular situations
Truth and beauty of the family and mercy

Part III

Discussion: pastoral perspectives
Proclaiming the Gospel of the family today, in various contexts
Guiding couples on the path in preparation for marriage
Accompanying the first years of married life
Positive aspects of civil unions and cohabitation
Caring for wounded families (separated couples, the divorced who
have not remarried, the divorced and remarried)
Welcoming homosexual persons
The transmission of life and the challenge of declining birthrate
The challenge of education and the role of the family in evangelization

Conclusion

* * *
Introduction

1. During the prayer vigil held in St Peter’s Square on 4 October 2014 in preparation for the Synod on the family, Pope Francis evoked the centrality of the experience of family in all lives, in a simple and concrete manner: “Evening falls on our assembly. It is the hour at which one willingly returns home to meet at the same table, in the depth of affection, of the good that has been done and received, of the encounters which warm the heart and make it grow, good wine which hastens the unending feast in the days of man. It is also the weightiest hour for one who finds himself face to face with his own loneliness, in the bitter twilight of shattered dreams and broken plans; how many people trudge through the day in the blind alley of resignation, of abandonment, even resentment: in how many homes the wine of joy has been less plentiful, and therefore, also the zest — the very wisdom — for life […]. Let us make our prayer heard for one another this evening, a prayer for all”.

2. The source of joys and trials, of deep affections and relations – at times wounded – the family is truly a “school of humanity” (“Familia schola quaedam uberioris humanitatis est”, Vatican Council II, Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, 52), of which we are in great need. Despite the many signs of crisis in the institution of the family in various contexts of the “global village”, the desire for family remains alive, especially among the young, and is at the root of the Church’s need to proclaim tirelessly and with profound conviction the “Gospel of the family” entrusted to her with the revelation of God’s love in Jesus Christ.

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VATICAN CITY
National Catholic Reporter

Joshua J. McElwee | Oct. 13, 2014

VATICAN CITY Taking a decidedly different tone than many church statements in recent years, the worldwide meeting of Catholic bishops on family issues has released a document calling for the church to listen more, to respect people in their various struggles, and to apply mercy much more widely.

Summarizing the work of the continuing meeting, known as a synod, the document acknowledges bluntly that the strict application of church doctrine is no longer enough to support people in their quest for God.

“It is necessary to accept people in their concrete being, to know how to support their search, to encourage the wish for God and the will to feel fully part of the Church, also on the part of those who have experienced failure or find themselves in the most diverse situations,” states the document, released Monday morning.

“This requires that the doctrine of the faith, the basic content of which should be made increasingly better known, be proposed alongside with mercy,” it continues.

The document, known as a relatio post disceptationem, is a summary of the discussions held at the synod so far, which is meeting from Oct. 5-19. It was read Monday morning to the some 190 prelates attending the synod by Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, who is serving as the synod’s relator, or secretary.

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VATICAN CITY
The Tablet

13 October 2014 by Christopher Lamb in Rome

A major shift in the Church’s pastoral care for gay Catholics was put forward today at the Vatican’s Synod on the Family on Monday.

A document released at the halfway point of the gathering said that gay Catholics’ orientation should be valued and that they have “gifts and qualities” to offer parishes. The document also praised elements of same-sex partnerships.

“Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing them fraternal space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home,” the document, presented this morning by Cardinal Peter Erdo, the relator general of the synod, stated. “Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on family and matrimony?”

It goes on to explain that while there are “moral problems” with homosexual unions, there are times when their “mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in the life of the partners”.

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AUSTRALIA
Sydney Morning Herald

October 13, 2014

Paul Bibby
Court Reporter

NSW Police Force officers may have “condoned” and even “encouraged” the cover-up of child sexual abuse by the Catholic Church, the Police Integrity Commission has heard.

The allegations emerged on the first day of the commission’s hearing into the involvement of police officers in the Professional Standards Resource Group (PSRG), set up by the Catholic Church as part of Towards Healing, its response to child sex abuse within the church.

In her opening address, counsel assisting the commission, Kristina Stern, SC, said the group had been set up in 1997, was responsible for dealing with complaints of child abuse within the church, and involved the participation of police at regular meetings.

One of these officers was Elizabeth Cullen, now an inspector, who was part of the group from 1999 to 2005.

Ms Stern said there were several issues with the processes of dealing with complaints within the group.

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AUSTRALIA
The Guardian

Australian Associated Press
theguardian.com, Sunday 12 October 2014

There was a climate of fear at the pentecostal school where children as young as six were sexually abused by a teacher who was later jailed, a national inquiry has heard.

Margaret Furlong, who still teaches at Melbourne’s Northside Christian college, told the child sexual abuse royal commission on Monday she had reported her concerns that another teacher, Kenneth Sandilands, was behaving inappropriately with children.

She then trusted “godly men” to do the right thing.

Furlong, who worked at the primary school from 1987 until 1998, said three children had complained Sandilands was touching them.

One girl, Emma Joy Fretton, wanted to be transferred from his class “because he did bad things” but wasn’t allowed to.

Fretton, now 34, on Friday told the commission Sandilands abused her for three years from 1987, touching her, beating her with a wooden paddle and making her sign obscene stories which he dictated to her.

Furlong said she reported her concerns to the then-principal Neil Rookes, but told the inquiry there was no follow up.

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AUSTRALIA
ABC News

By Thomas Oriti, Jessica Kidd
13 Oct 2014

The police corruption watchdog in New South Wales has been told an intelligence-sharing arrangement with the Catholic Church potentially allowed the clergy to withhold information from officers.

In the late 1990s, New South Wales police agreed to have a serving officer from the Sex Crimes Squad involved in the Professional Standards Resource Group (PSRG).

The internal panel was established by the Catholic Church to respond to complaints of child sexual abuse.

The arrangement between police and the church continued until 2005, despite internal police legal advice warning the arrangement was “illegal, nonsensical and undesirable”.

As part of Operation Protea, the Police Integrity Commission is now investigating whether that involvement amounted to police misconduct.

Counsel Assisting the Commission Kristina Stern SC told the hearing the officer, Inspector Elizabeth Cullen (then a Senior Sergeant), played a key role in the internal church panel.

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AUSTRALIA
Sky News

The Catholic Church has been accused of going against the wishes of sex abuse victims by not providing key information to investigators, an inquiry has heard.

The Police Integrity Commission has also heard the practice of ‘blind reporting’ – a process by which allegations of child sexual abuse were reported to police without identifying the victim – was open to misconduct and may have been in breach of the NSW Crimes Act.

In her opening address on Monday, counsel assisting Kristina Stern SC said the vast majority of complainants were not advised by the church’s Professional Standards Resource Group (PSRG) to take their complaint to the police.

Created by Catholic bishops, the PSRG, which included members of the police force, was set up to advise the church’s Professional Standards Office (PSO) on child sexual abuse cases involving clergy and others.

The former head of the PSO, John Davoren, told the inquiry the only reason complaints weren’t passed to police was if the victim said that’s what they wanted.

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WALES
Wales Online

Oct 12, 2014 By Grace Macaskill

Two of perverted Mark Sewell’s sex attack victims are suing the Jehovah’s Witness Church in a landmark case which could blow the religion’s child protection policies apart.

Lawyers for the women will lodge High Court papers claiming the church failed in its duty to protect them from the elder.

The case could open the floodgates for dozens of UK women to take action against the church.

Jehovah’s Witness elder Sewell was jailed for 14 years in July for raping a fellow worshipper and abusing two schoolgirls more than 20 years ago. He also molested an employee.

Victims claim elders at the church knew of Sewell’s attacks but did nothing. Three of Sewell’s victims have waived their anonymity to tell of his horrendous sexual reign of terror, including Karen Morgan and Wendy who are taking legal action against the church.

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